Advancing Children in Ministry (ACM) exists because Dr. Joyce Vance saw gaps in the church life of children and was lead by God to serve in ways that would begin to close those gaps. While researching the thesis upon which ACM’s core principles are founded, Dr. Vance realized that children could and should benefit from being fully engaged in the life of the church. Children’s church ministry activity is losing engagement to activities outside the church. ACM believes that partnering with churches to provide children with a rich, ministry-oriented church life is key.
There are a couple of reasons this is important. The first reason is the church’s responsibility to spiritually meet the needs of those in the church. The second is the value the children’s involvement with provide the church.
All good ministry work is supported by scripture. Applying what God says about the role of children is critical to align the ministry with Gods desires. ACM’s work rests on two passages that support children’s ministry. These are Proverbs 22:6 and Mark 9:33-37.
“Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (NRSV)
Proverbs 22:6 stresses the importance of parents providing instruction in the home for their children. According to ancient wisdom about children, to “train” a child means to “dedicate” the child, which is a religious duty and not one of “economic” training. To train children in the right way means ensuring that the training is appropriate for the child’s level of learning rather than requiring the child to learn at a level that is not attainable. The training is meant to be such that it helps the child to grow into adulthood. In other words, training prepares the child for life.
This passage expresses one of the strong points of the Hebrew sages, viz., their insistence on the child’s moral training by the parents. The training must begin early in the child’s life when the child’s mind is impressionable. The training aims to steer the child’s heart from “foolishness.”
Along with parents, the church is also responsible for training children. The primary responsibility belongs to the parents, but the Christian community supports the parents in the child’s spiritual transformation. Proverbs 22:6 supports ACM’s plans to partner with churches to revitalize or create children’s ministry across churches. Elementary-age children are at the age of faith development when they are very open to hearing about God and serving him — because they learn by doing at this age. This age is perfect for children’s ministry leaders to build on what parents have taught their children by reinforcing teachings about God and his love for them. Training children involves providing them with teaching opportunities and opportunities to put what they learn into action. That is why allowing children to serve during the worship service is so crucial because it will enable them to experience God’s love through others and by serving others.
Mark 9:33-37
33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (NRSV)
Mark 9:33-37 stresses the importance of seeing children as role models in and of themselves. It is essential for today’s church leaders, Children’s Ministry leaders, and parents to remember Jesus’ words and example and realize that children serve as our role models — in certain ways — just as adults serve as their role models in other ways. We are responsible for ensuring that children are allowed to participate actively in the church —for their sake and ours; hence, encouraging children to serve is not a nicety but a necessity. Most importantly, we can learn from them. Sadly, based on my experience, some adults consider children an interruption when they are allowed to serve during worship. The adults would rather have the children leave the sanctuary so the adults can participate in the service without interruptions or distractions. But children need to see the adults model good behavior, and the adults must provide children with opportunities to gain experience in serving God publicly. In addition, adults need to witness the faith that children manifest. If children are required to leave the entire worship service, they may not have the opportunity to see the love of God demonstrated through serving others. Serving God is about serving others; children must be allowed to serve alongside adults. Again, most importantly, adults in the church need to see the children in their midst not merely as recipients of ministry but also as doers of it. Adults need to witness the greatness of which Jesus spoke. ACM is committed to being a voice for children in the church.
Dr. Vance heard God’s call to move down a path that readied her for the work he had planned during her “retirement.” The passion for children’s ministry enrichment was the fuel God used to encourage Dr. Vance’s educational pursuits and leadership in children’s ministry. Then, ultimately, God’s plan for Dr. Vance to share what has become ACM’s ministry for the church at large; to ensure children enjoy a fulfilling church life. To that end, Dr. Vance formed the nonprofit organization Advancing Children in Ministry, Inc., in Maryland on October 26, 2023. ACM was established to partner with churches to revitalize or create meaningful ways that children can serve in church ministry. The mission of ACM is to ensure that children are provided opportunities to use their spiritual gifts and talents in the Body of Christ. The role of ACM is to ensure that children receive every opportunity to participate as much as possible in the church’s life.