RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Do you want to see God do more in your ministry?  Do you want your best days of ministry to be ahead of you rather than behind you?  Do you long to see God do something fresh and new in your life and ministry?

I'm believing that for you.  And I've got some good news.  God wants to do more in your life and ministry.

The apostle Paul was writing to the church of Ephesus.  They had seen God do amazing things in the ministry there.  People had come to Christ.  People had been healed.  People had turned from the many false gods that were ingrained in their culture.  But there was so much more that God was ready to do in them and through them.

Paul writes to tell them this.

"Now glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely MORE than we might ask or think."   Ephesians 3:20

In this verse, are 4 keys to seeing God do more in your ministry.  Let's look at the first one.

"Now glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work WITHIN US, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."   Ephesians 3:20

Key #1 -  If we are going to see God do more through our ministry, we first have to ask God to do more WITHIN US.  Elisha is a great example of this.  God had done amazing things through his predecessor, Elijah.  And now He was preparing Elisha to do even more.  But first, Elisha had to let God do more within him.

God asked Elisha to surrender to His will.  Look what happened as recorded in 1 Kings.

"Elijah went over to him (Elisha) and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.  Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, 'First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!'"

God was preparing Elisha to do more.  But first He wanted to see if Elisha was willing to surrender everything to Him.  Would He be willing to walk away from his current life?  Would He be willing to let go of his plans and follow God's plans?

If we are going to see God do more through our ministry, we must be willing to say more than "I surrender some."  We must be willing to say "I surrender all."

God also wanted to see if Elisha would be willing to sacrifice everything to see more.  Here's what happened.

"Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them.  He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh.  He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate.  Then he went with Elijah."

Elisha was willing to go all in.  He surrendered his oxen and plow.  This was his livelihood.  He was sacrificing everything.  No turning back.

If we are going to see God do more within us, we must be willing to hold everything with open hands and sacrifice it all for the sake of the cross.

Finally, Elisha had to be willing to serve.  Look what happened.

"Then he (Elisha) set out to follow Elijah and become his servant."

Notice that before Elisha was entrusted with more, he had to first be willing to serve.  We must be willing to serve others.  Put others before ourselves.  Let go of our ego and replace it with "we go."

Jesus modeled this by washing the disciples' feet.  This act of service was reserved for the lowest servants in the kingdom.  Jesus was showing us that we must be willing to have the heart of a servant, if we want to see God do great things.  The way up is down.  Servant leadership.  It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?  But it's the way to see God do more within you.

Because Elisha was willing to surrender, sacrifice and serve, He saw God do more.  Elijah saw God do 14 miracles through his ministry.  Elisha saw God do 28 miracles through his ministry.

Key #2 -  If we are going to see God do more through our ministry, we must have more POWER.

"Now glory to God, who is able, through His mighty POWER at work, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."   Ephesians 3:20

The bad news is you and I can't change anyone's life.  The bad news is we cannot do more in our own strength and power.

The good news?  The Holy Spirit can do more through us.

His power is able to change people's lives.  His power is able to save marriages.  His power is able to heal.

And this power is available to you.  Check out Acts 1:8.

"But you will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, through Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

And Luke 24:49.

"Behold, I send you the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with POWER from on high."

God loves to fill ordinary people with His power and do extraordinary things through them.  How do you see more of His power working through you?

Acknowledge that nothing of eternal value happens without the Holy Spirit.  Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. 

Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you.  Luke 11:13 says, "If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

Accept by faith that the Holy Spirit is at work.  I Thessalonians 1:5 says, "For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true."

When you take these steps, you will see the Holy Spirit power more at work in your ministry.

Key #3 - If we are going to see God do more in our ministry, then we must have more PRAYER.

"Now glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work , to accomplish infinitely more than we might ASK or think."

Ephesians 3:20

Prayer is the door that opens us to more.

In Mark 9, the disciples tried to cast out a demonic spirit who was tormenting a young boy.  But they were not able to cast the demon out.  Jesus had to step in and overcome the demon.  Afterwards they asked Him why they couldn't cast out the demon. 

Jesus said, "This kind doesn't come out without prayer and fasting."

If you want to see big miracles, then you've got to pray more.

If you want to see God use you more, then you've got to pray more.

If you want to see your ministry go the next level, then you've got to prayer more.

This kind...this "more" kind...only happens with more prayer.

Key #4 - If we are going to see God do more in our ministry, then we must have more VISION.

"Now glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work , to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or THINK."   Ephesians 3:20 

Have you grown complacent?

Have you stopped dreaming about more?

Has your vision waned?

Have you given up on your vision because others said it was impossible?

Joseph is a great example of having a vision for more.  He had a vision from God as a young man.

Now when you have a big vision for more, you will be misunderstood.  Joseph's brothers and parents questioned his motives. 

When you have a big vision for more, realize that you will also face opposition.  Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, put in a well, sold as a slave, lied about by his boss's wife and was thrown into prison.  But none of that stopped him.  He didn't give up on the vision in the face of opposition.

Have you given up on your vision for more?  Have you faced setbacks and detours?  Don't quit.  Keep pursuing your vision for more.

Why?

Because when you pursue a vision for more, God is with you.  In the well, in the chain gang, in the prison, God was with Joseph. 

Remember the vision you have tucked away?  Get it back out.  God hasn't forgotten you or your vision.  He is with you. 

Stop listening to the voices in your head that say you can't do it.  Stop listening to the voices around you that say you can't see your vision fulfilled.  If the vision is from God, it can happen.

Not satisfied where your ministry is now?  Longing to see God do more?  Ready to move forward?

Let God do more within you.
Ask God for more power.
Spend more time in prayer.
Enlarge your vision.

God is ready to do more than you could ever imagine!

Have you heard of or seen the History Channel's show called "Alone?"  In the show, ten hardcore survivalists are dropped in an isolated region with one objective.  Stay alive and outlast the other nine people.  They are allowed to bring 10 items with them.  Everything else they need to survive is up to them to find, create and build in the wild.  This includes finding food and water.  The person who manages to last the longest gets half-a-million dollars.

They face dangers such as predators and unpredictable, harsh weather.  But one of the biggest challenges they must overcome is being ALONE.  You see, they are separated from one another so they don't know when someone else taps out and who is left in the competition.  There are no camera crews and the contestants use cameras to self-document their experience. 

It is not easy being alone, is it?  Especially not with our own thoughts for an extended period of time.  And so we surround ourselves with noise.  The noise of others talking.  The noise of the TV playing in the background.  The noise of the music streaming through our earbuds.  The noise of our cell phone.  The noise of social media.  The noise of texting.  Anything to keep from being alone.

When was the last time you were alone?  I mean really alone?  No noise.  No distractions.  No one else around.  No technology in your hand.

It's important to make time to be alone.  Why?

Alone is where you'll be able to connect with God.  Jesus was a great example of this.  He often went alone to connect with His Father.  

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to be ALONE with God and pray."  Mark 1:35

When you slip away to a quiet place...alone...you will find a Heavenly Father who is waiting to spend time with you.

Alone is where you'll be able to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. 

Remember Elijah? 

Alone is where you'll find time to think.  When you are alone, you have the ability to self-evaluate...plan...
dream...contemplate...meditate.
  
Alone is where your faith will grow deeper and stronger.  It was in a prison cell that Joseph's faith and trust in God was strengthened. 

Alone is where God prepares you for His calling on your life.  It was alone in the desert where Moses was prepared to led the children of Israel out of Egypt.  Paul spent 3 years alone preparing for the ministry God had for him.

Alone is where you can ask the hard questions.  Jonah was alone when he asked God the hard questions and wrestled with what he considered was an injustice.  We all have times when we don't understand the "why" of what God is doing.  When we are alone, we can bring those questions and struggles to God.

Alone is where you'll find rest.  Jesus says this to us.

"Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."  Mark 6: 31 
 
Alone is where your prayers will be answered and you'll discover God's blessings.  Here's what God has promised.

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."  Matthew 6:6

Remember...time spend alone with God is never time wasted.

There are three voices you should be listening to as a leader.

The first is the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible tells us this in John 16:13...

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth..."

The Holy Spirit can guide you as a leader.  He can give you wisdom as a leader.  He can comfort you when you are discouraged.  He convicts you when you do wrong.  He can empower you.  He can help you understand Scripture.  He can help you pray.  He can strengthen you.  

What a gift of grace the Holy Spirit is.  As a leader, you don't have to make decisions alone.  You don't have to lead in your own strength.  You don't have to carry the weight of leadership alone.  You don't have to give advice alone.  You don't have to motivate alone.  

Are you listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit?  His voice is gentle and quiet.   You can hear Him when you pull away from the noise of life and listen in the stillness and solitude of prayer. 

The second voice you should be listening to is the voice of people who encourage you.  Who are the people in your corner?  Who are the people who speak life into you?  Who are the people who lift your spirits with their words?  

Years ago, as a young leader who was in way over his head, I'll never forget the four words an encourager spoke into my life.  He said, "I believe in you!"  Wow!  What an impact it had in my life!  When I got discouraged, I listened to those words.  When I was overwhelmed, I listened to those words,  When I was lacking confidence, I listened to those words  When others doubted me, I listened to those words.

Make sure as a leader that you are listening to the voice of encouragement.  Trust me...you'll need it. 

The third voice you should be listening to as a leader is the voice of critics.  This is the hardest voice to listen to, isn't it?  With leadership comes criticism.  The only way to not be criticized is to do nothing.  But that's not you. You are a leader.  

Here's a mindset to adopt about criticism.  See criticism as a gift.  That's right, a gift.  A gift that can help you identify blind spots.  A gift that you can learn from.  A gift that can keep you growing.  A gift that can help you be a better leader.   No matter how unfounded or off-base a criticism is, you can learn something from it. 

The natural action is to turn a deaf ear to criticism.  But when you do this, you are missing out on a great growth opportunity.  Instead of taking the bricks criticism hands you and building a wall with them, take them and build your leadership.  

As a leader, are you listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, the voice of encouragement and the voice of criticism?

The right quote at the right time can make a profound impact on people. 

Here's 10 quotes you can use to elevate the importance of children's ministry.  I've used these in meetings, emails, sermons and one-on-one conversations to help people understand how vital children's ministry is. 

"In the race to a child's heart, the first one there wins."  -George Barna [tweet this]

"When you take a child by the hand, you take a parent by the heart." [tweet this]

"When you reach a child you change a life, when you reach a parent you change an entire family." 
-Dale Hudson [tweet this]

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."  -Forest Witcraft [tweet this]

"If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!"  -D.L. Moody [tweet this]

"85% of the people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18." [tweet this]

"Children are not the church of tomorrow...they are the church of today." [tweet this]

"Let the children come to me and don't hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."  -Jesus [tweet this]

 "There is no Jr. Holy Spirit.  Kids come to Christ just like adults do." [tweet this]

"We tell kids to sit still and be quiet in church and then we wonder why they grow up and are sitting still and being quiet in church.  It's because we told them to." [tweet this]

What are some of your other favorite quotes about children's ministry?  Share them with us in the comment section below.

A few weeks ago, a girl who had been brought to our church by a friend, told us she is an atheist.  She was very clear that she did not believe in God or what we were teaching.

This is not as uncommon as you might think.  Atheism is on the rise...even making it's way into the hearts of kids.  This is due to four primary factors. 

#1 - Parental influence.  The number one influence in a child's life is his or her parents.  1 out of every 4 unchurched adults are agnostics or atheists.  As the percentage of adults who are atheists goes up, the natural outcome is the percentage of children who are atheists goes up.  Add to that the fact that the largest percentage of atheists are under 30.  These young adults are and will be the parents of the next generation of kids.  As goes parents...so goes children.

#2 - Rejection of the Bible.  Interesting enough, a large percentage of skeptics had some regular exposure to the Bible as children.  But at some point in their life they have chosen to reject it as God's Word and not submit to its authority in their lives.

#3 - Lack of trust for the local church.  Interesting statistic - 2/3rds of skeptics have attended church in the past...most for an extended period of time.  But church scandals and abuse has turned many of them away from belief in God.  Since the church is a tangible expression of faith for most people, when it becomes overtly flawed, it flaws their faith.

#4 - Cultural reinforcement of a secular worldview.  This is a huge factor.  Humanism and postmodernism engulfs many children through media, school, celebrities, friends, social media, political messaging and more.  The website www.kidswithoutGod.com is a great example of kids being targeted by atheists.
 
Recently, the area of the country I minister in was voted the #1 "never-churched" area in the country. We are surrounded by kids and families who are not believers...and so are you.   

So how are we going to reach them?

We must keep our focus outward.  The issue is not how many people attend your church.  The issue is how many people in your area do not attend church anywhere.  That's the number that should keep us up at night.  Yes...we have a lot of people attending our church...but it's a drop in the bucket when you consider the 1.5 million people in our area who do not attend church anywhere.  If we are going to reach unbelievers, we must focus our attention on the Great Commission.  The Gospel still works, if we will work the Gospel. 

Our campus in New York City actually meets in an atheist church building...right across the street from Central Park.  Yes...you read it right...an atheist "church."  I guess they get together to talk about "nothing."  Anyways, they meet on the 3rd floor and we meet on the 2nd floor.  Cool thing...several atheist have accidentally walked into our service, stayed and came to faith in Jesus! 

We must reach parents.  As previously stated...atheist kids come from atheist parents.  Reach parents and you will reach their kids.  I talk more about how to reach parents in this previous post.

We must equip our kids to share their faith and bring their unbelieving friends to church.  Kids can reach kids who are unbelievers.  Just this past weekend, an elementary boy was baptized who had been brought to church by his friend.  Kids can reach kids if we give them the tools they need.

We must pray.  Prayer can melt a heart of unbelief through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I have see Him do it.  I am thinking right now of three people who were hardened atheists that I have personally seen come to faith in Christ.  

Will you join me in praying for the little girl I told you about at the beginning of this post?  Will you join me in praying for kids and families across the country and around the world who do not believe in Jesus yet?

Yes...kid atheists exists...I've met them...and yes...they can be reached.

A recent report from Barna research says there are over 156 million people in America who do not attend church including over 42 million children and teenagers.

In the last 10 years, the number of adults who do not attend church has increased by 30%.  This is an increase of 38 million people who are now unchurched.

Here are some characteristics of the unchurched...

They probably used to attend church.  Only about 24% have never attended church at any time in their life.  76% have firsthand experience with one or more churches and have decided they can better use their time in other ways.

There's a good chance they're cohabitating.  Unchurched adults are four times more likely to be cohabitating.

They are likely to be Gen X-ers (ages 34 to 49) or Boomers (ages 50 to 68).  Gen X-er's make up 33% of the unchurched and Boomers make up 35%.  This group is comprised of many families who have kids and grandkids.

They would probably consider themselves a "Christian."  Though they do not attend church, 62% consider themselves "Christians."  Many are still culturally tied to Christianity and are still interested in it.  34% would describe themselves as "deeply spiritual" and 41% say their faith is very important in their life.  33% say they have an active relationship with God that influences their life. 

As I read these stats, these thoughts are upon my heart...

Who wants to attend a dead church?   
76% have been to church and that's why they are not attending.  If a church is spiritually dead and not relevant to your life, why would you want to spend your Sundays there when you could be at the lake?

More than ever, our country needs churches that are thriving!  You see, where there is life, there is growth.  Where there is life, new families are being reached.  Where there is life, the baptism waters are being stirred.

Where does life come from?  The Spirit of God.  When the Holy Spirit is moving with power in a church, people will be drawn to it.

Churches must be a hospital instead of a museum. 
Our churches must be spiritual hospitals where people who are hurting and damaged by sin are welcomed with open arms and can find healing, forgiveness and love.

I wonder how many unchurched families have walked into a "museum" where they were snubbed by perfect Christians who were on display?

Could a family who is cohabitating walk into your church and feel accepted?  Before you get upset, notice I said accepted...not approved.   There is a difference between acceptance and approval.  No, we do not approve of the lifestyle, but yes, we can love them and accept them just as they are.  If we can allow them to belong before they believe, we can reach them.  Remember, Jesus cleans his fish after He catches them.

Churches must make children's ministry and reaching kids a top priority.  
The stats show that the biggest percentage of the unchurched are families with kids.  I believe the key to reaching the biggest majority of unchurched families is by reaching their kids.  I have personally seen it happen again and again.  God can use a child to bring their parents to Christ.

As you look across the country, you will find that churches that are growing and reaching people have dynamic children's ministries.

When you take a child by the hand...you take a parent by the heart. 

Churches must help people see it's about relationship instead of religion.
As you look at the stats, you can see that a big percentage of the unchurched are simply tired of "religion."  We must emphasize by word and deed that Jesus is the missing relationship that they are searching for. 

I sat yesterday with 4 of our new volunteers.  They all had some things in common.  Until recently, they were part of the unchurched percentage.  They had been raised in churches where it was all about tradition, rules, chanting meaningless prayers and kneeling at the appropriate time.  And as soon as the decision was theirs, they ran from it.

Over time, their journeys had led them to our church.  Some came by the invitation of a friend, some came when they were going through a hard time and realized they were missing something and some came because a co-worker invited them.

They had then discovered a true relationship with Jesus and their lives had been transformed.  They found a church family where they could grow, learn and serve.  They are now out of the "unchurched" category and part of our church...ready to serve and reach others with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

These are some of the things it will take to reach the unchurched family in your neighborhood.

The floor is yours.  What else will it take to reach the unchurched in our neighborhoods?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Here are two prayers I shared with the parents in our ministry.

One is a prayer they can pray with their child and one is a prayer they can pray for their child.  Feel free to use.  Praying parents make the difference in a child's life.

A Prayer With Your Child

Dear God,

Thank you for ____________. As he/she begins this school year,

help him/her to use the talents and gifts you've given him/her to do his/her very best.

May he/she listen to his/her teachers with respect.

Help him/her be honest if he/she is ever tempted to cheat.

Help him/her to always tell the truth, be kind to everyone at school,

and treat others as he/she would like to be treated.

Help him/her to make good friends and be a good friend to others.

And help him/her to remember that You’re always with him/her.

and that You’ll never leave his/her side.

May he/she love You and follow You with all his/her heart, soul, and strength.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

A Prayer for Your Child

Father,

Enable _______________ to stand strong in Christ. (2 Timothy 3:10-12)

Give him/her a hunger for learning. Enable him/her to use his/her ability to think and learn. (1 Samuel 2:10)

May he/she study and work with diligence. (Proverbs 10:4-5)

I pray that he/she will develop healthy relationships with others. (Proverbs 13:20)

Show him/her how to relate to others with compassion, respect, and understanding. (Ephesians 4:32)

I ask that he/she will have good relationships with the teachers and the administration and show them respect. (Romans 13:1)

I pray that Your Holy Spirit will do a powerful and gracious work in his/her heart. (John 16:7-11)

May he/she love You and follow You with all his/her heart, soul, and strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5-6)

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

One of the most exciting times for a parent is when their child starts asking questions about beginning a relationship with Jesus.

It can also be a challenging time as parents try to decide if their child is really ready to make this decision or not.  And many times they will come to you for help.

They will ask questions like...
"How old should my child be to make this decision?"
"How do I know if my child is ready or not?"
"Should I let them pray the prayer of salvation or have them wait?"

So how do you tell if a child is ready to begin a relationship with Jesus?  Here are 3 indicators I tell parents to watch for.

#1 - The child knows what sin is. 
Before a child (or anyone) can enter a relationship with Jesus, they must understand why they need a relationship with Jesus.  They must understand what sin is and that they have sinned.  If a child doesn't understand this, then they are not ready to step across the line of faith.

#2 - The child initiates the conversation on a regular basis. 
If a child continues to initiate conversations about accepting Jesus, then that is a good sign that God is working in the child's life.  The Holy Spirit convicts and draws people...including kids.  There is no "Jr. Holy Spirit."

#3 - The child knows they "need" to do this vs. the child "wanting" to do this. 
There is a difference.  There is a difference between "I want to do this because my friends are" or "I want to do this because it's fun" and "I need to make this decision" or " I need to do this because I want Jesus in my life."

What are some other indicators you watch for?
What do you tell parents who ask for help?

Share your thoughts, insight, and ideas in the comment section below.

"Gotta Move" is a great VBS curriculum from the Go Fish team. 

As usual, Go Fish brings a fresh, innovative approach to children's ministry.  The lessons are designed to give children a Biblical understanding of what it means to follow Christ.  5 lesson themes include...

• HIs Grace, Our Obedience (Genesis 6-7)
• His Word, Our Commitment (Joshua 1& 3)
• His Son, Our Response (John 1)
• His Forgiveness, Our Repentance (Luke 15)
• His Spirit, Our Trust (John 14)

 The kit includes...

• Director's manual
• Materials on CD
• DVD's with opening/closing sessions, Bible study, and music videos
• Music CD
• Posters
• T-shirt sample and more.

You can order this great resource at www.GoFishResources.com.  We will also be giving away one kit.  You can enter the giveaway by emailing me at dalehudsoncm2@gmail.com.  The winner will be announced next Tuesday, March 19, here on this site.