As children’s ministry leaders, what is the basis for our ministry? The terms “children’s pastor” or “children’s ministry” never appear in the Bible. And last I checked, “KidMin” wasn’t in there either (although I would have to check Kenny Conley’s Bible!).
Fortunately, none other than Jesus Himself offers some validity to what we do. In the passage that all of us probably have (or should have!) memorized, this story of Jesus is told:
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.‘
Then he took the children in his arms and blessed them.
This is a rich and informative passage that says so much about ministry to children. Over the next few posts we’re going to dissect it a little bit and see some amazing things about this incident between Jesus, volunteers, parents and kids.
For today, just take a few moments and read the short story a few times. What stands out to you that you can learn from and apply to your own ministry?
More on this passage to come . . .
