Redefining a 'Win' in Children's Ministry

A few weeks ago, a parent from my church shared with me that their family got one of the Advent To-Go devotional boxes we gave out at Christmas-time. The boxes contained simple items that helped illustrate biblical truths, and helped facilitate discussions and devotional time for families. The parents told me that their family enjoyed the devotional time and the concept so much, that they have continued doing family devotions using simple household objects every week since Christmas, and it has re-shaped the way their family talks about their faith and does devotions together. To me- that's a huge win! My heart's passion is to see families growing in the Lord together, to see parents leading their kids, to see worship and spiritual growth happening both inside the church and outside the church!

So many times, we get it wrong when we assume that church is the number one place for kids to grow spiritually; when we encourage kids to make major faith decisions at church, and get the majority of their Bible training and discipleship at church under children's ministry leaders. That's not the way God intended it to happen. He created families to be the number one place for discipleship and spiritual growth for kids. He tasked parents with the job of raising spiritual champions. It's the church's job to help support and empower parents, and supplement what kids are already learning. 

The class I'm taking right now for my Masters in Ministry is all about family ministry, and it has been challenging and inspiring in so many good ways, to help me stretch and shape my views of children's ministry. I consider it a big win in children's ministry when parents and kids are worshipping, serving, learning and growing together outside the church walls, as well as in the church. Many parents are already doing a great job, but many also don't feel equipped to lead their kids spiritually, or don't feel they are doing an adequate job. It is my goal to be an encouragement and cheerleader for parents, constantly looking for ways to help them and inspire them as spiritual leaders. 

I am praying for God to unleash an anointing on the parents of this generation, and to give them a vision for spiritual leadership as they shape the hearts of their kids. I pray for parents to become empowered with the Holy Spirit to become leaders and ministers to their kids. When parents start to feel guilty or inadequate, I pray that God would give them confidence and boldness as they nurture the faith of their children. And I pray that these things would become the win, and the aim, in children's ministry