Kidology Lab Notes: Corrie ten Boom – Lessons in Ministry Courage

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.”
– Corrie ten Boom

When I was a child, one of the stories I learned in Sunday School that stuck with me for life was the story of Corrie ten Boom. I remember sitting in a circle with my classmates, listening intently as my mom shared how a seemingly ordinary woman became a hero of the faith. It wasn’t because she had superhuman strength or wealth or status, but because she trusted in God no matter the cost. Even as a young child, I was struck by her courage, her unwavering belief in doing what was right, and her incredible forgiveness. As I grew older, I came to appreciate how her story speaks directly to the challenges we face as believers, especially as leaders in children’s ministry.

Corrie ten Boom’s life is one that inspires courage and faith. She was born in the Netherlands in 1892 into a Christian family. Her father, a watchmaker, taught her to love God and others. During World War II, Corrie and her family became deeply involved in the Dutch resistance, hiding Jews from the Nazis in a secret room in their home. This courageous act of faith eventually led to their betrayal and arrest. Corrie, along with her sister Betsie, endured the horrors of the Ravensbrück concentration camp. While her father and Betsie died in captivity, Corrie survived and later shared her story with the world, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, faith, and God’s faithfulness even in the darkest of times.

Her story is widely known because it highlights the incredible power of faith in action. The ten Booms risked everything to stand up for what they believed was right, even when it meant certain danger. They did so not out of a desire for recognition but because they trusted God and were determined to live out their faith in obedience to Him. I remember reading a comic version of Corrie’s book, The Hiding Place, as a young boy. It recounts her experiences and the ways God sustained her through unimaginable suffering. Her life’s testimony continues to inspire countless people to stand firm in their convictions and trust God no matter the cost.

As children’s ministry leaders, Corrie’s story is especially relevant. Her life teaches us profound lessons about courage, conviction, and trusting God in the face of opposition. While we are unlikely to face the level of danger or suffering Corrie did, we are called to live out our faith boldly and inspire the next generation to do the same.

Courage in the Face of Criticism

One of the most striking lessons from Corrie’s life is her courage to do what was right, even when it was dangerous. One of the themes in my own teaching with my kids, repeated often is, “What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.” It is a phrase I want my kids to know when they leave my ministry. But this isn’t just true for children. As ministry leaders, we often face far less dire consequences than Corrie faced for her convictions, yet how often do we falter in the face of criticism or disagreement? Perhaps a parent questions your curriculum choice, or a fellow staff member challenges a decision you’ve made. In these moments, it can be tempting to second-guess yourself or shy away from doing what you believe God has called you to do. We don’t work for the approval of anyone other than God!

Corrie’s example reminds us that our confidence should come from God, not from the approval of others. She and her family did not hide Jews because it was easy or popular; they did it because it was right. They trusted God to handle the consequences of their obedience. As ministry leaders, we must have the same fearless confidence in God. When we stand firm in our convictions, we model for the children in our care what it looks like to live a life of faith and integrity.

Teaching Kids to Stand Firm

Corrie’s story also challenges us to instill courage and conviction in the children we minister to. Today’s kids face a world that often pressures them to conform to values and beliefs that contradict God’s Word. As ministry leaders, we have the responsibility to equip them with a faith that is resilient and grounded in truth.

We can teach kids about people like Corrie ten Boom who stood firm in their beliefs, showing them that following Jesus is worth any cost. By sharing stories of faith like hers, we inspire children to trust God and to have the courage to do what is right, even when it’s hard. We can also create opportunities for kids to practice standing up for their beliefs in small ways—whether it’s showing kindness to someone who is excluded or speaking up when they see something wrong. These small acts of courage prepare them for greater challenges later in life.

Faithfulness in Hard Times

Another lesson from Corrie’s life is her unwavering faith in God’s goodness, even in the midst of suffering. When she was in Ravensbrück, surrounded by death and despair, Corrie clung to the promises of Scripture. She trusted that God was with her and that He had a purpose for her life, even in the darkest circumstances.

As ministry leaders, we know that serving in children’s ministry isn’t always easy. There are times of discouragement, conflict, and fatigue. But Corrie’s example reminds us that God’s faithfulness is constant. He strengthens us to persevere and fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives. When we trust Him and remain faithful, even in challenging times, we set an example for the children we serve. They see that our faith is not just words but a way of life that sustains us through every circumstance.

Living Fearlessly for God

One of the most convicting aspects of Corrie’s story is her willingness to risk everything for her faith. In contrast, how often do we let fear hold us back in ministry? We may fear offending someone, making a wrong decision, or stepping outside our comfort zone. Yet, when we consider what Corrie endured for her convictions, our fears pale in comparison.

Corrie’s life challenges us to live fearlessly for God. This doesn’t mean being reckless or insensitive, but it does mean being willing to take risks for the sake of the Gospel. Whether it’s trying a new outreach initiative, standing firm in a controversial decision, or addressing a tough topic with your ministry team, we can trust God to guide us and provide what we need.

Encouraging Kids to Trust God

Finally, Corrie’s story reminds us of the importance of teaching children to trust God fully. One of the most powerful moments in The Hiding Place is when Betsie told Corrie, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” This truth sustained Corrie and can sustain us and the children we minister to.

We can teach kids to trust God by pointing them to His promises in Scripture and helping them see His faithfulness in their own lives. We can encourage them to bring their fears and struggles to God in prayer, reminding them that He is always with them and loves them deeply. By nurturing their trust in God, we prepare them to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.

A Final Thought…

Corrie ten Boom’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to live a life of faith, courage, and conviction. As children’s ministry leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to pass on these values to the next generation. Let her life inspire you to stand firm in your beliefs, trust God in every circumstance, and challenge the children in your care to do the same. Just as Corrie’s faith impacted countless lives, your faithfulness in ministry can make an eternal difference in the lives of the children you serve.

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