RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Time magazine just released their annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.  (see below)

All of these people have something in common.  They were once kids!  Think about it with me.

When you influence kids, you are influencing future influencers.  The kids you minister to today are the influencers of tomorrow. 

You never know who you are influencing.  A child you are influencing right now may be on this list one day. 

When you influence kids, your influence is multiplied many times over.  God will take your influence and multiply it many times over through the lives of the kids you invest in. 

Childhood is the most influential time in a person's life.  When influence a child, you are influencing them for life.  We are molded into who we are when we are children. 

If you really want to influence kids, then influence their parents.  Parents are the greatest influence in a child's life.  If you really want to influence kids for Christ, then equip their parents with the tools they need to lead their children spiritually. 

When you influence kids, your influence outlives you.  When you influence a child, you are ensuring your influence will continue after you are gone.  Your influence moves from being one generational to being multi-generational.

List of Kids Who Grew Up to Be the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015:

48% of adults ages 40-59 have provided some financial support to at least one grown child in the past year, with 27% providing the primary support.

One likely explanation for the increase in the prevalence of parents providing financial assistance to grown children is the Recession and sluggish recovery.  It has taken a toll on young adults.  In 2010, the share of young adults who were employed full-time experienced a greater drop in average weekly earnings than any other group.

Emotional support is also prevalent.  61% of the Sandwich Generation say their parents rely on them for emotional support.  33% say their grown children depend on them frequently for emotional support.

A positive is closer family relationships.  Half of all adults with a grown child say their relationship with their children is closer than the relationship they had with their own parents at a comparable age.

• Have you noticed these trends in your ministry?
• How can we come alongside the Sandwich Generation and provide support and encouragement?
• How can we partner with Sandwich Generation parents? 
• How has this changed the dynamics of many families?

Would enjoy seeing your thoughts in the comment section below.