Are the children and youth at your church waiting until they are all grown up to serve as leaders? Children have great energy and are already compassionate individuals with a desire to serve God and make the world a better place. In case they have never thought about it before, it’s time to invite them to serve as leaders.

Taking the lead starts with a child, or a group of children, with a willingness to dream. Dreams often start with the realization of a need. When the children identify a need, they can begin brainstorming about what they can do to address the need with compassion and kindness.

• If a child wants to do something for a classmate who has cancer, they could put together a card-making party to create cards of encouragement and cheer.
• If a child likes reading books, they could organize a team of children to read to residents at a care center once a month.
• If a child would like to welcome other children to worship, they could partner with an adult to distribute activity bags and bulletins and then post a sign-up sheet inviting others to join their welcome team.

Children will be most successful when they lead projects that are age-appropriate and have adult support to help them work through the details (ex: calendaring, supplies, transportation, communication, etc.). A child leader’s willingness to listen to input from adults, and from other children who have chosen to be a part of the project, will be an example of trust, respect, and cooperation. If training is needed, children often learn quickly when an adult demonstrates how something should be done.

If your child leaders need a little inspiration, these young people in the Bible were willing to lead and serve:

• Josiah became a king at age eight and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (II Kings 22:1-2)
• Miriam helped to save the life of her baby brother, Moses, when she was told to watch over him as he floated in the Nile. (Exodus 2:1-9)
• A young boy in a crowd was willing to share his five loaves and two fish to feed many others. (John 6:1-13)

Children have gifts of leadership and service that are waiting to be discovered and cultivated. Now is the time to invite them to share their God-given gifts to serve God as they serve others.