I love the refreshed vision in children's ministry on building stronger biblical literacy among our kids and leaders. While this positive shift toward knowledge and understanding of God’s Word is a positive one, it opens up an equally important opportunity to challenge kids to put what they’ve learned into action.

This summer in Discovery Land, our children’s ministry, we challenged kids to not only study God’s Word but live it out. Each week during our opening worship set, we give kids the opportunity to stand up and share a situation or circumstance where they applied what they learned from the previous lesson. Our volunteers have been blown away by how kids are not only learning God’s Word but putting it into action.

After studying King Hezekiah, one student stood up and shared how her grandparent was very sick, and she began to pray. The grandparent wasn’t instantly healed, but she knew God heard her prayer and is trusting that He is at work.

After studying Naaman and the young servant girl, we challenged our kids to invite their friends the following Sunday. It was amazing to hear how kids confidently invited friends. Some invitations were turned down, but rather than giving up, our kids turned around and boldly asked more friends until one or two could come to learn about Jesus.

Something powerful happens when kids hear their peers boldly talking about how they put truth into action in real-life situations. Those testimonies set an example for others and create more excitement about learning and applying the truth of God’s Word.

And the impact doesn’t stop with the kids! When volunteers hear kids sharing testimonies, it fires them up to study their lesson at a deeper level, serve more regularly, and tell others about how God is at work. Children’s ministry becomes known as a place of spiritual growth and life transformation, which is far from playtime or babysitting.

Families are impacted, too! When parents see their kids living out biblical truth at home, they are motivated to consistently bring them to church, review the weekly lesson at home, and even consider serving your ministry.

As a ministry leader, how can you create intentional space for kids to speak out and for you to celebrate their steps of obedience? You may be surprised by the testimonies you hear and the momentum they create. Ready? Three…two…one…ACTION!

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Kris Smoll is Founder and Executive Director of Discovery Land Global with over 30 years of experience leading children’s ministries at Alliance Church Appleton, empowering leaders and writing curriculum that kids, volunteers, and parents love around the world! - DLGlobal.org