Creativity + Simplicity x Eternity

A Leader Worth Following

When is the last time you played “follow the leader”? This childhood game is so basic, yet it cuts right to the heart of discipleship. It screams creativity + simplicity x eternity. Two thousand years later, Jesus still changes lives with two words: “Follow me.” We come to know, love, and serve Him by walking with Him day by day, one step at a time.

“Follow the leader” is also a reminder that we don’t need complicated, expensive, time consuming programs to get people’s attention. Invite a group of kids to play “follow the leader” and most of the time they’ll jump right in. We’re wired to build on our curiosity, to make things and to make a difference in the world.

When Christ walked the earth, He declared the Gospel in all kinds of ways. Jesus taught with conviction through stories, parables, metaphors, and object lessons. He led by example through consistently serving and sacrificing. His invitation to potential followers was to be with Him, to learn and be changed along the way, and to carry the message of salvation and God’s kingdom into the future. When the Lord played “follow the leader,” that’s exactly what the disciples did.

Back to Basics

As my colleagues and I have surveyed the landscape of today’s children’s ministry over the past few years, it’s become apparent that the Gospel is taking a back burner to other priorities. Ministry is weighed down with high expectations and no real solutions to deal with the disturbing dropout rates of churched kids after age 15. We keep spinning plates and experiencing the same programmatic pain points year after year. Evangelism, discipleship, and Bible engagement are regularly esteemed and rendered ineffective. Lining our shelves with new curriculum, DVDs, and the latest technology isn’t the answer. Something must change if we want to bring the Gospel to life with clarity and urgency the way Christ did.

One of the best ways Jesus gripped people’s hearts was by being committed to creativity and simplicity for the sake of eternity. Add the two together and the impact gets multiplied! He didn’t overcomplicate matters. He cut to the heart and challenged people to make a change. Christ called out forgiveness by drawing in the dirt, taught truth while standing in a boat just offshore, embraced a child as an example of true faith, and overturned tables to make a point. He spoke about real life matters like banquets, bread dough, wages, losing and finding coins, sheep, and more. In every exchange, Jesus creatively communicated simple truths so that people would come face to face with eternal issues.

Will You Be Distracted or Disruptive?

Consider your approach to children’s and youth ministries these days. Are you caught up in bigger and better ministry? Are you looking to some fad or technique to woo the hearts of kids with God’s Word? Or, are you content to rely on living out creativity and simplicity for the sake of eternity? Kids, families, and leaders are willing to follow leaders worthy of being followed. There’s no app for that like face-to-face relationships.

Take your cues from Christ and get back to the heart of discipleship. Resist the temptation to “wow” the next generation. Try out Jesus’ disruptive approach. Keep your Gospel message and methods creative, simple, and eternal. Invest in kids, families, and leaders by loving on them and leading them to the Lord. It will transform you and your ministry as you play “follow the leader” this year.