10 Steps to a Stronger Children's Ministry

We see the phrase in many places. Commercials, billboards and specialty license plates tell us "Children First." School systems, toy companies, video manufacturers and fast-food restaurants get it—but does your church?

Quality ministry to preschoolers and children—and their families—plays a major role in the growth of the church. A crucial window of time exists from birth until about age 12 when the majority of spiritual foundations are laid. During this critical time in spiritual formation, children deserve the best the church has to offer.

If your church already places a high priority on children and younger generations, keep it up! However, if your church needs to move your children to the next level, consider the following in relationship to your ministry to preschoolers and children:

Location of Classrooms

Preschool and children's areas should be visible from the main entry point of the church facility. For a family visiting with children, the priority is to find where they need to take the children. If the children's area is already far from the sanctuary, proper signage should be installed to direct parents to the area for their children. Close proximity to the sanctuary increases safety and accessibility for parents when needs arise.

Condition of Facilities

Welcome areas and individual rooms need to be clean and well-organized. Furniture in each room needs to be age-appropriate and in good repair. Each age group should be given the recommended square footage per child (Birth-Kindergarten: 35sq. ft. per child; First-Sixth Grade: 25 sq. ft. per child) to provide a safe and inviting place to experience God's love.

Power of the Pulpit

Staff members can raise awareness and publicize all they want, but when one particular person talks—everybody listens. The pastor has the power and position to communicate whether children are important to a church. Children need to be welcomed and encouraged by the pastor and leaders of the congregation.

Budget

It takes money to run any ministry. Often, it takes more money to run effective ministry with preschoolers and children than any other ministry of the church. Endless supplies and proper training are needed to take care of children. Allocating appropriate money for preschoolers and children is an investment in the future of the church.

Include Children in Worship

Children are just as much a part of the body of Christ as anyone else and should be treated as such. Age-appropriate worship experiences for children can enhance Bible learning and relate to children on their level. However, when children are constantly excluded from the main body of believers, part of the body is missing. Children can learn true community from being with the whole group of believers no matter how old or young.

The Best Leadership

Preschoolers and children need the best the church has to offer, including leaders. It is essential that teachers are in place who not only have a heart for children but also know who God is and can communicate His truths to younger generations. Teachers should not just be thrown in a room with a teaching book, but given proper training about how to teach preschoolers and children properly.