So I was thinking back to a sermon that was once preached and then re-preached many times by other Pastors… the sermon title and concept was along the lines of “What if every Church-Goer was Like Me?” And the sermon went on to implore the congregation to ask them selves the following questions: What if everyone in this church gave like me? Served like me? Worshipped like me? Had the same attitude as me? (name your quality here) like me? The point was then presented: Would this church have an abundance of resources or would this place be broke? Would this church have more than enough workers and volunteers or would we be closing the nursery and shutting down ministries? Would this church be full of incredible worship that usher’s in the presence of the Holy Spirit or would this place be dead? And so on…
So, my questions to the many #KidMin peeps that are out there that peruse this blog are these:
What if every #KidMin Leader was like me? What would the entire world of Children’s Ministry look like?
What if every #KidMin Leader taught the Word like me? Would kids all over the world be learning the Word and walk away from childhood knowing how to apply it? Or, would they know a lot of games and understand the importance of candy incentives?
What if every #KidMin Leader taught on praise and worship like me? Would the power of God overcome as kids entered into the very presence of an almighty God? Or, would they know a lot of actions and fun lyrics?
What if every #KidMin Leader Lead like me? Would there be armies of volunteers that are equipped as leaders to take these kids to the next level? Or, would there be a world full of burned-out one-man shows?
What if every #KidMin Leader prayed like me? Would kids and the many CM leaders in your ministry know that they are covered in prayer and follow your lead? Or, would you constantly feel defeated and your team sense that there is no hope?
What if every #KidMin Leader taught stewardship like me? Would we have a generation of kids that understands the value of the tithe, faith-filled giving and generosity so we could advance the Kingdom? Or would you have a world of kids who expect to know what’s in it for them?
What if every #KidMin Leader taught on missions like me? Would you have fervent prayers for missionaries and a lifelong, infused sense that those on the field need support in every way – would there be future missionaries? Or, would kids never know what it takes to reach others just like them in places where the gospel needs to be preached?
Please don’t think that I am above giving away prizes as incentives, or that I hate fun lyrics and engaging actions, because, I do that stuff! Please don’t assume that I don’t like to have a good time with kids in my church – read the post on how kids interpret their world… I’m simply advocating that we go a step further – no, several steps further. Realize that ministry to kids happens now so we can secure the future of the church. Go ahead and add to the list if you care… but continue to ask yourself: What if the #KidMin Leaders, all over the world were just like me?
hey blog-readin’ friends, head over to
http://ministry-to-children.com/blog-madness-2010/
and vote for my blog!
Jamie,
These questions are way challenging for me. Have to remember that the questions are meant to stretch my faith.
Here’s one for me:
What if every #KidMin Leader was like me? Would they have the biggest Farmville farms and Mafia Wars Army or would they have time to do the things that invest in future generations?
Jamie,
nice post. nice plug.
Jamie, I voted for ya! I started blogging based on this post http://www.jamiedoyle.com/?p=79. Thanks for putting together some quality ideas. You also turned me onto the other great blogs I have now come to love via your blogroll. I was thinking today how you’re my gateway drug. You got me addicted to this whole blogging thing, reading and writing.
Thanks!
Paul – excellent, I was hoping someone would add their question! You’ve won bragging rights my friend…
Sam – let me plug your blog:
http://samluce.com is full of awesomeness! Go there now and raid the place!
Jared – Thanks for your kind words. Your blog is great! Go to Sam’s blog too!
Great post! The title alone scared me. 🙂 When I start to think I know the best way to do everything and everyone else has got it wrong, I’m on the short road to failure.
There is great pressure in working with God’s kids to get it right (reference verses re: millstone around the neck and teachers being judges more severely than others), but there is also great comfort in knowing that God is in control in can work in kids’ lives in spite of us.
Thanks for the thought provoking questions. Self-examination is a powerful thing, especially when we try to do it through the eyes of our ultimate audience – God.
I suppose I should also thank you for inspiring Pastor Jared as his new blog is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Sam’s has been one of my favorites for a long time.
At this point, I am avoiding the temptation to plug my blog in the Kidmin Blog Madness tournament. But, I have decided that it would be shameless to point out that DAD IN THE MIDDLE was a 5th seed in the Eastern Division and desperately needs votes in order to advance in the comments to such a thought provoking article. For that reason, I have decided not to promote DAD IN THE MIDDLE, and just leave this comment as is. 🙂
In all seriousness though, keep up the great work. I enjoy blogs which tell me how to do think and offer practical help, but I really enjoy ones that start me thinking and pondering and planning. Your blog does both!
Take care!
Wayne,
no worries – let me do it for you!
HEY EVERYONE you all need to check out Wayne’s blog called Dad In The Middle http://waynestocks.com/category/dad-in-the-middle/
It’s really good! And if you can take a moment to head on over to
http://ministry-to-children.com/blog-madness-2010/ and vote for his blog – that’d be awesome too!
Thanks for the encouraging words my friend!
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