Life can be rough sometimes. We all get our fair share of bumps and bruises along the way, but wouldn’t it be nice if life had a pit stop for banging out dents. As rough as we think we have it, kids have it just as bad (and sometimes worse). And for a lot of them, their time with you at church is the closest thing they’ll get to a pit stop. Every week they do a lap around life’s track, enduring emotional and spiritual bumps, before they come screeching into your presence. This is your chance to bang out some dents and refuel those kids for another lap. One of the best ways to do that is through encouragement. Give this a try:
Call out the truth in them. How often do you notice or think something positive about someone, but fail to share it with them? If all you did was to give voice to the wonderful things you notice or think about the kids in your ministry, you would light up their week.
I’m glad to see you. If kids know that their presence brings joy to people, they’ll want to come back over and over again. A simple “I’m glad to see you” reinforces that they are someone worth knowing and they're welcome in your church.
I missed you last time. If one of the kids in your ministry was gone the previous week, let them know you noticed. This will help your kids realize they’re an integral part of the community.
Great answer! I like how you think! Unfortunately, kids are far more prone to hearing someone tell them they’re “dumb” than they are to have someone call out their brilliance. When you bring positive attention to a kid’s answer and thought process, it encourages them to participate all the more in the future.
Develop an arsenal of encouragement. Have some “go to” words of encouragement that will brighten your kid’s day. Like these…God thinks you’re awesome! Way to go! You’re a really cool kid! Great idea! You’re the best! That was awesome! Nice try! You’re a lot of fun! You make me smile! I can’t wait to see you again! Jesus loves you and so do I!
