RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

I was in a worship service this past Tuesday. The background for the worship song was three crosses. As I was looking at the image, I saw the three crosses in a new light as God impressed upon me what they represent.

Later that day, I was led to Luke 23.  God used it to rekindle the passion in my soul to see kids and families experience His love and forgiveness.

• The man in the middle (Jesus) represents God's offer of forgiveness. He was sinless. ("This man has done nothing wrong..." Luke 23:41)

• The men on the right and left represent all of mankind. We are sinners. ("Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed..." Luke 23:32) 

• The two decisions the men made represent the decision that all mankind must make about Jesus. One said "yes" to Jesus' forgiveness...the other said "no" to Jesus' forgiveness. ("One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: 'Aren't you the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him, 'Don't you fear God...Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom'." Luke 23:39-42)

• The eternal destiny of each person hangs on his/her decision about Jesus. ("Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise'." Luke 23:43)

• Our mission is to lift up Jesus to all mankind. When He is lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. ("But I, when I am lifted up, will draw everyone to Myself." John 12:32)

• I can't make the decision for anyone. I can share, pray, and weep for people to say "yes" but it is their decision. I am responsible to kids and parents, but not for them.

• I must keep my focus on what really matters. At the end of the day, lifting up Jesus to kids and families is what it's all about. It must be my priority. I must not get deterred by anything else. Jesus help my heart to beat in sync with yours. You came to seek and save the lost. I can't save anyone...You've already filled that job. Help me to simply be faithful to lift You up to kids and families.

I recently wrote an article for a study called "The Future of Children's Ministry." You can read my thoughts on the subject here. Love to hear your thoughts on what you believe Children's Ministry will look like around the river bend.

Posted by Dale Hudson

Here's a fact of life. No matter what you do in children's ministry...someone is not going to like it. Stats show that at least 2% of people are going to become disgruntled, angry, or opponents of anything you do. And that 2% is usually vocal about it...very vocal about it.

A lot of us in ministry are people pleasers. I am. I want everyone to be happy, be thrilled with the ministry, and cheer for us loudly. But it usually doesn't work that way. Yes, 98% of the people are satisfied, but at least 2% or more are usually not happy and they let me know about it.

And that's okay. In recent years, I've gotten more used to this and accepted it as a part of leadership. Here's some things I've learned and am still learning.

• I listen to the antagonists. There is usually something I can learn from them...there is usually at least a grain of truth in what they are saying. What they say may or may not have any bearing on decisions, but I'd be foolish not to listen.

• I don't develop my ministry philosophy and programming based on the extremes of antagonists or "anything you say" supporters. Usually I try to land in the middle of the two. Right where the average family and average child is. This enables me to connect with the biggest percentage of people.

• One thing is for sure...if you try to please everyone, you'll drive yourself berserk. The quickest way to failure is to try to accommodate everyone.

• Don't let the backlash of the 2% keep you from seeing the blessings of the 98%.

 Posted by Dale Hudson