Children's Ministry
Overview and Mission Statement
Focus Verse: 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” KJV
Mission Statement: Everything we do, we do in love. For showing love, is showing God (I John 4:12 )
What are we trying to accomplish?
We know how to love because Christ “first loved us.” (I John 4:19). We have to teach our children that same manner of love. Love is more than a word. God demonstrated His own love for us by giving up His Son Jesus, while we were yet sinners, not by simply saying He loved us. We have to teach children that love requires actions; that God wants us to live a life of love; that love must be sincere (Romans 12:9). We can never assume a child is going to receive love or learn a Godly love from other places. They come to church to receive that “agape” type of love. That is our calling and purpose as a vessel of Christ. We have to love completely, in all areas, in all actions, and at all times. We have to do everything in love (I Cor. 16:14 ).
What will a child receive through Parkwood's Children Ministry?
*Guidance in what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ
*Basic Biblical Truths which lead to an understanding that God created them special and has a plan for each of their lives.
*Valuable memories of the church and it's calling
*Experience of worship and thanksgiving to God
*Knowledge that they have been loved and cared for by our church and volunteers
How Do We Get There?
* Prayer - This has to be our first and foremost priority. God works, when we invite Him to work. The more we invite Him into the life of our church and our children, the more active He will be. I would like to set up prayer buddies for our children within the church. I would like to designate times each month where we are specifically praying for our families in the church. (Philippians 4:6, I Thessalonians 5:17)
*Attitude of Excellence – God always gives us the best, the double portion, in our lives. God never puts things off, forgets, or decides to worry about us later. This is the standard we should set for ourselves. Of course, we are not God, so we (myself included) will mess up. However, we should always seek to put forth our absolute best in every activity. It should be well planned, well coordinated, and directly relate to our goals, both in the church and in children's ministry. (Philippians 2:5-11)
*Committees - Jesus never tried to do everything Himself. He realized His calling and did what He needed to so He could achieve that calling. Even Jesus did not have an earthly “save the world” complex. Thankfully for us, he did have a heavenly “save the word” complex. One person cannot accomplish our purpose, our God-given direction. God has given our church the calling. It is a calling that reaches out to all people. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
*Recognize our Strengths - God has blessed us all with abilities. I Cor.12:4 “ Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit. Let us never short change ourselves or God. If you feel called to be a part of something, plug in, and let God use you. It is also our job to help recruit and disciple new leaders and volunteers. Be active in pursuing your gifts and the calling God has placed on your life. (I Corinthians chapter 12)
*Utilize our resources - I have been called here to help and serve. God has blessed me with the privealage to serve here. Allow me to serve you. Use me in whatever is needed. If it's teaching a class for a week, or helping set something up or get it organized, I'm here. More than that though, ask from help within the church. Let everyone use their spiritual gifts. Use our connections, jump through the doors God opens for us. Allow God to be active and alive in all areas. (I Thessalonians 5:24)
*Be Open – Paul writes in I Corinthians 9:22 “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.” Sometimes God calls us to do things we may not enjoy, have the time for, or even understand, but we have to accept God's command. Paul puts it best, by simply saying, you have to do what you have to do. Be open, be flexible, not to the children's ministry, but to God. (Jeremiah 29:11) |
