As a former student in kids’ ministry, I get it. Ministering to kids can be tough, and sometimes you may want to give up. After graduating from kids’ ministry myself, I’ve helped with teaching and planning, and I understand that children’s ministers often feel overworked and underappreciated.
While I can’t help with the feeling of being overworked, I can say thank you. You are the reason kids come to know Jesus. You are the reason some of their parents go to church, and you are the reason that a kid like me grew up and decided to work with kids for the rest of her life. What I saw in my children’s minister, her hunger for the Lord and her love for me, changed my life.
So as a former child in children’s ministry I wanted to give you some “Do’s” to help you as you continue. You may be doing some of these things or they may be things you want to consider. I hope they are of some help as you continue working!
1. DO: Know the kids’ names!
This may seem obvious, but it is so meaningful. Whether you have dozens of children or not that many, know their names, and not just for the day, remember them. Write them down if you have to! When my children’s minister remembered my name after we visited one week, I felt so loved and special. Encourage your volunteers to know each name as well. This will show kids you love them, and your time with them may be the only love they get.
2. DO: Take volunteers for questions.
One thing my children’s minister was really good about was not calling out a student or putting pressure on someone to answer a question. Asking a specific child to respond may make her feel nervous and exposed in the class. You want a student to feel safe and happy in your room, not worried that she may get called on. When a student wants to answer the question, she will let you know.
3. DO: Plan hands-on activities.
While listening to you tell a story is great, nothing compares to the students getting involved. Hands-on learning helps a student grasp a concept even better. Incorporating the arts into your lessons can help students understand and enter into the story’s meaning. Let the students act out the story, or give them a craft. They are more likely to take it home with them and maybe even share it with their family members who need Christ!
4. DO: Give incentives or prizes.
It may seem shallow or superficial, but don’t underestimate the power a small gift may have on a child’s heart. These small things could help keep Jesus in the student’s mind throughout the week. In that moment when a student receives your special prizes, they will know they are cared for and that they are loved!
5. DO: Pray for your students.
To this very day, I know that my children’s minister prays for me. Now, that doesn’t mean you should mention every student by name every single time you pray (unless you feel led to do so). However, pray for your students. They may not have anyone else praying for them. I am now a junior in college, and I love that my children’s minister still prays for me. That is something special.
6. DO: Plan activities outside of your church hour.
Some of my best memories in children’s ministry happened at a VBS Kickoff, or the roller skating rink for a church skate. Make sure your activities are well advertised and do not cost families a tremendous amount of money. These outside activities may be a good way for you to get to know the child’s parents too and get them plugged into a church, and more importantly come to know Jesus.
Finally, from a student now in college who loved children’s ministry, thank you for all you do. Keep going on the days you don’t feel like it. The work you do is important. It takes students like me, makes them fall in love with Christ and may lead them one day to grow up and show people Jesus, just like you showed them.
