It has been estimated that 8,000 to 10,000 churches are closing each year.
Why are they closing? There are numerous reasons, but I believe the main reason is because they failed to successfully pass on the faith to the next generation.
Walk into these churches before they close and you will find most of them have something in common.
The next generation is no where to be found. Few, if any, babies, preschoolers, elementary age or teens are present.
Everyone in the church has grey hair (unless they color it or have lost it). The youthful sounds of the next generation are not heard. There are no sounds of crying coming from the nursery. No one is telling the elementary boys to stop running around the church, because there are none. The music all comes from an old hymnbook. Parent and Child Dedication services haven't taken place in years. For decor, all you see are tributes to the past. Plaques that all come from decades ago.
If you serve in children's ministry, I believe you are serving in the most important ministry in the church. Without the next generation, a church has no hope for the future.
This is nothing new. It can be seen in the Old Testament. Look what it says...
A church that maximizes it's ministry to children will usher in the blessings of Jesus. A church that minimizes it's ministry to children, will minimize Jesus' blessings on their church.
I can't begin to tell you how important your ministry is as a children's ministry leader. Your ministry is the key to the future of your church. God wants to use you to help your church thrive in the years ahead.
We know that most people (some say as high as 85%) come to Christ when they are children. You are serving in the greatest mission field...children's ministry. We must reach them now...the future of our churches depends on it.
