Jesus Speaks

I spent the last three years of my professional life as a Kids Ministry Leader. 

On my last day as a Kids’ Leader, I sat on the floor and stacked colorful solo cups in towers with a fourth grader named Jordyn. Jordyn always comes to Church in a fancy dress with matching jewelry and shoes. She’s the oldest of three. Her younger brother and sister are twins. My friend Jordyn is affected by special needs and stacking solo cups during Kids Ministry is her absolute favorite thing to do. 

We stacked them and knocked them over and laughed together. While we stacked them, I would share how Jesus loves her. Jordan would smile and say things to the effect of “Jesus loves Judah and Jesus loves Zion” (the names of her siblings). 

As I sat with my friend, I was reminded of how much our God loves His kids. He loves them so much that He will speak to them in whatever way they need. For Jordyn, this means talking about the love of her Savior while stacking solo cups. 

It’s time we rethink Kids Ministry. Children need to know that Jesus loves them. That He not only loves them, but he loves how they love him. His love has no boundaries. And yet, in the average church, the story of God's love is taught in a way that only speaks to kids who fit into the box our world has defined. That’s not Jesus. That’s not our Heavenly Father. 

If you’re reading this and you play any role in the Church, a community of believers, I dare you to think different. Go after those kids who maybe need to hear of His love while bouncing on a yoga ball or, in the case of my friend, stacking cups.  

What would Jesus do? I bet he would gladly sit on the floor and stack plastic cups. 

Allison Fournier, Programs and Coaching Manager