RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

I'm thankful for children's ministry leaders who lead children to Christ.  It is exciting to see a child come to Christ, isn't it.

But, for me, it's even more exciting when parents lead their children to Christ.

Somewhere along the way, many ministries decided to take that privilege out of the hands of parents.

It kinda' looks like this - when parents come to pick up their children at the end of a service or class, they are informed that their child invited Jesus into his or her life.  I've been there and seen this happen many, many times.  And to be honest, when I first started in ministry, that was my mode of operation.

But over the years, I gradually swung back to the mode of operation being coming alongside parents and encouraging and equipping them to led their child to Jesus.  As you think about this, it is interesting when you see these stats...

According to Barna research, among people who embraced Christ before their teen years...

• 50% were led to Christ by their parents
• 20% were led to Christ by some other friend or relative
• 7% were led to Christ by a minster's personal prompting
• 1 in 8 cite a special event as the time they accepted Jesus (50% of the 1 in 8 said the "special event" was a church service)
• 1% were led to Christ through media evangelism or other special situations

Notice that half of the children who have accepted Christ were lead to Him by their parents.  In a local church setting, this tells me that we need to turn our focus to equipping parents to lead their children to Jesus.  

Here's what that can look like inside a local church.  Instead of trying to lead children to Christ in a Bible study or kids' worship service, share the Gospel with kids and then give parents the responsibility of leading their children to Christ.

One of the most effective ways to do this is to share the Gospel and have kids who want to accept Jesus to let you know.  Next, invite those children and their parents to a class where you have time to clearly explain to both what it means to become a follower of Jesus.  At the end of the class, give parents the opportunity to pray a prayer of salvation with their children.  Or if the child is not ready at that moment, then give parents the tools they need to continue the conversation at home. 

Do this and you will see God move in an incredible way in the hearts of children and their parents.  Because here is what happens, when parents hear the clear Gospel presentation, many of them will come to Christ as well.   

I created a class for this ministry approach.  It is called Starting Point and I have personally seen hundreds of children and their parents come to Christ through this.  In fact, in one year, I saw over 460 children come to Christ and dozens of their parents as well.  Every one of them went through this class together.  Every one of them took the next step after salvation and were baptized.

If you'd like more information about the Starting Point class, you can get it at this link.  It comes with a complete follow-up guide for parents whose children are ready to make a commitment to follow Jesus.  It also comes with student booklets, parent booklets, media elements and lots of hands on experiences and activities that helps kids and their parents understand the Gospel.

It is a powerful class that can change the entire direction of kids and their parents.  Why is it powerful?  Because it is centered on the Gospel. 

Paul said this in Romans 1:16...

This Easter, I am reminded that our greatest parenting goal should be to help our children know, understand and accept the Gospel.

I often use this example when parents ask me about leading their child to Jesus.

#1 - We should not push our child to accept Jesus as their Forgiver, Leader and Friend.

I have seen parents, who mean well, push their child to make a decision, even if the child is very young or doesn't clearly understand the decision they are about to make.

This is not what God has called us to do as parents.  Children have to make the decision to follow Jesus for themselves.  God has no grandchildren, only children.  

#2 - We should not hold our child back from making a decision for Christ. 

The flip side to #1 is parents who hold their child back from making a decision for Christ, even when the child clearly understands and wants to commit their life to Christ.  Is there a specific age when children are ready to follow Jesus?  No.  Each child is different.  But there are some clear signs that you can look for to see if the child is ready to accept Jesus into their life. 

• The child understands what sin is and that they have personally sinned. 
• The child understands there is a penalty for sin which is separation from Jesus one day.  
• The child understands that Jesus came, lived a perfect life, was crucified, died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day. 
• The child understands that Jesus died to pay to the price for their sin. 
• The child understands that you accept Jesus into your life by asking Him to be your Forgiver, Leader and Friend. 
• The child keeps bringing it up to you.  This is a sign that God is working in their life. 
• The child has a sense of urgency.  They see it as something they need to do versus something they want to do.  

3.  A parent's role is not to push or hold back, but rather to walk alongside their child.

What God wants parents to do is this.  Don't push your children into a decision.  Also don't hold your child back if God is at work in their life.  Instead, walk alongside them.  Share the Gospel with them.  Have faith conversations with them and explain what it means to follow Jesus. 

While you are doing this, rest assured the Holy Spirit is at work in your child's heart.  Drawing him or her to Himself. 

Jesus has promised that if we lift Him up, He will draw all men to Himself.  Share this promise with parents and remind them that it is the Holy Spirit who does the work.  Our role is to simply share the Gospel as we walk with our child toward faith in Jesus.

A great resource for leading children and their parents to Jesus, is a class called Starting Point.  Starting Point clearly explains the Gospel and helps kids follow Jesus for a lifetime.  You can order it at this link.  This class would be a great follow-up step for the kids and parents who accept Jesus this Easter season.  In one year, I saw over 460 kids go through this class and make a decision for Christ (as well many, many parents).

The Gospel still works.  It's as powerful as ever!  It is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes...
including children and their parents.

Praying for you and believing with you that many people will come to Christ this Easter in your ministry.