My Kidmin Thankful List

In kidmin, we have lots of stuff – décor pieces, object lessons, classroom toys, furniture – you name it. Leaving behind your favorite and most used things when you move from churches is tough. Some of those items, if you’ve been at a place long enough, are no longer in production. Others you forget about until you suddenly wish you had them for a lesson or event. I’ve been writing lists and trying to replace some of those key things I had to leave behind when I left my last church. All of that has got me thinking. So, in honor of Thanksgiving and all of my list writing, I present to you my “kidmin thankful” list.

What am I most thankful for in kidmin?

I am thankful for…

1. Being called into children’s ministry

I don’t have to do children’s ministry. I get to do it! And what a blessing it has been in my life!

2. The opportunity to witness those “aha!” moments when kids understand their need for the Savior

This is what children’s ministry is all about – seeing boys and girls choose to follow Christ. The only better feeling is when it is your own child making that decision.

3. Quality curriculum and resources

We live in a time where there are great resources available. Quality Scripture-rich resources that can help disciple boys and girls is a blessing of our age.

4. Cardboard

Seriously! Cardboard is a kidmin on a budget must-have! Classroom décor, VBS set pieces, and even lesson aids (like a full set of the Armor of God) can all be done with cardboard. I keep a healthy supply of it at all times.

5. Storage tubs and shelves

Not only do I want to be a good steward of church resources, but so many things can be reused in ministry. Storing those items (and the room to store them) is a time and money saver!

6. Canva

With Canva, you don’t need a graphic designer, but you can make flyers, graphics, lesson aids, and even games. It’s so easy to produce a high-quality resource this way!

7. Volunteers and church members who invest in and love on the children

Relationships are so important not just in ministry, but for kids. Relationships are a reason kids stay in church. I’m thankful for people who love on the kids at church, and especially those who love on my kids.

8. My idea bouncer-off-ers (my mom, husband, and fellow kidmin friends)

Sometimes you need to bounce an idea off of someone. My mom and husband know more about children’s ministry than some children’s ministers since they are my official idea-bouncer-off-ers. And when I need encouragement, these are the people ready to speak God’s truth into my heart, too.

9. The gift of creativity given to all image-bearers

Next to seeing children follow Jesus, creating things for ministry is the next best thing. I love having a job where I get to create things – games, decorations, and lessons – it’s the best.

10. VBS and Camp

VBS and Camp are the best weeks of the year! An intense week of discipleship does so much in the hearts of boys and girls. Plus, it’s a week of relationship-building that cannot be matched anywhere else. And… there’s usually some crazy fun happening in there too.

My list could go on and on because children’s ministry is truly the best job ever. You get to disciple boys and girls, teaching them how to follow Jesus. Through the good days in children’s ministry and the ones where the kids are climbing up the walls and no one is listening, I am thankful. God allows me to do the Kingdom work of discipling boys and girls.

What would be on your kidmin thankful list?

Listen to Episode 101 of The Kidmin Huddle to hear more.