Advice From the Pro's...
Explore the many forms of ministry and how you can serve, too.
What is Children's Ministry? What does a Children's Minister do?
 Generally speaking, Children’s Ministers wear many hats.
One hat that children’s ministers wear is that of an administrator. In this capacity, they recruit and train teachers, participate on the church board (to whom they are responsible), choose and order curriculum (in conjunction with teachers), plan other educational programs for Wednesday nights and Sunday nights, write articles for newsletters, and do a myriad of other day-to-day tasks that are administrative in nature.
They are also teachers. In my church, I teach Junior Worship each Sunday and I lead a 5th and 6th grade Bible study.
Children’s ministers also organize special projects for children to be involved in. Our children’s ministry sponsors a Bike-a-Thon that raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We participate in Operation Christmas Child. We visit nursing homes, collect clothing for the Ukraine, sponsor food drives for a local food bank and a do a variety of other projects that engage the children in the work of ministry.
Children’s Ministers also are Party and Big Event planners! Activities that promote relationship building are important, too, so we make sure that periodically, there are opportunities for children to fellowship with other children, teachers and their parents. These occasions are also perfect for inviting unchurched friends.
Most of all Children’s Ministers are mentors and role models. The most rewarding thing that a Children’s Minister can do is to be involved in a child’s life. Being a person who is authentic, accountable and constant is so important to children who often don’t know who and what they can count on in this world. Partnering with parents to lead a child to Christ is what it’s ultimately all about.
How do you become a children’s minister? Some Christian Colleges may offer specific majors in children’s ministry. However, my degree is in music and education and I also took several Bible Classes. Most Christian colleges offer degrees in Christian ministry or Christian education or something similar. Some colleges might even be willing to customize your degree to include courses that would be applicable (a combination of education, child development, Bible, etc.).
How do I get started? Volunteer in your home church now! Work in the nursery, help in VBS, assist a Sunday School teacher, chaperone a church outing. Jump in and get your feet wet! You’ll be a blessing to your church’s children’s ministry while gaining skills and experience.
Tempa Bader
Worship/Children's Ministries
Crossroads Christian Church, Gray, TN
|