In today’s world, it’s easy to think that bigger, louder, and busier is better. Especially when it comes to kids ministry. We often feel the pressure to fill every moment of a service with activities, entertainment, and excitement to keep kids engaged. But what if the best thing we can do for our kids isn’t about doing more, but about doing less?

What if revival in kids ministry doesn’t start with perfectly planned schedules but with room for God to move?

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Less Noise, More Presence

About two years ago, Casey and I felt God clearly say, “Do less so I can do more.” In obedience, we restructured our service flow, intentionally creating space for Holy Spirit to move. As a result, we began to witness kids hearing God’s voice, encountering His presence, and even experiencing healing during services. This was even taking place in our preschool room. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when we make room for Him.

Kids don’t need a constant stream of activities. They need encounters with God. When we fill every minute of a service or event, we risk crowding out the most important voice they need to hear: Holy Spirit.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

When we allow stillness and simplicity in our services, we create opportunities for kids to experience God’s presence. Quiet moments of prayer and worship can open their hearts to hear Him in ways our words and activities cannot.

Our job isn’t to entertain kids. It’s to lead them to Jesus.

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Trusting God with the Outcome

When we step back and allow space for God to move, we’re not losing control. We’re yield to the One who knows exactly what each child needs. It’s a shift from relying on our own efforts to trusting in His power. And the truth is, God does more in a single moment of His presence than we could accomplish in an entire service filled with our best ideas. When we let go of the pressure to manufacture an experience and instead create an atmosphere of expectancy, we give kids the greatest gift: the opportunity to truly know and encounter Jesus for themselves.

(Stay tuned for Part 2 Simplify to Amplify: A Kids’ Ministry Model)