Five Warning Signs We May Have Lost Focus in Children's Ministry

I've been asking if we have lost our focus in Children's Ministry, but since it may be

difficult to tell if we have, today I'm going to share a few "warning signs" for us to be watching for. If you see these "signs" in your ministry, you may have, "lost focus".

1. Do you focus more on the next "big" event in your children's ministry than you do on helping children actually grow in their own walk with Jesus?
2. Does your curriculum rely on "gimmicks" or "games" to get the interest of children rather than introducing them to the amazing joy which comes from actually spending time in God's Word and using it to grow in their own walk with Jesus?
3. Do you emphasize the "fun" activities, special events or programs when "promoting" your Children's MInistry in place of how children learn how to use God's Word to grow in their own walk with Jesus?
4. Do children talk about the "fun" activities, special events or programs when they talk about what they like about your Children's MInistry instead of how they have learned to use God's Word to grow in their own walk with Jesus?
5. Do children - and teachers - even need to bring their Bibles to class, or do they spend their time on activities and games?

These are just a few questions to consider, but, if you answered, "yes" to any of them, please spend some serious time in evaluating if your ministry has lost focus because you very well may have.

Don't get me wrong. I do believe in using activity to engage children so they are able to learn God's Word and I absolutely believe Children's Ministry should be "fun". I have always wanted children to want to be part of my Children's MInistry, but our focus has to be on God's Word and helping children learn how to use God's Word to grow in their own walk with Jesus. When our focus shifts to anything else, we have lost focus and helping children grow in their own walk with Jesus is far too important for us to lose focus. 

Don't substitute helping children develop a love for God's Word so they can grow in their walk with Jesus with any other thing; no matter how fun and exciting that thing may be. Keep your focus on equipping children to learn how to spend time in God's Word so they grow in their own walk with Jesus.