Kids–Are They Worth It? July 27, 2005

Lucretia and I had supper last night with a couple who attends our church. One of the things that came up in the course of our conversation was how excited this family was about our children’s ministry at New Spring.

I thought about children’s ministry a lot on the way home and then again this morning during my quiet time. So today I would like to share with you four common myths about children’s ministry…and also share with you a little about what goes on in our children’s ministry here at New Spring.

Before I get started let me say that at New Spring we have a unique vision for our children’s ministry. We do not allow children into our worship services because we want them to learn about Jesus in a creative, relevant environment in which they can fully grasp the Gospel. For a further reading as to why this is a part of our vision–please visit my archives section and review my post from June 13 and 14

Myth #1 – A Church Does Not Really Need A Dynamic Children’s Ministry

Nothing could be further from the truth! I remember a consultant that we hired early on at New Spring telling me, “Perry, if you want to reach this community then you MUST have an incredible children’s ministry.

He sold me on the idea…and I believe every church should be sold on this!

We pay attention to details, for example–we want our children’s area to be clean. We are currently meeting in rented facilities and have no control over what happens in the rooms in which we meet during the week–but we have a team of volunteers that goes into this area before the children get there and clean like crazy! It upsets me so much when I visit a church and see a dirty nursery and then hear people pass if off this way, “Well, it’s just church–this is the way it’s always been.” No way! If a church is going to reach the unchurched in its community then it must have clean facilities. Isn’t it sad that the unchurched have higher standards for children’s ministry than many who have been in the church for a while?

We also are not afraid to spend money on children! Statistics show that if someone does not accept Christ before the age of 18 then there is about a 90% chance that they will never do so. A churches largest area of missions is their children’s area, followed closely by the youth group! It bothers me when churches take away from the children’s budget to pay for things such as stained glass windows or a new organ, you know, things that REALLY bring people into the kingdom.

And get this–our children’s staff (more on them later) spend time on preparation! They do not get up on Sunday morning and read some lesson that a person in some office who hasn’t worked with kids in 15 years has written…nope…they spends weeks and months planning and preparing for Sunday…and it shows.

We look at it this way–the entertainment world is not afraid to spend time, effort, and cash on kids–and what message have they ever had that changed a life? We have so much more to offer–so we should take the time to put the effort into it.

Myth #2 – Children’s Ministry Is Just A Babysitting Service

Wrong! Children’s ministry at New Spring is exactly that–Children’s MINISTRY! Michael Brown, our children’s minister has a vision for our children’s ministry that is incredible and that his entire team owns.

Their vision is for the children in attendance every week to be able to answer two questions, the first being, “What did you learn?” They know if 3, 4, and 5 year olds can articulate a spiritual principal that parents will be impressed and want their kids to come back for more.

The second question that must be answered in a positive manner is, “Did you have fun?” Parents want their kids to enjoy church…and if a creative and exciting envirnoment can be created then you will see that family again soon!

Myth #3 – Anyone Can Work With Children

This one REALLY bothers me…and yet I am amazed at how many churches will let just anyone waltz into their church and say they want to work with kids…and before you know it that person is the unpaid children’s minister…and no one knows anything about them.

It is our goal to create a safe environment for our children…and so to work with them at New Spring you have to go through a formal interview and then agree to let the church do a federal background check on you. Why? Because we have been told by law enforcement officials that child molesters target churches because of the people being so naive!

You may ask, “Well, what if someone won’t go through an interview or do a background check?” It’s really simple–they can’t work with our children. “Well–what if they get upset and leave?” My attitude is, “Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!” In others words…if a person does not like this–they can leave…and I will celebrate their leaving. We will do whatever it takes to provide a safe environment…and if someone seems to have something to hide–they just can’t work with our kids. (By the way…I have never met a parent in our church who had a problem with this!!!)

Myth #4 – OK–We Need A Children’s Minister, So Let’s Hire A Part Time Youth, Children’s, Senior Adult, Activities, And Family Minister.

I can’t help but get angry every time I type one of these myths! Too many churches hire one man or woman, pay them part time…and then divide their interest all over the church. And let’s be honest–the only reason they do this is because…they…are…CHEAP!!!

We have an enormous children’s staff at New Spring, I believe there are currently four full time and four part time staff…I am not sure…there could be more. And get this–their area is children’s ministry–that’s it. We don’t ask them to do anything other than work with children, recruit volunteers to work with children, answer questions that parents have about our children’s ministry…get the picture? They specifically work with kids!

And let me say this–they are awesome, every single one of them! They are completely dedicated to making the children’s ministry the most exciting thing that a child encounters during their entire week. And for those of you who attend New Spring…you think it’s good now, just wait a few months until we get into the building. They have some plans that will knock your socks off!

Those are my thoughts on children’s ministry–what are yours?