HAVE FUN — Because Joy is Contagious
Fun isn’t optional — it’s a tool! Find out how laughter and flexibility open the door to real learning.
Let’s be honest — kids aren’t coming to church hoping for a lecture. They’re looking for connection, fun, and joy. And the good news? That’s exactly what we should be offering. Because our goal isn’t just to merely teach biblical information; it’s to lead kids into a relationship with Jesus — a relationship that’s full of life, wonder, and JOY.
There’s a common phrase that floats around education and ministry circles: “Christianity is more caught than taught.” And while strong Bible teaching is essential, the truth is — kids aren’t just listening to your lesson… they’re watching your life. They’re asking: “Do you actually like doing this?” “Is church supposed to be this fun?” “Why is this leader always smiling?”
If we want kids to fall in love with Jesus, they need to see that we love Him too — and that we love serving Him. We aren’t just teaching content or passing on information. We’re inviting kids into a relationship with Jesus Christ. And relationships are always more caught than taught.
That’s why joy matters. A lot.
You’ve probably heard the classic saying: “You’re either a thermometer or a thermostat.” A thermometer reflects the environment; a thermostat sets it. And that’s exactly what YOU do in the classroom. If you’re energized, joyful, relaxed, and having a blast — your kids will respond with excitement, energy, and engagement. But if you’re rigid, flustered, or just trying to “get through the lesson,” the kids will mirror that too.
This isn’t just about making your lessons fun. It’s about having fun while you teach them.
When you — the adult in the room — are clearly enjoying yourself, it sends a strong, silent message: This is worth being excited about. This matters. Following Jesus is a joy! And let’s be honest — the average child’s experience with adults often includes being corrected, shushed, or told to settle down. When you break that mold with laughter, playfulness, and positivity, you become someone they’re excited to learn from.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You can’t argue someone into knowing God, and you can’t teach a child into experiencing God. You model it. And the most powerful model we can provide is a genuine, joy-filled love for Jesus, expressed through fun, laughter, and real community.
That means we need to stop taking ourselves too seriously. Things will go wrong. An object lesson will flop. The video won’t play. A kid will say something hilariously off-topic during prayer time. Laugh! Shrug it off. Roll with it. That joy in the face of imperfection models grace and creates a safe, welcoming space.
Remember, Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10). That “abundant life” isn’t just a theological idea — it should be evident in your tone, your attitude, and the way you enjoy every moment with the kids.
We aren’t running a production — we’re building a joyful, grace-filled community of faith. One that says, “I rejoiced when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Psalm 122:1). Church shouldn’t feel like a place of rules and rituals — it should feel like home. A place of belonging. A place of fun. A place where kids can’t wait to return.
One of my favorite sayings is: “LOVE WHAT YOU DO WHAT YOU LOVE.” It’s true in ministry too. If your kids can see that you love what you do, they’ll want to be part of it. That’s the power of joy in ministry. It sets you apart from the “usual grown-up” who’s more concerned about behavior than about the child behind the behavior.
So don’t just plan fun — be fun.
Bring laughter. Bring energy. Bring joy.
Because when you show that you love teaching about Jesus — that joy becomes contagious. And kids will want the faith you have, simply because they see it’s full of life.
Let Me Break it Down:
• Your attitude is contagious — if you’re having fun, the kids will too!
• Don’t take yourself (or your mistakes) too seriously. Laugh. Adapt. Keep going.
• Joy and flexibility create the best kind of learning environment.
• If we’re going to teach about the “abundant life Jesus offers — we should reflect it!
• Kids experience faith most through relationships and community — not just content.
I want my kids to echo the words of King David in Psalm 122:1 where he wrote: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Take to heart the words of C.S. Lewis who said: “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”
My Prayer for You:
“Father, thank You that being in Your house can be a joy, not a duty. Help us make church a place where kids experience laughter, friendship, and deep joy
in Your presence. May Sunday truly become the high point of their week — every week. Let our joy point kids straight to the source — Your heart of love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
FINAL THOUGHT: “Joy today strengthens faith for the journey ahead.”
