Children's Ministry
Should churches have a children’s ministry? Is it biblical? What should it look like if so?
Let’s talk about it.
Key Takeaways
Children's ministry is important for the growth of a local church, but it should not replace the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God.
Sunday morning worship should not be divided and segmented into separate children's church services.
Extracurricular activities and youth groups can be beneficial in certain situations, but they should not be the primary source of spiritual teaching for children.
Parents should actively engage in teaching their children about God and prioritize family worship.
Churches should be cautious about relying solely on children's ministries and should encourage parental involvement in the spiritual development of their children. Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children about God, and youth ministry should supplement parental discipleship rather than replace it.
Youth ministry should not water down the message of Christ or focus solely on self-esteem but should elevate Jesus and teach substantive biblical truths.
The biblical command for parents to teach their children diligently should guide the approach to youth ministry.
Discernment is necessary in youth ministry to ensure that the message aligns with biblical principles and does not conflict with the responsibility of parents.
The church should support families in raising godly children and provide opportunities for families to serve and minister together. Question the need for age-specific programs and consider the benefits of intergenerational fellowship in the church.
Recognize the capacity of children to absorb and understand more than we give them credit for.
Evaluate the role of pragmatism in the development of children's and youth ministries and prioritize biblical instruction.
Focus on spiritual growth and worshiping God as the primary goals of the church, rather than solely focusing on church growth.