Is bringing in more kids the primary focus of your children’s ministry? While growth is good, it’s not nearly as important as getting kids actively involved in church. Fostering servant-hearted attitudes, getting them excited about the Bible, and engaging them one-on-one are all critical components of your children’s and youth ministries. As you work toward accomplishing these goals, here are 3 things you can do to keep kids involved in your church.
Appoint solid leadership
Quality leaders play a critical role in kids’ enthusiasm and involvement in church. Without loving, committed, responsible leaders, your kids will flounder in the “shallow end” of their faith and are less likely to develop a passion for the church and its mission. You need leaders that possess a genuine love for kids and a willingness to invest time in them. As your leaders live out the fruit of the Spirit, it equips and inspires students to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24
Serve together
If you want students in your church to get involved, you have to model service for them and provide them with opportunities to serve! Resist the urge to make all of your programs revolve solely around the students themselves. Generosity is contagious and cultivates joy! So give your kids plenty of opportunities to serve members of the church and engage with communities outside the church.
Make them feel welcome
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them.” If we want kids to play an active role in the church, it’s important to connect with them on a personal level and treat them as fellow image-bearers. So take an interest in them, listen to them, and make them feel welcome. Church should be a safe and inviting space for your students. When you love and encourage them, they’ll develop a natural desire to be a part of and get involved in the place that is investing in them.
“Jesus demonstrated to us that it is relationships that matter. What would Matthew, Mark, Luke or John have become if they had been denied access to the Master? The children of your kids church are your disciples, connect with them every time you see them. Ask them questions like, ‘How are you?’ or ‘Did you know I prayed for you this week?’ Be available, not stand-offish. When kids know you care, with demonstration, they’ll be back!“
-Mimi Patrick, ministry-to-children.com