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!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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
-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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Prayer is an Essential
We all know that prayer should be the foundation of anything. It is the first thing we do when we accept Jesus into our lives. It should be the first thing we do each day. Yet, how many of us have gone through a rough day only to realize we neglected to spend time with God that day. Building this discipline is so important in the life of children. They are now creating habits for life. 85% of their personality is defined by the age of 5. How much more of who they are will be defined by that age.
The five finger prayer is a great way to teach children how to pray. It can be used in our teaching time or in our quiet times.
1. Our thumb is nearest to us...Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They're the easiest to remember. While praying for our loved ones is easy, the Bible also tells us to pray for our enemies who, in a negative way, are also near us.
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
2. The next is our pointer finger...Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers (it's these people who tend to "point" the way). They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. These men and women have great influence on society, and we should pray that they display and teach Godly principles in all they do.
3. Next is our tallest finger...It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business, industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. When the king of Nineveh prayed to God he saved his nation from destruction (Jonah 3:6-10). We should pray that our decision makers repent and seek God's will as they lead us.
4. Fourth is our ring finger...Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are ill, weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night.
5. Last is our little finger...The smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "...for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." (Luke 9:48) Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other 4 groups, your own needs should be put into proper perspective. We should be asking forgiveness for our sins, thanking God for our many blessings, and last laying out what is on our heart and asking that His will be done in our life.
Prayer is an essential. In some cases a lost art of communication. As we pour into the lives of children, may we be powered up in prayer and leading these young lives by example. After all the old song still reigns true: Read your BIBLE, PRAY everyday, and you'll grow, grow, grow.
The five finger prayer is a great way to teach children how to pray. It can be used in our teaching time or in our quiet times.
1. Our thumb is nearest to us...Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They're the easiest to remember. While praying for our loved ones is easy, the Bible also tells us to pray for our enemies who, in a negative way, are also near us.
Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you
2. The next is our pointer finger...Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers (it's these people who tend to "point" the way). They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. These men and women have great influence on society, and we should pray that they display and teach Godly principles in all they do.
3. Next is our tallest finger...It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business, industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance. When the king of Nineveh prayed to God he saved his nation from destruction (Jonah 3:6-10). We should pray that our decision makers repent and seek God's will as they lead us.
4. Fourth is our ring finger...Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are ill, weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night.
5. Last is our little finger...The smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "...for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." (Luke 9:48) Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other 4 groups, your own needs should be put into proper perspective. We should be asking forgiveness for our sins, thanking God for our many blessings, and last laying out what is on our heart and asking that His will be done in our life.
Prayer is an essential. In some cases a lost art of communication. As we pour into the lives of children, may we be powered up in prayer and leading these young lives by example. After all the old song still reigns true: Read your BIBLE, PRAY everyday, and you'll grow, grow, grow.
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