RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Yesterday I spoke at a church and shared a talk about "MORE."  As a children's ministry leader, I thought it would helpful for you as well, so let's look at the main points.

We find the word "More" in Ephesians 4:20. 

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

Paul was writing back to the church at Ephesus.  They had seen God do great things when Paul was with them a few years earlier.  Ephesus was a major center of false gods in that day.  People came there from all over the world to indulge themselves in the temples and sinful practices associated with that. Inspite of all of the false religions and sin, God had worked mightily through Paul and the other believers who ministered there.  The Word of God grew and people's lives were being changed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

This did not set well with the people who were making money at the false temples.  As people turned to Christ, they had no further interest in the trinkets and souvenirs that were being sold at the temples. The people who where making bank off the sale of the false idols, started a riot and ran Paul out of town.  

Paul is writing back to the church at Ephesus and encouraging them to stay faithful.  Even as they had seen God do great things in the past, the best was yet to come.  They could see God do even more if they followed His will. 

Paul shared with them 4 keys to seeing God do even more and they are found in verse 20.  

If they wanted to see God do more, it would start by Him doing more WITHIN THEM.

 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work WITHIN US to accomplish infinitely MORE than we might ask or think."  vs. 20

• If we want to see God do more, we must be willing to surrender to His will.

• If we want to see God do more, we must be willing to sacrifice what He asks for.

• If we want to see God do more, we must be willing to serve others.

You see before God does something through you, He must first do a work within you.  Full things fill things.  As you allow Him to do more within you, it will spill out to those around you. 

The second thing is this.  If they wanted to see God do more, they needed to rely upon His POWER. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through HIS MIGHTY POWER at work within us to accomplish infinitely MORE than we might ask or think."  

God has the power to make more happen.  The word power there is from the Greek word "dunamis" which means powerful or "dynamite."

Paul is an example of this.  Check this verse out. 

"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. 
I Thessalonians 1:5  

Paul saw MORE happen because He spent time asking the Holy Spirit to anoint him and fill Him with supernatural power. 

The good news is this - the same power that was available to Paul, is available to you and I.

The third thing is this.  If they wanted to see God do more, they needed to PRAY more.

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

You see, nothing of eternal value happens without prayer.  We don't have more because we don't ask for more. All mighty works of God start with prayer. 

• Find a special time you will meet with God in prayer. 

• Find a special place where you will meet with God in prayer. 

• Have a special plan when you talk with God.  

Many times we don't see God do more because we didn't spend enough time praying to Him and asking Him to move in a powerful and life-changing way. 

Pray, pray, pray and you will see God do more. 
  
And the fourth thing we must do if we want to see God do more, is to get a big VISION.

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely MORE than we might ask or THINK."

Great things happen when you get a big vision from God and you pursue that vision.

What is the dream God has placed in your heart?

What is the step of faith you've been hesitant to take?

What call of God have you pushed down because of fear?  
Joseph is a great example of this.  God placed a vision in his heart to be a powerful leader.  He was misunderstood.  He was ridiculed.  He faced opposition, but He didn't let that stop him from pursuing the vision. 

Jealousy didn't stop him.  Being betrayed by his family didn't stop him.  Being thrown in a pit didn't stop him.  Being sold as a slave didn't stop him.  Being lied about and put in prison didn't stop Him.

Don't give up on your dream.  Pursue it.  Believe in it.  Ask God to make it a reality.  

I believe God has so much more for you and your ministry.  Now is not the time to be complacent.  Now is not the time to give up.  Now is not the time to get discouraged.  Now is not the time to "retire."

God is at work.  He has more waiting for you.  

Let Him do more within you.  

Ask Him to do more through you. 

Walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Get a vision from God and pursue it.  

When you do these things you will see God do MORE than you could ever think of.

"Remember NOW thy Creator in the days of thy youth."  (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

NOW is the time to reach the next generation with the Gospel.  Why now? Because 80-85% of people come to Jesus while they are children. 

NOW is the time to disciple the next generation.  Why now?  Because their hearts are open and moldable.  

NOW is the time to equip parents.  Why now?
Because parents are the primary faith developers and kids grow up way too fast.

NOW is the time to pray for the next generation.  Why now?  Because the enemy is set on stealing, killing and destroying them. 

NOW is the time to let children be the church of today.  Why now?  Because they have gifts and talents and God can use them to change the world.

NOW is the time to help the next generation develop a love and commitment to God's Word.  Why now?  Because they will be told that it's just an ordinary book, that it contains errors and is not true. 

NOW is the time to teach the next generation about giving tithes and offerings.  Why now?  Because it will set them up for a lifetime of obedience and blessings. 

NOW is the time to teach the next generation how to share their faith.  Why now?  Because they can effectively share the Gospel with other kids. 

NOW is the time reach more families for Christ.  Why now?  Because God doesn't want to see anyone perish. 

NOW is the time to teach children to pray big prayers.  Why now?  Because God answers prayer.

NOW is the time to give your very best to serve Jesus.  Why now?  Because we only have one life to make a difference and it's time we get serious about using it.

NOW is the time to teach preschoolers about Jesus.  Why now?  Because the early years are the most critical in a child's life. 

NOW is the time to be passionate about reaching the next generation.  Why now?  Because Jesus loves children and wants to be their Forgiver, Leader and Friend. 

NOW is the time to invite other people to serve with you in children's ministry.  Why now?  Because children are the greatest mission field in the world.  

NOW is the time to give your best for Jesus.  Why now?  We only have one life to live and one life to leave our fingerprints on the world.

NOW is the Time!  You are the Person!  Walk in God's call on your life.

Yesterday, I shared this quote through my social media connections.  I've been thinking about this quote a lot lately and wanted to share some of those thoughts with you. 

The church that doesn't make children's ministry a priority does so at the peril of their future.  

Passing on our faith to the next generation is a big deal in Scripture.  Verse after verse addresses the importance of sharing our faith, by words and actions, with the next generation.  

Here are three examples. 

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord."  Psalm 78:4 

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”   Deuteronomy 4:9

"For generations to come, we are called to lovingly and courageously do whatever we can to pass along the 'praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light'.”  1 Peter 2:9

Why must we be so intentional about passing on our faith?  Because when we do not pass on our faith, here is what happens.

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel."  Judges 2:10

What a sad commentary.  Fathers did not lead their families spiritually.  Mothers did not pray with their children at bedtime.  Grandparents didn't tell their grandchildren about the miraculous events they had experienced from the hand of God.

A few months ago, I walked into a church that had no children.  No babies.  No preschoolers.  No elementary kids.  No middle schoolers.  No high school children.  As I sat through the service, my thoughts kept going back to that church's future.

If things don't turn around, the church will die a slow death as the elderly members pass away. The simple fact is without children, the church is terminal and will have to eventually close its doors.

Churches that have a future always have a deep investment in the next generation.  They care more about reaching the next generation than they do about their personal tastes, worship styles and current status.

If a church is serious about their future, they will make children's ministry a PRIORITY.

If a church wants to reach the next generation, they will PRAY for God to help them reach out and share the Gospel with young families.

If a church wants to still be functioning in 40 years, they will POUR into their children and grandchildren.

If a church wants to thrive, they will heavily PROMOTE next gen ministry.  The children won't be placed in the basement.  The church's best facilities will be for kids.  The church will be known as "the place for kids." 

No matter how far gone your church may be, there is still hope.  Shift your focus to effectively reaching young parents and their children.  The future of your church rests upon it.

Prayer should be a weekly part of your children''s ministry.  
Let's look at how you can have an impactful prayer time for the kids in your ministry.

Establish a sense of reverence and awe.  Kids should have a blast at church with lots of high-energy, loud games and activities.  But when it comes time for prayer, bring the level down to prepare their hearts for prayer.

Start by explaining what prayer is.  It is simply talking and listening to God.   

Share a promise from God's Word about prayer.  Here are a few examples.

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."   
Jeremiah 33:3

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  
I John 5:14

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  James 5:16

So, what does this look like in each age group.  Here are some ways to incorporate prayer into these age groups.

Babies
Hold each baby and pray over them.  Pray a prayer promise over each child.  One great way to do this is to put some prayer promises up on the wall.  This reminds team members to prayer specific prayer promises over the child.  
Even though babies can't verbalize a prayer, you can plant memories of early prayer experiences that you led them through.   Take their hands and hold them together like they are praying and say a prayer for them.

Preschoolers

• Gather the kids into groups of 6 to 8 kids.  
• Have them sit in a circle.  
• Go around and give each child the opportunity to share a prayer request.
• Go around and give each child the opportunity to pray for one of the requests.  
• If any of the children are too shy to pray in a group, you can help them.  

Another great prayer tool for preschoolers is finger prayers.

• Thumb - pray for parent(s)
• Pointer - pray for friends who need to be "pointed" to Jesus
• Middle - pray for those who are sick
• Ring  - pray for teachers 
• Little finger - pray for yourself

Elementary

• Gather the kids into groups of 6 to 8 kids. 
• Explain that prayer is talking to God.
• Play soft, meditative music throughout this time.
• Take prayer requests. 
• Have kids pair up and pray for each other's prayer requests.
• Explain that prayer is also listening to God.  
• Have the kids bow their heads.  No one talking. 
• Have the kids sit in silence for 1 minute.  Tell them to listen to anything God may speak to them about in the quietness of the minute. 
• After the minute is over, have kids share what God spoke to them about.  You will be amazed at what they share. 

We know that nothing of eternal value happens without prayer.  If we are going to impact kids' lives, we must teach them how to pray.

Today's kids live in a very noisy world.  There is always something coming their way.  Text messages dinging on their phone.  Notifications from dozens of apps vying for their attention.  The action of mobile games beckoning them.

But if we can help kids learn the discipline of spending quiet, meditative time with Jesus, they can develop a close relationship with Him.

In Matthew 2:13, Jesus reminds us about the importance of prayer in church.  He said, "the Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer.' "

Your turn.  What are some prayer activities or ideas you have used to teach children about prayer?  Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below.

When was the last time you took an "away day?"

By "away day" I mean you went somewhere alone so you could spend time in prayer, thinking strategically, soul searching and seeking God's direction and guidance.

Jesus often took some away time.

One of those is recorded in Mark 1.  He had gone alone to spend time with His Father.

The disciples came looking for Him with a sense of urgency.  Here's what they said.

"Simon and his companions went to look for Him, and when they found Him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you."

Do you ever feel that way?  Like you can't get away because everyone wants something from you?  An email with your name on it.  A hospital visit.  A phone call in the office.   A text to your cell phone.  A person who wants a meeting with you.   It seems to be never-ending at times.

But, just as Jesus did, it is crucial that you have some "away days."  Days where you disconnect from your schedule so you can connect with God.  Days where you turn off the noise so you can hear the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.  Days where you get spiritually re-fueled. 

Think about the burdens you carry that an away day can help lift.  Jesus reminds us in Mark 1 to "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."  You may be reading this and you're carrying a heavy, heavy burden.  You hide it from people with a smile, but inside you are collapsing under the burden.  

Take an away day.  Get with God and pour out your heart to Him.  He can bring rest to your soul. 

Think about the blessings that come from having an away day.  When you are busy, you would think the last thing you have time for is an "away day."  You look at your to-do-list and rationally it doesn't make sense to take an "away day."  But just like the tithe works, giving God a portion of your time enables you to get more done than if you hadn't taken an away day.  I know it doesn't make sense on paper, but when you get away and spend time with God, He makes up the difference and even multiplies it. 

Look at this verse in Mark.

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Think about how your spiritual battery can be re-charged at an away day.  Are you like me?  I hate having to take the time to pull into a gas station and re-fill my gas tank.  My natural inclination is to enjoy driving more than stopping to gas up.  But if I don't take time to pull over to get gas, I will soon run out and not be able to make forward progress. 

If you want to last in ministry, then away days should be placed on your calendar on a regular basis.  Remember this...time spent with God is never time wasted. 

When is your next "away day?"  As we quickly approach a new year, take out your calendar and put in some "away days."  Do this and 2019 will be your best ministry year ever. 

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!

David wrote Psalm 142 from a cave.  He was in a dark, desperate place...not just figuratively, but literally.  He was running for his life from Saul and it forced him into a cave to hide.  In the cave, he contemplates where life has brought him.  Look at the words that come from the depths of his soul. 

I cry out to the Lord;  I plead for the Lord’s  mercy.  I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my trouble.  When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.  Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.  I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought!  No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.  Then I pray to you, O Lord.  I say, “You are my place of refuge.  You are all I really want in life.  Hear my cry, for I am very low.  Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.  Bring me out of prison so I can thank you.  The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”

Perhaps today you find yourself in a cave like David was.  Perhaps it's...

a cave of discouragement...you've given your all and yet seem to be making no progress

a cave of despair...things have gotten so bad you wonder if there's any way out

a cave of defeat...what you hoped would work out for you has not

a cave of depression...joy has faded away and you can't seem to bring it back

a cave of desperation...you feel like you are hanging on by the last thread and it's about to break

a cave of damage...you have been hurt deeply...by those whom you trusted the most

a cave of disease...you're struggling physically and can't seem to get relief

a cave of difficulty...life has gotten hard and complicated

a cave of disappointment...you've been betrayed by those whom you trusted the most

a cave of dismay...you're emotionally drained

a cave of distress...you are so stretched you're about to break

a cave of doubt...it appears God has failed you and your prayers seem meaningless

The cave is not a fun place to be, is it?  I know, I've been there.  Wondering if I'd ever get out.  Looking at the faint light beams trying to penetrate the darkness, but not being able to make my way out to enjoy the sunlight outside the cave.   

If you are in a cave today or one day when you find yourself in a cave,  I encourage you to do what David did.  

PAUSE to remember that God is with you.  Look what David says in the cave.  

"Then I pray to you, O Lord.  I say, “You are my place of refuge.  You are all I really want in life."

You may not feel like anyone is with you.  David had reached that point.  He said no one cares and no one will help me.  They've all forgotten about me.  But then he remembers that God is with him.  You see, no matter how dark and deep the cave is, God is journeying with you.  And perhaps, He has allowed you to go into the depths of the cave so your relationship with Him can go deeper as well.  Perhaps He is trying to help you see that all you really need in life is Him.  If you'll pause to ponder in the cave, as everything else is being stripped away, that God's presence is the source of true joy.

POUR out your heart to God.   Look what David says from the cave.

"I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my trouble..."

Though it may seem your prayers are making it no further than the cave walls, keep praying.  Continue pouring out your heart to God.  He is listening.  He sees every tear that falls from your eyes and hears every prayer that you mutter.

PUT your trust in God.  David had been betrayed by those whom he should have been able to trust.  But he is remembers that He can trust God.  

"Hear my cry, for I am very low.  Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me." 

Many times you'll find yourself in a cave because you've been betrayed by people whom you trusted.  People will let you down.  They will lie about you.  Try to bring you down because of jealously.  Turn their backs on you when you need them the most.  Betray you for personal gain.  And it will cause you to pull back your trust.  

Remember, you can trust God.  You can can trust Him and you can trust His promises.  He will not fail you.  

PATIENTLY wait for God to bring you out.   When you're in the cave, you see no hope of escape.  David puts it this way. 

"Bring me out of prison so I can thank you."

The cave feels like someone has locked you in prison and thrown away the key.  But be patient.  God will bring you out of the cave.  It may not be today or the next day, but He will bring you out.  You will see the sunshine again.  You will be filled with hope again.  You will smile again.  It just takes patience.  And it will be worth the wait.  So don't give up.  Let God use the cave to develop the strength of patience in your life.

PREPARE to share how God delivered you.  One day you will stand and share with others how God brought you out of the cave.  Check out the closing words of David in this Psalm.

"Bring me out of prison so I can thank you.  The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”

David looked forward to the day when he could share how God had brought Him out of the cave.  The people around him would look at what God had done in his life and declare His goodness.  God is going to take the cave you are in and use it to bring glory to His name.  One day you will share with others how God delivered you.  God is going to take your trial and use it as a powerful testimony.  God is going to turn your cave into a celebration of His mercy.  God is going to turn your darkness into delight.  God is going to turn your defeat into a declaration of His grace.  

Be encouraged today.  The cave is just part of the journey.  You will get out.

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.

In the busyness of children's ministry it's easy to forget what matters most and makes the biggest impact...prayer.

I'll never forget this quote I heard years ago.

"Nothing of eternal value happens without prayer."

Isn't that so true?  We must make prayer a priority in our ministries.  Here are some practical ways we can do this. 

Pray with your volunteers before the service.  Gather together and spend time praying for the kids and the service.  Pray for God's anointing to be upon every leader and in every classroom.  Pray for hearts to be opened and for lives to be changed.

Give the kids opportunity to pray during the service.  Be intentional about carving out time each week during class for the kids to pray.  Give them quiet time to talk with God and to listen to His voice. 

Pray for the kids in class and during the week.  Give kids the opportunity to write down prayer requests and pray for them.  You can also have your teachers and leaders take the prayer requests home and pray for the kids during the week.

In nursery and preschool, place prayer promises on the classroom walls and have your leaders pray those prayers over the kids each week.

Partner with parents in prayer.  Let parents know you are praying for their kids and ask how you can partner with them in this.  Create a prayer calendar and partner with parents in praying each day for their kids.  Give nursery and preschool parents a copy of the prayer promises mentioned above and partner with them in praying the verses over their children.  

Pray for the lost in your community.  God's heart is for every boy, girl, mom and dad in your community to know Him and experience His forgiveness.  Keep them on your heart and pray for them.  Pray for divine appointments.  Pray for God to draw them to Himself.  Pray for God to use you and your team to reach them.

Prayer and Fasting.  Want to see extraordinary things?  This comes through prayer and fasting.  Lead your ministry in times of prayer and fasting and watch God move.

Pray for your volunteers and their needs.  Children's ministry is about ministering and shepherding volunteers as well.  Know what's going on in the lives of your volunteers.  Know what their prayer needs are.  Pray for them when they are with you and during the week.  Be their prayer warrior. 

Prayer is the key that will unlock the door of God's blessings upon your ministry. 

"Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God."   -Billy Graham

If we're going to see kids not just know about God, but actually know God, then we must teach them how to talk with God.

Prayer is one of the keys to kids having a growing relationship with God.  Let's look at 5 keys to teaching kids to pray.  

Key #1 - Teach kids what prayer is.  Show them that prayer is talking with God.  Share key verses about prayer from God's Word like 1 John 5:14, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:13, Mark 11:24, Psalm 17:6, Romans 12:12 and Luke 11:2-4.

Did you know that there are 10 special volunteers that you need on your team?  Let me introduce them to you.  I know they have "cheesy" names...but trust me...get them on your team and your ministry will flourish.

Faithful Frederick.  He is dependable.  He is consistent.  You can count on him to be there...week in and week out.  And if he's going to be out of town, he will let you know ahead of time.  His faithfulness will not only make him a pillar in your ministry, but kids will feel safe and secure as well because he will be a consistent adult in their life at church.

Prayer Warrior Patricia.  She prays for the ministry.  She prays for the kids.  She prays for the other volunteers.  She prays for you.  The time she spends in her prayer closet brings a fresh anointing of God's Spirit upon the ministry. 

Feedback Francesca.  She provides you with one of the greatest gifts you can receive from a volunteer....
feedback!  She helps you know what's working and what's not working.  Her input keeps you from making the same mistake twice.  And don't label her as a complainer...
she has your best interest in mind.  In fact, don't wait for her feedback...ask for it.

Role Model Reggie.  Do you have boys who need a role model?  He is your man.  He makes a great small group leader.  He is a man of character and integrity.  He knows how to make an impact in the lives of kids. 

Calming Cassandra.  She works wonders in the nursery.  Have a little one that is crying?  Just bring him to Cassandra.  She helps make the nursery a calm, reassuring place for babies and parents alike.  She's everyone's sweet little grandmother.

High-Schooler Hayden.  He's who every kid wants to be and they look up to him.  Sometimes he needs a little extra shepherding just because he's still young himself, but what an impact he can make in the lives of the kids. 

Second Mile Sierra.  She's your right hand.  She comes in during the week and helps prepare the rooms.  She's at every training meeting.  She sends birthday cards to the kids in her class.  She spends money out of her own pocket on supplies.  She helps until the last task is done and then asks, "Is there anything else I can help with?"  You have to tell her to go home at times.  You don't know what you'd do without her. 

Happy Hadassah.  You make sure she's the first person a new family sees when they walk through the doors.  Her smiling face puts everyone she meets at ease and brightens their day. 

Big Kid Bryan.  He's a grown man...but he still knows how to act like a big kid when he's serving.  He gets right in the middle of the kids and play games, laughs with them and makes activities lots of fun.  He's a kid magnet and they love being in his class.

Cheerleader Chelsey.  She brings energy and excitement to the team.  She's the life of the volunteer party.  She encourages everyone around her and lifts their spirits.  She is Mrs. Optimism. 

As you read through these, I'm sure you thought of some real people on your team who exemplify these characteristics.  Drop them a note this week and thank them for who they are and for what they bring to the team.  And if you're missing any of these people on your team, I pray God will send them to you.  They can help make your team complete.

The best kid's services are both crazy and calm.  In other words, an effective kid's service will have both high-energy and low-energy elements.  This helps you avoid "monotone" which is the culprit behind a boring kid's service.

Here are some of the service elements you want to be CRAZY: 
Opening
Games
High-energy worship songs

Here are some of the service elements you want to be CALM:
Offering
Meditative worship songs
Prayer
Hands on activities
Lesson
Discussions
Parent pick-up

These elements can vary between the two:
Icebreakers
Skits
Video
Bible verse memory

Place these elements strategically and you will hold kid's attention.  You can see more about planning a strategic service flow by clicking here.

As I read this verse, my heart is stirred.  I want to see God do more in my ministry, don't you?

In Luke 5, we see the story of some people who saw God do far more than they could ever have imagined.  In this passage, there are 7 steps to seeing God do more in your ministry.  Read the passage and then I'll share the seven steps with you.
"One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on Him to listen to the Word of God.  He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fisherman had left them and were washing their nets.

Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water.  So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.  When He had finished speaking,  He said to Simon, 'Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.'

'Master,' Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing.  But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.'

And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!  A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell on his knees before Jesus and said, 'Oh, Lord, please leave me - I'm too much of a sinner to be around you.'  For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him.  His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, 'Don't be afraid!  From now on you'll be fishing for people!'  And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus!"
Luke 5

Step 1 - MORE JESUS
It was when Jesus showed up that they saw the miracle.  His presence was the difference between no fish and boatloads of fish.  It's His power that brings more!

If you want to see God do more in your ministry, more than anything, you need Jesus' presence and anointing on your life.  Without this, you can labor for a lifetime and you won't see any miracles.  Fun games, high-energy videos, cool videos and awesome class spaces don't change lives.  I'm not against these things, I use them.  But they won't change a kid's life.  Only Jesus' presence can do that.

You see, God can do more in 1 second than we can in lifetime.  When we invite Jesus into our ministries through prayer, we will see great miracles.  You can then walk in Godfidence...knowing that He is going to do more than you could ever imagine or ask for.

Step 2 - MORE OBEDIENCE
When Jesus asked them to go back out into the water and let their nets down, they obeyed...even though it didn't make sense.  Look what Simon says...
You see, more obedience results in more blessings.  What is it that God is asking you to do?  Are you willing to obey even though it may seem unreasonable or not make sense?

Step 3 - MORE FRUIT
They saw Jesus do more than they could ever have imagined.  Two boats full of fish!  You may have reached a lot of kids and families up to this point, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.  God wants to use you to reach so many more.

Step 4 - MORE STRETCHING
Did you notice that their nets were stretched so tight that they started to tear and their boats were so full that they almost sank?  Talk about being stretched!

If you want to see God do more, then you have to be willing to be stretched out of your comfort zone.  Always growing...always learning...always teachable.

The temptation after you've been in children's ministry for awhile is to grow complacent...take your foot off the pedal...put it on cruise control.  Guard against it.  Look what Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14.

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one things I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude."

Step 5 - MORE HELP
In order to receive all that Jesus had for them, they had to call for some friends to come help them.  If you want God to do more in your ministry, then you've got to prepare by bringing other people to help you receive it.

Build your volunteer base to receive more kids and He will send them.  Check out this verse in Matthew 9:38.

"So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send MORE workers into His fields."
Step 6 - MORE AWE
When Simon saw the miracle, he dropped to his knees in awe.  He realized the power and majesty of Jesus.  It ushered him into a mode of worship.

That is the response that must come from our hearts when we see God begin to work and bless us with more.  We cannot let the "more" that God sends our way cause us to become prideful or begin to be impressed by ourselves.  We must stay humble....realizing that it is His power that is at work and not our own.

Step 7 - MORE OF WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Look what Jesus tells Simon at the end.

"Don't be afraid!  From now on you'll be fishing for people!" 

If you want to see God do more in your ministry, then you must keep your focus on what matters to God...PEOPLE!

Everything we own is headed to the junk yard.  The car we drive...the house we live in...the clothes we wear...the new 80" flat screen HD TV...it will all eventually be trash.  But there is something that will last forever...something that really matters...and that is people!  People whom Jesus died for and loves.  People who need hope and faith.  People God wants to use you to reach.

May God pour out His blessings on you and your ministry.  May He send you MORE than you could ever imagine or ask for!

Summer is winding down and fall is fast approaching.  Do you want to make it your best ministry season ever?  Here's how to build a powerful children's ministry over the next few months.

Powerful - Prayer
There is power in prayer. You see, nothing of eternal significance happens without prayer.  Increase your prayer time individually and corporately and watch God move.

Now this is not always easy to do.  Our first instinct is to plan more...try to work things up in our own strength...copy what's working somewhere else.  But what we need to do first is get on our faces before God and call out to Him for wisdom and a fresh anointing.

God can accomplish more in 1 second than we can accomplish in 3 months of our own strength. 

pOwerful - Outward focus
Over time, if you are not intentional, the focus of the ministry can shift completely inward.  This is when the holy huddle forms.  The needs of those inside the ministry take precedent over the lostness of those outside the ministry.

You can't spell the Gospel without "go."  2/3 of God's name is Go.  Get outside the walls of your church and out into the community.  Love.  Serve.  Invest.  Care.  Share.

What is on the heart of Jesus?  The children and families in your community who don't know Him.  It's why He came...to seek and to save those who are lost.  When you make His mission your primary mission, He will pour His power out on your ministry.

poWerful - Word of God
The word of God is powerful...sharper than a two-edged sword.  The power is not in fun games...not in cool environments...not in flashy videos...not in edgy music.  I am not against those things..I use them...but they cannot be the center of our ministry.

Our ministry must be centered on teaching kids God's Word and our curriculum must be grounded in it.  Kids must walk out the door with the truth of God's Word embedded in their heart or we have failed them.

powErful - Excellence
Depending first and foremost on prayer and the Word of God isn't an excuse to be lackadaisical.  God expects us to give our best.  He tells us that whatever we do should be done with all our might.  Excellence is found in the details.  When you pay fantastic attention to the details, they will add up to powerful results.   

powerRful - Raise up volunteers
A powerful ministry is powered by a dynamic volunteer team.  How many new volunteers do you need to add to take your ministry to the next level?  Set a goal for the next four months and start inviting people.  New volunteers will bring energy and excitement to your ministry.

powerFul - Focus
The more focused your ministry is the more powerful your ministry will be.  You can do a lot of things nominally or do a few things powerfully.  Focus your volunteers.  Focus your time.  Focus your budget.  Focus your vision. 

powerfUl - Understand the culture
You won't reach the kids and families of 2015 with a ministry that is operating like it's still 1985.  Learn today's kids.  Learn how young millennial parents think.

I often use the illustration of a McDonald's kid's meal.  The food has remained pretty much the same over the years...hamburger, fries and drink.  But the box that contains the food is changed to stay relevant to the culture.  If Superman is popular, then the box will reflect that.  If Minions are popular, then the box will reflect that.  Can you imagine if the box today had Captain Kangaroo on it (I just dated myself).  Kids would be saying, "What is that?  I can't relate to that."

Our ministry must be like this.  The food...God's Word...never changes, but the container we place it in must change to speak the language of the current culture.  We must be anchored to the truth but geared for the times.

powerfuL - Leadership
Powerful leadership brings powerful ministry.  A ministry will never rise above it's leadership.  If you want a 7 ministry, then you've got to be a 7 leader.  If you want a 10 ministry, then you've got to be a 10 leader.  What areas of your leadership do you want to improve?  Improve you and you will improve the ministry. 

May we ponder these things.  May we practice these things.  May we put these things into action.  If we will, I believe God will pour out His blessings on our ministries in the next few months.