For the love of kids

 I’ve been working with kids for as long as I can remember; quite literally since I was a kid myself! As the oldest of six children, I grew up helping care for little ones and learning early on just how joyful (and sometimes chaotic!) life with kids can be. When I was twelve, I began volunteering at church alongside my parents in the two-year-old classroom, and I’ve never looked back. In high school, I nannied a sweet little girl with Down syndrome and completed my first classroom practicum in a kindergarten class. Those early experiences shaped me in profound ways and sparked a deep love for children of all abilities. They ultimately led me to pursue teaching in special education and to devote my vocation to walking alongside kids as they learn, grow, and discover who God created them to be. Through it all, one thing has remained true: I absolutely love kids. They constantly teach me far more than I could ever teach them.

I am so excited and grateful to step into leading the children’s ministry at Hillspring and to continue the wonderful work that is already happening here. As pastor Bryan often reminds us, “The youth are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today.” That truth challenges me. Who are the young people in your life? And how are we inviting them to take part in the work God is doing in and through our church right now?

I believe it starts with being present and setting an example. Kids are always watching. They notice how we worship on Sundays, how we serve others, and how we live out our faith during the week. When we grow the fruits of the Spirit in our own lives, those fruits plant seeds in the next generation. I long for our church to be full of life, growth, and good fruit, but just like any garden, that kind of growth requires care and intention.

Our children need to be mentored, taught, and deeply cherished; not only in Sunday school, but throughout the week as well. We are so blessed by our amazing volunteers, and at the same time, the work before us is big. Our kids need to see familiar, caring faces in their classrooms. We need people who teach, sing, play games, and show them that this is exactly where they want to be. When children know they are valued, they grow. And when they grow, our whole church grows with them.

Kirsten Brault (Pronounced: Cure-sten)

Director of Children’s Ministries.