Starting a Children’s Ministry
2 Comments Published by B in Decisions, Faith, Ministry, Relationships, Stories
There is no doubt in my mind that God cares about the small stuff. Not only has He helped us find a great new car after my car broke down, but He has now given me an opportunity to earn some money to help pay for our new expense and minister at the same time.
In many ways, M and I took a leap of faith when we purchased our new Pontiac Vibe last week. I still have a year of college left, so I won’t be able to contribute finances like I would with a full-time job. On top of that, the cost of commuting to school and expense of books and tuition, as well as M starting his master’s program will cause a little more stress on the paycheck than usual. We bought the car knowing money will most likely be tight for the next months ahead before I finish school. But as usual, God had a bigger plan to take care of us through this time.
Currently at my church, I am a Children’s Church teacher on a rotating schedule. The other night at church we had a Christian Education meeting to give an update of how our classes are going. I voiced some frustration I had been having with the kids, and how having two different teachers who taught two different ways every other week was not helping the kids find the structure they need.
After the meeting, my Pastor and his wife invited us out with them to discuss ministry in the church. It was at this time that the Pastor made it aware to me that he had been feeling like Children’s Church needed to go a totally different direction, and they were thinking of hiring a part-time children’s pastor. He then told me the person he had in mind for the job was me! I was shocked and excited at the same time. He asked me to think and pray about it and get back to him.
So here I am trying to figure out what to do. I know it will be a big commitment to take on the Children’s Ministry at the church as my own. But at the same time, if it is what God wants, who am I to say no? M and I have been discussing it ever since Pastor asked. I have never felt so excited about being a part of something in the church. We both feel like it is what God wants us to do. On top of that, it was His way of taking care of us financially with the whole car ordeal. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
I guess what I am asking for is any advice and opinions anyone has out there on starting a children’s ministry. I have a lot of ideas of what I’d like to do, but I’ll take any help I can get. Right now I am envisioning having a room just for Children’s Church and decorating it with a fun theme so kids will have their own space in the church to call their own. I also like the thought of having puppets to help with kids’ worship and lessons. Any suggestions?
I really feel like God is orchestrating this whole thing, not only to help us out financially, but because for some reason he has chosen me to be the Children’s Ministry leadership at this time. Thanks for any input. It will be much appreciated.