The Ripple Effect of Children’s Ministry on Church Growth

For a church to thrive, its members must be fully invested in its mission. At my church, LifePointe, our mission is “to help people live their Life Point”—where their gifts, talents, and passions intersect with God’s will. When this mission was first written, children’s ministry may not have been the primary focus, but as Pastor of Children & Families, I see firsthand how engaging kids in their faith creates long-lasting buy-in to the church’s mission.

I often think about this through the lens of ripple effects. Growing up in Florida, I spent countless hours throwing objects—and myself—into the water, aiming to make the biggest splash. Similarly, we want to create the biggest spiritual impact in the church, and I believe it starts with children.

How Do We Foster Church Buy-in with Kids?

1) Biblical Hospitality in Children’s Ministry

Mark Dever says, “What you win them with is what you win them to.” Our children’s ministry should reflect the warmth and hospitality of the gospel. This means:

• A visually inviting and welcoming space that reassures parents.
• Friendly volunteers who greet families warmly.
• Safe, clean environments for kids to learn and play.
• Engaging, age-appropriate gospel-centric curriculum.

A cold, unwelcoming church contradicts the message of Christ. The gospel is alive with excitement, wonder, and transformation—our children’s ministries should be too. Creative teaching methods such as videos, songs, and interactive activities make learning about God fun and memorable, helping children feel a true sense of belonging.

2) A Gospel-Centered Approach

Many young adults leave the church because they were not given a full picture of the gospel as children. Too often, lessons have been moralistic, focusing on behavior modification rather than heart transformation. Some might even say it was boring. Are we simplifying the gospel so much that kids can’t distinguish it from societal values? I would argue that the Bible is the most interesting book that has ever been written, and if it’s boring to kids, then the person teaching is bored with the Scriptures or they need to find another serving area in the church.

Children deserve to hear the full truth:

• The Bible is real, and the people in it had struggles like they have.
• Sin is anything we think, say, or do that disobeys God. (I use hand motions to teach this: point to my head, my mouth, and out. Then I hold my hands open as if I were holding a Bible)
• Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus. (Use motions)
• They are known by God, loved by Jesus, and led by the Holy Spirit. (Use motions)

The Impact We’ve Seen

Since implementing this approach:

• Over the last six months we’ve welcomed 52 first-time guests (fifth grade and younger), with 39 becoming regular attendees.
• Our Sunday attendance has grown from 55 to 112 (birth–5th grade).
• In two years, we’ve baptized 56 children, with countless more expressing interest in following Jesus, and are having conversations with their parents about the gospel at home.
• We have also seen a 25% increase in VBS attendance over the last two years and are praying for God to send us 1000 people on our campus this year.

By regularly reinforcing biblical truths, children invite friends, beg parents to return, and deeply engage with their faith. Each gospel-centered interaction creates ripples—”What is sin?” Splash. “What is repentance?” Splash. “You are loved by Jesus.” Splash. The more ripples, the greater the impact.

I truly believe the biggest spiritual waves in the church can come from the smallest souls. The children we high-five and encourage aren’t just the Church of tomorrow—they are the Church of today! You don’t need to water down the gospel to get kids engaged; you only need to stand on the Truth that lives throughout the pages and call kids to do the same.