I'm all for people serving in their area of giftedness so I want to give you 5 reasons why you should consider using your gift to serve somewhere in your church's Children's Ministry (specially if you are a Creeker).
1. The Mission is Great
Consider that there is no other ministry in your church that serves more people who haven't committed their life to Jesus. That's right your Children's Ministry is full of people who have not trusted Jesus as their Savior. They are the little children who come every week. They are the one's who need the Word of our loving Savior the most. Every week your Children's Ministry is knocking itself out to help lost people discover and embrace a relationship with Jesus. The mission of your Children's Ministry is a Great one. You should be a part of it.
2. The Need is Great
There is no other ministry in your church that needs more volunteers. I'm sure there are exceptions out there but for most churches there isn't a close second to the Great Need for volunteers in the Children's Ministry. It takes 150 volunteers every week just to service the "regular" Children's Ministry at my church (Spring Creek Church). I work very hard to reduce the quantity of volunteers needed by increasing the frequency at which they serve. This results in a better quality of ministry to our children, less stress on the church for resources (volunteers), and a smaller volunteer base. However, many of these volunteers still serve one time per month meaning the total number of volunteers needed to service our regular ministry year around is closer to 200. I'm confident that the leadership in your Children's Ministry is feeling the pressure of this Great Need and if you're church isn't stepping up to meet it I am confident your children are suffering for it.
3. The People are Great
Some of the most Godly people in your church are serving in your Children's Ministry. Every once in awhile you come across a person who, if you didn't know better, you would think is sinless. I've come to know several people like that. Now I know better but I have been so blessed and encouraged by the people I serve with in Children's Ministry. Many (who are definitely not sinless!) I will count as close friends forever. Many have caused me to grow in my walk with Jesus because they influenced me with their life and words as we served side by side. My point is not to suggest that you have to be an Angel to work with children. Rather, the Children's Ministry is a place where you will grow and a place where you can find Great Christian friends to encourage and challenge you.
4. The Reward is Great
I can't promise you that you will get much attention from your church for serving in your Children's Ministry. In fact, most people won't even know who you are. If you are looking for praise, your church's Children's Ministry is not the place for you. However, if the love and adoration of a beautiful child warms your heart then you've found a home. Let me tell you about my reward. I know that God will bless me in eternity for things I've done for Him. Trust me - I'm counting on that! But He blesses me even now every time I'm reminded that I'm making a difference in a child's life. Molly's mom told me the other day that Molly adores me and is writing me notes that she is going to give me. Noah did a cart wheel coming out of the upward tunnel on Saturday because he saw me doing it the game prior. Curtis's dad told me how much the kids love it when I give them attention. Carrie's daughter invited me to join her at school for a special breakfast. I have a splattered piece of artwork hanging in my office that Isaac made just for me. Eli bugged his parents until they bought him a special Bible because I told him it was a good idea. Lilly blesses me with the biggest, most angelic smile every time I see her. I could go on forever -really. There is Great Reward in knowing that you've made a difference. There is Great Reward in being known by the right person. If you would just take a little time to invest in the life of a handful of children your Reward will be Great too.
5. The Opportunity is Great
There are so very many people in your community right now who are thinking about finding a church. You don't know who they but I can tell you one way to get them to your church. Do your part to make your Children's Ministry Great! There are a couple times in a person's life when church seems like a really good idea. Church is a good idea when I'm in crisis or when I start having kids. Sometimes those are one in the same. Seriously though, almost every young parent is motivated to set their child on a path that will help them in life. Most people consider the church to be helpful and they check it out when they have little ones. Even people with no church background will check out church just for their kids. If they didn't they wish they had when their children become teenagers! So, if they find that your church knocks itself out to serve their kids they are much more likely to come back. Again, there are probably more children in your church than any other age group and there are probably more children in your community than any other age group. The Opportunity is Great! Why wouldn't you join the team!
And if you are a Spring Creeker and you'd like to be a part of making KidsCreek Great please email me. I'm looking forward to helping you make a difference.
