Let the Little Children Come: Priorities for Children's Ministries in the Local Church
Children’s ministry is one of the most strategic and rewarding ministries a church can have. Yet too often, it is treated as “childcare” or simply a fun diversion while adults gather in worship. It is my conviction that children’s ministry is far more than that—it is gospel work. Every child in our care is an eternal soul, created in the image of God and capable of understanding and responding to His Word. Our goal is not merely to keep children occupied, but to teach them Scripture faithfully, guide them in Christlike living, and partner with parents in raising disciples. In this article, I want to lay out the priorities that guide a healthy approach to children’s ministry: what we teach, how we teach it, the role of the volunteers and the church body, and the protections we put in place to ensure every child is safe, valued, and able to grow in faith. These priorities are not rules for rules’ sake—they are rooted in Scripture and in a vision for raising children who know a...
