Whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, assuredly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42 NKJV)

There is something dominant about children’s ministry, something unique and even exclusive. It is the only ministry with a specific promise of reward from the mouth of Jesus Christ. Who can benefit from this promise of reward? What are the requirements? Let’s peel it apart.

Who can benefit from this promise? Jesus said, "Whoever." No need to get bogged down with discovering your spiritual gift in order to meet the requirements of this verse. "Whoever" means what it says, "whoever." Children’s ministry is wide open to people with varying gifts and abilities. Effective children’s workers come in all shapes and sizes.

What skills do I need? Jesus said you have to be able to give "only a cup of cold water." You may not be a master teacher capable of illustrating deep theological truths with a single puppet skit. You may not be able to stop a speeding spit wad. You may not be faster than a runaway preschooler. But if you can get the refreshments from the kitchen to the kid, then you qualify. You have to be willing to serve children, not qualify for the circus.

Who is the target group of this ministry? Jesus was clear that children are the ministry focus of this promise. When He said "one of these little ones" He was directing their attention to the children in His presence. This is a children’s ministry promise. It is not for ushers, greeters, parking attendants, choir members or the ladies auxiliary. It is for those who serve in children’s ministry. Anything anyone does for the Lord is valuable. Not everything, however, qualifies for this particular promise. It is a highly exclusive pledge. The promise is for the individuals and the churches who put time and resources into serving children. However, a children’s ministry does not have to have many kids to expect the Lord’s blessing. Even one child gets His attention.

What are the theological requirements of the promise? Jesus said—and this surprises most folks—that our service can even be done in "the name of a disciple." Even the people who do not know that they are representing the Lord qualify for this reward. Think of that. Some people only serve kids to help the church or save the children’s pastor from going under. They have no clue that it is a ministry unto the Lord. And they can expect reward. You certainly don’t have to be a theological heavyweight to reap the reward of working in children’s ministry. You do, however, have to be faithful to the "disciple" over you. If you’re going to try to run your own independent program then you are in the wrong department. Children’s ministry is for team players. Be loyal to the people over you.

What if I mess up my reward? This may be the best part of all. Your reward is secure. Jesus said you will "by no means lose" it. Let’s face it. If it were possible to mess up our reward, we would surely do it. There is something durable about the reward that this verse promises. The Lord will keep your reward intact.

What can I expect from serving in children’s ministry? The word Jesus used was "reward." Reward is not a dirty word. Hebrews 11:6 teaches that "God is a rewarder." He has no reservations about giving to His children. I leave it to the Lord to figure out how to manifest the reward. I don’t demand that it come in any particular form or timetable. But I do expect reward. I don’t expect it because I have earned it or deserve it. I expect it because He declared it. I am no better than anyone else who serves the Lord. And anything that anyone does to serve Him is valuable and worthwhile. However, I know a little secret. For those who serve in children’s ministry, a little service will produce much reward.