The Bible recognizes the inherent innocence of children, but also their need for wisdom and guidance. From a young age, children need to be led by strong adults who can keep them on a righteous path to help them fulfill their highest potential. A children’s ministry in Jacksonville will be successful only when it recognizes the value and worth in all children, and brings out the best in each child by practicing biblical principles in the ministry. The Bible shows that children are gifts of God, and that God shall lead and instruct children through His faithful servants. A successful children’s ministry is based on biblical truths.
A successful children’s ministry inculcates biblical values. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it,” (Proverbs 22:6). The parents provide the discipline for the child, helping the child become a successful adult by developing self-control, pro-social behaviors, and ethics. A successful children’s ministry in Jacksonville will be one that harmonizes with parental teachings, never challenging the authority of parents but always working with parents to teach children core Biblical values like respect for other people and love of God. In fact, the Bible teaches the importance of honoring one’s parents, from the Ten Commandment to the New Testament: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right,” (Ephesians 6:1).
However important it is for a children’s ministry to inculcate self-discipline and obedience, a successful children’s ministry also needs to appeal to children’s natural inclination towards fun, games, and play. No children’s ministry in Jacksonville would be complete without song, game, and other fun activities that encourage love of God and fellow human beings. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 19:14).
