pic by: Amy Horton Photography
Yep, that's me! I am one of the very few married young ladies at my church without kids and yet most of what I do revolves around the kids there! Their ages range from new born to high schoolers and I love each and every one of them like they were my own!
For the past few years I have been in charge of our nursery program which at first glance it might seem like I get to sit and snuggle with babies every Sunday but the reality of it is I spend most of my time scheduling, rescheduling (sometimes rescheduling again), cleaning, & organizing. Believe me, I'm not complaining, I love it and I do sneak in every now and then to get my "baby fix" :) but with every ministry sometimes, even if it may seem obvious to me, people begin to take it for granted and you have to remind them why it is so important.
My dad sent me this article and as I was reading it I thought,
"Finally, someone gets it and he is even a man!" :)
so I thought I would share it with y'all . . .
Seven Reason Why Your Church’s Nursery Is Vital to Your Church
Too
often serving in the church nursery can seem like a thankless job, but
it should not be that way. With that in mind, I offer these following
seven reasons why ministering in the church nursery is important.
Reason #1 - God
is in the church nursery. This may come as a shock, but the God’s Word
has specific promises about God’s presence when children are welcomed
and loved in Jesus’ name. (Mark 10:13-16)
Reason #2 - Your
ministry in the church nursery allows church goers to focus on worship,
rather than caring for their children’s needs for a little while. In a
very real sense your ministry makes it possible for the pastor to
fulfill his ministry. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Reason #3 - The first (and sometimes lasting) feelings a child will have toward church is formed in the nursery.
Reason #4 - When
you minister in the nursery, you are being entrusted with the most
important (and vulnerable) members of the church family. There is no
greater treasure on this side of heaven than the little ones God has
given us. You must be someone special to have a job that is so
important. (Psalm 127)
Reason #5 - Your ministry is essential for your own spiritual growth. You may have never looked at it this way, but a growing Christ Follower is always a serving
Christ Follower. Jesus was known for putting others first, when you
minister in the church nursery you are walking in His example. (John 13)
Reason #6 - The
church nursery is the first contact young families will have with your
church. Your friendly greeting and exceptional care for their children
can make a great first impression for your church. If they don’t feel
like their children are safe, they will not return - and rightly so.
(Matthew 25:40, 45)
Reason #7 - Your
ministry in the church nursery is a powerful opportunity for prayer. If
every nursery worker would spend several minutes praying over the
children in their care, imagine how God might begin to change this
coming generation. There is no better way to create an environment of
spiritual nurture than to pray while you serve in the nursery. (Titus
2:3-5)
Mark 10:13-16,
“Some people were bringing little children to Him so He might touch
them, but His disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was
indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little
children come to Me. Don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to
such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God
like a little child will never enter it.’ After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them.” (HCSB)
© 2008 Tony Kummer Ministry To Children - http://ministry-to-children.
If you attend a church (and especially if you attend my church) and you are not active in the church nursery,
shame on you!
shame on you!
Sorry, if that seems harsh but there really is NO excuse and believe me I've heard a lot of them!
Man, women, young, old, parent or not I can and will find something for you to do if you are willing! There is always an opportunity!
I pray that you seek out what God's plan is for you and the babies at your church!
*I realize that I am being a little partial to the nursery ministry in this post so I want to end by saying, if you don't feel lead to serve in the nursery please find somewhere you feel God is calling you because I know without a doubt in my mind he's not call you to come in and sit in the pew!*
**And to those who are already serving in a ministry,
THANK YOU!**
I pray that you seek out what God's plan is for you and the babies at your church!
*I realize that I am being a little partial to the nursery ministry in this post so I want to end by saying, if you don't feel lead to serve in the nursery please find somewhere you feel God is calling you because I know without a doubt in my mind he's not call you to come in and sit in the pew!*
**And to those who are already serving in a ministry,
THANK YOU!**
God Bless!
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