Ministering to early childhood-aged kids is a beautiful and rewarding journey. While providing excellent childcare is essential, your ministry to young ones is about so much more than just keeping them safe and entertained. It's about laying the foundation for their spiritual growth and loving them to Jesus from the very beginning.

The formative years of a child’s life are crucial for shaping their understanding of God's love. During this stage, children are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. This is your opportunity to sow seeds of faith, kindness, and love that will grow throughout their lives.

Here are some practical ways to love early childhood-aged kids to Jesus:

1. Pray Over Them: Begin each session with a heartfelt prayer for the children. Pray for their growth, protection, and understanding of God's love. Let them hear you pray, so they know they are loved and valued by God.

2. Use Bible Stories and Songs: Integrate simple Bible stories and songs into your routine. Choose stories that highlight God's love, care, and protection. Use engaging visuals and interactive elements to make the stories come alive.

3. Model Christ-like Behavior: Children learn by watching adults. Show them what it means to love like Jesus through your actions. Be patient, kind, and compassionate in every interaction. Your behavior sets the tone for how they will understand Jesus’ love.

4. Create a Safe and Loving Environment: Ensure that your ministry space is welcoming and safe. A secure and loving environment helps children feel comfortable and open to learning about Jesus.

5. Engage with Parents: Partner with parents to reinforce the teachings at home. Provide resources and suggestions for parents to continue faith-building activities throughout the week. A strong church-home connection amplifies the impact of your ministry.

6. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the little moments of spiritual growth. Whether it's a child remembering a Bible verse or showing kindness to a friend, celebrate these victories to reinforce positive behavior and learning.

7. Use Creative Activities: Incorporate crafts, games, and hands-on activities that tie into the Bible stories and lessons. These activities help reinforce the message and make learning about Jesus fun and memorable.

As you continue to love these young ones to Jesus, remember that your efforts have eternal significance. You are planting seeds of faith that will grow and flourish in their lives.

​Together, let's love our littlest ones to Jesus and make a lasting impact on their lives and faith journeys.

Ryan Frank is a pastor, publisher, and entrepreneur. He and his wife Beth are the founders of KidzMatter.