RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

"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.

This line of thought leads to pantheism.  Pantheism is worship that admits or tolerates all gods.  So according to this, sharing your faith "infringes" on people's right to explore all gods on an equal level.  And it reflects the refusal to accept anything as absolute truth.

Here's the problem with that line of thought.  Jesus says He is "the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Him."

Throughout Scripture, we see clear instructions to go and share this Gospel with everyone.  You can't spell the Gospel without "Go."  2/3rd's of God's name is "Go." 

The Great Commission, Jesus' last instructions before He left, is found in Matthew 28.  It says

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me^.   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We are to share the Gospel with all nations.  Everyone.  Including those who are worshiping a false god or claim no god at all. 

Today's kids are growing up in this pressure to not "offend" anyone with their beliefs.  This pressure is the exact opposite of what we are commanded to do in Scripture.  So we must equip the next generation to take the Gospel to the world and ask God to empower them so they can share it boldly. 

With that in mind, I created a 4 week teaching series for kids entitled "The Blab Lab."  Professor Blab-a-Lot equips kids with simple tools they can use to share the Gospel.  I have seen kids use these tools to share the Gospel with their entire public school class.  I have seen kids share the Gospel even with their teachers using the tools. 

Here are the tools kids get.  They put them together during craft time.  

Week 1 - Bridgenator 2000 (shows that Jesus is the bridge to God)

Week 2 - Smelly Jeans Jelly Beans (shows that Jesus is the only way to be forgiven}

Week 3 - Spin to Win (a spinner that you can use to share the Gospel)

Week 4 - Jesus Bracelet (kids make a bracelet - the colors on the bracelet can be used to share the Gospel)

You can see a sample lesson at this link.

And below is a video segment from one of the weeks.

This 4 week series is available for your ministry at this link.  We must continue to equip kids to share the Gospel.  The Gospel is the hope for the world.  You can't share it with the wrong person. And Jesus has promised to be with us when we take the Gospel to others.  What an amazing way to encourage kids to walk with Jesus into the greatest mission ever!

Did you know that little kids can make a big impact for God?  If you want to reach parents and families, then a key is having a great children's ministry.  One of the top reasons people attend a church is because of their children.  

Think with me about the many times in the Bible when people came to Jesus for one reason - so they could get help for their child.

The same is true today.  One of the big reasons people come to Jesus is because of their children.  If you want to reach parents with the Gospel, then make your children's ministry a top priority.

Here's a few ways I've seen God use little kids to make a big impact. 

I've seen God use little kids to reach their parents for Christ.  At one of the churches I served at we decided to build an indoor playground.  Before and after the service, parents could bring their children to the park.  As the children's ministry director, it was the main place I hung out after services.  It was a great place to meet parents and also find new volunteers.

I'll never forget walking into the park one Sunday and seeing a mother crying.  I walked over to see if she was okay.   I quickly found out her tears were happy tears.  She pointed over at one of the play areas and said, "Do you see that man and little girl?  That is my husband and daughter.  I have been praying and asking my husband to come with us to church for 7 years.  Each time, he said 'no'."

"My daughter loves playing on the playground after service.  This week she asked him if he would come to church with us and play with her in the playground after church.  My husband said 'yes' for the first time in 7 years.  I watched during the service and I could tell God was working in his life.  It's only a matter of time until he begins a relationship with Jesus!"

It's true.  A child does lead the way.  Especially if it's their parents that need to find the way.

Another time I saw God use little kids to make a big impact was at Easter.  One lady, who was a first-time guest, was asked how she came to church.  She shared that she is a school crossing guard.  One of the little kids she was at the corner with, waiting to cross, handed her an invite to Easter services.

I've also seen God use little kids to make a big impact on an entire church.  We were raising money for a new building.  One little boy had been excitedly waiting to go to Sea World for his birthday.  His parents had set the money aside and he was counting down the days.  But when he heard about the new building we were raising money to build, he decided to give the money it would have taken to go to Sea World, to the building project.  We shared his story with the church and God used it as a catalyst to raise the money needed for the new building.

I've seen kids make a big impact through outreach.  From mission trips with their parents, to local outreach events, kids can be used by God to spread the good news of the kingdom.  Each week, I would also challenge kids to bring their unchurched friends to church.  One boy brought over 26 guests with him in one day.  

And throughout Scripture, we see God using kids to make a big impact.  He used a little maid to bring healing to Namaan.  He used David to defeat Goliath.  He used Josiah to be a king.  He spoke to Samuel and used his life as an influencer.  Children lead the way in praising Jesus in the temple.  He used a boy with a lunch to feed thousands.

I challenge you to see the potential the children in your ministry have to make a big impact for God's kingdom.  Encourage them.  Cast vision for them.  Give them opportunities to serve.  And watch as God continues to use little kids to make a big impact.

Your turn.  The floor is yours.  How have you seen God use kids to make a big impact?  Share your stories and insight in the comment section below.