I have been wondering lately if we are doing a good job at embracing the potential of the kids in our churches. It seems to me that many churches have relegated children’s ministry to serve as a babysitting service for the parents and adults, to keep the kids occupied while the adults enjoy God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I get angry at times because of the budgets that are present for sanctuaries and parking lots, but when it comes to children, they are often placed in a back room somewhere.
I believe that God uses children to fulfill the Great Commission. I believe that children are capable of being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that children can walk in the Spirit. I believe that children can witness. And I believe that children are the recipients of the last days promise that His Spirit will be poured out on our sons and our daughters.
While I love great facilities and Disney like themed rooms, I am more concerned that we are guiding children in to experiencing God and discovering their gifts and more importantly actively utilizing their gifts in the body. There is no age restriction when it comes to being used by God.
If we are truly going to develop a biblical community in our church, then it will require that we allow children the privilege of serving in the ‘big church’, leading in worship, in prayer, and even preaching and teaching. Even the Bible reminds us that a little child shall lead them.
If we are going to reach this world in fulfilling the Great Commission and reaching people, then let’s not forget the resource of children! Let’s get them filled with His Spirit so that they can witness and so that they can be involved in doing the greater works!
Children’s ministry is not tomorrow’s church in waiting. They are the church of today, willing, when given the opportunity, to impact their community and the world!
I hope our budgets, our programs, our worship experiences, all will soon reflect that we truly believe in the whole family of God and their potential!
How are you encouraring and embracing your children and their potential to become Great Commission Kids?
Great post! My sentiments exactly. I take the approach that the kids I serve are eager and ready to experience God now. When I got started, kids were just entertained in many respects, not ministered to. That has since changed as we’ve taught the kids how to worship, what it’s about, why we seek the Holy Spirit, etc. It has taken patience and consistent teaching. We also bring generations together for worship 1x per quarter – either the kids go to the sanctuary or the parents come to the kids worship environment. Kids also minister frequently in the sanctuary through choir or drama, so the congregation sees them often in a ministering capacity. That is crucial for people to see and helps them, I believe, see that there’s more to church than starchy adults.
I hafto agree with you Tony. Sometimes we try to make the kids service like a Disney event instead of a God experience. Kids are thirsty for Gods word… Gods love… Gods forgiveness…
I have to say…I totally agree! My question would be, how do you get that through the pastor’s. Not many would allow a child to get up and speak from the pulpit. How do we start to change that? Not sure we can do it alone. God has to do an internal work. That is so against the thinking of a typical pastor.
I would love to see kids do more than the typical showing in the sanctuary. I have always believed that and strive in my services. Please don’t get me wrong but, I would love to see them do more than just singing in the choir or doing a Christmas musical. Let’s find their calling and feed that and give them the chance to do it.