Sunday, February 25, 2007

Kids "IN" Ministry

In children's ministry we should TOGETHER Impact, Disciple and Empower kids to change the world for Jesus. It is not just about sharing the word with them, but helping them to follow Jesus' example in LEADING others to God. We should not, as adults, be afraid to put kids in ministry positions. Are they going to perform perfect every time?...NO. Do we? Disciple them. Guide them. Lead them. Wasn't Jesus "about His father's business" as a CHILD.

Children have excitement and passion that we sometimes lose as we get older. They have an unfaltering FAITH and unconditional LOVE that can spread like wild fire in the lives of those around them. They bounce back and try and try again without giving up. Are we that resilient?

Are we impacting children for Jesus? Are we discipling the kids INTO the ministry? Are we empowering them, allowing them, to "be about their Father's business"? Change the TIDE for children...IMPACT...DISCIPLE...EMPOWER!

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Just a Thought

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.
-By Douglas Everett

Making a Difference

We are the body of Christ. As believer's, we function as one. We may never know how far our arms are reaching or where our steps are leading. I have worked in Children's Ministry for several years now, but I am only in my 10th month of full-time Children's Ministry. Many times I get caught up in the BUSYness of ministry and I stop and wonder, "Am I really making a difference."

I taught our kids a human video, or motions, to Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. The song alone has a very powerful message, but seeing kids portray it and understand it will bring you to a new revelation of God's Truth. It has been a while since we have used that song in a service. However, I found out today that one of my kid's took that human video to his Grandfather's church and ministered during an offering time. Afterwards a school teacher told his mom that the human video changed her life. She had decided to start taking her Bible to school with her everyday and she would start speaking the Truth of God over her children and to her children.

How far are our arms reaching? Where are our steps leading? Are we making a difference?...YES. Not only in the young lives we come in contact with, but we make a difference that continues far beyond our boundaries. Changing lives and empowering them to go out and further God's message even further, that's making a difference. Be encouraged today...You make a difference. I sure was!

Thursday, February 1, 2007

Children: Imitators of Worship

Do you know what moves my heart faster than anything? To see a child worship a mighty God is MOVING. I have been teaching kids to sing for the Lord for a long time, and it never ceases to tug at my heart (and tear ducts) when I see a child finally "get it" and be in total surrender to the Lord. Although some praise songs carry a sense of entertainment and amusement they are teaching truths that children can hang onto when they need God. They provide an avenue for kids to express their joy and appreciation for being the mighty God He is. Psalm 8:2 tells us that praise, even in the mouths of children, silences the enemy. There is supernatural power that is released through a child's worship that goes far beyond our natural reasoning, silencing the enemy that comes against us all each day.

Often times, children imitate what they see adults doing in worship. Through these times of imitation, or learning as I call it, they are experiencing God in a new and exciting way. Jesus said, that in the mouths of babes, He would furnish a place of praise. A child's praise is perfect (Matthew 21:15-16). They are building a shield of protection around their minds and hearts as they enter into God's presence. They WILL imitate our worship. As adults, are we setting an example of worship for those that look up to us? Are we able to lose OURSELVES in total surrender to an AWESOME GOD.