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Children’s Ministry at a church wasn’t something I’ve ever pictured myself doing before, but nearly 12 years later, I can’t imagine not being in the Children’s Ministry world.  Since we have quite a few new members here, I’ll tell you a little of my story of how I literally fell into this role.

I started teaching Sunday School back in 2003, the year I joined Broadway. I didn’t exactly grow up attending church on a regular basis (I always spent Saturday night at my best friend’s house so I didn’t have to go) so I wasn’t too sure that I was qualified to do so.  After a lot of encouragement and reassurance, I took the plunge, and have no regrets.  I taught Sunday School until 2014 and even moved up with my very first class a few years in a row because I loved them so much.

During the summer of 2014 I received a phone call from a since retired pastor that asked if I was interested in a temporary part time position that would oversee both the Children’s Ministry and Student Life.  Not too far down the road, they quickly realized that handling both active ministries for a part time person would be too much, so the job was split.  I was given the Children’s Ministry to oversee and be responsible for.  Talk about hitting the ground running that first year!  It was a whirlwind.  While I was very active with Sunday School, I virtually knew nothing about the Wednesday Night Ministries.  Totally different vibe from Sunday School!  I inherited a team of dedicated volunteers that had been around for years before I came along and they welcomed me with open arms, which made that transition so much easier!

Since this was a temporary role, around the holidays of 2014, I was asked to stay for a few more months. A few more months lead to where we are now, nearly 12 years later.  My background is actually in Elementary Education, but somehow I landed in Human Resources for my full time job, in addition to being at Broadway part time.

I’ll tell you what I know now:  I love our Broadway kids and really any child, with my whole heart.  Due to infertility issues, I was not blessed with any children of my own.  I believe that I was instead blessed with the gift of relating to children with an open heart. I adore listening to their off the wall stories and receiving art in any form, some of which makes it on my office walls!  These children are my lifeline and I would do anything for them.  It’s amazing to see them learn about the unconditional love that God gives them and they never cease to amaze me.  They literally soak up each lesson we learn and go out into the world with the knowledge that God loves them, no matter what they do. 

When people ask how I manage to do what I do, I don’t really ever have a solid answer. I just want any child to feel welcome, loved and safe in our church. I want them to know that our church is a place they will always be accepted, no matter where they are in life.  I want them to learn, grow, make friends and lay a foundation for their relationship with God and church for the rest of their lives. The seeds of faith planted in our youngest disciples will have a lasting impact and be with them forever.