Children’s Ministry Begins With Parents
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
Psalm 78:4
We are reminded in Psalm 78:4 of the responsibility to declare the works of our God to the next generation. This truth frames the heart of children’s ministry: it begins with parents. God has entrusted parents with the primary calling to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). The church does not supersede this responsibility but comes alongside parents to both equip and train them in this task.
Home discipleship is strengthened as the church makes disciples of every member. A strong adult education and discipleship ministry can naturally overflow into a strong children’s ministry, because parents can only pass on what they themselves are learning and living. The church trains parents through solid preaching, adult classes, counseling, and resources that encourage each member to fulfill their role to make disciples in the home. Assisting parents means providing safe, Christ-centered ministry for children, training covenant parents to teach and lead, and creating opportunities for children to learn, worship, and serve alongside other members of the congregation.
Children’s programs can never replace the need to disciple parents so they may better disciple their families. A children’s ministry that only provides “childcare” misses the covenant vision. Instead, children’s ministry must reinforce the parents’ role and provide tools that connect
church and home. Children’s ministry is most healthy when it is integrated into the life of the church, and flows out of the church’s discipleship of parents and families.
You may have noticed some ways in which children’s ministry is becoming more visible and resources more available. Here's the latest one. As you walk from the foyer to the children’s education wing, you will see a new wall with shelves featuring numerous examples of resources to support the discipleship of children.
Please browse the shelves. Each of the books can be purchased at the Presbyterian Church in America Children’s Discipleship Ministries bookstore: https://www.pcabookstore.com/
Some books that we highly recommend include:
Show Them Jesus
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-9413-show-them-jesus-teaching-the-gospel-to-kids.aspx
Heirs of the Covenant
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-2092-heirs-of-the-covenant.aspx
A Neglected Grace
https://www.pcabookstore.com/p-9176-a-neglected-grace-family-worship-in-the-christian-home.aspx
Also on the wall you can find copies of the New Life in Christ Children’s Protection Policy. Feel free to share suggestions and questions by reaching out to Hannah or dropping a note in the suggestion box. There is a place for every covenant member to serve, thereby passing on the faith to the next generation.