The beginning of an effective Children's Ministry is the Children's Ministry Leader. We will begin to dig into what makes a great children's ministry pastor/director. What spiritual qualities should they posses? What kind of personality and character traits dominate in a children's ministry leader? What leadership skills are required for successful children's ministry leadership?
Secondly, an effective Children's Ministry remembers that children are not little adults. They do not learn the same way an adult learns. They are capable of grasping deep revelation in a unique manner. The team, especially it's leader, must understand how a child grows and develops, how they learn and think, their needs, the social and cultural aspects in which the children live daily, their cognitive learning abilities, their moral development, and much more. At the end of the day, running or working within a children's ministry is demanding. However, reward presents itself the moment a child's eyes light up with understanding and that sparkle that says, "I got it."
Thirdly, Children's Ministry is Family Ministry. An effective children's ministry pastors the whole family, not just the children. The life of a child revolves around his/her family. Children's ministry cannot teach the child a few hours a week on Sunday, and possibly a few hours during the mid-week service, and expect the child to grow spiritually healthy. My definition of children's ministry is "Partnering with parents to train up a child in Christ." (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:15) Equipping parents with sound training from God's Word creates a home environment that empowers children to know God's Word and live a life He intended them to live.
Children's ministry involves a team, curriculum, a budget, and much more. We will gain insight to all these aspects as "Empowering Children Today" evolves into a resource for children's ministry leaders and pastors who desire an effective children's ministry.
No comments:
Post a Comment