DiscipleBlog.com

The story continues… (from part 1)

Within two days, I was able to catch up with the girl that I hadn’t had time for. I was so busy “ministering” to all of the kids that I didn’t have time to actually “reach” one child.

I started the conversation by saying, “I’m so sorry that I didn’t connect with you on Wednesday. What you are thinking about is very important to me. Is there any chance that you still remember the question that you wanted to ask me?”

She was wide-eyed. “I can’t believe you remembered, she said. That was like, DAYS ago.” (It was only 2 days, but still she was glad that I remembered.)

I was prepared for any type of question she might ask from “What kind of toothpaste do you use?” to “Can we sing a different song next week?”)

“Oh, ya. She continued. Um, I know that Jesus died on the cross to save us, but WHY is that what God (the Father) wanted him to do? Why was that the price he had to pay?”

WOW! I was so glad that I didn’t miss this opportunity to share this with her.

I shared the scripture with her and followed up with a letter so that she could look it up for herself.

Here are my questions:

1) Are you willing to admit to the kids in your ministry that you have messed up? That you’ve missed a very important chance to connect with them?

2) If we (our ministry teams) had the ability to follow up like this with every child in our ministries, what would disipleship look like in our churches? How would this affect the “Church” at large?

3) Do you agree with the following statement: “When it comes to discipleship, relationship is everything.”

Share This

Last night at church was a perfect reminder to me that kids need our time.

Our midweek service went well.

We had:

• A great praise and worship time.
• Fun large group game time. The kids loved it.
• A home-run lesson. The kids seemed to really understand and “get” what we were teaching.

Only one thing was a little off. One of our small group leaders was out of town on business, so I had to fill in to lead his small group. No big deal. The night was running smoothly with quick transitions. Everyone was having fun. Everyone except one 4th grade girl. On my way to lead the 2nd-3rd grade small group, she stopped me in my tracks and with a serious tone said, “Jen, can I ask you a personal question? Can we sit down for a minute to talk?” I could tell something was really bugging her, but I really didn’t have any time to give at that moment. I responded by saying, “Yes, but would it be okay to talk about it right after small group?” I was in a rush and I had to get to my group of kids. With my words, I showed that I care, but my actions showed that I was way too busy for her. Long story short, with the way that the evening turned out, I was not able to connect with her at the end of the night. I’ve been attempting to follow up with her today. God is showing me again and again that ministry is about people. Not about having the “perfect program”.

Time is every kid’s love language. Quality and quantity. It says, “I care about you.” “I’m listening to you.” “You are important to me.” “I know you’re having a problem, and I can pray for you… right now.” And when kids know that we care, it opens doors for us to lead them closer to Jesus.

How many opportunities have I missed?

Today, I am asking myself these questions:

1. Do we have any free space built into our ministry to connect with kids? If not during services, when?
2. Do we have enough leaders to effectively disciple kids? Do we have a good back-up plan?
3. Are we being good stewards of kids’ questions and personal stories- even when it doesn’t flow with our lesson?
4. Is our follow-up intentional?
5. What can we do to maximize our time with kids to show them that we love them- and, more importantly, that Jesus loves them?
6. How is your church doing in these areas?

Share This

Continuing the series on What Kids Need that an intentional discipler will address. When you consider the many aspects of a child’s development, it can become overwhelming. Let me suggest you focus on one at a time. Perhaps even this week you can find a way to focus on the fact that Kids Need Work.

The Situation: Children ask, “Why work so hard?“ Some kids question the value of hard work. Many adopt the attitude that work should be avoided as something evil. Peers make fun of students who put forth their best efforts. They ridicule or trivialize exceptional performances.

The Solution: From the very beginning, God gave Adam a job—to cultivate the Garden (Genesis 2:15). Work is a gift from God and can be a source of satisfaction and joy. God gives skills to each person and wants us to develop those abilities to serve Him and others. God created work; He blesses those who show diligence in their work.

The Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; Colossians 3:23-24

The Suggestions: Maintain a positive attitude about work. Help children view work as a divinely appointed task for God’s eternal glory (Revelation 14:13). As you assign chores and give children responsibilities, encourage them to work hard. Work is honorable. Almost nothing of lasting value comes easy or free.

Share This

Continuing the series on What Kids Need that a intentional discipler will address. When you consider the many aspects of a child’s development, it can become overwhelming. Let me suggest you focus on one at a time. Perhaps even this week you can find a way to focus on the fact that Kids Need Family.

The Situation: Children wonder, “What is a ‘family?’” Tragic testimonials and sobering statistics document the traditional family’s fragmentation. Kids are bewildered by today’s widely divergent family configurations and lifestyles.

The Solution: Remember that the family is God’s idea, a vital part of His kingdom plan. God establishes and endorses the family as a fortress to withstand the world’s hostile influences. God calls Himself “Father”—the One who leads His children. The Bible describes how to maintain healthy, dynamic relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren.

The Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 5:33—6:4

The Suggestions: Work on generating family loyalty. Building this allegiance will promote family teamwork to withstand the world’s hurricane-force winds. Make home a priority; express sincere appreciation for each other; spend time together. What can you do THIS WEEK to show your family how important they are to you?

Share This

If we are serious about discipling kids, we must clearly identify what it is we believe that children need in order to develop into fully mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Throughout the DiscipleLand curriculum we have identified 48 needs that we believe must be addressed for our children. But whether you use our materials or not - the reality is you must give careful attention to the spiritual needs of your children as a parent and as a teacher. None of these are addressed by accident.

On this blog I will be posting each of them with some scriptural support to encourage you to give some careful thought to how you can help address these needs in the kids that you love. Here is the first:

KIDS NEED GOD

The Situation: Children ask, “What is God really like?” Schools, friends, television, and other sources expose children to a variety of ideas. Much of what kids hear about “god” does not even resemble the God who reveals Himself in the Bible.

The Solution: God delights to reveal Himself to all who seek Him. Knowing God personally and enjoying His greatness is the highest privilege of every Christian. The Bible is the one inspired place to find out about God—His personality, His attributes, His Names, and His character.

The Suggestion: To know God truly and intimately, encourage your child to explore the characteristics of God. Look for His attributes in the natural world. Reflect on his character as seen through the lessons they are learning at church. Talk about God and often refer to Him. Give Him credit when good things happen, and turn to Him in times of needs expressing for your children to hear your trust in His goodness and love.

The Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 29:11; Proverbs 2:4-5; Acts 17:24-25

Share This