RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

This week you will have the opportunity once again to minster to children.  As you do this, it's important to keep in mind that every child has 3 big needs.

The need to be accepted.   Every child has insecurities, doubts and some type of self-esteem struggles.  Many of their thoughts about themselves are negative.  They struggle with knowing who they are.  They long to know that someone accepts them.  They long for someone to love them in spite of their weaknesses.
  
You can help meet this need by creating a welcoming environment.  You can help meet this need by teaching children who they are in Christ and modeling His unconditional love for them.  You can help meet this need by speaking words of encouragement and inspiration to them.                                                        

The need to belong.  Kids are hardwired to connect with others.  They long to be in relationship and do life with others.     

You can help meet this need by providing a small group for children to be a part of.  Whatever you call it, Sunday School, small groups, life groups, etc.  - give kids the opportunity be personally known and cared for in a setting of 6 to 8 kids.  Help your volunteers see the important part they play in this as well.  Every child needs a connection to a non-parent, adult meaningful relationship. 

The need to find meaning in life.   Why am I here?  What is my purpose?  What should I do with my life? 

You can help meet this need by showing them they were created for a purpose.  Help them see that God created them to be in relationship and fellowship with Him.  He has a special plan for their life.  As they grow and follow Him, He will reveal what it is. 

Think about the impact you could make if you geared your ministry to meet these needs for kids.  Think about what could happen if your volunteers caught hold of this.  Think about the kids and families who's lives could be changed if you focused on these three things. 

I recently heard a pastor say, "We do not live in a Christian nation.  We live in a nation that has some Christians in it...but it is not a Christian nation."

Whether you agree with that statement or not, it is evident that we are quickly sliding away from being able to classify ourselves as a "Christian nation."  Yes...it still says "In God We Trust" on our currency, but fewer people seem to actually be trusting in God. 

Consider this...

• 4% do not believe in God
• 8% identify as agnostic or atheist
• 13% disagree that faith is important
• 18% do not pray
• 27% have never made a commitment to Jesus
• 29% disagree that the Bible is accurate
• 32% have not donated money to a church
• 33% have not attended a church
• 41% agree that Jesus committed sins
• 47% do not feel a responsibility to share their faith
• 57% have not read the Bible
• 79% have not volunteered at church
• 81% have not attended "Sunday School"
• 81% have not attended a small group
• 89% have not participated in a house church

The startling realization is that each generation is becoming more post-Christian.  The Mosaics (ages 18-28) are 48% post-Christian compared to the Busters (ages 29-47) who are at 40%.  If this pattern continues, the generation of kids we are trying to reach will be even more post-Christian.

Don't let these stats depress you.  God is still at work...in an amazing way.  Some of the greatest churches in the history of our nation are being built right now and they are doing it by reaching post-Christians.

Here's what it takes...

Authenticity
Unbelievers want to see Christians that are genuine.  Not perfect...but with a sincere faith that translates into every area of their lives.  Nothing validates a person's faith more than living it out every day.

Attractiveness
No one wants to give their lives to misery.  When believers look like they were baptized in pickle juice, who would want to be a Christ-follower?  We must let the joy of the Lord rule our hearts so people can see it in our faces and be attracted to it.

Anointing
The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin and draws people to the Father.  As we spend time with God, His anointing falls upon our lives and empowers us to reach people.  Take a look at some of the churches that are effectively reaching people and you will see that it's not because of their talent or cool music or hip pastors...it's because of the anointing of God resting upon their ministry.  Above  all else, beg...beg...beg...beg...beg...beg for God to anoint your ministry.

Acceptance
Are you willing to accept people where they are?  Can alcoholics, adulterers, people living together, homosexuals, drug addicts, agnostics, prostitutes, thieves, etc. come and feel loved and welcome?  Will you give them time and space to belong before they believe?  Notice I didn't say "approve" but "accept."  There is a difference.

Acquainting
In past generations, the public in general had some knowledge of the Bible.  But as we move farther and farther away from Christianity as a nation, you will find that people have little to no knowledge of God's Word.  You will have to start at square one, teaching them who God is and how He sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem us.

As the culture around us gets darker with each passing generation, the brighter the light of the Gospel can shine.  The Gospel is what changes lives.  It is the hope for the world!  Our greatest opportunities to share the Gospel and reach people area ahead.

The Post-Christian Generation...yes...you can reach them.  The Gospel still works if we will acquaint people with it.

The Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000, are the young parents who are walking through your church doors.

It is vital that we reach them.  A church that is healthy will have young families.  Here's some things Millennial parents are looking for.

An encounter with God.  39% of Millennials who don't attend church say it's because they can find God elsewhere.  In their mind, why would they sit through a church service to experience God when they can do the same thing at the lake?

The presence of Gd is not something that can be manufactured.  It rests upon a church as a result of unity, prayer and seeking those far from God.  

An engaging experience.  31% of Millennials don't attend church because they say it's boring.  They want teaching that is relevant to their life.  They want to know how the Word of God connects to 2015. 

Authenticity.  35% say they want people that are authentic.  The church scandals they watched unfold as they were growing up have made them quick to sniff out hypocrites.  

Acceptance.  87% of Millennials say the church is not accepting of people whose lifestyles do not line up with Scripture.  They want a church that accepts people no matter where they are on their journey.  They want a place where you can belong before you believe.  A key thing to remember is there is a difference between acceptance and approval.  You can accept people and love them without approving of their lifestyle.  

Community.  48% of Millennials see church as a place where you can experience community with other people.  If you want to keep them, then you've got to offer easy steps for them to get connected into community.

Opportunity to initially remain anonymous.  82% of Millennials don't want to share more than their first name on their first visit to your church.  If you come across as a used car salesman when they first walk through the doors, they will run the other way.  

The floor is yours.  What are some other things young parents are looking for when they come to your church?  Share in the comment section below.