Children's Ministry Sunday

First let me say thanks:

I don’t believe we can overstate the importance of multi generational ministry.

Whether its Paul telling Timothy to teach what he had learned from Paul to others who could teach others or when Paul said that we should speak to each other, older and younger like parents and kids, or brothers and sisters. (Generations of adults)

Or Jesus teaching to allow the little children to come unto Him, (generations of minors) the Bible makes much of this.

Today we focus on our children’s ministry.

Psalm 78:5–8 HCSB

5 He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children 6 so that a future generation— children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children 7 so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands. 8 Then they would not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

God desires to use fathers as the primary disciplers of their children.

Psalm 78:5 HCSB

5 He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children

Doesn’t mean mom or grandparents or anyone else shouldn’t be involved or take up the slack. Thank God for godly moms and grandmoms and granddads.

Dad- This responsibility rest on our shoulders. God is not as concerned about how well we taught our kids to fish, hunt, throw, catch, run, etc as much as he is that we are teaching our kids what it means to be a godly young man or woman.

God desires that we pass down our faith.

Psalm 78:6 HCSB

6 so that a future generation— children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children

God has the long view in mind. He wants a pattern repeated of godliness. He has generations not yet even born in mind.

This generation teaching the next who teaches the next, how to walk with the Lord. How to live with in a culture upside down and maintain a biblical worldview.

God desires that our children become fully committed followers of Christ.

Psalm 78:7 HCSB

7 so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep His commands.

Put confidence in God- Trust

Don’t forget his works- Gratitude

Keep His Commands- obedience

God desires to reverse the trend.

Psalm 78:8 HCSB

8 Then they would not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

The fact that you are under the sound of this sermon is promising. You are staying in it. Be encouraged. This is not the first generation to get off track.

But in this a message of hope. Let’s train THIS generation and turn it around.

This is where I believe children’s ministry comes in.

Practical Insights

Children’s Ministry should supplement what happens at home.

Children’s Ministry should not be activity driven.

Our kids have plates that are fuller than ever before. The old model of activity driven youth and children’s ministry has produced fewer followers of Christ as adults, not more. Nothing wrong with activity but we can’t gauge success by activity.

This provides me the chance to explain about “Fall Festival”

Help For Parents

You know more than you think.

Utilize the tools we provide.

Redeem the time.

Invitation: Jesus said you had to come to him like a little child.

Pray for our kids.

Start something or build on something in your home.

Consider volunteering.