This past Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing two of my daughters along with other students from our ministry.  It was an amazing day and a tremendous privilege.  A definite benefit to me being in ministry.

In my last post I shared hard things about having kids in Youth Ministry.  While there are things that are difficult, there are also things I love.

1. My kids get to see us minister to those in need firsthand

I love that my kiddos get to see others served and lives changed firsthand.  They get to experience from a safe distance the power of the gospel to transform lives and set free those enslaved to sin.

I love that my “job” not only allows for, but almost demands for me to live out my faith and ministry in front of my family.  This is not always easy, but is something I cherish deeply

2. My kids get to experience things most don’t

Because my kiddos are ALWAYS with us it seems, they get to experience a lot of really cool things.

They literally grow up at camp.  They are there for the bonfires, the bowling, the small groups, and the retreat weekends.  They participate in mission trips.

Two years ago, we took out (then) 10-year-old with us to El Salvador (you can read more on why we chose to do this here).  Our kids have been on all sorts of mission trips, service projects, camps, and retreats.  While their participation is different from the youth, they do get to experience many things well before most.  They love this…and I do too.

3. My kids love church

My kids genuinely love the church.  It is something we have been intentional to build into their lives.

The church can be a messy and difficult place for sure, but it is the bride that Jesus died for.  I love that my kids love the church.  They love being at church (which is good since they’re always here it seems).

4. My kids know their pastor

If you listened to episode seven of the Longer Haul Youth Ministry podcast, you are aware that one of the key components to students staying in church is liking their pastor.  I love that my kids get an inside track to my pastor.  He makes this easy for them, and I am extremely grateful.

5. My kids aren’t afraid to talk to people

I know, I know, don’t let your kids talk to strangers.

However, I do want my kids to be comfortable speaking to adults and those that are safe.  My kids are unafraid to jump into a game or conversation they see happening.  They are confident with adults and largely speak confidently with them.

6. My kids benefit from my flexible schedule

My job requires me to be gone a lot.  It requires some late nights and people at our house A LOT.

It does however allow for some flexibility.  I am able to be a school events when they come up.  I’m able to go eat lunch with my kiddos.  I am able to be there when I may not otherwise.

Late nights, trips, people at the house; these are tiring and can be crazy.  The flip side though is that I am able to be present when others are not.  I love this about my job.

7. My kids get the best

As I said in the previous post, my kids and family sacrifice a lot.  So when it comes to small groups, camps, DNOW hosts, and similar things, I make sure to give my kids the best.

There’s no shame in this.  My greatest calling after-all is to my family first.  There are some things that I can do to help spur my kids along in their faith.  If I don’t, others likely will not.  They won’t at least in the same sense that I do.

What about you?  What are some things you love about having kids in Youth Ministry?