The Most Important Soldier…

Unfortunately, we live in a time of war.  I guess almost any generation could say the same thing.  Their wars may have been over land, states rights, slavery, or the spread of communism.  Ours is about the threat of terror attacks.  We see headlines every day covering the heroic service of soldiers from many countries.  But have you ever wondered, who is the most important soldier?

Unfortunately, we live in a time of war.  I guess almost any generation could say the same thing.  Their wars may have been over land, states rights, slavery, or the spread of communism.  Ours is about the threat of terror attacks.  We see headlines every day covering the heroic service of soldiers from many countries.  But have you ever wondered, who is the most important soldier?

Some may say that the Commander in Chief is the most important.  Or maybe it is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.  (If nothing else, I’ve always thought he has the coolest sounding title.)  Perhaps the most important soldier is the Navy Seal or the Airborne Ranger.  Maybe it is the supply officer that makes sure there is fuel for the tanks and bullets for the guns.  It’s hard to say.

I think that the person who teaches our soldiers to fight is a very important soldier.  The DI, or drill instructor, shapes our soldiers into all they can be, an army of one, etc.  Without dedicated drill instructors who teach our troops the basics of being a soldier, our fighting men wouldn’t stand a chance.

But I believe there is someone even more important.  From where I sit, the most important soldier is the one who teaches the DI the values and information that are to be passed on to our troops.  The trainers of the trainers.  They are the most important soldiers.

Each week your army of children’s workers go to battle for the hearts of the young people in your ministry.  They are the trainers.  They mold and shape the hearts of kids.  They teach them God’s word and His plan for their lives.  They point them to peace with God through Christ.  But who trains your trainers?

I’m concerned that many children’s workers have less training for their ministry than the barista who sold them coffee on the way to church does for making lattes.  Who shepherds the shepherds?  Who ensures that they are growing in their knowledge of God and His word?  Who loves them enough to invest in them, so that when time comes for ministry there is something there to give?

When I became an Awana Missionary I moved from working primarily with kids to working with those who work with the kids.  In some ways I miss working more directly with the kids.  But God has allowed me to expand my influence for His Kingdom by encouraging and training leaders as they influence many more young people than I ever could on my own.

Maybe you are the most important soldier in the army of children’s ministry in your church.  Make a plan for training.  Take advantage of the many opportunities available for ongoing encouragement and growth.  Be sure that your team is growing in their knowledge of the Bible.  Good curriculum only goes so far.  It takes a dedicated, growing volunteer to really make a difference. Remember, it is not enough to know about the Bible, we must know the Bible, both leaders and kids.  You, the most important soldier, can make that happen.