Today’s post was written by the children’s minister at Adrian Christian Church, Jaime Isaac. She has been with the Church for over three years and is the mother of two kids.

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I was asked to write a blog post about anything children’s related. I felt like I should start at the beginning with you and explain why children and it’s ministry matters at all in our church.

*Half of the people that believe in Christ do so by the age of 12.

*By the time a child is 9 years old, their basic moral foundation has been formed.

Reread those statements. I could stop writing this post right now and you would see why children’s ministry is so important. Ok, that was easy – Actually, I have lots of other important reasons as to why children’s ministry matters, 4 to be exact. So, I’ll keep going, if that’s ok.

1. Children’s ministry helps the biggest harvest.
   Childhood is the most critical and formative time in a person’s life. It makes sense for a church to make children’s ministry a priority. Childhood is when a person is most open to the Gospel. We have the opportunity to set a child’s foundation of faith starting as early as when they are in the nursery. We are able to share God with some for the very first time and help form their first thoughts about God (even as an infant). We need to expose them early to God so He quickly becomes a part of their lives. I had a friend whose child’s first word was “amen” because he heard it so much. How awesome is that!
2. Children’s ministry makes for first encounters.
   The church could be the first time a child has an encounter with God. What a fantastic opportunity! Parents are the most critical faith influencers in a child’s life, but the church is there to come alongside. In children’s ministry, children are allowed to meet God on their level and in a way that is relevant and developmentally for them. We help that continue at home by working with parents and providing them resources and opportunities to be a faith influencer.
   Other children may not have faith influencers in their homes, so the church will be where their faith starts and grows. Many believers have their first encounter with God in children’s church, church camp, or VBS.
3. Children’s ministry allows for other godly adults in their lives.
   The church enables other adults to be an influence and create meaningful relationships with children. Children are able to see the Gospel lived out in their teacher’s lives. If you look back at your childhood, you can probably think of one adult who invested in your life and took an interest. Developing relationships with kids allows adults to speak into their lives-which is done in children’s ministry. This allows these adults to make such an impact on children’s lives and walk alongside the parents. I became a believer through my Sunday school teacher.
4. Children’s ministry benefits kids.
   The church is a safe place that allows children to ask questions at an early age. As they grow older, they are given a safe place to wrestle with the questions they encounter. In children’s church, they are taught at their level about God and given answers in a way they understand. At an early age, they are taught about God through adults caring for them, then through play, music, lessons, small group discussions, and activities all geared towards them.
   It gives them friendships and helps them learn to love others. It will make them love the church and want to come every week. Children’s ministry will also give them opportunities to discover their spiritual gifts and how to serve others. This is all done in an environment that is set up just for them to help them become the best follower of Christ surrounded by godly adults rooting and praying for them every step of the way.

Jesus loves and values children. “A person is a child only for a short time. And in this short time, the entire course of a life can be altered.” Damon DeLillo.

Don’t you think we should make children’s ministry matter?