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Helping Children Thrive Spiritually in the First Five Years

By Sharon Ellard

The earth is flat. The sun revolves around the earth. Babies can't learn.

Technology and research have proven that all three of these statements are false. While the first two statements may not impact children's ministry, the third definitely does.

Little ones are smarter than we think. Not only do they learn to talk, walk, and care for themselves during the first 5 years of life, but they also build attitudes, character, and brain patterns that affect them for the rest of their lives. Early childhood experiences and relationships can change intelligence by 30 percent and interpersonal skills by 50 percent. In one study, 15-year-olds that had received intentional help and guidance during the first 5 years of life had a 16 percent lower juvenile delinquency rate than their peers. In fact, some researchers believe that early childhood relationships and experiences are so powerful they can completely change the way a person turns out.

Recent research is changing how educators and government leaders shape early childhood policies. What does this research mean for children's ministries? As church leaders, we need to respond to the new research in light of Proverbs 22:6. We must stop viewing early childhood ministries as mainly baby-sitting. Instead, we need to view these ministries as one of our best hopes for nurturing future Christian leaders. We need to search out strategies and become more intentional about how we disciple young children.

As we prayerfully invest church resources to nurture the birth of faith, we will help children thrive spiritually-not only in their first 5 years, but also for the rest of their lives.

Sharon Ellard is the early childhood consultant for the Assemblies of God Sunday School Promotion and Training Department, Springfield, Missouri.