What Is a Prevailing Children's Ministry?

Our kids are going to form their first impressions of God and the local church through our ministry, so we want that picture to accurately reflect how awesome it is to have a relationship with the God of the universe. We want them to love his Word, to want to be a part of a small community, and to be committed to using their spiritual gifts within the body someday, so we'd better do an excellent job of painting the picture for them now, while they are young. As we strive to make these things happen in our ministry, and do it with excellence, we make it the best hour of every kid's week!

To build a ministry that prevails requires deliberateness, starting with four key elements; a compelling vision, clear mission, core values, and commitment to giftedness.

A Compelling Vision

Prevailing ministries have a common trait—they have a picture of what an ideal ministry looks like, and they chase that dream. Without a vision, children's programs simply try to get through another week. But kids deserve our best, so dream for a few moments …

• Imagine raising kids who grow toward full devotion to Christ, who meet the challenges their generation faces, and who become leaders for the Kingdom.
• Think of a setting where children experience so much fun learning and believing how awesome God is that they don't want to miss a single week.
• Muse about music so contemporary and engaging that children leave humming the tunes and singing words that help them remember biblical truths all week.
• Picture a place where video and drama effectively teach this media-driven generation about how to live the Christian life at home, during school, and in their neighborhoods.
• Envision strong people-focus in this ministry—children receive intentional shepherding in small groups where they are known and loved, and adult volunteers serve with great joy and passion, convinced they provide strong influence on a generation of Christ's followers.

Many other aspects contribute to a thriving, relevant, prevailing children's ministry like the one described above. However, people (volunteers, parents, church leadership) will respond best to a clearly articulated vision for your program. If you say, "Our ministry strives to be the best hour of every kid's week," then heads will turn, pulses will pound, and smiles will appear—all for one reason: What if it happens?

When that question is thought or asked, you have a compelling vision.

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.