Gazing hollowly at the messy aftermath left by a bunch of tiny yet destructive “rebels”, I thought to myself, “What’s the point of planning and preparing for hours? Did the kids learn about Jesus at all? Maybe I’m not fit for Sunday Club…” That was me five years ago, after a rather hard start as a Sunday Club volunteer at my church back in the UK. Yet, over time, I have come to see that it is precisely the unpredictability and energy of children’s ministry that enables me to experience God’s present work.
While some are drawn to children by their cuteness or innocence, kids can also be unpredictable, rowdy, and restless. At the same time, the Bible teaches us that they are deeply valued in the Lord’s eyes. Jesus welcomed the little ones and said that the kingdom of God belongs to them (Luke 18:16), not because they are especially lovely or have much to offer, but because they are ready to receive him in their unworldly state.
With such readiness in mind, Proverbs 22:6 reminds us not to neglect the importance of introducing our loving and truthful Creator to the young. Growing up as a nominal Christian, I often wished I had known God personally earlier in life: to know that my worth is not based on academic performance; that he is still there to forgive and correct me when I have done wrong; and that my future is certain in him when I worry about the road ahead.
Jesus welcomed the little ones
Given the significance of raising children in Christ, how can we help them know God as they are still developing intellectually, emotionally, and socially?
Each week at Kidzone, we explore a Bible story or truth through interactive activities: songs and actions, games, crafts, skits—you name it. This “organised fun” provides children with a creative space to engage with God’s living Word and cultivate a positive church experience. In fact, early church experience is a strong predictor of faith during adulthood. So, never underestimate the foundational ministry taking place in our Crèche.
A common misconception is that only those who are patient and naturally good with children should volunteer at Kidzone. While some may be more experienced in this area, for most of us it is very much a learning journey. Children’s ministry has taught me to be prayerful and to rely on God, trusting that he uses these occasionally chaotic sessions to bring the little ones to him. And they never cease to surprise me with their curiosity and how much they have absorbed over the weeks.
Two pages are not enough to include all the encouragement I have received from serving alongside like-hearted volunteers and partnering with parents in our church family. But please do talk to a Kidzone volunteer, to me, or to Carol, our Children’s Ministry Director, if you are considering joining. We look forward to venturing together with you in this vibrant and exciting ministry.
