Answering the Call to Children’s Ministry

Last winter, after reading in the church bulletin about an opportunity to serve in Little Sprouts, I briefly thought I should join. I wondered why I would think such a thing and quickly disregarded it with a solid “no way.”

A few weeks later, I read the same announcement on the screen during a church service and thought similarly about joining this ministry. I reasoned with myself, concluding that I’d been there and done that. I had been a daycare teacher for many years and had done my time. No more, thank you!

A month later, RMCC’s Calvary Conversations email mentioned the need for assistants and teachers for Little Sprouts. Once again, the thought of joining crept into my mind. I told myself, “Don’t be ridiculous!”

In February of this year, RMCC advertised our children’s ministry conference featuring Ron Rose from Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. Once again, a subtle thought resurfaced that I should attend the conference. I considered going but quickly objected, “I’m not even in children’s ministry. Why on earth would I go?” I honestly felt no excitement about the ministry and had no perceived “calling” for it. Justifiably, I concluded that this was not for me.

Responding to the Call

The same week, when a friend mentioned she felt she should attend the conference, I realized all those thoughts about joining children’s ministry weren’t mine but were from the Holy Spirit. His still, small voice called me to serve, and I turned Him down multiple times! I felt like Samuel, in 1 Samuel 3, who heard his name called three times, not understanding it was the Lord until he told the priest, Eli, who gave him directions to follow the Lord’s voice.

Feeling more than a little sheepish, I attended the conference. During Ron Rose’s introduction message, he explained how he heard the Lord ask him to join the children’s ministry at his church. In like manner, Ron responded by saying, “What? Are you kidding me? I’m not doing that! No way!” My jaw hit the floor in shock over the similarity of Ron’s story to my own experience.

Ron later explained his excitement for the ministry didn’t happen until after he accepted God’s call to serve in this role for His glory. This encouraged me because of my own lack of enthusiasm.

Ron’s passion was palpable as he described the importance of teaching our children the Word of God as early as possible, showing them God’s love, and sharing how God loves each one of them. My heart melted for these precious ones and the work the Lord wants to accomplish in their lives. Without a doubt, I knew what to do next: follow the Lord’s voice.

The Call Grows

Pastor Hugh interviewed me after receiving my application for children’s ministry. I shared how I ignorantly refused the Holy Spirit multiple times and finally woke up to hear His still, small voice. I also shared how excited I was to join the ministry, feeling renewed joy about being with such tender young hearts as I had long ago.

The application to serve in children’s ministry included checkboxes to indicate which role I was interested in—assistant or teacher. Pastor Hugh expressed surprise because I had checked both boxes. I explained if the Lord wished for me to teach eventually—and I honestly believed “eventually” would be in the distant future—then I would be obedient and step into that role.

The Lord has a great sense of humor. I started as an assistant in April and taught my first class on July 21.

God Equips & Qualifies the Called

I had never been responsible for teaching Bible curriculum before, and I certainly never considered myself a teacher of anything. I was scared. But that still, small voice rose again to remind me “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).”

RMCC has an amazing curriculum for this ministry and incredible leaders and workers of all ages with huge hearts for our children and our Heavenly Father. I’m thankful for their amazing grace freely given to all children, parents, helpers, teachers, and newcomers like me who feel less than adequate when stepping into new territory.

I don’t know what God has in store for me beyond this point, but I’m excited and so thankful I finally listened to His invitation to join the work He has planned.