Abstract:
Children are a blessing from the Lord. With these blessings also come responsibilities. As stewards of God's children, parents are responsible for helping children grow physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Churches have a responsibility toward children, too. We want to provide an environment in which children are safe, are taught at an age-appropriate level, and are encouraged to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. As my children move from nursery to grade school kids' ministry, my wife and I grew increasingly wary of what they learn at church. This is prime time for impressing upon them the love of Christ, yet many of the messages they hear are, at best, unclear and, at worst, moralistic, legalistic warnings about displeasing Jesus.
We minister to the spiritual needs of our children through a children's ministry program. The need for this program is evident in that many young people reach adulthood and decide not to follow Christ. They had not been prepared to accept him as their Savior. One reason for this is that some churches do not have an effective ministry to children and also do not have a program to help them receive Jesus into their lives. If we are to have a healthy future, it is essential that we have a viable children's ministry. A healthy future is when there are no attacks and fear of being attacked. When children are trained at the tender age to know the Lord Jesus Christ and they are enlightened on the likes and dislikes and also are taught the commandments at the tender age and it stays in their heart, then we can be sure of a healthy future devoid of all source of violence and wickedness.
