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The Call
There is call to preach to kids.
If you are going to be an effective Kids Pastor it’s critical that you see Kids Ministry like the Lord sees it.
Many do not see kids ministry as real ministry. This is false of course, but people’s attitudes can still wear you down.
As the leader it’s critical that you not allow this to happen. You have to continue to encourage yourself. Here is a scripture that helped me.
“I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am an apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry.” Romans 11:13 NASB
Paul said, “I magnify my ministry.” He magnified his calling.
Why did Paul have to magnify his ministry?
Didn’t everyone see Paul’s ministry as valuable?
Nope.
Many people in the church did not respect Paul’s ministry, but he did not let this slow him down.
Paul was the apostle to the gentiles and the gentiles felt like second-class citizens in the early church.
Even Peter and James saw the gentiles as a lesser ministry, but Paul did not see it that way. Father God didn’t see it that way either. Christ died for both the Jews and the Gentiles.
There will be people in the church who see kids ministry as lesser ministry, but Father God does not see it that way. Kids ministry is precious to our heavenly Father.
Is kids ministry more important than other ministries?
No, but it is a special work to the Lord.
Here’s how I Know.
There are many names for God in the Bible, Creator, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jirah and many more but the name He likes best is ‘Father’.
How do I know?
Because that is what Jesus called him – Father, and you can’t be a Father with out kids.
Father God is the one that called you. He is the one that gave you this assignment and ultimately you are doing it for him.
There will be times it will seem like nobody cares about what you do. Your pastor may be clueless as to how much work you do, parents may be angry with you, volunteers many not show up and staff members may disrespect you – but know that Father God is pleased with you.
If you are feeling disrespected just remember that Paul was disrespected too. What should you do if someone disrespects you? Do what Paul did. Don’t let it get you down and Magnify your ministry.
Kids Ministry is a Call from the Lord.
Don’t ever feel sorry for yourself.
Don’t compare your ministry to other ministries in the church.
Magnify your calling!
People respond to passion.
When you are passionate about Kid’s Ministry your fire will rub off on other people and they will change.
Thank you! Sometimes I feel that other staff members think the children’s ministry is just to get the kids out of the way so they can do real ministry. I know the significance of children’s ministry and I see what is going on in the children’s ministry of our church (at a recent baptismal service, 6 of the 8 baptized were children). Thank you for the Scripture and the words of encouragement.
Children’s ministry is very important. In the Bible it says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” What a wonderful honor it is to be used to teach children that God loves them more than anyone else can, and that they can depend on Him no matter what. What a privilege to help them to learn about the Lord, grow in their faith, and live out their lives as followers of Christ!
Yes Mark…..even having ministry here in Wa.State….liberal. …. “jello terms”…Thank you…and the curriculum I’ve been ordering rocks, and thank you for the blog on “delegatING weaknesses and focus on strengths.. awesome, and last the blog on making it uncomfortable for pedophiles…again…awesome.
I hope one day I can meet you in person one day and thank you. You have given me a 2nd wind to be bold w/ children’s ministry in the 2nd half of my life.
This is a timely message for me, Mark. Thank you. I remember you from Sarnia Ontario back around 1994. I was attending the Vineyard church at that time and our churches did a conference together. My husband and I felt called to Prince Edward Island in 2003. We are now leading a small but growing mid week children’s ministry we call “Deeply for Kids”. Deeply because we emphasize going deeper with God in relationship, experience, and in the Word. I am thrilled with what you have done with your Super Church program. May the Lord continue to bless you.
Thanks for this message I am encouraged because I love children with a passion, and I want to lead them to Christ.
Thank you, Shirley. I am so glad you were encouraged. Blessings to you.