The church that doesn't make children's ministry a priority does so at the peril of their future.
Passing on our faith to the next generation is a big deal in Scripture. Verse after verse addresses the importance of sharing our faith, by words and actions, with the next generation.
Here are three examples.
"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord." Psalm 78:4
“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9
"For generations to come, we are called to lovingly and courageously do whatever we can to pass along the 'praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light'.” 1 Peter 2:9
Why must we be so intentional about passing on our faith? Because when we do not pass on our faith, here is what happens.
"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel." Judges 2:10
What a sad commentary. Fathers did not lead their families spiritually. Mothers did not pray with their children at bedtime. Grandparents didn't tell their grandchildren about the miraculous events they had experienced from the hand of God.
A few months ago, I walked into a church that had no children. No babies. No preschoolers. No elementary kids. No middle schoolers. No high school children. As I sat through the service, my thoughts kept going back to that church's future.
If things don't turn around, the church will die a slow death as the elderly members pass away. The simple fact is without children, the church is terminal and will have to eventually close its doors.
Churches that have a future always have a deep investment in the next generation. They care more about reaching the next generation than they do about their personal tastes, worship styles and current status.
If a church is serious about their future, they will make children's ministry a PRIORITY.
If a church wants to reach the next generation, they will PRAY for God to help them reach out and share the Gospel with young families.
If a church wants to still be functioning in 40 years, they will POUR into their children and grandchildren.
If a church wants to thrive, they will heavily PROMOTE next gen ministry. The children won't be placed in the basement. The church's best facilities will be for kids. The church will be known as "the place for kids."
No matter how far gone your church may be, there is still hope. Shift your focus to effectively reaching young parents and their children. The future of your church rests upon it.
