We had our annual KIF Children's Ministry Spring Training conference last weekend and the theme was KARDIA - in other words, HEART. That's what our ministries should be all about - reaching the HEART of kids. It can't simply be about program, or curriculum, or about facts and stories of the Bible (all important, but not, essentially, what we're all about). It has to be about reaching the HEART of our kids. But how do we do that? In my keynote, I talked about 5 key components of reaching the HEART of children (or anyone, for that matter). It actually was a pretty easy talk to prepare because I took it straight from the mission statement of the children's ministry I am privileged to pastor (Shadow Mountain Community Church). I'll share one component at a time, starting with:
Heartfelt Relationships
"Ministry happens best through relationships" is something I always say. Yes, ministry can happen instantly through those who don't know each other, but it happens BEST through relationships. In our children's ministry, we need to build relationships with our kids. Our teaching techniques and storytelling ability is important, but that's not what is going to connect with the HEART of our kids. I grew up in the church and learned all the stories, but I can really only remember a couple of my Sunday School teachers: Mr. Green & Mr. Short. Why? Not because they were great storytellers or teachers - I actually couldn't tell you any specific lesson. No, I remember Mr. Green because he took our class camping, and to a Padres game, and took time each week to talk to us personally and find out what's going on. I loved that time! He built a relationship and to this day I remember him as a Godly man who I wanted to be like. Mr. Short, well, he got to know all of us as well, and when I went forward one Sunday night in church, he came and knelt down beside me, reminded me of what he had already shared in class (the Gospel), and prayed with me as I became part of God's family.
As we minister to our kids, we have to remember what's important, and it starts with relationships. How can you more intentionally develop relationships in your ministry?
