It is encouraging to know we are not alone in our ministry struggles.”
Children’s ministries may look different from one church to another, but the mission is the same: teaching children to love God and His Word and laying the biblical foundations for each child to follow Christ. Whether you are a children’s pastor, a ministry leader, or a volunteer teaching preschoolers and children, remember you are not alone.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts” and “a cord of three strands is not easily broken” (HCSB). We are better together!
The SBC of Virginia has regional children’s ministry networking groups meeting across the state! For example, one group in the Central Region has met for over three years. Each quarter, they gather for a time of fellowship, prayer, and brainstorming. The Southeast Region also has a group, and a new group is developing in the Valley Region.
Kelly Teachey, former children’s director at Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, said, “For me, one of the greatest benefits is to learn from younger kids’ leaders what strategies, curriculum, and events are being used in other ministries to keep our ministry at Grove relevant and Gospel-focused. I have learned so much about the growing need for elementary-age kids to have more ‘unstructured hangout time’ because this is where relationship building is most effective.”
“I look forward to meeting with other children’s ministry leaders. It is encouraging to know we are not alone in our ministry struggles. I enjoy getting new ideas from each other,” said Laurie Holley. “I am so thankful for these fellowships.”
Jake Barnett, children’s pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Yorktown, VA, shared the same exuberance. “I am always excited when I get to meet with other children’s ministry leaders. Getting a chance to speak with others about the victories and struggles that all children’s ministry people face. It’s nice to know that we are not alone. Sharing the common thread of reaching children for Jesus makes every meeting exciting!”
“This group challenges me to continually think about how I do ministry for the families at my church. They encourage me always to think of the ‘why’ and not just do something for the sake of doing it or because of church tradition. This network is a great example of how we are not alone [as SBCV churches],” explained Garrett Oppel, children’s pastor at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, VA.
Connecting with other children’s ministry leaders provides opportunities for sharing resources like curriculum or VBS materials. Sharing resources develops partnerships and especially blesses smaller children’s ministries.
SBCV wants to continue facilitating and strengthening connections between children’s ministry leaders. E2 Kids events are scheduled for late August and early September in four regions statewide to provide area leaders time to meet. ■
Resource: For more information on regional networking groups and upcoming E2 Kids events, contact Cindy Middaugh, SBCV children’s ministry coordinator, at cmiddaugh@sbcv.org.
