20 Apr My Favorite Sunday of the Month

Our family attends a church that has been blessed with a multitude of children and it seems that every few Sundays we are privileged to witness another baby dedication. During each dedication, we as a church body are reminded of our role to support the parents as they seek to raise their child in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.

One of the opportunities for us to do this is to serve in the children’s ministry of our church, whether it is assisting or leading one of the classes.

My husband and I decided to join the teaching team for the first and second grade children in our church a few years ago mainly because we have kids in several classes and wanted to do our part to help out with this important ministry.

Now, let me be honest. There were seasons when, with a nursing infant, I personally found it too tricky and stressful to serve in this capacity, as my attention was divided. And there have definitely been days when I was scheduled to serve that I didn’t think I had much to give the kids.

But regardless of how I feel when class begins, every time I teach these kids, I am freshly inspired and amazed by their genuine and heartfelt questions and thoughts. I feel honored that they confide in me their prayer requests and concerns. And I love that they don’t hesitate to let me know when what I’ve said doesn’t make sense to them or they need clarity.

Our church seeks to divide the teaching responsibility for the children’s classes so it works out that I teach one or two Sundays per month.

And I have to say that the Sundays I teach our little “Sparkies” (we use the Awana curriculum) are my favorite Sundays of all. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy my pastor’s preaching and I love being in the main worship service, but in no way do I feel that I’m missing out on the days I’m with the kids.

In fact, as our pastors like to say, our kids make up about half of our congregation and they are just as important.

I love teaching these children a story or truth from God’s Word and hearing their responses to what they’ve learned.

I love listening to the children’s personal stories and hearing what Jesus means to them.

I love being present when a child chooses to put their trust in Christ, surrounded by people who will encourage them in their faith.

And more than anything else, I just love getting to know these kids – their unique strengths and personalities, praying for and with them, and considering the plans God has for their future.

It Takes a Village

Sometimes as parents we may feel so maxed out with the needs of our own children that we may wonder if we have anything left to give to other children. And yet we are part of a larger family, the Body of Christ, which includes the children in our local congregations and communities. And guess what? These are the children who (as peers) will likely have an impact on our own children’s lives as well.

As a mother, I know that I love it when other adults I trust make an investment in the lives of my children and develop ongoing consistent relationships with them. There are things that these other adults will be able to teach them and encourage them in that I simply cannot. Often, the unique story and perspective they have to share will be particularly impactful to my children.

We all aren’t called to be Sunday school teachers or children’s ministry leaders. We all aren’t called to be children’s coaches or teachers, either. But I believe that we can all make unique contributions in the lives of the children in our churches and communities.

How do you believe God may be calling you to serve the children in your church or community? We may be surprised to find that when we step out and serve the children, we are the ones who are blessed as a result.

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord” – Psalm 78:4