The Impact of #KidMin

I wrote a letter to our nursery team today just to encourage them in the impact they're making. The fact is, no matter what you do for the Kingdom (especially working with kids), this is still true. Thought it might encourage you as well:

Why do we do what we do? I mean, after all, the nursery can't possibly be that important, can it?

Certainly we care for the babies. They're too little to respond to an altar call or give their heart to Jesus. They may not be able to quote Scripture or tell you the Easter story. So, why do we do it? What's the point? Aren't we really just glorified babysitters?

In short, NO. First of all, you are the first representation of Jesus to many of these babies. Second, you are frequently the deciding factor in whether or not a parent or family will return to the church (statistically, most families make their decision about a church long before they hear the sermon- it's the nursery, parking lot, & restrooms that make the decision). 

Maybe what we do in the nursery has nothing to do with the babies at all. Sure they're cute, sure it's fun to get to go in and play for awhile, but maybe the point is something bigger. Maybe it's about the single mom of five who is at her wits end who finally makes it to church, knowing there is something better and looking for hope. Because of our children's ministries teams, she is able to respond without distraction to God tugging on her heart. Maybe it's about the teenage parents who just need to encounter God and learn how to be the parents they never had. Maybe it's about the young family who are running from God who just need to know that someone loves them & their family.

What I want you to see is that, although what you do may not be glamorous or exciting, you play a huge part in a much bigger picture. You are a part of every parent who meets God in our adult services. You are a part in raising up children in the way they should go, teaching them how to live & modeling Godliness for them. You make a difference you probably will not see until eternity. 

Let this encourage you as you serve. Although the job may seem mundane, it is what God uses to touch lives. Steven in the book of Acts had the mundane job of waiting tables, but God used him in that seemingly insignificant job to live Christ in front of Saul (later Paul- you know, the great apostle :) Jesus told Peter to go fishing, and he brought in a catch of money to pay the taxes. A little boy just had a few loves & fish, and Jesus made it into a meal for 5000. I just want you to understand that Jesus specializes in taking the mundane & making it have a miraculous impact.

THANK YOU for your service. Although you may never know the impact you make, the fruit of your labor lasts for eternity. 

Appreciate all you do!!
Jeremy