I wonder what would happen if “big church” ministry looked just like children’s ministry? Imagine if you arrive to church on time, but wait to go inside the building because the greeters have not shown up yet. At last, you are led to a seat, but are not allowed to sit with your family because you “talked too much last Sunday.” During worship, an usher comes up behind you, lifts your arms, and “helps” you dance along.
Next, you wait some more while the pastor quickly studies the sermon for the first time. While he preaches, he calls on you because he senses you might be daydreaming. When your nerves keep you from answering, he looks at you sternly and says, “Next time, you need to pay attention.”
Most people would agree that we would never attend a church like this. Yet so often as children’s ministers, we suffer from a bit of amnesia when it comes to remembering that kids are people too. We need to put the same kind of effort into ministering to children as we do for adults. That means we treat our “congregation” the way we would like to be treated. We must honor their time and their hearts by being reliable, gracious, and respectful.
Amber Lappin is a captivating and charismatic speaker and writer with over 25 years of experience in early childhood development and children’s ministry. It could be said that Amber is a closet daredevil who loves roller-coasters and school supplies but never at the same time. Her life on the edge includes being an “Edu-tainer” – Educating others in a way that’s both entertaining and informative. Amber graduated summa cum laude from Hope International University, holds a B.S. in Human Development, and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. She recently received her Director Permit from California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
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