Children's Ministry: Change and Growth!

By Debbie Dininno

• 230 kids on Sunday Morning
• 250 kids at camp this summer
• 15 new babies in 2003
• 100 teachers needed to run our Sunday Morning Programs

Three years ago, when I was hired as the Assistant Director of Children's Ministry, I could never have dreamed that this ministry would grow so fast. We were a medium-size church with a medium-size children's ministry. And today we are considered one of the larger PCUSA churches with over 230 kids, infants ' 5th grade, attending on Sunday mornings. But more important than numbers, it is so clear that God is at work here in this local church, drawing young and old to Him.

Sunday I heard a story from a member of Central. Her son had come to the preschool camp a few weeks ago and was thinking about it again. He said, "Mommy, I want to ask Jesus into my heart, like we talked about at camp." With great joy, this mom had the privilege of praying with her son, as he asked Jesus to come and live inside his heart. Stories like this and many others make my heart overflow with joy. A few weeks ago at a leadership conference, I was reminded that there is nothing better than working for the local church. It is a privilege to partner with God's people and see Him change lives. "The local church is the hope of the world and its future rests primarily in the hands of its leaders." Bill Hybels

As Children's Ministry accepts the charge to be a part of that hope for the world, we are also changing in order to more effectively minister in this new large church environment. The past year has seen some growing pains as Rhonda and I shift our energy and focus.

To name but a few of the many changes going on:

• Security issues are more of a concern - Rhonda and I now don't know everyone who walks in the children's ministry halls. Parents must have a pick-up card when they pick up their children. Producing identification to get a new pick-up card becomes necessary when we don't recognize you.
• Teams are being created to run all of our programs. Leaders are being equipped and trained to mentor and lead others. Rhonda and I are shifting from being with the children to mentoring, equipping and training others to do the hands-on ministry.
• Over 100 people are needed to run Sunday morning programs. (Yes, we do have a few spots still available, but only a few!)

As we head into the new year, we are seeking to increase the number and quality of programs that meet the needs of children and families in our community. This means we need to improve Trunk 'N' Treat, the Advent Fair, and the Explorers' Camps so they are effective in drawing kids and families to Central so they can meet the One True and Living God - Our Mighty Savior and King.

Please pray that Children's Ministry would continue to listen to God and be effective in reaching out to children with the message of Christ's unconditional love, guiding them to grow into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.