What Jesus said about Children
In this ‘Missions Emphasis Month’ message, Pastor Shane continues with the children's ministry theme from Operation Christmas Child, whose ministry we are highlighting during the 2nd Sunday in October, missions month here at Cornerstone. Click here for the recording of this 10/12/25 Service, and you can fast-forward to 24:23 to get to the start of the sermon.
Our text comes from Hebrews 5.11-14
Introduction
In the US church, we invest the least amount of money in one specific group- children
Data shows that we get the most return on our investment with that very same group
Data on children accepting Christ
85% accept Christ between 4-14 (https://home.snu.edu/~HCULBERT/ages.htm)
The average age at which a child accepts Christ is 9.8 yrs
65% do so before age 12
45% of children involves in Sunday School develop a strong faith
85% is church curriculum for kids involve Bible stories
90% of children’s ministry use multimedia
60% of churches report growth in children’s ministry from year to year
50% of children’s ministry include worship and music
65% of churches hold children’s ministry training
70% of classes are held during Sunday AM service
(https://gitnux.org/childrens-ministry-statistics/)
What Jesus said
- let them come
Mt 19.14- But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
They are to have place in the life of the church and family
His kingdom exists for their well-being
What He said
- he modeled appropriate touch
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them.” – Luke 18:15
We have allowed the fear of inappropriate touch to replace all touch
Children need appropriate physical and emotional affection from parents, grandparents and other meaningful adults
What He said
- when we served them, we serve Him
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5
There is a real sense in which children are the presence of Christ in our world
What He said
- do not offend them
It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin. — Luke 17.2
Jesus reserved some of his harshest criticism for those who offend children
They are to be nurtured, and protected
Our response to this at cornerstone
Invest heavily in your own children and grandchildren- start in your own home
Our children’s ministry needs to be the best we can possibly make it with the resources we have
Kathy and Tom need our help in making our children’s ministry better
When we sow good seed into children, we touch the future in ways we probably won’t live to see
