children's ministry REACHES NEXT GENERATION OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS
By Pam Wilbur
Did you know that the next generation of Christian leaders meets in the children’s lower level every Sunday?
I could give you statistics. For example, Sunday attendance at 9:30 a.m. averages 80 to 100 first-third grade students, plus many visitors. There are also approximately 16 adults who serve with a passion to help children grow in their relationship with God. Some of these leaders provide an exciting large group time of music and teaching. Other volunteers work in small groups to expand on the lessons.
While numbers have their place, the most important thing I would like to convey is how satisfying it is to walk away each Sunday knowing that I have had a small part in shaping the next generation of young Christians.
For many years, I wondered what Dottie Hedrick felt when, as a child, I would hug her and thank her for being my Sunday School teacher. Now, I think I know. It is an indescribable feeling to have children in your group look at you with wide eyes and repeat the verse they learned the week before. Not just repeat it, but know it! Word for word! Their faces shine with pride.
These children gain when more adult volunteers get involved. But it’s not only the kids who benefit – adults also experience the joy of changing lives. I encourage you to stop by and see what we are all about. More than anything, I would love to have you consider whether this is the place that God is calling you to serve.
Pam Wilbur is a Children’s Ministry volunteer.
Children's Ministry provides a safe and fun environment for kids to learn to love God and one another.