Three Words That Make Me Cringe

They're... just... kids.

To hear these words sends a streak down my spine. It's normally used as an excuse for poor performance or low quality in ministry. When people are too tired, too overwhelmed, or... dare I say... too lazy to do something great for the next generation, they say, "They're just kids, they won't know the difference." Where did this idea come from anyway? If you want to make any major change in the world, you have to start with the children. They are the adults of the future. They are the difference makers, the risk takers, the dreamers who have yet to be. Why in the world would we sell short our children, the group of people most open to hearing ideas of change? In churches all over the country kids are relegated to the "basement" of ministry. This un-supported, under-funded, just-keep-them-quiet mentality could very well be the ruin of the church as we know it. If the children of the church grow up and believe that it is irrelevant, boring, and lacking in quality, then the first chance they get, they are out of here. If that happens, the church will die.

I know we cannot all do the same level of work, but we can all have the same spirit behind the work. Let us all embrace the next generation and give our best to them with the resources God has given us.

Check out this video from C3 Kids 2009 that touches on this idea:

 

 

Comments

[Hollie]

Amen! Exactly. Couldnt of said it any better! My husband and I are childrens pastors at a fairly new church plant. We may not have all the resources, but what we do have is the spirit behind the work. The C3 kids conference looks like its gonna be amazing and full of great ideas! Hopefully this time next year our church will be more established and able to fund our attendance. May you continue to be blessed in your work with children, and I pray your passion would ignite others to see just how amazing it is to GET to serve children.
-Hollie Mendenhall
Crossroads Community Church

[Jonn McDaniel]

This was one of my favorite C3 moments in the '09 conference. Every church should watch this video first before brainstorming, discussing and planning kids min. Never compromise in your ministry to children! Can't wait for C3'10!

[Patsy Ann Thompson]

Doing my devotion this morning the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said you all are in investing in things for kids not kids. I have been asking for assistance at my church to help with Sunday school for the kids. No one has volunteered. I am a Sunday school teacher for the small children in a small rural area. After the devotion I got online and read your your article and I know God is leading me in the ministry to the children. Keep up the good work.