In the world of children’s ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of planning lessons, organizing events, scheduling volunteers, and managing the general chaos that comes with working with kids. But amid all the activity, it’s important to pause and reflect on the eternal significance of what we do.
Our work has an eternal impact. Every lesson taught, every game played, and every act of kindness shown is planting spiritual seeds of faith, grace, and the Word, that will grow for generations. In Isaiah 55:11 ESV, the scripture tells us “…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” If we are purposeful in our prayer and planning, weaving these spiritual seeds into our interactions with the kids, we will plant seeds that will produce a harvest for eternity.
Faithful sowing requires consistency, love, and patience. Just like a farmer tending to a garden, the work of sowing seeds in children’s ministry takes time and patience. The seeds get planted, but we may not always see immediate results. Sometimes it will feel like lessons don’t connect or that the impact of our efforts is small, but consistency matters. By showing up week after week, with love and joy, we model God’s love and His faithfulness. Our faithfulness, helps to create an environment where, through the Holy Spirit, those seeds of faith, grace, and the Word, can take root and grow.
We may not always see the harvest, but God is always working. It’s natural to want to see the fruits of our labor, but there are many situations where the seeds we plant today will grow long after we are no longer in a child’s life. Some seeds may sprout quickly, while others may take years to bear fruit. And some may be nurtured and watered by others long after our role in a child’s life has ended. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Trust that God is working, even when the results aren’t visible.
Every small act of service is part of a larger Kingdom plan. In children’s ministry, even the smallest tasks—handing out snacks, wiping up spills, or simply giving a high-five—contribute to the work of the Kingdom. These, and other seemingly minor acts, create a safe and welcoming environment where children feel loved and valued. Touching lives in simple, loving ways, helps to provide good soil for the message of the love of Jesus.
Children’s ministry is about so much more than the tasks at hand. It’s about sowing seeds for eternity. As you continue serving, whether in big ways or small, trust that your efforts are not in vain. Each seed planted is part of God’s greater plan, and He promises that the harvest will come in His perfect timing.
