Over the years, I've cringed when I've heard people say some variation of "I'm not serving in the kids ministry because I don't have kids anymore."
Flashback to the 1870s and we see a teenaged Theodore Roosevelt teaching a Sunday school class for underprivileged children in New York City. Even while at Harvard, he continued teaching a children's class at Christ Episcopal Church (Cambridge) until he was booted out for being Presbyterian.
With studies, sports, and girls on his mind, it's might seem amazing that someone like Theodore Roosevelt, wealthy collegiate and future President of the United States of America, would be found teaching a kids' class on Sunday mornings. Or is it?
It seems to me that when Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me" (Matt 19:14), he wasn't just setting an example for their parents. Jesus was never a parent, but he saw the value in children. He loved them! Their simple, humble trust is a model of the faith needed to enter the kingdom (Matt 18:1–4). Though the disciples thought it was a waste of Jesus' time to have children brought to him, he was happy to receive them (Matt 19:13).
So, back to that statement of not serving in the kids ministry because we don't have kids. On one level, I get it. Some of us aren't as young as we used to be. It's harder to be energetic and sit on the floor. Rather than growing in patience, our fuses have shortened over time. Maybe we even feel the sting of not doing such a good job raising our own kids. And we may wonder what we have to offer children today. Still yet, maybe you are parent and still not sure what you have to offer after a long week.
The short answer is love. You have love to offer the kids in those classes. And love to their parents who are trying to point them to Jesus.
Maybe you can teach and let others sit on the floor or lead singing or play games. Or, maybe you don't feel qualified to teach, so you will be the person helping with worksheets and handing out snacks. Whether you are busy college student like TR, a single adult like Jesus, or an aging grandparent like the generation ahead of me--or one of the numerous other types in between--it's pretty easy to love kids and their parents by giving them a little bit of your time.
And, if you're not convinced by TR's example, remember Jesus thought they were worth it.
So, where can you begin? Providence Kids--our church's children's ministry--has many opportunities for members to serve. There is a lot going on in PBF's children's ministry over the next month as we ramp up to restarting our Sunday morning and midweek classes. Below are some ways to engage. Click on the title to be taken to the sign-up page.
Back-to-School Bash! — August 27, 5:00—8:00pm
This family event aimed at kids (6th grade and under) will include bounce house, joust games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and more! We need several people to help at each station. We are just asking for a one hour commitment, which allows people to have time to talk with others and enjoy their family before or after (or both!).
Ready to commit? Sign-up here to indicate your desired area of service--teach or helper for Sunday mornings (Sunday School, Praise Factory, and Nursery) or Wednesdays (Mission Kids).
Providence Kids Volunteer Training — August 29, 6:00—8:00pm
Anyone involved in our Kids ministry needs to make attendance to this event a priority. We will reinforce the new approach and expectations to our classes, present a refreshed vision of Providence Kids, and more. Childcare will be provided.
Providence Kids Volunteer Training CHILDCARE — August 29, 6:00—8:00pm
Teaming up with Pastor Jason, the youth are taking the lead for childcare on this evening. If your teen can help, please sign-up him or her up soon.
Fall Classes Sign-Up — September 12, 9:00am–12:00pm
We need to know how best to staff each of our ministry options! this means having an accurate number for the numbers and ages of the kids we will be serving. Please sign-up your kids for the ministries you think they will regularly attend. This includes Sunday (Nursery, Sunday School, and Praise Factory) and Wednesday (Mission Kids) options.
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