Panic, Scrutinize, Withdraw, Over-Power or Lead?
My wife and I landed here in Sacramento, CA July 2010 in order to spread a passion for Jesus among all nations. Our life in ministry thus far has placed us in a position to create, oversee and manage all educational ministries of our new church. Children's ministry had no oversight of teachers, curriculum or discipleship. Two teachers filled the teaching spots for two age groups: (1) 2-5 years and (2) 6-11 years. The church is small, and has an average of 15-20 children total from both age groups. Therefore, what was our focus to be? Panic to get things rolling? Scrutinize the teachers or the current system? Come in with spring chicken cutely hugs and sit on the sidelines? Use my seminary mighty powers to break the spell of tradition? No. Rather, lead.
My wife and I landed here in Sacramento, CA July 2010 in order to spread a passion for Jesus among all nations. Our life in ministry thus far has placed us in a position to create, oversee and manage all educational ministries of our new church. Children's ministry had no oversight of teachers, curriculum or discipleship. Two teachers filled the teaching spots for two age groups: (1) 2-5 years and (2) 6-11 years. The church is small, and has an average of 15-20 children total from both age groups. Therefore, what was our focus to be? Panic to get things rolling? Scrutinize the teachers or the current system? Come in with spring chicken cutely hugs and sit on the sidelines? Use my seminary mighty powers to break the spell of tradition? No. Rather, lead.
Leaders in seminary, churches and church history have constantly battled the need and the methods; but, leadership is crucial, especially the type of leadership Jesus the Christ exemplified for us. Jesus called us to be on his mission and not take his methods for our own mission. Our children's ministry needed to teach the Bible, but teach in such a way the children, teachers, parents and pastors begin to hear and see God's mission carried out.
Jesus re-duplicated leaders and multiplied disciples. God's very own method was not to be a one man show to spread the gospel, rather, God was created leaders and multiplied disciples, especially in the Old Testament (Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc). Therefore, our mission, goals, objectives, methods and strategies are based on God's mission of spreading the gospel, re-duplicating leadership and multiplying disciples.
Who do you have in line to be trained as a teacher or helper? Is your curriculum understandable for the kids, teachers, parents, and pastors? Does it have clarity and unity to the gospel? Are you involving those "pesky teenagers" in the process? Are you inspiring your teachers to enjoy and desire to be on mission with you – not for you? Is there a Bible college or seminary close by that you can utilize those students to be learners, creators and teachers? Do guest understand the mission of your children's ministry? Is your children's ministry only focused on discipleship Sunday mornings versus Monday-Monday?
