I came across a quote recently that I haven’t been able to shake:

“We dare not neglect the spiritual care of toddlers. These little lambs, as unruly as they may be, have tender hearts open to the things of God. Their minds are learning and absorbing more information in those few years than we can possibly imagine.” – Ryan Bush

If you serve in kids' ministry, especially with the youngest age groups, you know how easy it is to overlook toddlers. They're loud. They're messy. They're unpredictable. And sometimes, it feels like we’re just trying to keep the room from collapsing into total chaos.

But Ryan Bush reminds us that these toddler years, as wild and wiggly as they can be, are not just a phase to survive—they’re a season to treasure. These early years are some of the most spiritually formative in a child’s life.

Toddlers Are Tender—Even When They’re Tough

We often think of discipleship in terms of words, lessons, and understanding. But discipleship is also relational. Toddlers may not grasp many abstract theological concepts, but they know what it feels like to be safe. They know what it feels like to be loved.

When we hold a crying child and whisper, “You’re not alone. Jesus is with you,” we’re doing discipleship. When we kneel at their level, smile, and sing a simple song about God’s love, we’re doing discipleship. When we name their emotions and pray aloud with them in the middle of a meltdown, we’re doing discipleship.

They may not remember the words, but they will remember the tone, the posture, and the love behind them.

Ministry to Toddlers Is Ministry That Plants Seeds

One of the great lies we sometimes believe in children’s ministry is that “nothing is sticking.” But neuroscience and child development tell us the exact opposite! A toddler’s brain is developing at a rate it will never match again for the rest of their life. These little ones are always learning—whether we realize it or not.

And spiritual rhythms in toddlerhood? They matter. They might not lead to a deep discussion, but they absolutely lay a foundation. Think about how powerful it is when a child grows up hearing these things from the very beginning:

• “God made you.”
• “Jesus loves you.”
• “We can talk to God anytime.”
• “Let’s worship Him together.”

Those aren’t throwaway phrases. They’re truth statements that begin to shape a child’s sense of identity, security, and belonging.

Equip Families with Rhythms, Not Pressure

As ministry leaders, we’re not only discipling toddlers—we’re also equipping their parents and caregivers. And many of them feel overwhelmed. They want to teach their children about God but don’t know where to start. They’re convinced they’re not doing “enough.”

Our role is to come alongside them with grace, not guilt.

We don’t need to hand them elaborate Bible craft packets or expect them to run nightly family devotionals. Instead, we can point them to small, sustainable rhythms that can fit into the natural flow of life with toddlers.

Here are a few ideas you can offer the families in your ministry:

• Sing a simple worship song at bedtime. Even one verse of “Jesus Loves Me” creates a memory.
• Pray out loud in the car or while changing a diaper. Short, sincere prayers remind kids that God is always near.
• Read a Bible story, even if attention spans are short. Two pages of The Jesus Storybook Bible is still two pages of gospel truth.
• Say, “Jesus loves you” often and with confidence. It’s a phrase that can root deep into a little heart.

These simple practices don’t require extra time, but they do require intentionality. And they add up in a big way.

Don’t Miss the Ministry in the Mess

So whether you’re in a classroom of ten toddlers on a Sunday morning or walking with a new parent through the highs and lows of toddlerhood, take heart: what you’re doing matters more than you know.

Those toddlers with sticky hands and wobbly steps? God is forming something beautiful in them through you. They are not too young. They are not a distraction from “real” ministry.

They are the ministry.

Let’s not miss the sacred opportunities hidden in the giggles, goldfish crackers, and story times. Let’s disciple them with confidence and consistency, knowing that the God who welcomes little children is already at work in their hearts.

And by His grace, the seeds we plant now will grow into something strong and lasting.

Josh Zello has been married to his best friend, Hannah, for seven years, and they have a four-year-old little girl named Avery and a baby boy named Finley. Because of Josh’s passion for early childhood ministry, he has dedicated over fifteen years to serving in preschool ministry, lending his efforts to churches ranging in size from 17,000 attendees to as few as 250. He currently resides with his family in Baltimore, MD. His passion lies in crafting gospel-centered, developmentally appropriate, and thriving preschool ministries. You can find him at JesusLovesPreschoolers.com.