Does it seem like the boys and girls in your ministry walk in each week, sit down and wait to be entertained? Do they think of church as something to check off their list as another thing they have to endure just because their parent or guardian said so? Imagine what it would be like to have the children involved in the ministry. Actually “being” the church instead of church “being done” to them? 

First you need to understand why it is critical to reach kids at an early age. Then, work on changing the trend of losing them at an alarming rate.You may need to make adjustments in the way you lead and minister. Are they worth it to you? Will you make the sacrifice to keep children coming to church?

Children’s Ministry Probabilities

In his book Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions: Why Children Should Be Your Church’s #1 Priority (Regal, 2003) George Barna reports these statistics:

  * Children between the ages of five and 13 have a 32 percent probability of accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.
  * The probability of accepting Christ drops to 4 percent for those who are between the ages of 14 and 18.
  * Those older than 18 have a 6 percent probability of accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Barna’s research also discovered that a person’s lifelong behaviors and views are generally developed when they are young — particularly before they reach their teen years. The disappointing news is that the statistics show us children are dropping out of church as soon as they can convince their parents to let them stay home.

In the book Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church and What You Can Do to Stop It (New Leaf Publishing/Master Books, 2008) by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer, the 20 to 29-year-old evangelicals who attended church regularly but no longer do so, report:

  * 95 percent attended regularly during elementary and middle school
  * 55 percent attended during high school
  * 11 percent were still going during college

The most alarming conclusion of this information is that 40 percent of these kids dropped out in elementary and middle school. We automatically think that we lose them when they go to college, but we are losing them much earlier. So, what is the solution?

Take a good look at the children’s ministry in your church. An even better idea is to have an outsider come in and look with fresh eyes and give input. What does the environment say to a parent, child, and guest? Does it feel welcoming, warm and comfortable? Is it kid-friendly, safe, clean and appealing? What about your class time? Are you being a good steward of the time you have with kids? Does every child feel special? Is there a greeter at the door and someone to pay attention when the child who doesn’t fit in needs a friend?

After you have assessed the basic environment and class time, focus on using the natural tendencies God put inside each child to involve them in ministry. Some of the first words a child learns to say are, “I can do it myself.” Children must feel they belong. They need a purpose beyond attending a class or worship service. Spiritual gift surveys and basic personality tests are a great way to help kids realize their potential.

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Every Christian can learn to share their faith with others. When kids accept Jesus as their “forever friend,” they have a story to tell. Writing out a short testimony of their experience gives them confidence and boldness to share.

When children know what you expect of them, they will rise to the occasion. Talk to them about the importance of consistent attendance. Give them responsibilities in the classroom and during the services. They can greet guests, lead worship songs, pray, dramatize the lesson and create illustrations. With training, some can even be responsible for sound or lighting. Never assume kids can’t do something until you let them try. Regularly offer service projects and watch the children in your ministry blossom and mature.

True Relationship

If children enjoy the environment and feel like they belong to a group, where does the true relationship with Jesus Christ come into play? Kids need consistent, authentic faith modeled by significant people in their lives. Although parents are the primary spiritual leaders, they need church leaders to partner with them. Kids also need intellectual knowledge from people they can trust about current issues they face.

A biblical foundation must be built in the lives and hearts of children. Because of the Word of God, they will think differently and live differently in order to be faithful to that Word.

Point the parents to Deuteronomy 6 and remind them to teach God’s Word all the time, in everyday life. Provide resources, a link on your church Web site, or email activities to the home. Encourage interaction and family service projects church-wide as you emphasize the importance of time together. As life happens, parents will begin to use teachable moments to discuss the ways of God.

The facts state the problem and demonstrate why we can’t keep doing church the same way we have always done it. Assess your environment and make some needed changes. This first step might be to get some new children in the door and make the ones already there feel some anticipation of change. Focus on spiritual gifts and watch your children shine.
Next, build relationships with the kids, parents and ultimately with Jesus Christ. Introduce Jesus and His love in everything you do and watch your ministry change. In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come.” We want to do everything we can to keep them coming!

Click HERE to read Cindy’s article published by The Church Executive.

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