Here at Cornerstone Fellowship we have 11 people on our team and only 4 of them are men. I have to say that I am so grateful for those men and the energy that they bring to our team. Their minds work in a whole different way than us women and we laugh a lot but they have such a great view of life—a much different view (at times) than us women. Just the same, our Brentwood volunteer team has 31 women to 5 men. I truly believe that to be the most effective for our kids that MUST change.
In the article I read out of the CM Magazine I learned some important truths about Men serving in Children’s Ministry. First, and I believe most important,, the Bible says Fathers (men) should teach children the truths of God. There you go no “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts” about it; God has called the men to teach our children.
The second truth that hit home is that “only a Man can be a male role model”. This seems simple, but HUGE. In our church I know of too many boys that really need that extra male attention and a Godly male example …..and they are not getting it. One or two male volunteers cannot impact a group of 20-30 boys the way that they need to. And, the obvious, we as women cannot relate to these boys like they need.
The third truth that I learned, Men reduce discipline problems in the classroom. WOW, I am sold—we need you men to step in and help us gain control. Sadly, when even a few kids are acting up it tends to ruin the overall vibe and tone of the classroom. Therefore, the lesson may not be as effective for the other kids.
The fourth and last thing that really hit home was this. Men leaders spice up the classrooms. Let’s face it—boys like the rough and tumble feeling that only a Man can bring. Men play different and kids just know it. Men may not be the one who a child runs to when hurt or even sad, but kids always seem to know who will be the most fun to be with… the man in the room or even better - Dad.
One of the many things that I love about Cornerstone Fellowship is this, our Children’s Ministry is not girly. The Men on our team make sure of that and when things start looking girly they let us know. So MEN ARE WELCOME and they will not be working in a girly ministry or environment.
On a personal note, I know how much my kids just love having their Daddy (Dave) serving in their classroom on Sundays. My husband (their Dad) is a hero in their eyes. They see him very little in the week so Sundays is a great time for them to see him and enjoy him. And as that Hero they look to him to see Jesus and they learn so much from him. Honestly, in our home they learn the most from Dave (I am so not the scholar of the house). They love that Daddy will get down and play with them—Daddy’s can make children’s eyes light up like nothing else can.
I challenge you today to invite a Man to serve in Children’s Ministry with you, or encourage your husband to check things out in your child’s class—I know he will NOT be disappointed in what he will find there…..HUGE REWARDS!