Big Church and Little People: Ministry

Part 7 of 10. Ideas for 'Big Church' to try with your 'little people'.

It was the third Monday evening of the month, which meant Ken was at a church finance committee meeting. But when I said to the kids, "Do you know where Daddy is?", they looked at me with blank stares. I explained, "You know the money that people put in the offering plate on Sundays? Daddy was picked to be part of a group of people who decide how God wants that money to be used. And this is the night that they meet to talk about it." Three sets of eyes got really big. Their Daddy was helping decide how to spend God's money?? This was an important job!

We decided to pray for Daddy's group. Cole prayed, "Please help the men not to get in a big fight about how to spend your money, Lord." Cade prayed, "Help Daddy to make wise choices." Lindsay prayed, "Help him not to make any mistakes with the math work."

That night, when Ken walked in the door, the kids excitedly asked, "Did your meeting go well? Were there any fights about the money? 'Cause we prayed about that." Ken told me later how much their interest meant. And the kids now look forward to the third Monday of the month-- so they can pray for Daddy.

Ministry is one of the ways Ken and I live out our faith. Since we want pass our faith on to our kids, we keep looking for ways to invite them to be a part of the ministries that we are involved in. Here are a few ideas for involving your children in your ministry at church:

If you teach in children's ministry, have your kids help color in the visuals, sort the craft supplies, or stack the chairs.
If you're preparing a meal for someone or a treat to bring, let the kids stir, peal, or pour. Make sure you explain what the food is for.
My friend Patricia suggested having little ones help greet, pass out bulletins, or usher.
If you are on the worship team, ask the kids to help you remember to smile with their big smiles from the pew.
If you work in the nursery, or are opening your home to a family with younger children, equip your kids with baby-entertaining skills like 'peek-a-boo' and the 'drop it game', and then set them loose! You'll be amazed at how much they contribute to your ministry!

How do you involve your little people in big church ministry?

Posted: May 09 2009, 12:45 PM by Shannon | with 5 comment(s)

Filed under: Parenting, Church

Comments

TraciG said:

My husband and I help with the H.S. Youth and both of our kids have been there for most of it. Allison went to her first Sunday Night Live event when she was two weeks old! I was just cracking up yesterday when Benjamin, who is 5, was having a heart-felt conversation with our hired man Zane, who was one of my jr. high English students and also went to our church, although he wasn't involved in the youth ministry program. First, Benjamin reminded him that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, to which Zane responded, "Yes, He did Ben." Then Ben wanted to know how old Zane was and said, "You must be about as old as our church kids, you know Alissa and Rachel and those girls." I was really tickled at the "our" part. He obviously feels a part of the youth ministry! And he's already learning how to evangelize. How great is that!

# May 10, 2009 7:19 AM

Shannon said:

Traci-- Love it!

My parents were youth leaders when I was a toddler and as a three-year-old, I learned all of the Bible verses that the teens were supposed to be learning. So, whenever the teens would complain that the verses were too hard, my mom would have me recite them. :)

# May 10, 2009 12:35 PM

What? Teens in a youth group complaining?

# May 10, 2009 6:46 PM

stacey said:

Hi! I'm just surfing around and I really liked this post. Thanks for the suggestions! Do you have any suggestions for children that one only gets to write to?

# May 12, 2009 10:29 AM

Hi Stacey. Thanks for commenting! I think I understand... Do you mean that you cannot physically be with your child? Only write to?

If so, you can still pass your faith along via letters and email! Enlist their prayer support over whatever ministries that you are involved in.

Ask them for their 'expertise' on anything kid-related. What would the kids in children's church like for snacks this week? What's a good way to get the kids' attention? Do you think the kids will like this song?

And then, be sure to pass along stories about how God worked something out in a miraculous way! Physical space doesn't need to be a barrier to passing the torch of serving Christ as Lord.

# May 13, 2009 6:26 AM