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Notice I used the word “ministry.” Why? Because that’s what it is. In fact, I believe it is one of the most important ministries in the local church.
When you hear the word “childcare” you think of someone who is just “babysitting.” But for those who work in nursery and preschool ministry, it goes so much deeper than that.
We have the unique opportunity to lay a foundation in children’s spiritual lives as we read God’s Word to them and pray over them. You are planting the seeds of God’s Word into their heart. And those seeds will bear fruit now and for the rest of the children’s lives.
Nursery and preschool volunteers also have a big part when a young couple comes to Christ. Because the volunteers are there and help the young couple feel comfortable enough to leave their child and go to the service, they have a part in the couple’s decision to begin a relationship with Jesus.
Babysitters watch kids for the income. Nursery and preschool volunteers invest in kids for the outcome.
Babysitters tend to the physical needs of children. Nursery and preschool volunteers tend to the physical and spiritual needs of children.
Babysitters work for a job. Nursery and preschool volunteers work for a calling.
Babysitters are entrusted with the safety of the child. Nursery and preschool volunteers are entrusted not only with the safety of children, but with their spiritual care as well.
A babysitter changes diapers. Nursery and preschool volunteers change lives.
I believe in nursery and preschool ministry. What happens inside that room is just as important as what happens in the adult service. Churches that truly want to reach the next generation will make nursery and preschool ministry a top priority.
How soon should we start teaching children about God and His love for them? The answer is found in 2 Timothy. It says this:
“From INFANCY you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.”
This verse clearly shows us that we should start teaching children about God and His Word from the time they are born. The reality is nursery ministry is one of the most vital times in a person’s life. Kids learn more in their early years than any other time. Brain connections are being made. Everything is fresh and new. I believe it is one of the most important times we have to minister to children.
Important for the development of a child’s brain, the first three years are the most critical in shaping a child’s brain architecture. Early experiences provide the base for the brain’s organizational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.
Children are learning so much by watching, listening and interacting with adults. They are absorbing information that will shape who they will be in the future. Timothy is a great example of this. He was from the Lycaonian city of Lystra in Asia Minor, born of a Jewish mother who had become a Christian believer, and a Greek father. The Apostle Paul met him during his second missionary journey and he
became Paul’s companion and co-worker along with Silas.
From infancy, Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, poured the Word of God into his life. We see this in 2 Timothy 1:5.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and persuaded, now lives in you also.”
2 Timothy 1:5
Timothy became a great Christian leader because his mother and grandmother made spiritual investments in his life from infancy.
Here’s my question for you today. Do you view your nursery and preschool ministry as a big spiritual investment opportunity in children’s lives?
From infancy, we must help kids see they have a heavenly Father that loves them.
From infancy, we must pour worship music into children’s minds.
From infancy, we must plant seeds of faith into children’s lives.
From infancy, we must whisper into the minds of children that Jesus is is the Savior.
From infancy, we must pray over the infants that we are holding.
From infancy, we must have strategic curriculum at will start building the foundation of faith in children’s lives.
From infancy, we must read the Bible to children.From infancy we must model for children what it means to follow Jesus.
From infancy, we must pray daily for the children God has placed in our life.
From infancy, we must point children toward Jesus.
From infancy, we must partner with parents and provide them with tools and resources for raising their children to love and follow Jesus.
*This is an excerpt from my book “Fertile Soil…see kids’ faith grow and flourish for a lifetime.”
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