Disciples, Not Distractions
Last Sunday we were able to reopen the grade school classroom(s) in our new education space. It was quite apparent both parents and children were excited for the reopening. The smiling faces, giddy behavior, and overall demeanor of the children were all evident of this thrilling “new season.”
Before we began class on Sunday we briefly walked through the purpose and intent of our time. To start our time last Sunday, the question was asked: “Why are we here this morning?” Despite the range of answers (90% of which were correct), there was a common repeated answer by several children in both gatherings. Many children answered the question by stating, “We’re here so we don’t distract our parents.”
Now, hear me out, I get it. As a daddy of three daughters my wife and I have had those moments in the main gathering that feel utterly distracting. We’ve been distracted, our children have distracted others, and we’ve left the gathering frustrated. However, the reality is children not being a distraction is only a consequence of their attendance in our kids space. Our frustrations with children being “distracting” have little to do with their hearts and more with ours (that’s another topic for another day). The purpose and intent of our kids ministry is to equip children, not entertain children so they’re not a distraction in the main gathering.
Jesus sets the tone for the significance and value of children as its recorded in Matthew 18. Jesus makes it clear that children are an integral part of our mission; both parents and the church have a missional responsibility to the ones closest to us. Consequently, if we are faithful to be missional with families, we must be faithful to be missional with the children as that will inevitably build bridges with families. We count our adults and children in attendance during our Sunday gatherings for this very reason.
Our goal to equip children, not entertain, is rooted in our belief that children are valuable and a blessing. Thus, we want to treat them the same way we’d want to be spiritually fed by the church. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean there wont be fun (if you were around last week you would have seen a number of paper airplanes flying through the air during pickup). In a 2015 survey from the National Association of Evangelicals, we learned that 63% of Christians came to saving faith between the ages of 4-14. The harvest is plentiful during this window!
While our time is limited, our hope is strong. Our hope is that the reemphasized position and end goal of equipping children, not entertaining in Missio Kids & Missio Students will develop a Gospel centered deposit in your children’s lives, help form a positive emotional impression of the Church, and build bridges with families in the church and across the city. Would you pray with us to these effects; and that as our church grows that a vibrant richness would be present in our children and family ministries? Amen!
Submitted by: Mikey Conrad