Blog
Releasing Preteens to be Missionaries in their World
When I told my pastor that I was going to take our 5th and 6th graders on a mission trip and that they would be sharing the Gospel, he thought I was crazy! About thirteen years ago, I felt led by the Lord to take our preteens on a mission trip and release them to lead evangelistic Bible studies in Corpus Christi, Texas. When I shared my idea with my pastor, he thought I had lost my mind! “Wow! Did I hear the Lord?” That thought haunted me on the six and a half hour drive to Corpus Christi. That fear was quickly replaced the first day on the trip when a 5th-grade boy named Mark taught at a local apartment complex. After he shared the Bible study that day, Mark gave an invitation to respond to the message, and seven people accepted Christ—three of them were teenagers!
Do You Need to Start Over in Your Children’s Ministry?
I was thinking the other day about the frustrations I have at times with my computer. I have certain software on my computer that updates on a regular basis, whether I like it or not. Some of the updates have slowed my computer down or even caused it to crash.
The wonderful thing about software is that if problems like this occur, there is a tool called “backdating.” So, I can go back to a past date before the problem occurred and have my computer reset to that point. Then, the computer begins to function normally again once the corruption is gone.
Could it be that we need to backdate in children’s ministry? Do we need a complete system reboot?
In the process of trying to educate our children, we have moved away from discipleship. We have focused more on giving them knowledge about the Bible rather than teaching them how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In most churches today for their first 18 years, children just sit and listen while adult leaders minister to them, and they never experience all God has planned for them. So many children hear all the stories and hear about God’s great glory; however, they never understand or see their value and importance in the body of Christ. Many times, they are asked to wait until they are adults before they can serve.
Do You Have Everything You Need to be Effective in Your Preteen Ministry
I am in several kidmin groups on Facebook. I have seen many questions like the following:
“What leadership program are you using for your preteens?”
“Anyone know where I can find a resource that teaches preteens how to share their faith?”
“I am looking for a preteen spiritual gift test. Do you know where I can find one?”