Current research on the church and other related non-profit ministries with a focus on children’s ministry often shows what the future of children’s ministry will look like. Through observing various statistics, opinions, and reflections, researchers are striving to understand the best methods and practices for children’s ministry. As someone who has worked with young children both inside and outside Christian circles at schools, churches, and camps, there seems to be one thing every young child craves: meaningful relationships. Along with this craving for meaningful relationships, children are very impressionable. Because of this craving for meaningful relationships and their impressionability, children will most often listen and respond to individuals whom they look up to and know they can trust. Through seeing the direction of current research on children’s ministry and from what I know and have learned about young children, I would like to see current research guide church leaders, parents, and mentors on how to best equip children to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
As a current student at one of the largest Christian universities in the world, I am surrounded by individuals who have some level of faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. I have been able to get to know many of them throughout my time at this university and have seen their current state of faith and relationship with Christ as well as hear and learn about their backgrounds and upbringings. The thing that has surprised me the most through these interactions and relationships with fellow believers my age is how many of them still do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They know the facts, grew up in church, and maybe even attended a Christian school – but there is no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If this is the case at a Christian university, then I would have to believe this matter is only elevated at secular colleges.
This issue can stem from a variety of different sources, but I believe that children’s ministry can do a better job in helping with this problem. Most children’s ministries I have studied, seen, and experienced emphasize learning, reciprocating, and fun. The children are taught Bible stories, sing songs, memorize verses, share prayer requests, and learn to read the Bible and pray on their own. Through it all, there are often games and prizes to try and make things appealing and fun. None of this is wrong or bad, but I believe it can be better.
Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” I include this verse because it seems that some church leaders, parents, and mentors have approached ministry to children in a way that switches the verse to say, “Train up a child in the way he should know.” Maybe some of the shortcomings in children’s ministry has to do with this reality – that the emphasis is placed more on knowing the facts rather than on the going and applying.
My passion and calling to work with children are rooted in everything I have written here and experienced throughout my life. There is a need for assisting church leaders, parents, and mentors on how to best equip children to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ. While I desire to see current research affect this area of ministry, I know this season of preparation through my education is equipping me to go and show children that the most meaningful relationship they can ever experience is with Jesus Christ.
From a young age, I was immersed in the life of the church, where I grew up serving in various roles. My journey into ministry began as a Sunday school teacher and grew over the years into a deeper commitment to serving children and families in the church. I have always felt a strong sense of calling to work with children—guiding them in their faith, helping them grow spiritually, and equipping their families to be the primary faith nurturers. This passion has driven my educational and professional journey, leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Children’s Ministry and, eventually, to become the Children’s Pastor at my church.
As a child, I was actively involved in the church, playing the piano for services, leading music, and directing the choir. These experiences laid a foundation of service and leadership that has influenced my life in ministry. After earning a degree and a master's in Spanish Language and Culture, I became fluent in three languages—Portuguese, Spanish, and English—skills that have allowed me to connect with diverse communities and to reach children from various cultural backgrounds. For over a decade, I worked as a teacher, and this experience gave me valuable insight into how children learn and develop. It also strengthened my desire to serve them, not only in an educational context but also in a spiritual one.
When I moved to the United States eight years ago, I began volunteering in my church’s children’s ministry. This was a pivotal moment in my life, as it allowed me to channel my teaching experience into a ministry that was close to my heart. I soon felt the calling to pursue formal training in Children’s Ministry, and I enrolled in a Master's program at DUB (MA in Children’s Ministry). This program deepened my understanding of child development from a Christian perspective, helping me to refine my approach to teaching and leading children in their faith.
Four years ago, I was blessed to step into the role of Children’s Pastor at my church. In this position, I am not only able to lead children in worship and biblical teaching but also equip parents to be the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. I firmly believe that the family plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s faith, and my ministry focuses on partnering with parents to build strong foundations in the home.
Working with children brings me joy and fulfillment, and I consider it a privilege to serve in this capacity. My calling to children’s ministry is rooted in my love for children, my desire to see them grow in their faith, and my passion for supporting families in this essential work.
