Let me begin by saying, I cannot overstate the importance of teaching the Bible to children. But, if that is all we do as children’s ministers, we aren’t ministering like Jesus. 

We are obviously commanded in Deuteronomy chapters 6 and 11 to “teach these things to your children”, and Jesus attended synagogue school in Nazareth. But what we see in Matthew 19, is not Jesus formally instructing the children He called them to Him, rather He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them (Mark 10:16).

How does this translate into modern day children’s ministry? I am suggesting that children’s ministry must be relational. They must experience the love and care of Jesus through those ministering to them. What we do and how we interact, is just as important as what we teach. 

I used to be in public education. I remember one training we had that we all went around the table, introducing ourselves, telling each other what we taught. After everyone was through, the point was made that what we teach should never override who we teach. I came away with, “I don’t teach math, I teach children.” This perspective was very impactful to me, and I remember it to this day, especially on the hard days. 

I’m reminded of a couple other phrases that have influenced my teaching. You have probably heard this one – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Another one that I learned more recently is – they aren’t giving you a hard time, they are having a hard time. That one resonated deeply with me. 

The world is not always a safe place for kids. Unfortunately sometimes neither is school or even home, but church should be. Always. Kids come with all of the life they have experienced so far, good and bad, pleasurable and traumatic. They come with wounds and needs. Let’s face it, some have had, or are having, a hard time. 

They need to be reassured that they are loved, they are valued, and they are special, to us and to God. We have such a privilege in ministry to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let’s make sure we love like Jesus loves, and make their experience in church the absolute best encounter of their week.