Children "hear" our actions louder than our words. Often kids watch us before they understand the message we are communicating. Our modeling and application need to be as true as the story we teach. What their eyes see penetrates deeper into their souls than what their ears hear. That's why it's so important that volunteers in children's ministry model authenticity and community.

In children's ministry, community occurs in two ways:

1. When sincere adult believers build a relationship with kids by investing in their spiritual growth and becoming involved in the lives of the children. Volunteers greet the kids, listen to their stories, ask how their week is going, laugh with the kids, and become a friend.



2. At an adult level when members of the ministry team become connected through sharing about themselves and serving together. Team members intentionally share their struggles, weaknesses, and strengths with one another, keep each other accountable, grow together spiritually, and help and encourage each other. This can happen as you gather before or after the hour for 15 minutes and connect with each other.

Authenticity comes from people who know themselves and their need for a Savior. They are honest and genuine. They aren't trying to impress anyone. Their concern is to help others grow in Christ-likeness. They treat others with kindness, encouragement, and love. Kids can tell when a person is authentic or not. They will trust and feel safe with the volunteer who gets down on their level, looks them in the eyes, remembers their names, and treats them with respect.

By modeling community and authenticity, children will be drawn toward the truth of God and be moved toward salvation and spiritual growth.

Copyright © 2005 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Shepherding'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.