The purpose of purpose.


So what is the purpose of your ministry to children?

We have our annual conference coming up in just two weeks at Acer Arena in Sydney. As well as Kidsong World we run the Children’s pastors and leaders stream. Nathan Mclean and I will be speaking in one of sessions with the leaders about curriculum and developing leadership.

In planning the sessions I am exploring the purpose of our ministry to kids… and more importantly HOW to outwork that purpose. One of my not-yet-conclusions is:

“I don’t think it’s just teaching kids the bible”.

The pharisees were the most versed in scripture, but their knowledge never translated into faith.

‘Scope and sequence’ is one of those phrases that simply strikes a chord of… apathy into my heart. It’s just hard to get excited about it. The ultimate goal should not be to get through the whole bible in two or three years… the goals should be to create life long learners passionate and excited to read the word of God. Cover all of the bible you can, but don’t make it the goal.

Kids need to enjoy and participate in the journey, not just wake up at the destination.

An hour and a half a week during your weekend services is never enough to cover the whole bible thoroughly. But it can be accomplished with the hundreds of hours a year that a parent has.

Provide an opportunity to experience God and connect with others this weekend.

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June 20th, 2007
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Sam
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 2:33 pm

“Kids need to enjoy and participate in the journey, not just wake up at the destination.”

Well put. Excellent. It is very true we are trying to produce disciples not simply a product. It is a journey not a destination. Excellent. Couldn’t agree more.

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Mand
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 4:26 pm

Hi- I have just found your blog. I am in the UK- a mother and passionate about children’s ministry. Funnily enough I just read about the Pharisees tonight and how they had knowledge but didn’t apply it.

Presently finding the balance with the Old Testament and my children- telling them God is loving but giving them evidence of him being vengeful (Noah) a fine balance to reach and not easy to do!!!

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Sam
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 5:19 pm

Mand,

I would tell your kids, that God is primarily a God of mercy and compassion. He is long suffering and as we adults know forgives and accepts us despite our junk. But he is also just. Most people in the Old Testament were given much mercy before God’s wrath overflowed (ie. Nineveh with Jonah then eventually the destruction under Nahum.)

I think it is harder for us as adults to reconcile because we don’t feel that we deserve mercy.

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
Rags
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 10:04 pm

The purpose of children’s ministry is first and foremost obedience to God and secondly for the fulfilment of the Great Commission.

And yes, there’s no better and more effective place to do both than in children’s ministry.

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
Sam
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 10:13 pm

Dave, someone wrote on my blog about how she feels that she is much better off not putting her child in children’s ministry.
What would you say to Becky in relation to your post on the purpose of children’s ministry.

Here is her comment
http://samluce.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/if-children-really-mattered-part-2/

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
Matt McKee
Posted on:
June 20, 2007 at 11:12 pm

As always, great post and inspiration for all of us. I would say that you could be more “prolific” but I guess not all of us can.

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
Dave Wakerley
Posted on:
June 21, 2007 at 8:46 am

Sam, I got fired up enough to devote a whole post to this… coming soon

Matt, I promise to be more prolific :)

Comment Number:
8
Written by:
Mand
Posted on:
June 21, 2007 at 4:05 pm

Dave your blog is FAB!!!

I am hoping to Inspire my children, to help facilitate experiences to show them how wonderful God is- not telling them what to think, but allow them to develop their own thoughts about His wonder. Oh and a lovely children’s Bible that we are reading together to encourage discussion. xxxx

Sam- thanks for answering- that makes so much sense. xxxx

Comment Number:
9
Written by:
Keith Johnson
Posted on:
June 21, 2007 at 9:20 pm

Can’t wait to “hear” what you find out! The bible is ACTIVE, sharper than any two edged-sword and therefore is much more than the anecdotes that are contained therein! You’re asking a GREAT question!!!! I find it fascinating that even Jesus had a Judas for three years!!!!! When it comes to the end of the road…we are left with our free will!

Comment Number:
10
Written by:
Glen Woods
Posted on:
June 22, 2007 at 12:29 am

Spot on observations. As someone who has spent many hours consulting with churches about children’s ministry in terms of curriculum and philosophy of ministry, I can relate to a growing weariness with this business of scopes and sequences. It is important to have a plan, but good grief, let’s not bore the kids to tears.

I also am wrestling with why we do children’s ministry the way we do it with a view toward practical application. I look forward to more of your thoughts in the near future.

Comment Number:
11
Written by:
[Kid Inspiration] - » Family worship — hmm.
Posted on:
June 22, 2007 at 7:24 am

[...] last post, the purpose of purpose drew a number of responses, (thanks to all who commented!) including one from Sam that got me fired [...]

Comment Number:
12
Written by:
Michelle
Posted on:
June 22, 2007 at 10:14 pm

“Kids need to enjoy and participate in the journey, not just wake up at the destination.”

I love this thought! It is right on! So many churches do exactly what you’re writing about - try to just cover the Bible in a year or such, while boring the kids to tears. And we wonder why they leave the church as they get older?

They need to see that church is relevant for them! Exciting, fun, purposeful. Really, we need to be partnering with families and expecting and equipping them to raise spiritual giants.

Comment Number:
13
Written by:
[Kid Inspiration] - » 2007: The List Post
Posted on:
January 2, 2008 at 7:00 am

[...] The Purpose of Purpose - Kids need to enjoy and participate in the journey, not just wake up at the destination. This post talked about what we are looking to do with kids! People liked it. [...]