Over my many years volunteering in Children’s Church, I have lost count of the number of times a parent has said to me, “I couldn’t do what you do.” There are plenty of areas of ministry I would find challenging, but Children’s Ministry is not one of them.

In fact, I can honestly say that I cannot imagine serving anywhere else.

For some people, the thought of leading a room full of energetic, inquisitive children is intimidating. For me, it feels natural. Not because I have some extraordinary talent or unlimited patience, but because I believe God has placed a love for children and a passion for teaching them in my heart. That is what a calling often looks like.

When we hear the word “calling”, we sometimes think of pastors, missionaries, evangelists, or worship leaders. Yet God calls people into many different areas of service within His Kingdom. Children’s Ministry is one of those callings, and it is one that carries incredible responsibility and eternal significance.

Every week, we have the privilege of sharing God’s truth with young hearts and minds. We teach Bible stories, lead activities, answer questions, and manage the occasional unexpected challenge. On the surface, it can appear to be childcare during the church service. In reality, it is discipleship.

Children are not merely the future of the Church. They are part of the Church now. Their faith matters now. Their questions matter now. Their relationship with Jesus matters now.

Those who are called to Children’s Ministry understand that the work extends far beyond crafts, games, and lesson plans. We are helping to lay spiritual foundations that may influence a child’s life for decades to come. A Bible verse learned today may provide comfort during a future crisis. A prayer spoken in a classroom may become the beginning of a lifelong relationship with God. A child who feels seen, valued, and loved within the church may grow into an adult who remains committed to Christ.

Of course, there are challenging days. There are lessons that do not go as planned, children who test our patience, and moments when we wonder if anything is sinking in. Yet God often works in ways we cannot immediately see. Sometimes a child will remember a lesson years later. Sometimes a parent will share that their child talked all week about something they learned in Children’s Church. These glimpses remind us that God is at work even when the results are not instantly visible.

A calling does not mean the work is always easy. It means God gives us the desire, strength, and grace to serve where He has placed us.

Not everyone is called to Children’s Ministry, just as not everyone is called to preach, lead worship, or serve in missions. But for those who are called, there is a unique joy in watching children discover who God is and how much He loves them.

So the next time someone says, “I couldn’t do what you do,” my response is simple: they’re probably right. And I couldn’t do what they do either.

That is the beauty of the Body of Christ. God equips each of us differently, calling us to different roles but working together for the same purpose. Children’s Ministry is not just something I do. It is where God has called me to serve, and it is a privilege I never want to take for granted.

Children can ask volunteers some very tricky questions!

Free Series to Download: Jerry and the J’s of Johnson’s Creek!

Meet Jerry and The J’s of Johnson’s Creek!  Jerry is the teen band’s lead guitarist and singer.  Jandi is on the keyboard, Jazz is on bass and the accident-prone Jericho plays the drums.  Their sound engineer and self-appointed manager is Jax.  Johnson’s Creek is a rural town in Western Queensland.  The J’s attend the local Church and it’s their job to run the Kid’s Club every Friday night in the century-old, wooden Town Hall.  And every Friday night one of the children asks Jeri a profound question he and The J’s do not know the answer to.

So where do they go for answers?  To Reverend Mac of course!  Unfortunately, they always seem to catch Reverend Mackenzie in the middle of an important town event such as a wedding, a baby dedication, and even a funeral.  Can Jerry and The J’s get the answer they need from Reverend Mac before he officiates?  Jerry and the J’s is an enjoyable series that combines teenage fun and rural community life with the big questions that kids ask.

How Do I Know God Loves Me? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-1-How-Do-I-Know-God-Loves-Me.pdf

Why Do People Have to Die? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-2-Why-Do-People-Have-to-Die-.pdf

How Come God Was Never Born and Never Dies? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-3-How-Come-God-Was-Never-Born-and-Never-Dies.pdf

Why Does God Let Wars Happen? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-4-Why-Does-God-Let-Wars-Happen.pdf

What If I Don’t Want to Forgive? https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Story-5-What-If-I-Dont-Want-to-Forgive.pdf