Reflections from Jared Kennedy’s book, Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission

Reflection by: Grace Njuguna (Children Worker, GracePoint Church Waiyaki Way)

In recent years of my children’s ministry work, I have been challenged to think more deeply about the importance and purpose of children’s ministry. This meant re-evaluating all facets of the ministry. It is easy to go with the flow and lose a sense of why. I recently came across this book for my school research and found it helpful.

Some aspects were taught to me informally, such as the importance of getting to know a child and investing time in them. Others came from moments of general observations in my ministry work. For instance, I noticed that some children could remember the details of a Bible story well, but sometimes struggled to see how it applied to their daily lives. Other areas mentioned in the book, like missions, I have taught in Sunday school, but not seen as integral to the ministry.

Kennedy’s book provides a helpful framework for how the gospel should shape children’s ministry in teaching and practice.

The Four Gospel-Shaped Goals for Children’s Ministry

Jared Kennedy starts by giving 4 areas in which the gospel should shape our goals for children’s ministry.

1. Gospel-shaped presence-Where we become welcoming to all the children, show hospitality to them with all humility.
2. Gospel-centered message-Where our focus is on teaching Christ, and Him crucified.
3. Gospel-formed identity-Where we become intentional in training and discipling our children in the ways of the Lord.
4. Gospel-fueled witness-Where children are encouraged to have courageous risk-taking faith that rests on the power of God and not men.

Why Do We Need a Children’s Ministry in Church?

We know the Biblical mandate is for parents to disciple their own children, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:49 and Psalm 78:1-8. So why do we need a children’s ministry in church?

• Christian parents need support from fellow believers to fulfil their responsibility as generational disciple-makers.
• Children need to be surrounded by other godly adults who provide love, care, and truth to help build their lives.
• The church helps protect families from false teachings and affirms the salvation of the children.
• Leaders and teachers in children’s ministry also affirm a biblical worldview to children as they teach the gospel.

So, we should definitely embrace children’s ministry in the church. Let’s shift our focus back to the four areas the book identifies as shaping our children’s ministry, ensuring we stay on mission.

1.   Gospel-Shaped Presence

This means going the extra mile to create a welcoming environment for children. We pray for them and give them a warm reception. Sometimes it means looking out for families new to church who are having a rough morning during the service and offering support.

The author emphasizes that we should be intentional in interacting with these children. Get to know them by name and interests, and try to remember them. Value children as part of the community.

We also have to think thoroughly about safeguarding children with proper policies. Lastly, we must watch over our own faith because sin can hinder sharing the gospel.

2.   Gospel-Centred Message

Here, our primary focus is preaching Christ and Him crucified. Our priority is not just outward behavioural change but heart transformation. The author gives three possible ways to teach a Bible passage.

a)  The Example lesson approach

This is where we look at a Bible story and consider which models to follow and which to avoid. The major pitfall of this approach is that we end up focusing on the morals.

b)  The God-centred Lesson approach

This approach focuses on God as the story’s main character. The major pitfall of this is that it does not go far enough. The kids may know about God, but their hearts are far from the truth. (Head knowledge without heart transformation)

c)  The Gospel-centred Lesson approach

This is the correct approach, which goes all the way to tell us about Christ. Jared states that it is our responsibility as parents and teachers of children to find Christ every time we teach the children the Bible

3.   Gospel-Formed Identity

The primary responsibility of teaching God’s Word lies with parents. We should also support parents in discipling their children. The author uses the term catechizing children. He says, “To catechise this generation, we must do more than capture their eyes; we must also capture their hearts.” This means working hard to show why their faith matters and how it relates to the world around them.

It should not just be what we tell children to do, but also how we live out our faith in Jesus. This serves as a model for the kids to follow.

4.   Gospel-Fueled Witness

Our aim should not just be to help children understand who Christ is, but also to encourage them to be witnesses of Christ wherever they are. The author highlights two dangers.

One focuses on correcting sin and the child’s imperfection, often in a home setting. This can cause parents to fail to give their children a vision of participating in God’s mission.

On the other hand, some evangelism and discipleship programs in the church fail to address the real needs children face. Therefore, a healthy balance is needed.

We should encourage kids to join God’s mission by teaching about missions and creating opportunities for families to step out of their comfort zones in mission work.

What Happens When a Children’s Ministry Loses Its Mission?

We may start focusing on external factors, such as behavioural management, rather than on real heart transformation.

Children may shy away from their faith because of a disconnect between what they learn in church and their daily lives. They might answer all scripture questions correctly, but have a shallow encounter with Christ.

We fail to see why they need to hear the Gospel. My desire is that we will share Christ with enthusiasm, not just theoretically, but so that there is fruit in our lives for these little ones to learn from. Let’s keep children’s ministry on mission, inspiring clarity of the gospel, boldness in witness and a deep conviction that bears fruit for Christ in the hearts of these little ones.

                           GracePoint Church Waiyaki Way | Children’s Ministry

Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission | Jared Kennedy

Reflection By Grace Njuguna (Children Worker)

To get Jared’s Kennedy book, keeping your children’s Ministry on Mission,

click: https://www.amazon.com/Keeping-Your-Childrens-Ministry-Mission/dp/1433576872