To all who volunteer in children’s ministry- thank you

To all the faithful people who volunteer as Children’s Ministers

I want to thank you.

You are doing something really, really important. I know it’s not always easy. I understand the obstacles you face along the way. Some of you struggle with limited funding and are required to work miracles on shoestring budgets. Others have no designated meeting place and make do with poorly lit basements, or pokey rooms with no windows. You often struggle with too few volunteers and a lack of resources.

You have chosen to give up your precious time to engage in this ministry, time that could be spent with your families, or pursuing your own interests. You willingly miss the worship services week after week, so that you can be with the children.

I know that working with children can be challenging these days. Sometimes they do not behave, sometimes they are too tired to participate, and often they just don’t want to settle down. You wonder if they are even listening, especially when it seems as if your words go in one ear and out of the other. But what you are doing is so important.

Because of your faithful service our church is able to pass on the faith to future generations. You help us reach out to families and change lives with the gospel. You teach these young disciples that church is fun and show them that God has a sense of humor. Each week you greet the children with a smile and welcome their thoughts, ideas, and creativity. As you do this you model God’s unconditional love and acceptance. Children’s understanding of God comes largely from their experiences at church, so God’s love becomes real as the children experience your patience, compassion and understanding.

If we did not have volunteers running our children’s ministry programs we probably wouldn’t have many families attending our church. Children are a gift from God. They bring joy and blessing into our church community. We enjoy their laughter, watch them grow up, and delight in the blessings of their lively presence. We are grateful that you make this possible.

You are helping the children grow in their relationship with God, experience the joy of community, and help them learn that they are an important part of our church family.

I see the children of our communities stepping across the line of faith and become lifelong followers of Jesus.  It’s exciting to see children grab hold of their faith and begin to live it out. As you love and teach our children each Sunday, you are also influencing generations to come. One day these children will become parents and church leaders themselves. Even if it seems that your words and activities are having no impact, I can promise you that they are. The children may not remember everything you taught them, but they will remember how you treated them and that will make all difference in the world.

I know that this kind of ministry can be hard and tiring at times, but I want to thank you for what you do. Thank you for giving so generously of your time and gifts to reach out to the children and their families. Please know that as you do this you are also blessing our church. Well done good and faithful servants.

photo credit: juliejordanscott via photopin cc