As children’s ministry leaders, we are entrusted with one of the most significant roles in the church: to help lay the foundation of faith for the next generation. But what if the first step toward that foundation isn’t about the Bible story we teach, the craft we prepare, or even the fun activities we plan? What if it’s something much simpler, yet infinitely more powerful—how we make children feel in those first moments when they walk into our ministry?
I’ve learned this truth the hard way over the years: before a child hears your truth, they need to feel your love.
When a child first steps into our classrooms, halls, or sanctuaries, they are often coming with emotions we cannot see. Some may walk in excited, but others might be hesitant, shy, or overwhelmed. Some may come from homes where love is abundant, while others may have no idea what it feels like to be truly seen, truly valued. Before we can teach them the Word, we must first show them the love of God in a way they can feel.
Think about it: when was the last time you truly learned something that impacted your life? Wasn’t it when you felt seen, heard, and cared for? The first impressions we make as children’s ministry leaders are far more than a casual greeting. They are an invitation to come and experience a community where love is not just spoken, but demonstrated.
Why This Matters More Than We Think
The work we do is more than just teaching children about Bible stories or helping them memorize scripture. It is about shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation to understand the incredible love God has for them. That love isn’t a concept—it’s a feeling. It’s not abstract; it’s tangible in the way we engage with them, in the way we smile at them, in the way we create an environment where they feel they truly belong.
Think about a child’s first impression of your ministry. What do they experience? Is it a feeling of warmth and safety? Do they sense that they matter, even before they step into the lesson or activity you’ve planned? This feeling of safety and value will set the stage for everything that follows. And it’s in those first moments that we lay the foundation for trust and openness—two things that will deeply affect the child’s spiritual growth.
Training Volunteers to Create an Atmosphere of Love
As leaders, it is our responsibility to create a culture where volunteers understand the deep significance of their role—not just in teaching, but in how they make children feel. Volunteers may not be aware of just how powerful their presence can be. From the warm smile at the door to the kind words shared during a difficult moment, the way they welcome kids can make all the difference.
This is where we come in. We must train our volunteers not only in how to lead children through lessons, but in how to create an atmosphere of love. We must show them the importance of first impressions and empower them to be intentional in their interactions with kids.
Some practical ways to incorporate this include:
Start with the Welcome: Teach volunteers to greet every child warmly and personally, using their name whenever possible (name tags are a great cheat sheet…don’t worry, take a quick glance. We won’t tell!). At the end of the day, a friendly smile and a thoughtful greeting can go a long way in making a child feel seen and safe.
Body Language Matters: Encourage volunteers to kneel down to a child’s level, making eye contact, and listening intently. Simple actions like these communicate that the child is important and valued.
Create Safe Spaces: Volunteers should know how to create environments that feel safe—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Kids will open up to what they hear once they feel safe to be themselves.
Model God’s Love in Action: Every volunteer should understand that they are modeling God’s love through their actions. What they do speaks just as loudly as what they say.
Be Patient and Present: Show volunteers the importance of being present with children. Put the phones away. Cut the side conversations with other volunteers short. Kids can feel when we are distracted or disconnected, but they also feel when we are fully there for them.
The Ripple Effect of Love
The beauty of this work is that love never stops with us. When a child feels loved, they begin to reflect that love outward. When they feel seen and valued in your ministry, they begin to see and value others in their world. The effect of showing them love will ripple out far beyond their time with you, impacting their family, friends, and even the way they view God.
We are not just teaching lessons and monitoring rooms; we are shaping hearts that will one day lead, love, and serve others. If we want them to know the love of Jesus, we must first show them what love looks like in action.
A Call to Action for Every Children’s Ministry Leader
As we continue our work, I want to encourage every children’s ministry leader out there: embrace the profound significance of first impressions. Invest in training your volunteers to not only teach but to love deeply. Let them know that how they make children feel will shape the future of those children’s faith.
It is a sacred task, and we cannot afford to overlook it. Every greeting, every smile, every act of kindness matters. It’s not just about filling a seat; it’s about planting seeds of God’s love in young hearts.
Let’s commit to making love the first thing children experience when they step into our ministries. Because before they hear the truth, they need to feel the love. And in that feeling, we prepare them for the truth that will change their lives forever.
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