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Children’s Ministry is... hilarious and shocking. It’s hard work and completely worth it. Children’s Ministry is an avenue through which young lives meet Jesus. It is a personal investment. It is discipleship. Children’s Ministry is important.
Children’s Ministry builds a foundation for students to personally seek the Lord. It’s Sunday School and multiple services. It’s a messy office and a secret stash of water guns. It’s so much more than childcare and free snacks. It is responsibility. It is commitment. It is patience and grace. It is impossible without the Holy Spirit and much easier with caffeine. Children’s Ministry is being able to see a child’s face when the Gospel makes sense to them for the first time. It’s a bridge, guiding children toward an intimate relationship with an infinite God. Children’s Ministry is fervent prayer. Children’s Ministry is sitting on a curb with a young girl, both of you holding back tears when she asks you why her dad doesn’t love her anymore. It is hearing your name yelled in Target while a giggling child sprints toward you for a hug. Children’s Ministry is cleaning up a spill... and noticing that your 8 year old “intern” also has a rag and he is helping you clean. It is always being ready to give an answer. It is always being ready to give a high five. Children’s Ministry is cheering kids on when they get baptized. It is cheering them on when they make a touchdown or bring home a good report card. Children’s Ministry is partnering with parents on their mission to raise their children. It is listening to heartbreaking stories. It is speaking things that edify. It is watching sweet tea come out of a 10 year old’s nose because their friend told them a joke. Children’s Ministry is kneeling so you can make eye contact with a kid who is talking to you. It is being a little bit weird. It is sometimes acting your age. Children’s Ministry is celebrating the wins and learning from failure. It is making apologies. It is asking for and giving out second chances. Children’s Ministry is inviting new people to see it for themselves. It is about building relationships. It is about building memories. Children’s Ministry does not need expensive prizes or black lights. Children’s Ministry just needs Jesus and leaders who see the value of teaching kids Biblical truths. Children’s Ministry stops existing if adults are not willing to invest into the next generation. Children’s Ministry stops existing if no one teaches kids how to find and follow Jesus. Children’s Ministry stops existing if our ministries and teams place the emphasis on anything else beside Jesus. Children’s Ministry stops existing if we only focus within the church. Children’s Ministry matters because children matter. Sophie Graves Director of Student Ministries
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