From “Camp Whatever” to “SPLASH,” Becky Wilson has led the children’s ministry at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Indiana (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor), through many exciting programs for the last 12 years. She is stepping down from her position as children’s ministries director this month.
Wilson may have led the program for the last 12 years, but she has been serving for more than 30 years. Her journey with the ministry began when she was in seventh grade, as a helper at Vacation Bible School. Wilson’s family started attending WLGBC when she was only two years old.
“My parents said they choose this church due to the excellent children’s ministry program. It’s awesome to think of the reputation our church has had in our community of having a strong children’s ministry. As a child, I was the recipient of wonderful people pouring into me and teaching me about Jesus. I’ve felt so blessed to be able to pour into the next generation,” Wilson shares.
Throughout her time as director, Wilson has helped the church bring about many changes that have had a positive impact on the community. The biggest occurred five years ago, when the church felt God leading them to be more intentional in reaching out to the community’s “unchurched kids.”
Wilson shares, “We moved our mid-week AWANA program to Sunday mornings during our Sunday school hour. We felt this would be a great tool partnering with the parents in training the kids to know and love Jesus. Each Sunday school teacher teaches one Bible verse a week, and kids return the following week to recite that verse to their AWANA listener. Instead of asking kids to simply memorize words, we’ve intentionally taught our kids what those words mean, how they fit into the context, and how they can be applied.”
The church also decided that they wanted to help the kids be on mission in reaching their friends for Christ. The church’s Wednesday night program, “SPLASH,” is a high-energy, VBS-style environment with consistent large and small groups throughout the year.
Wilson has loved seeing God’s faithfulness displayed throughout her time in the children’s ministry.
“I’ve seen God do the impossible many times. I love a quote from Hudson Taylor that someone once shared with me: ‘God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.’ I have found that statement to be so true,” says Wilson.
Wilson recognizes that nothing she’s accomplished could’ve been done on her own.
“I was continually reminded that I am the branch and He is the vine – apart from Him I could do nothing for the Kingdom,” says Wilson.
Even after she steps down, Wilson will continue serving in children’s ministries as a volunteer teacher on Sunday mornings and as a small group leader for SPLASH. As she steps away from her position, but not from the kids she’s poured into, Wilson looks forward to the legacy she’s left and the direction in which the church is headed.
She says, “One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 122:1, ‘I was VERY GLAD when they said to me, Let us go up to the house of the Lord.’ This was always my goal for the kids, that they would be VERY GLAD to be coming to church and learning more about Jesus. God has opened many doors for our church family into our community, and I am excited to see how He continues to use our church to share His love.”
[Connect:] Click here to send a note of encouragement to Becky Wilson as she transitions from her role in ministry.