“I say YES”…Kids & Youth edition

 If you call Kerith your home and you aren’t already serving - would you join us on the journey? Over the summer we will be spotlighting different ministry teams so you can be praying which one to join. Of course even if you’re in a team already, please do take a read of these blogs, as it’s so encouraging to hear what God is doing. You’ll also hear the vision our ministry leaders have to help people find their way back to God through communities growing in their love for God and love for people (for those newer to Kerith - that’s our vision statement as a church!) Today, we hear from our Families Pastor, Kelly.

‘Jesus called a little child to him... “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven... And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:2-5

There’s something deeply special about the faith of children and teenagers – so special that Jesus tells us to become like them! Children’s and youth ministry is a ripe mission field - it’s not ‘kid-sitting’!. It’s where young hearts meet the love of Jesus and the foundations of lifelong faith are laid.

Every week in our kids & youth groups, we get the joy of planting seeds of truth, hope, and love into the next generation. These seeds impact not only this generation but many generations to come! At Kerith, our heart is to see children and young people encounter Jesus in real, life-changing ways.

Alongside worship, reading the Bible, and praying, it’s also in the big questions, chats, and connections between children and leaders where faith begins to grow. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child grasp God’s love for the first time, or choosing to follow Jesus, or deepening their understanding of the love God has for them.

But children’s and youth ministry isn’t just for the young people. When you serve, you’re also reaching their families, friends, and even teachers. God multiplies what happens in a Sunday groups or Friday night hangouts. Just a few weeks ago, one of our 4-year-olds told her class about the Holy Spirit giving us strength—and her teacher was so moved, she shared it with all the parents!

And it doesn’t stop there. I didn’t fully start walking with Jesus until my twenties. About 12 years ago, I offered to start a kids' ministry in a small church, even though I felt unqualified. I can honestly say that God has used the prepping, teaching and talking with young people to teach and speak to me more than almost anything else in my discipleship journey.

Yes, kids and youth church can be noisy, messy, and stretching—but it’s also filled with fun, purpose, and eternal impact. You don’t need to be a teacher, comedian, or influencer. You just need a heart to walk alongside young people and help them discover who they are in God.

Here’s a fun fact: for every adult who joins our team, we can welcome up to nine more young people (depending on their age)! With a growing church congregation, YOU can be the person to make that happen.

Together let’s raise a generation who shine God’s light and walk in His good plans.