Jesus, the Children, and You

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38 ESV

One of the things I enjoy in a church congregation is an abundance of children. Most adult church members share a similar sentiment. They love seeing children present. What a wonderful sight to witness Dad and Mom in church accompanied by their young family members! Also, despite the worries of young parents, adult church members also love hearing young children present. For a baby to cry or a toddler to talk loudly during a church service is special music to most people’s ears. As the saying goes, “If the church isn’t cryin,’ it’s dyin’!” The sights and sounds of children indicate life and vitality. It's truly a blessed thing.

Our Lord Jesus, however, sets an example not just of enjoying the presence of children, but of ministering to children directly. (See Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:16, and Luke 18:16.) Little ones are cute to behold and pleasant to hear, but they need to learn about Jesus from adult believers. Their soft hearts and impressionable minds need to be influenced in their early years by adults bearing Biblical, gospel truth. At FBC Waynesburg, we are blessed with an abundance of children. Despite that reality, however, the adult volunteers are spread thin. Workers (including helpers for the teachers) are needed for children’s Sunday School, for children’s church, and for the midweek Ignite program that resumes in the fall. A new program for older children (4-6th grades) also begins this fall. The harvest of children at FBC Waynesburg is plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray for more workers. Pray and ask the Lord if you should be one of those workers.

Here are some of the excuses I’ve heard for not helping with children’s ministry over the years:

“I’ve served my time. Now that I’m older, let the younger folks take their turn.”

“I’m not gifted for children’s ministry.”

“Little people intimidate me!”

“I’m too busy.”

“I don’t enjoy it.”

“Children are just too rambunctious nowadays!”

None of these excuses have any Biblical credibility. Actually, by citing these things, adults deprive themselves of the great blessing of instilling Jesus in boys and girls in the most formative years. As they reach adulthood, God often uses these years to change them dramatically for the better.

Will you pray for the Lord to send workers into this abundant harvest? Will you consider being one of them? Please contact our children’s director Stephanie Knisely at stephanie.knisely@fbcwaynesburg.org or me at david.bess@fbcwaynesburg.org for more information as to how you can help.

With a shepherd’s heart,

Pastor David