At every infant baptism at Montrose Church, Pastor Dave reminds us of the importance of children in the life of the church...“this should be the most loving, welcoming, and safe place for them,” he says. It is in Children's Church and other children’s programs that these children get to learn about the love of Jesus through the adults that care for them.

Montrose Church has over 200 children, from newborn through sixth grade, in attendance on any given Sunday - you might not ever know that if you don’t stop in and visit Valley Vista Preschool, our offsite children’s facility. Karren McClenahan and Richard Villa are “lifers” in teaching Children's Church.

Karren first taught 5th and 6th grade Sunday School at another church when her son (Montrose Church Worship Arts Pastor, Eric McClenahan) was in 5th grade - 20 years ago. Coming from a Young Life background, Karren saw the need to keep 5th and 6th graders interested and wanting to come to church programs weekly, which meant something different from what the little ones were doing and not quite as advanced as the middle schoolers. When Karren is teaching, there are always games and candy and other goodies that keep her kids entertained. She said, “Honestly, I think it’s the most fun ministry that I could be involved in!” But why has she been doing it consistently for 20 years? Karren is the mother of Kelly, who has cerebral palsy and requires extra attention but she said that she believes that everyone should be volunteering where their schedule permits, and Sunday School has always been a place that she is able to be available. She also believes that it is the consistency of the volunteers in Children’s Ministry, more than any other ministry, that make it a safe, comfortable place for regular attendees and visitors.

Richard Villa prefers teaching the 4 and 5 year old Children's Church class, which he has been doing for the past 15 years. He began volunteering in that age group because there was a need in that particular class and he has never left. One of his favorite things about being with the kids at that age is the things that they say that reveal their perspective on life - he says, “they are just funny!” But, they think he is funny too! It is not unusual to see him racing them on tricycles or razors on Sundays, talking baseball, football, movies or other random subjects. Richard has been able to get to know so many kids and their families from being in that classroom and on the Valley Vista campus every Sunday and enjoys seeing them grow up but maintaining that special connection with them.

There are several committed Sunday School teachers at Montrose Church who are impacting the lives of children every week, but as the church has continued to grow, the need keeps increasing. The biggest responsibility in any of the positions in Children’s Ministry is just showing up! The second is just loving kids. How much easier could it be?

Please contact Montrose Church Children’s Pastor, Gabby Leon, gabby.leon@montrosechurch.org, to sign up today! Make a difference in the life of a child but more importantly, make a difference in your own life!