What It Looks Like and Why It Matters

John 15:7–8

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you… this is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:7–8)

When Jesus spoke about bearing much fruit, He wasn’t talking about productivity charts, impressive programs, or a ministry calendar packed to the brim. He was talking about visible evidence that His life is flowing through ours. In Children’s Ministry, that fruit often grows quietly, gently, and sometimes almost imperceptibly — but it is real, powerful, and precious to God.

Below are the kinds of fruit that flourish when leaders abide deeply in Jesus and minister out of His strength rather than their own.

1. Fruit Looks Like Children Feeling Seen, Known, and Loved

When you abide in Jesus, His heart for children becomes your heart for children. Fruit shows up in moments like:

• A child who finally relaxes because they know they are safe with you.
• A shy child whispering, “Can you pray for me?”
• A child who runs through the church doors because they know joy lives in your room.

This fruit isn’t loud, but it is life‑changing.

2. Fruit Looks Like Scripture Taking Root in Young Hearts

Jesus said His words must remain in us — and then flow through us. Fruit grows when:

• Children begin quoting Scripture during play.
• A memory verse suddenly becomes a comfort verse.
• Kids start connecting Bible stories to their everyday world.

When God’s Word is planted faithfully, it sprouts in surprising places.

3. Fruit Looks Like Children Learning to Pray Naturally and Confidently

Abiding in Jesus shapes how we pray — and how we teach children to pray. Fruit appears when:

• Kids pray for each other without prompting.
• A child prays for their family with tears in their eyes.
• Prayer becomes a normal part of their conversations, not just a segment of the lesson.

Prayer is one of the clearest signs that fruit is forming.

4. Fruit Looks Like Volunteers Growing Spiritually as They Serve

Children’s Ministry fruit isn’t limited to children. It shows up when:

• Volunteers discover gifts they didn’t know they had.
• Adults begin reading Scripture more consistently because they’re teaching it.
• A team becomes more unified, gracious, and prayerful.

Healthy fruit multiplies across generations.

5. Fruit Looks Like Resilience, Not Perfection

Abiding in Jesus doesn’t eliminate challenges — it transforms them. Fruit grows when:

• You keep showing up even after a chaotic Sunday.
• You respond with gentleness instead of frustration.
• You choose prayer over panic.
• You trust God with the results you cannot see.

Fruit is often formed in the unseen soil of perseverance.

6. Fruit Looks Like Children Becoming More Like Jesus

Ultimately, fruit is Christlikeness. In Children’s Ministry, that looks like:

• Kids choosing kindness when it’s hard.
• Children apologising and forgiving.
• A child comforting another child.
• Kids showing generosity, gratitude, and compassion.

These moments are holy. They are evidence of the Vine at work.

7. Fruit Looks Like God Receiving Glory

Jesus said fruit brings glory to the Father — not to us. The greatest fruit in Children’s Ministry is when:

• Families thank God for what He’s doing in their children.
• Children begin talking about Jesus at home.
• A child says, “I want to follow Jesus.”

This is fruit that lasts.

A Final Encouragement

Bearing fruit in Children’s Ministry isn’t about striving — it’s about remaining. Remaining in Jesus. Remaining in His Word. Remaining faithful in the small things.

When you abide, fruit comes. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes suddenly. Always beautifully.

And always to the Father’s glory.

Free Lessons to Download:

In the Orchard: The Fruit of the Spirit https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/In-the-Orchard.pdf

Create a character, either Ed the Orchardist or Granny Smith, to teach this lesson that explains each Fruit of the Sprit to the children.

Fruity Lips: Praising God No Matter What! https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fruity-Lips.pdf