How to Begin a Children's Ministry

"Jesus Loves the Little Children," is one of the songs that many children learn in Sunday school, but it is also a well known tenet of Christianity. Beginning a children's ministry will help you teach children of Jesus' love for them and may also attract new families to your fellowship.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Brainstorm

1. Build a team. Beginning a children's ministry is not a job for an individual working alone. You will need people of many different ages, interests and abilities on your team.
2. Write a vision statement. This statement will guide your efforts in beginning your children's ministry. Use your vision statement to develop themes and activities to help you reach your goals.
3. Examine the work that you are currently doing. Determine whether your programs line up with your vision statement to see if you need to make changes.
4. Visit other churches and talk to their leaders about their children's ministries. Find out what does and doesn't work for them.

Make a Plan

5. Create a budget. You will need to know how much you can afford to spend on all of the things you will need, such as curriculum, craft materials and snacks.
6. Choose a location. Oftentimes children's services are held in church basements or classrooms. If those options are not available, you can look for space to rent in a school, mall or any easily accessible space.
7. Recruit teachers. Who you ask to teach is the most important part of your ministry. Look for individuals who love working with children and are passionate about your ministry.
8. Train your teachers. Even the most gifted individuals will need to learn your vision, your goals and your plans.
9. Develop a schedule. Find a large calendar and choose which days you will have activities and which days you will not.

Get to Work

10. Advertise your new ministry. Whether you use paid advertising or word of mouth, you will have to let people know that you have a new children's program.
11. Enjoy your work. Among of the blessings of working with children are the surprises they bring to your life. Enjoy their energy, their enthusiasm and their spontaneous love of Jesus.
12. Evaluate your ministry. Stop periodically and see if your programs are still in line with your vision statement. Make any changes that might be needed to keep it in line with your goals.

Tips & Warnings

• Pray for every part of your children's ministry; your committee members, teachers, children and parents.