I recently had two conversations where I asked, “Did you know the iPhone is only 8 years old?” and “Remember landlines?”
These two questions show how quickly just phone technology has changed within the past few decades, if not even the past few years! The way we interact, work, and relax have also been significantly impacted by technology and our cultures, communities and churches are all being changed drastically because of this.
So how are we as churches and leaders doing at making disciples of kids and families as the world has changed around us?
Awana wanted to know.
In The Gospel Truth About Children’s Ministry, authors Matt Markins, Dan Lovaglia, and Mark McPeak set out by asking real children’s ministry leaders and decision makers how things were going and if they were seeing the results they were hoping to see in their ministries. Through years of surveys, research, conversations and assessment, The Gospel Truth About Children’s Ministry was written to help churches, children’s ministry leaders and families to see how we all can best reach kids and make disciples of Jesus Christ in this generation and beyond.
Churches understand the importance of children’s ministry, and over the past few decades they have created incredible programs and events to reach kids. In many ways, the church has tried to keep up with the culture. Through hundreds of responses, the reason for this book can be whittled down to this:
- “In the overwhelming busyness of running and leading a children’s ministry, we have lost sight of the priority making disciples of kids, parents, leaders. Maybe it’s time we rethink and make some big decisions to get back to what we’re really supposed to be all about” (page 17).
This is huge. It’s hard to hear, but massively important to admit and begin to honestly assess children’s ministry. By asking actual children’s ministry leaders how things are going and truly listening to the responses, Awana was able to gather what they saw as the top 10 most remarkable findings. These are real responses from real children’s ministry leaders who have a real passion to make disciples of kids, parents, and leaders.
As I read through the book’s 10 Fresh KidMin Research Findings, I found myself getting more and more excited by what the children’s leaders were saying. I want to give an overview of what I found most compelling from the 10 in hopes that you will see the importance of this research and book, and will potentially sit down with your team, volunteers and family to discuss how we can all best make disciples of kids, families and leaders in our churches in this generation and beyond.
1. Whatever You Do, Remember It’s Still All About the Word of God.
Helping kids develop a love for the Bible through a Biblebased program is still a huge value to children’s ministry leaders. Yes! Amen!
2. It Really Does Take a Village: Discipleship is Relational and Family Integrated.
“Connecting children AND families to the gospel. Providing parents with training and support to disciple their children.” YES, YES, YES! Churches partnering with parents and parents partnering with churches together. Awesome!
3. We’re Struggling to Develop Kids Who Can Navigate Culture and Live Out a Gospel-Centered Faith.
The world is asking/telling kids to grow up fast. It is important that leaders and volunteers are developing kids who know how to live for Jesus in a postmodern age.
4. Children’s Ministry Leaders are Afraid We May Have Sacrificed Substance for Fun and Entertainment.
Holy cow. That’s honest and a bold claim, but huge to understand this impact. Entertainment is not producing the committed disciples they want. How do we deliver substance to programs that is engaging but not focused too much on entertainment?
I would highly recommend every children’s ministry leadership and volunteer team consider reading through this book together and reassesing the God-given mission of their ministry. The discussion questions in each section of the top 10 findings would be a great place to start towards seeing how you’re doing.
I would also absolutely recommend each church’s leadership teamwhether pastors, elders/trustees or church boardsconsider reading through this book together and discussing. Children’s ministry isn’t just a “children’s leader and volunteer issue.” It’s a whole church blessing to have the opportunity to love on children, families and leaders, and to share Christ with them and help them grow as disciples. All churches should be talking about how to reach children and families, and helping them to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.
