In the small village of Edgerton, children gather on the front porch of the United Methodist Church
parsonage, swinging on swings, sitting in egg chairs, bouncing on inflatable animal chairs—and praying.
That’s right, praying.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, kids come together at the Prayer Porch. They enjoy a meal or
snack, share their feelings or daily experiences, and lift up their prayers.

The idea for the Prayer Porch emerged in July when Pastor Jennifer Miller and her family moved into the
Edgerton UMC parsonage. “I felt God was calling us to do ministry on this porch, but I didn’t know what
kind,” she explained.

As the Millers settled into the community, they learned that funding for a local program providing free
meals to children had been cut. Burdened by this news, Miller began praying for guidance. One night,
she awoke with a clear vision: “A prayer porch!” she recalled. “I knew it was a God thing.”

With the vision in place, donations of food and money started flowing in, and volunteers stepped up
to help. Miller also connected with Rev. Ann-Marie Carley, West Ohio Conference Director of Next Gen
Ministries, to share her vision. Carley visited Edgerton, met the children, and taught them about the
power and significance of prayer.

The children created their own prayer: “God, give us courage to be a space where all belong.” Now, each
time the children gather, they begin with their group prayer. They also engage in “popcorn prayers,”
where anyone can jump in to pray—and sometimes even argue over who gets to go first! Throughout it
all, adults are present to ensure a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.

“It’s been amazing to see what God is doing every day with our Prayer Porch kids,” Miller shared. One
10-year-old even preached during a youth Sunday service. This fall, some of the children have brought
their families to church making an even greater difference through this ministry.