I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that I would begin sharing with you a strategy to care for our church members and build a healthy environment that is meaningful to young and old, alike. To do that, we need to move and act intentionally, always keeping in mind biblical principles that are the foundation we build upon.
As I wrote previously, we aren’t speaking in this series about the preaching and worship music aspects of our Sunday morning service. Frankly, with no sense of arrogance, God has gifted us very well in these areas and we continually evaluate and adjust to be as engaging and encouraging as we can.
Today, I am speaking directly to one of the most difficult, and yet most critical, needs for any church to both grow and survive. Children’s ministry.
Yet, even here I am going to break this into three distinct categories, spread over the next three weeks. In this week’s article, I only want to touch on the need to provide a nursery space for families with small children, under the age of 5.
But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16 (ESV)
These words, spoken by Jesus, are some of the most powerful and compelling in all of scripture. It provides at least two unwavering commands and one incredible revelation.
Children are meant to encounter Jesus
No one is to be permitted to prevent this from happening, either through action or inaction. (see James 4:17)
The children have access to, and insight about, the Kingdom of God that is unique to them and we should both nurture that and pay attention to that.
In C3AK’s history, we have strived to always be welcoming to children. As it relates to the youngest, from infants to Pre-K, we enthusiastically invite families to have their little ones next to them during the worship music and on through the sermon time, if that works for them. Sometimes these littles ones can be rambunctious and noisy. As a rule, we do not ever make parents or guardians feel badly because their little ones make some noise. In fact, the alternative is to have no little ones in the church at all, which is unbiblical and unacceptable. The absence of noisy kids is an indication of a dead or dying church. The very SOUND of little ones is the sound of LIFE.
That being said, sometimes parents and care-takers need a break and the opportunity to listen to the message, engage in worship, reflect, refuel, and more. At a minimum, we can and should provide a nursery space with a trusted and vetted worker who will care for the little ones, during the church service when needed.
Our need is this: Can you volunteer to be an “on-call” nursery person to minister to BOTH our littlest ones and their families? What does it mean to be “on-call”?
You need to make the effort to be at church as often as possible for Sunday services.
When we have little ones and the parents want to take advantage of the nursery, you’re willing to jump in and spend some time with the babies and/or toddlers.
Some final notes;
If we can have a few folks volunteer for this effort (we will provide a link for required background checks) then no one will always be the person who has to jump in.
We do have televisions with readily available links to the live church broadcast, or access to other online resources we can show you how to use!
If we can count on you, please email PastorTracy@c3ak.com or PastorJason@c3ak.com
NEXT TIME: Kid’s World and a vibrant children’s ministry
Blessings,
Pastor Tracy
