Everywhere you look, there are children in the world. In total, there are about 2 billion. That’s more children than ever before. They live on farms, in apartments, in the suburbs, in houseboats, and even in tree houses. They also live in slums, refugee camps, on the streets, and in garbage dumps.
While some children are born into prosperity and others into poverty, they’ve all been born into a fallen world, and they’re all at risk! They’re at risk because even if they have the physical resources they need to live, without Jesus they don’t have what they really need to live.
Jesus loves children anywhere and everywhere! Share on XJesus loves children anywhere and everywhere. When He was teaching and healing large crowds in Judea, they brought their children to Him for prayer. The disciples shooed them off. But children aren’t a bother to Jesus; they’re a delight. He intervened, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” Matthew 19:14 (NIV).
Jesus’ love for children inspired Anna Warner (1827-1915) and William Bradbury (1816-1869) to write the classic hymn, Jesus Loves Me. I grew up in a non-Christian family, yet Jesus Loves Me was one of the first songs I learned as a child. You may know the words:
Jesus loves me – this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong –
They are weak, but He is strong.
Refrain
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
“Yes, Jesus loves me!” God planted these simple words in my 4-year-old heart, and they slowly germinated. Fifteen years later, I responded to His love by seeking forgiveness for my sin and asking Him to be my Lord and Saviour.
First impressions are lasting. I’ve grown, blossomed, and produced fruit because I know I’m precious in His sight.
While a childhood song is one of my reasons for writing Children’s Ministry Basics, the blog is based on more than a memory. I write about children’s ministry because I’ve heard, seen, learned, experienced, and am biblically convinced that Jesus has a heart-stopping, breathtaking, mind-blowing love for children far and wide and for me.
Jesus has a heart-stopping, breath-taking, mind-blowing love for children far and wide. Share on XJesus’ ginormous and unreserved love for children worldwide has a practical impact on this blog. In every article, you’ll be invited, either directly or indirectly, to do one thing above all other things – to help children belong to Jesus alone! Yes, there will be articles on a wide range of children’s and family ministry topics, but always in the context of how Jesus wants every child of every tribe, tongue, and people to fall head over heels in love with Him and live for Him wholeheartedly.
The singer Keith Green asked, “How can they live without Jesus? How can they live without God’s love? How can they feel so at home down here when there’s so much more up above? Throwing away things that matter they hold on to things that don’t …”
This blog has two objectives: First, you’ll see Jesus and His humongous love for children as you’ve never seen before. Second, as you see Jesus’ colossal love for children, you’ll help them grab hold of Jesus as they’ve never done before.
Children's ministry should stop at nothing short of connecting every child with Jesus and His Story. Share on XI’m also praying that every Children’s Ministry Basics article will help you apprehend the full potential of children’s ministry to inspire and draw children to the King and help them press into the kingdom. Why is this my prayer? Because children’s ministry should stop at nothing short of connecting every child with Jesus and His Story.
Spread the word: Please tell others about Children’s Ministry Basics.
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Summary
There’s a vast number of children in the world, many of whom live in varying circumstances, from prosperity to poverty. Despite their differences, all children face the risk of not knowing Jesus, which is essential for fulfillment in life. It highlights Jesus’ deep love for children, as demonstrated in His teachings and in the hymn “Jesus Loves Me,” which has inspired many. The core message is that children’s ministry should focus on helping every child develop a personal relationship with Jesus and His Story, regardless of their background.
FAQ 1. What does the Bible say about Jesus’ love for children?
The Bible clearly shows that Jesus loves children deeply and welcomes them into His presence. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me,” demonstrating that children are valued in God’s kingdom. His actions reveal that children aren’t a distraction but are precious to Him and included in His plan of salvation.
FAQ 2. Why is it important for children to know about Jesus’ love?
It is important for children to know about Jesus’ love because His love is the foundation of faith and identity. Children who understand that Jesus loves them are more likely to develop a lifelong relationship with Him. Without this foundation, they may miss the most important spiritual truth: that they are known, valued, and invited into God’s kingdom.
FAQ 3. What is the goal of Christian children’s ministry?
The goal of Christian children’s ministry is to help every child encounter Jesus Christ and grow in a personal relationship with Him. While teaching the Bible and supporting families is important, the ultimate aim is to connect children with Jesus and His Story so they can follow Him wholeheartedly. Effective ministry points children to Christ in every lesson, activity, and relationship.
© Scripture Union, 2019
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