When I think of kids ministry over the last couple of years, so much springs to mind. It is a privilege to be part of a team serving the next generation. I often think that we as kids ministry teachers are cheating, because we don't have to go out into a hard and cold world to evangelise; we have a classroom full of eager children every single Sunday, waiting for us to teach them something new about God.
The sons of Korah say in Psalm 45vs17, "I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise You forever and ever." It struck me that our children are actually a whole new nation in the making, and we can partake in shaping their futures. That means that every single Sunday we are teaching a future nation. We don't have to go out of our own country in order to reach a different nation.
I have to say that once again I've realised that I thought I’ll be the one teaching the kids, yet they've taught me so much more. God teaches me through them. Jesus loved children, and loved spending time with them. And being around children makes you realise why. They are brutally honest, don't want the 'textbook' answers, and are only interested in the real stuff. They want to be loved, they want to be heard, they want you to remember that their cat's name is Stripes. They want life to be real. We as adults can sometimes complicate life. Being around children makes life real, fun, colorful and honest.
Kids ministry has taught me to have friends of different generations. I think of young Tegan, with whom I’ve become friends through kids ministry. We had milkshake once at Mug & Bean, and as we sat there, I realised that I've made a friend. She enjoyed my company and I enjoyed hers. We chatted about swimming, school, what makes us sad, how we experience our brothers and sisters… Stuff friends talk about. I am amazed at how rich my life is because I have friends who are younger than ten!
It is often said that kids ministry is the one ministry that is the least seen and least rewarding. It probably is. And yet, I think it might be the most rewarding one. Learning how to give until you can't give anymore, and then give a little bit more, is priceless. Learning to pray for little souls and seeing them come to salvation is one of the biggest joys imaginable. Baptising eight-year-olds and seeing them love God, living a life for Him, is more satisfying than a million compliments and acknowledgements from men.
I thank God for kids ministry. For what it means to the kids, and what it means to the teachers. Kids get saved, they learn about God, they learn the Word, they experience love, they are set up for a great future. And so are the teachers. I wish everyone can experience the joy of teaching kids the ways of God. Like Leonard, who has now planted a church in Canada, always said, the reward for ministry is the ministry. That cannot be more true for kids ministry. What a privilege to be part of this ministry team.