5 Signs of a Great Kid’s Ministry
If you are a parent looking for a new church home, it is likely that one of your top priorities is finding a thriving kids ministry for your children.
If you’re a church leader, you should know the value kids’ ministry offers the families within your congregation.
Psalm 78:5-7 “He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them even the children yet to be born, and they, in turn, would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but keep his commands.”
The Bible is clear that we are to teach our children to trust in God and keep his commands. We are even given a promise as parents, that when we train a child up in the ways of the Lord, they will not depart from it when they are old.
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
God so clearly cares and loves the children of the earth and no one exemplified this more than Jesus when he walked here on earth.
Matthew 19:14 “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
Every parent feels the weight of following the bible’s instruction to raise their children in the ways of the Lord. Unfortunately, in this day and age, this is becoming harder and harder. Oftentimes, parents need help and guidance, and resources. As they say, it takes a village.
This is why Kid’s ministry is vital, not just for Kids to have a fun time, or for parents to get a break, but thriving kids’ ministries are essential for the growth of the Kingdom of God. Additionally, kids’ ministries play such a big role in families becoming planted in a healthy church community.
So whether you’re a parent searching for a new church or church leadership evaluating your Kid’s ministry, let’s take a look at some signs of a healthy and thriving kids ministry.
Engaged Volunteers
Nothing makes a parent feel better than when they come to drop off their child and are welcomed by a friendly volunteer who already knows their name. Volunteers who are smiling and happy to be serving can set the tone for your ministry.
Consistency can be crucial when working with children as well. As much as possible, try to get your volunteers on a consistent rotating schedule. Your church should be ministering to Kid’s ministry volunteers just as much as they do to the kids themselves.
Emphasis on Safety
The safety of children within the walls of your classrooms should be a top priority. If you don’t have an efficient check-in system, this should be something you organize as soon as possible. Additionally, all volunteers should go through a thorough background check process and training on the rules and procedures of your ministry.
Biblical Teaching Geared Toward Kids
As with any teachings or sermons in a church, your kid’s ministry lessons should be grounded in biblical Truth. A kids ministry and kids pastor must master how to deliver these messages in a way that is engaging for children. That will look different for different age groups. Sunday school classes can be active or interactive. Think outside the box. Church doesn’t have to be boring!
The whole Church Buy-in
Babies, children, and teens are an equal and important part of the church body. A church should work to emphasize the importance of the next generation to their adult congregation. Budget allocation should reflect this as much as possible. When kid’s ministry is an afterthought, it shows.
Parent Partnership
Kids should be sent home with resources or reminders for themselves or their parents about what they are learning. This allows parents to continue and reinforce the lessons and biblical discipleship. This doesn’t have to be every week. A few examples of this include:
- Monthly printout with the bible story for each week
- Monthly themes
- Coloring sheets for smaller children
- Memory verses
Sending home material (whether print or digital) helps to encourage the idea that this is a partnership between parents and the church. Parents often leave the bible teachings to Sunday mornings, but if they can be reinforced throughout the week and in homes they become much more impactful.
Matthew 18:5 “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”
The church should be a welcoming, safe, fun, and engaging place for all ages. What is your church doing to invest in the next generation of the Kingdom of God?
Find a Church Home for the Whole Family
If you are searching for a new church home, the Torchable app can help. Find all the churches in your area listed in one convenient place. Whether you are searching for the best kids ministry, engaging sermons, or fun small groups, there is community available to you!