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.

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?”

Of all the churches in Fort Worth, we did VBS “right.” Our first year, we made a waterfall out of butcher paper, and it flowed from the baptistry down to the worship center stage. We made mountains out of butcher paper and taped them to the walls on the sides, and we covered the chairs in the choir loft. (Needless to say, we purchased numerous large rolls of butcher paper in an array of colors—green, brown, black, red, yellow, etc.) We also gathered all the plants and silk trees from around the building and placed them throughout the worship center. Our auditorium looked like the Amazon jungle!

MINISTRY TEAMS HANDBOOK

By Keri Meek

Ministry teams are a vital aspect of the N.K./L.I.T. program. The purpose of ministry teams is to guide kids in the development of their gifts and talents to bring glory to God and to share the Gospel.

Through their ministry teams, kids are not only able to see how their gifts can be used to build up the church, but time spent in ministry teams also offers another opportunity for discipleship.

Truly effective ministry comes out of our relationship with God. Ministry team leaders have the opportunity to disciple kids in what it means to allow the power of God to inspire teams through their gifts to move the hearts of others. Rather than relying on human power, ministry teams recognize that it is the Holy Spirit who works through us to use our gifts to point others to God. Ministry team leaders also disciple their kids by allowing the kids to do the creating.

When they hit a roadblock, leaders are encouraged to guide the kids to seek the Lord for wisdom through prayer. Ministry teams offer a great avenue for discipleship in prayer and listening to God’s guidance as we do God’s work.