For Lea, the children’s ministry elective was more than just a training — it was a transformative experience that equipped her for a greater purpose.
When Lea (Switzerland) chose the children’s ministry elective during REACH in South Africa it wasn't a random decision — it came from her deep passion for working with children. With an apprenticeship in childcare and experience in church and youth camps, she was no stranger to engaging with children. However, Lea wanted a solid foundation for future children’s ministry in her church and felt the elective would provide the understanding she needed.
The elective was a two-week training during REACH, a four-month missions discipleship training programme.
Lea summarised the key lessons from the training in three powerful truths:
- The Bible clearly teaches that children hold a significant place in God’s Kingdom.
- Adults have a responsibility to lead children closer to Jesus through teaching and example.
- The massive number of children worldwide presents an incredible mission field, and their hearts are often open and receptive to the gospel.
Through the children’s ministry elective, Lea recognised the importance of prayer in children’s ministry. Previously, she prepared lessons and programmes without much focus on prayer. However, during the elective, Lea experienced how prayer transformed ministry when her team spent time praying with the community beforehand and saw striking results. This experience encouraged her to incorporate prayer as a foundational element of every aspect of ministry.
By the end of the two weeks, Lea felt not only prepared but also motivated. The elective taught her both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of children’s ministry. She appreciated the practical tools it offered, from creative ways to effectively share the gospel to new games and songs to engage children. Seeing how games could carry spiritual meaning gave Lea fresh ideas for blending faith and fun in meaningful ways. These moments showed her how creativity and faith could work together to make a lasting impact on children and, therefore, their communities.
The elective provided invaluable knowledge during a later outreach with the REACH team. Although Lea had little time to plan, the skills she gained during the elective weeks made the process smoother. Additionally, the elective helped her adapt to new cultural contexts, an essential skill as she transitioned to working with children in a different environment.
For Lea, the children’s ministry elective was more than just a training — it was a transformative experience that equipped her for a greater purpose. It strengthened her understanding of the importance of children’s ministry, deepened her passion for working with children and gave her the tools to make a meaningful impact. She left feeling ready to step into this calling, knowing she had been prepared for the work ahead. The skills and understanding she gained gave her confidence, especially as she prepares to work with children in Zambia.
For more information about children's ministry visit: https://www.om.org/eng/catalytic-ministries/children-families