When Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” he wasn’t just issuing an invitation — he was casting a vision for what the church should be.

He imagined a community where children and youth weren’t an afterthought or a side ministry, but where their laughter, questions, and leadership shaped the very heart of the congregation. Jesus didn’t just tolerate their presence; he centered them.

That’s a radical move — then and now.

Most churches say they love young people. But loving them means more than just offering a children’s moment on Sunday or a youth room with snacks and couches. It means giving them real space — to lead, to ask, to create, to be heard.

It also means being willing to change.

Jesus’s call to “become like children” isn’t about immaturity — it’s about humility, curiosity, and trust. To grow young as a church, we must first be willing to unlearn the idea that our way is always best. Sometimes the Spirit moves through a child’s insight or a teenager’s honest question.

When we listen deeply to those voices, we discover new life stirring among us.

You don’t have to overhaul the entire church to make a difference. Sometimes, it starts with small acts of intentional welcome:

• Know their names. Greeting children and youth by name tells them they matter.
• Invite them to lead. Let young people read Scripture, light candles, play instruments, or help with technology. Worship may feel a little messy — but it will also feel more alive.
• Show up where they are. Attend a game, a recital, or a school play. Presence speaks louder than programs.
• Ask and listen. What do young people in our church dream about? What do they notice that adults might miss? Their insights can renew our vision of ministry.
• Model joy and authenticity. Faith that is warm, honest, and welcoming will always be more compelling than perfection.

These aren’t just tasks to check off — they’re postures of grace. They’re ways of saying, “You belong here, just as you are.”

Take a moment to pause and reflect this week:

• When was the last time you learned something about God from a child or teenager?
• What parts of our church life feel difficult for young people to enter or understand?
• What would it look like for us to “become like children” — to live with more wonder, joy, and openness toward God?

As United Methodists, we promise at every baptism to “nurture one another in the Christian faith and life.” That’s not a passive vow. It means shaping a community where faith is caught as much as it is taught — where the next generation can see, feel, and experience God’s love through us.

Growing young isn’t about chasing trends or numbers. It’s about rediscovering what Jesus said matters most — humility, trust, and shared belonging. When we make room for children and youth, we’re not just helping them grow. We’re helping all of us rediscover the wonder of faith.

Because when young people feel seen, valued, and empowered, the whole body of Christ grows stronger.

So this week, may we open our hearts — and our schedules — to the sacred interruptions of children’s laughter, teenagers’ questions, and the Spirit’s invitation to become young again.