When Lea (Switzerland) signed up for the children’s ministry elective during her REACH training in South Africa, it wasn’t just a random choice, it was a step toward a calling she felt deeply in her heart. With a background in childcare and experience serving in church and youth camps, Lea already loved working with kids. But she wanted more than passion, she sought a strong foundation for future children’s ministry in her church and believed the elective would give her the understanding she needed.
The elective was part of REACH, a four-month discipleship and missions training program. For two weeks, Lea dove into focused training on how to minister to children effectively, and it changed everything.
She walked away with three powerful truths:
One of the biggest shifts for Lea was learning the importance of prayer in children’s ministry. Before, she focused mostly on planning lessons and activities. But during the elective, her team spent time praying with the local community before engaging with children, and the results were powerful. That experience showed her that prayer isn’t just a nice addition; it’s the foundation of effective ministry.
By the end of the elective, Lea felt equipped and energized. She didn’t just learn why children’s ministry matters; she learned how to do it well. From creative ways to share the gospel, to fun games and songs that carry spiritual meaning, Lea saw how faith and fun can work together to make a lasting impact.
The children’s ministry elective proved to be a game-changer during a later outreach with her REACH team. Faced with limited time to prepare, she leaned on the practical skills and spiritual insights she had gained, and they made all the difference. The elective also equipped Lea to better 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 wasn’t just a class, it was a turning point. It deepened her passion, gave her practical tools and prepared her to serve with confidence. Now, as she gets ready to work with children in Zambia, she knows she’s stepping into her calling with a strong foundation and a heart full of purpose.
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