Reaching Kids with the Gospel: 5 Steps to Move from Babysitter to Influencer
By Krista Staton, Next Gen Kids Ministry Consultant
Sunday mornings with kids are crucial encounters that shape their hearts for eternity!
The International Bible Society reports that 83% of all Christians globally make a decision to follow Christ between the ages of 4 and 14.
If we’re not careful, we can slip into thinking about our kids’ ministry as babysitting, when we are actually influencers shaping hearts and minds with the gospel.
We can fall into a pattern of merely supervising kids.
The truth is, our role as kids ministry leaders and volunteers is so much more than just managing a room full of children.
We are discipling young hearts and minds to learn about and accept Jesus.
Here are five key steps for making that shift:
1. Be Adaptable
Children are not a one-size-fits-all audience.
Every child brings unique experiences and perspectives into the room, so you must adapt your approach accordingly.
Evaluate your lesson plans to see if they engage the relevant learning styles: visual, auditory, etc.
Be prepared to switch gears if the group dynamics change, and ensure every child feels included.
This adaptability communicates that kids are valued and helps them absorb God’s Word in a way that’s relevant to their age and understanding.
2. Take Authority in the Room
Effective leadership in kids ministry begins by establishing clear authority and boundaries.
Kids thrive when they know what to expect and what’s expected of them.
Set a strong example by being the first to arrive, eliminating downtime between activities, and maintaining an active presence.
It’s also important to understand that misbehavior often stems from unmet needs in a child’s personal life.
By exercising gentle authority, you can show kids that the church is a safe place where they can focus on their faith.
3. Take Initiative
Moving from babysitter to influencer means taking ownership of your classroom environment and curriculum.
Instead of waiting for instructions, take initiative in organizing your space, modifying lessons to better fit your group, and addressing any issues before they arise.
When you take ownership, kids notice your commitment and care. It sets an example of what it looks like to lead and serve with excellence.
4. Be Approachable
Kids will never be influenced by someone they feel can’t trust, so building relationships is essential.
You need to be consistently approachable and invested in the each child.
Greet each child by name, listen when they speak, and ask about their week.
Make it clear to parents that you’re not just there to manage their children for an hour.
Instead, you’re partnering with parents to raise kids who know and love Christ. This trust allows you to be a part of a child’s life and guide them spiritually.
5. Have a Passion for Ministry
Passion is often what separates a babysitter from an influencer.
Children’s ministry is not something you have to do; it’s something you get to do.
Passion is contagious, and when kids see your excitement about serving God, they’re more likely to replicate that enthusiasm.
Whether you’re leading a small group, teaching a Bible lesson, or helping out during worship, approach every moment with a heart of service and gratitude.
This mindset will transform your own heart and the hearts of the kids you serve.
Kids ministry is more than just childcare; it’s about discipleship.
When leaders are intentional about these five steps, they can move beyond being babysitters to becoming true influencers in the lives of children.
By being adaptable, taking authority, showing initiative, staying approachable, and serving with passion, you can shape the faith of the next generation.
The church’s influence starts with its youngest members, and the seeds planted today will grow into a strong foundation of faith for years to come.
Published November 5, 2024