As a children’s ministry trainer, I must admit that there are times when I can assess that new systems & strategy ideas aren’t what a children’s ministry needs the most. It’s faith! All effective children’s ministries require a massive amount of faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV). The thing about faith is that it requires us to believe that which is unseen, but that is precisely why it is so critical. It is an absolute necessity for any leader embarking on the worthwhile journey of reaching children and families for Christ.
I can tell you this. No amount of systems or strategies can help the faithless leader. It requires faith to look beyond your meager resources to see a ministry with the potential to impact the entire community. It requires faith to view that difficult child as the future world changer God has called him or her to be. It requires faith to see those unreliable volunteers as an army equipped and ready to transform the next generation.
Faith is what allows us to view the world and our circumstances through spiritual lenses. Your ministry may not be where you want it to be today, but through the lenses of faith, we can cling to the hope that it will become everything God intended. should the immensity of the task cause you to doubt, then remember you are not in this alone. one plants, another may water, but it is ultimately God that gives the increase (1 Corinthians 6: 7, NIV).
Whatever the challenges confronting your children’s ministry department, be encouraged today in knowing that nothing is too hard for God! If ever the seas of discouragement or anxiety threaten to wash over your joy or zeal, then declare this over whatever you are facing:
This issue Can be fixed This issue WILL be fixed and I will be a testament of one who has fixed it!
Walk in encouragement, confidence, and faith today resting in the knowledge that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14b-15, NIV). If you have a little faith, then don’t worry because a mustard seed size is more than enough, and God will increase the faith of those who genuinely inquire of him. If you are troubled by doubt and fear, then trust that God’s perfect love will cast out all fear before you. If you feel that the load is far too much for you to bear, then pray for fellow laborers and trust the lord of the harvest to send a support system of individuals to walk alongside you.
As you pray, envision a vibrant and thriving ministry. As you pray, see children worshiping God with all their hearts, eagerly learning His word, and becoming passionate disciples. As you pray, trust God for wisdom and the discernment to guide your ministry in the right direction. And most importantly, as you pray, believe that God has a unique plan and purpose for the children and families you serve…and YOU!
If you’re struggling with your faith, consider joining our Children’s Ministry Leader 21 Days of Prayer Challenge. 21 Days of Believing God for more in your Children’s Ministry. Just look at the emphasis of the day and simply do what God has called you to do…PRAY
