How to Create a Kids Ministry Where Children Are Celebrated

What if your ministry was the place kids couldn’t wait to invite their friends to?

Not because you had the biggest budget or flashiest lights—but because it’s a space where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. When kids know they matter, they naturally want others to experience that too.

Here’s how you can begin creating that kind of culture—one that fuels both discipleship and outreach.

First, let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean...

• You need to be all “woot-woot!” energy all the time—but you do need authentic joy.

• You need a bajillion volunteers—but you do need healthy ratios and a clear team vision.

• You need to do everything yourself—but you might need to lead the charge.

In Matthew 18:5, Jesus says,

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”

So what does it actually look like to welcome kids well?

When Kids Are SEEN...

Being seen means a child knows, “Someone notices me.” Here’s what that looks like in action:

• A leader greets them by name with eye contact and a smile.

• A volunteer gently says, “You seem a little quiet today—want to talk about it?”

• A leader remembers, “Didn’t you have a soccer game this weekend? How did it go?”

• A child who's overwhelmed during a group activity is quietly offered a different way to engage.

Being seen affirms: You belong here.

When Kids Are VALUED...

Being valued means a child knows, “What I bring matters.”

• A leader asks for their input: “What should we name the group?”

• A child is praised for something specific: “You were such a kind helper today.”

• A child leads part of an activity, reads aloud, or shares a prayer.

• Their talent is invited in: “Would you be willing to draw something for our story?”

This communicates: You are not just welcome—you’re needed.

When Kids Are CELEBRATED...

Celebration turns ordinary moments into lasting impact. And it’s not just for birthdays and big milestones—though those are great too!

Here are just a few things worth celebrating:

• First time visiting your church

• Learning to ride a bike or read the Bible

• Praying out loud for the first time

• Remembering a memory verse

• Bringing a friend

• Helping with setup or worship

• Asking a thoughtful question

• Showing kindness to someone new

• Choosing to follow Jesus

And here are simply, joyful ways to celebrate:

• Stickers, shout-outs, or a “Wall of Wow”

• A personal note from a leader

• Letting them ring a bell or choose the next worship song

• High fives, fist bumps, or a happy dance

• A paper crown for a birthday or new sibling

• Displaying a child’s artwork or project

Celebration communicates: You are growing, and we see it.

Why This Culture Matters

We teach kids about God’s love—but more importantly, we embody it. Kids want to be where they feel good, safe, known, welcomed, and loved.

They want to come back. And they want to bring their friends into what they love.

You don’t need bells and whistles. You just need a community that is authentic, relational, and joyfully intentional about seeing, valuing, and celebrating every child.

Because when a child feels that deeply? They’ll want everyone they know to feel it too.