Sometimes God’s calling comes not as a dramatic moment, but as a persistent whisper that grows louder over time. Pastor Natalie McCoy’s journey from a very successful special education teacher and consultant to an amazing children’s ministry pastor illustrates how God often prepares us for our calling through our prior life experiences. [CLICK ABOVE for the entire, amazing conversation! Continue reading for some highlights!]
How Does God Prepare Us for Ministry?
Natalie’s calling to ministry didn’t begin in a church office—it started in childhood. Her mother regularly volunteered at their church nursery and at the Charles Lee Center, which served students with special needs. Young Natalie would accompany her mother, learning early that Christian faith isn’t just about believing, but about doing.
“‘Come follow me’ is an active participation call,” as Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry. This early exposure to both ministry and special education would later prove foundational to Natalie’s calling.
Recognizing the Progressive Nature of God’s Call
After becoming a special education teacher and later co-authoring books and consulting nationwide, Natalie seemed to be living her dream. She was making a huge difference in the world of education, traveling, and earning well. Yet God was weaving together her experiences in ways she couldn’t yet see.
Throughout her adult life, Natalie consistently served as a volunteer in children’s ministry. When churches lacked programs for certain age groups, she would ask permission to start them. She found herself thinking about lessons all week long, constantly considering how to better reach children with the gospel of Jesus.
What Does It Feel Like When God Won’t Let Go?
The calling to full-time ministry began as a whisper Natalie initially dismissed. “Maybe, surely that’s not what I’m hearing. I’m good where I am,” she thought. But the calling grew louder, and different people began speaking into her life through the Holy Spirit.
The Struggle of Leaving Security
Even with a supportive and encouraging husband and business partner, the decision wasn’t easy. Leaving a successful consulting business for ministry meant leaving financial security and professional recognition. Her husband Ben asked a pivotal question: “What are the next steps in your life? What do you see yourself doing in your next chapter?”
During this season of discernment, while driving one day, the hymn “Here I Am, Lord” came powerfully to mind: “I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, where you lead me.”
Why Children’s Ministry Matters More Than You Think
Many people still refer to children’s ministry as “childcare,” but this perspective misses the profound impact of intentional ministry to young hearts. True children’s ministry isn’t about watching kids while parents have “adult discipleship” — it’s about forming faith from the very beginning.
Ministry Starts at Birth
Even in the nursery, volunteers sing “Jesus Loves Me” to babies and play music that tells them who they are in Christ. Toddlers learn foundational truths: “God made me, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my best friend forever.”
As children grow, they discover that Bible stories aren’t isolated tales but part of God’s big rescue plan. They develop a biblical worldview that will serve them when the world teaches them something different.
What Does Effective Children’s Ministry Look Like?
At Chapin Christian Community Church, the WAVE children’s ministry serves kindergarten through fifth grade with intentional programming:
– Sunday mornings : Kids worship and Sunday school for all ages
– Sunday afternoons : Focus on missions and serving, teaching children to be missionaries even at age six
– Wednesday afternoons : Club 4 or 5 for fourth and fifth graders
– Growing Faith : Opportunities for children to explore and deepen their relationship with Jesus
The Power of Committed Volunteers
The Wave ministry currently requires about 250 volunteers—and there’s always room and the need for more. What’s remarkable is that most volunteers who start continue serving long-term. Many have served for over 20 years, even after their own children have grown up and aged out of the ministry. They serve because they have a heart for teaching children about Jesus.
How Do We Support Families as the Primary Disciplers?
While children’s ministry is crucial, parents and guardians remain the primary disciplers of their children. The church sees children once a week for an hour or two; families have them every day.
To support families, the ministry provides:
– A family resource wall with vetted books on topics like grief and special needs
– Encouragement for parents to engage in daily faith conversations
– Resources to help families grow together spiritually
What Does Success Look Like in Children’s Ministry?
Success isn’t measured in programs but in transformed lives. Recently, a father brought his daughter to Pastor Natalie after kids worship. The little girl excitedly announced, “I have surrendered my life to Jesus!”
Also super-encouraging are the stories of children becoming disciple-makers themselves:
– A fourth-grader who led her long-distance friend to Christ through phone conversations
– Two girls who gave their friend a Bible and now read together at school
– Children who naturally ask, “How can we share Jesus today with somebody?”
Life Application
Pastor Natalie’s story challenges us to examine how God might be preparing us for greater kingdom service through our current experiences. Whether in education, business, parenting, or any other field, God may be weaving together your skills and passions for His purposes.
Please take some time to consider how you might respond to God’s calling in your life. Perhaps it’s volunteering in children’s ministry, supporting families in your community, or simply being more intentional about sharing your faith with others.
Questions for Reflection:
– What experiences has God given you that could be preparation for greater kingdom service?
– How are you currently using your gifts to point others toward Jesus?
– If God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone, what fears are holding you back?
– How can you support the primary disciplers (parents and guardians) in your community?
Remember, following Jesus isn’t always easy, but as Pastor Natalie discovered, “Every time you’ve made decisions when you followed Him, they are always good. They may be scary, but they’re always good.”
For our complete conversation – with a very special “surprise” at the end – please checkout my Leading By Following podcast!
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