Children’s ministry is one of the most joy‑filled, exhausting, sacred, and unseen corners of the church. Week after week, volunteers pour themselves out—cutting craft, wiping noses, praying over tiny hearts, telling stories for the hundredth time, and showing up even when life feels heavy.

And sometimes, even the most faithful servant wonders, “Does any of this really matter?”

Psalm 90:17 gives us a beautiful, steadying answer:

“May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

This verse is a lifeline for every volunteer who has ever felt tired, unnoticed, or unsure. It reminds us of three powerful truths.

God’s favour rests on ordinary people doing ordinary things

Children’s ministry doesn’t always feel “spiritual.” It often feels like crowd control, glue sticks, and finding the missing left shoe. But Psalm 90:17 tells us that God’s favour—His delight, His presence, His empowering grace—rests on us right in the middle of those moments.

Not because we’re impressive.
Not because the lesson went perfectly.
Not because the kids sat still.

But because God loves to work through willing hearts.

When volunteers know that God’s favour is already resting on them, their service becomes less about performance and more about presence—His presence.

God is the One who makes ministry work fruitful

“Establish the work of our hands…”
What a relief. What a promise.

Volunteers plant seeds, but God grows them.
Volunteers teach stories, but God opens hearts.
Volunteers show kindness, but God shapes character.

This takes the pressure off. We don’t have to manufacture spiritual outcomes. We simply offer our hands, our time, our love—and God establishes the work.

For volunteers, this truth is oxygen. It means:

• Your lesson mattered, even if the kids were wriggly.
• Your smile mattered, even if you felt tired.
• Your consistency mattered, even if you didn’t see results.

God is doing more than you can see.

God turns small acts of faithfulness into eternal impact

Children rarely remember the craft.
They rarely remember the memory verse motions.
But they always remember who loved them.

Psalm 90:17 assures us that nothing done in God’s name is wasted. He takes the small, faithful acts of volunteers and builds something eternal—trust, belonging, identity, hope.

When volunteers understand this, their service becomes more than a roster duty. It becomes a legacy.

How to Encourage Your Volunteers with Psalm 90:17

Here are simple ways to breathe this Scripture into your team culture:

Speak it over them

Begin a meeting or training session by praying Psalm 90:17 aloud. Let them hear that God Himself is establishing their work.

Write it to them

Send a handwritten note or email:
“Your work matters. God sees it. He is establishing every seed you plant.”

Show them the fruit

Share stories—big or small—of how children are growing. Connect the dots for volunteers who may not see the long-term impact.

Celebrate faithfulness, not perfection

Remind them that God values presence over polish.

Model rest

Psalm 90 is a psalm of perspective. Volunteers need leaders who encourage sustainable rhythms, not burnout.

A Final Word for Every Volunteer

If you serve in children’s ministry, Psalm 90:17 is God’s whisper to you:

“I see you. I delight in you. I am establishing the work of your hands.”