
As I have served with and observed children’s workers over the years, I’ve noticed that all the great ones have something in common: they know the families of the children they serve.
They also know that the state of a child’s family greatly impacts that child’s ability to know God. It’s difficult for a child to see God as a loving heavenly Father when his real father is angry, distant, or absent. It’s difficult for a child to be amazed by grace when her mom never gives her dad any.
Bottom line: When a married couple is fighting or at a bad place in their marriage, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to teach their kids about Christ.
If you are a children’s worker, you may be thinking, I agree with what you are saying; I just don’t have the margin to do anything about it. My ministry plate is full!
I understand. Oh, do I understand. But here are a couple of simple but powerful ways to help the little people by helping the big people in their lives.
- Launch a “Date Night” campaign and provide childcare. Oftentimes, couples just need a little fun to draw them together. But not being able to find/afford babysitters keeps them from dating. Remove that excuse. Providing couples with step-by-step dates is also huge!
- Be the voice for the kids in your children’s ministry. You don’t have to be the leader of your church’s marriage ministry, but you can be a voice that shouts the need for your church’s to have a marriage ministry. Go to senior leadership and ask, “What are we going to do to serve marriages this year?” Scary question, I know. But someone who loves kids has to ask it!
I’m biased, but I believe the most important part of your children’s strategy is your marriage strategy. Even if it is a small step, take a step in the direction of helping kids by helping their parents’ marriages.
What is the most powerful thing you have seen a church do to help marriages?
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