When I was asked this question it caused me to reflect on some of the most important things in children‘s ministry.  I was reminded of this familiar picture of “Jesus Blessing the Children.” The artist clearly depicts Jesus’ love for children. He was not disturbed by their childish ways or the inconvenience of stopping to give them personal attention on a busy day. This picture beautifully illustrates a foundational characteristic of a successful children’s ministry. I’ve listed others as well that I think are worthy of our best efforts.

1. Children feel loved and welcome. One of the most important things we can do in our Sunday gatherings and weekday clubs is to make children feel welcome.  This may seem like a small and pretty obvious thing, but I think it’s worth a reminder because children really aren’t welcome in many places today.  Like adults, children appreciate a welcoming smile, a pleasant greeting, and being called by their name. I think we all have to work at remembering names, especially if you’re new, filling in for a teacher, or have a very large class or children’s church. But it’s worth the effort because it means a lot to a child.  If you forget a child’s name, as I often do, it’s perfectly fine to ask for a reminder from them.  Name tags really help with those forgetful moments. Additionally, I often take pictures of my students and either display them in class, or keep them in a notebook to help myself and other workers learn their names.

2. Teachers are prepared. Part of welcoming children is preparing for them. When you arrive early and are well prepared, you are more free to enjoy your students and get to know them better. Your lessons will be more interesting as you can readily draw from your ideas and plans—and at the same time be flexible in your teaching and adjust to the needs of your students. Praying is an essential step in preparation and increases our effectiveness. And praying in class helps children learn about the importance of prayer and experience it themselves. Be prepared to pray with the students each time you meet.

3. Volunteers work in harmony as a team. I’m convinced that a successful children’s ministry is a team effort involving many dedicated people using their gifts and talents together.  There is a tendency in our churches to overlook the talents of people of all age levels who have something to offer.  We should be on the look out for people in our church who may have something meaningful to contribute to our class. For more on how to develop a team ministry, see my  two-part article “Building a Successful Teaching Team” on the resource page of this website which you can download now.

4. Learning is both fun and meaningful. I think most of us who work with children realize how important it is that children have fun while learning.  I’m all for this and believe that children are active learners and we should always be mindful of including the fun aspect.  But to be truly successful, we need to go beyond having fun and make sure that we are giving our students something that will last long after church is over. Learning must be meaningful if you want your students to really grow spiritually; if you want them to learn to be young disciples of Jesus and build their lives on a solid foundation.

5. Children are taught the Word of God.  Children need spiritual food to feed their souls. And that comes by learning about God, His Word, and how it applies to them in their daily lives.  We are successful in ministry when we  provide children with opportunities for spiritual growth, and gently lead them to a personal relationship with Jesus.  As we prayerfully sow the seed of the Word of God at their level of understanding, our students can grow and mature spiritually.

6. Children want to come back and bring their friends.  Church should be a happy and exciting place for children—a place where they feel loved and valued! Are you excited about your class?  Then your students will be too!  Are you making plans beyond this Sunday or Wednesday for new learning experiences for the children? Do you see potential in your students? Are you praying for them during the week? Do you know something about their likes and dislikes? where they go to school? what activities they’re involved in? Giving attention to these things will help create a wonderful atmosphere for learning. There will always be challenging situations that arise in a teaching situation. But if you are consistent—and the children can count on you to prepare an exciting time of learning together—they will want to come back for more!

(This concludes a five-part, brief summary of my philosophy of children’s ministry. I invite you to also read the first four listed on the sidebar and leave your comments or questions.)

God Bless You Today!

Verda Rubottom