Jared Kennedy, Editor at the Gospel Coalition and co-founder of Gospel-Centered Family, dives into the myths surrounding children's ministry. He discusses the essential role of parents in faith formation and challenges age-specific programming. Kennedy advocates for children's ministry that adapts to reach unchurched visitors while fostering genuine relationships and deeper biblical engagement. He emphasizes the importance of creating environments that inspire service and a personal connection to Jesus.
Parents are primarily responsible for their children's spiritual development, equipped to teach faith as outlined in scripture.
Children's ministries should focus on genuine transformation through Christ rather than merely entertaining kids or preparing them for church services.
Deep dives
Parents as Primary Disciple-Makers
Many Christian parents mistakenly believe that effective children's ministry is best left to professionals, which fosters a sense of reliance on specialized church leaders for spiritual development. This mindset overlooks the essential biblical truth that parents hold the primary responsibility for teaching their children about faith, as outlined in scripture such as Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78. Despite their uncertainty, parents have the ability to equip themselves with God's word and His spirit, enabling them to share the gospel confidently with their children. The emphasis is on empowering parents rather than diminishing their role, highlighting that they can provide meaningful spiritual guidance without needing professional training.
The True Purpose of Children's Ministry
Children's ministries often face the misconception that they are only about keeping kids entertained or simply preparing them to sit through church services. While intergenerational church involvement is valuable, the focus should remain on ensuring children hear about the Savior and experience genuine transformation through Him. Furthermore, the use of age-appropriate biblical lessons is essential, as certain stories and teachings resonate more effectively with younger audiences, like Proverbs for youth versus the complexities of texts such as Song of Songs. Ultimately, the goal is to lead children toward a meaningful relationship with Christ, not just to cultivate silence in church.