By Paul Henderson
It has been a blessing to me to serve the children of Fifth Church as a Shepherd in both the “Flock” (Preschool) and the “Gate” (Elementary) for over six years. I have shared the first day in the Flock with nervous kids as they struggle to leave Mom or Dad’s side and venture into an unfamiliar room full of kids they have never met. I have experienced these same kids developing and moving on to the 56’ers, becoming independent and confident in new situations.
This passage from Isaiah 6:8, “And I said, ‘Here am I.
Send me!’” got me started down a path full of many
rewards and challenges. I had no teaching experience
other than parenthood to prepare me for being a
Shepherd at Fifth, but God showed me that I needed to
stop waiting and just answer His call. Over the years, He
has been faithful to work out the details.
I never would have thought that growing up as an
extremely quiet and shy kid could turn into an asset later
in life. However, I believe God took that experience from
my childhood and showed me how to see through the
eyes of many shy children to help them. Help them first to
get through the door, but more importantly to understand
that they have gifts and talents too. Children thrive on
praise that may seem insignificant to adults. Telling a
child that he is a good jumper, that she is good at solving
puzzles, or thanking the whole group for helping to pick
up their toys can really turn a child’s day around. Building
up kids so that they can know and understand more
about God’s love for them is a wonderful thing, and I have
been blessed to know many great kids and volunteers
over the years.
The children’s ministry is currently looking for a couple of
new ministry partners. I would encourage anyone,
whether you think you have what it takes or not, to say
“Here am I.” God will use and bless you and the children
at Fifth through your step of faith! For more information
about becoming a Shepherd at Fifth, contact Krista
Batdorff at kbatdorff@fifthrc.org.