When I started teaching in Faith Bible Church’s 2-year-old classroom almost six years ago, I had no idea the impact it would have on me and how much God would use the opportunity to grow me as His servant.
When I was asked if I would be interested in serving during first service teaching the 2-year-olds, I did not honestly give it much consideration (kind of a theme in my life). I just thought, “We’re called to serve, and man are they cute!”
I’m so thankful I said yes, because teaching those precious little souls quickly became, and still is, one of my happy places: We’re talking right up there with worship in the sanctuary, libraries, and donut shops.
The Holy Spirit works within us when we use our spiritual gifts to serve the Lord and our fellow believers. When I teach these littles each week, I understand better what it means to be a daughter of God. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
“We are partnering with their parents in developing the groundwork of what will hopefully be a lifetime of faithfulness to the Almighty God.”
I understand I’m not over here teaching apologetics or anything. (Thanks, Chris Tornquist, for explaining what apologetics are during the Fundamentals of Faith class!) The kids are still at the phase where the answer to everything is still “Jesus,” and anytime you point to a figure in the Bible with a beard, that’s always Jesus too. However, we are partnering with their parents in developing the groundwork of what will hopefully be a lifetime of faithfulness to the Almighty God.
There are so many wonderful blessings wrapped up in teaching their sweet little hearts. Expanding our own family has been a struggle for my husband and me. Having the opportunity to interact with these cuties each week has helped to ease the sting of that struggle. I still get to experience the snuggles, the giggles and the fun with them.
It is also a blessing to watch how much they change and grow as they turn from 2 to 3, from toddler to child. They come into the class at the beginning of the year more than a little hard to understand and wearing diapers. They usually leave us talking in complete and coherent sentences and fully potty trained. It is a great privilege to watch that metamorphosis take place.
Laura also teaches the 3- to 5-year-olds on Wednesday nights. Photo by Seth Weber.
I believe it is a blessing to provide a safe space for parents to bring their children where they do not have to worry about what is happening while they are away. The peace of mind they have, knowing their child is in the hands of someone who adores them, allows them to focus on connecting to God and growing in their faith for that hour and a half each Sunday.
Then, but certainly not least of all, there is the blessing of knowing you are using the gifts God gave you to serve and glorify Him. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” What better way to do good works than by hanging out with my pudgy-cheeked friends and teaching them about Jesus each week?
One thing about 2- and 3-year-olds: They always keep you on your toes with their hijinks. You never know what they are going to say next, and I love every minute of it.
Like the time we were teaching them about Paul and Silas. The beginning of the story sets the scene with Paul and Silas being attacked before being taken to jail. I chose a very cartoonish picture to depict the scene so as not to make it too scary. As I pointed out the clubs the mob was holding, one little one said, “Those aren’t clubs! Those are maracas!” Apparently, it was a very rhythmic beating.
Another time, I was reading them the Christmas story. When I got to the part with the shepherds in the field, I read the direct quote from Luke 2:10-11: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Before I could read the next line, a little girl shouted, “Hey! That’s what Linus says!”
One Sunday, when they were all sitting down to do a bit of coloring, I heard some humming coming from a little boy. The tune sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite place it. Eventually, the humming turned into full song lyrics (as best as a 2-year-old can do, at least). Finally, I recognized the song and asked, “Are you singing ‘The Final Countdown’?”
“Yes!” he responded, “my Dad likes that song and this one!” Then he broke into his own version of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister. Not what one typically imagines hearing in Sunday School, but still pretty darn impressive and entertaining.
If you have been considering serving in Children’s Ministry but have not yet taken the leap, I cannot encourage you enough to just give it a try. Serving the Lord by serving His people brings glory to Him and many blessings (and possible serenades) to you.
Laura serves in Children's Ministry at Faith Bible Church and is a regular contributor to Faith publications.
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