As I look at the trends and pathways of children's ministry, there are some things that concern me.
These are things that I believe we must address and search for ways to correct them.
Below are the 12 things. Take a few minutes to think about these.
Lack of Biblical knowledge.
Biblical knowledge alone will not help kids be discipled. But it is crucial that kids know God's Word if they are going to apply it to their lives. You can't apply what you don't know.
Kids not knowing why we believe what we believe.
The number one reason why kids grow up and leave the faith is because they simply don't believe anymore.
We must teach kids apologetics. We must help them work through the tough questions and find the correct answers.
If we don't, when kids are exposed to the wrong answers, they will not be able to stand against the doubt and confusion that will be brought their way.
Like the seed that fell into shallow soil, they will wilt away when the pressure from unbelievers comes.
Shallow faith greatly concerns me.
Lack of prayer.
I see a lack of prayer in our ministries. Children who make an impact even at an early age are kids who are taught how to pray.
A few months ago, I decided to try something bold when it comes to prayer. I started blocking out 10 minutes of time during class to pray.
I have the kids get down on their knees. I wondered how this would go. Surprisingly, the kids got down on their knees...even the kids who are normally a little "rowdy." A hush came over the room and we began to pray. We have a list of needs in our church and we pray though that. We also pray for God's forgiveness in areas we have sinned and spend time thanking and praising God for who He is.
It has been a game changer for many of the kids.
If we are going to the see the next generation move forward for God and serve Him for a lifetime, it will happen when they spend time with God in prayer.
Inconsistent church attendance.
As I talk with and interact with churches across the country, the same attendance pattern emerges. Families with children are attending church once or twice a month or even less.
This means children are missing 50-75% of the lessons. What would happen if children missed 50-75% of their school lessons. It would be difficult for them to master the subjects they are studying.
The same can be said of church attendance. It concerns me that a big majority of the children who attend our churches are only getting 25-50% of the teaching. It's hard to get a solid faith foundation when you are not there consistently.
Priorities and choices of parents.
All too often, I see parents who make the choice to put sports before church attendance and discipleship. Traveling ball participation that causes kids to miss weeks and weeks of Biblical teaching.
Too busy to attend church faithfully? I am afraid that this will catch up to families spiritually and is setting a precedent that is going to cause kids to not put God first in their priorities and choices. This can eventually cause children to drop out of church completely when they grow up.
God wants first place in our lives and choices. We must help parents understand that the choices they make will greatly affect their children's relationship with Jesus now and in the years to come.
Volunteers who only serve once a month.
A big part of discipleship happens through relationship. For discipleship to happen in children's ministry (especially in the elementary years) you need volunteers who serve consistently. The best scenario is for volunteers to serve every week. This helps them build influence with the children and obviously makes the opportunity for relationship to be much higher.
It's hard to build relationship with someone you only see for an hour each month.
Temporary prizes for eternal endeavors.
Many churches give kids rewards for bringing their Bible to church, attendance, bringing a friend, good behavior, etc.
I believe we should reward kids for spiritual disciplines...but I believe we should reward them with far more than a cheap toy.
Think about this with me. What if you rewarded kids with the opportunity to make an eternal impact.
Examples:
Earn 50 points and you can purchase a goat for a family in India.
Earn 10 points and you can purchase a paint brush that will be used to paint a widow's house.
Earn 100 points and purchase a well for a family in Uganda.
I have found that kids respond even more if you give them the opportunity to make an impact with their points.
This also helps kids grow in their faith as they invest in eternal matters.
You can read more about this strategy at this link.
Churches that are not willing to change to reach the next generation.
Churches that are unwilling to change are losing the next generation. As I drive by churches that are closed down, I am reminded that at one time they had kids crying in the nursery. They had elementary kids giggling and playing in the classrooms. But not now. There is a for sale sign in the yard. Why? Because they were unwilling to change and stay relevant.
Often it's generational. The older generation has a worship style they grew up with and want to continue with it until their dying days. They have methods that they are comfortable with and they refuse to go outside the box they have created.
Remember...the last three letters in trend spells "end."
Not reaching children and families with the Gospel.
The most important thing children's ministries do is reaching kids and families with the Gospel. We only have a short window of time to reach the next generation. Churches can do a lot of things, but the primary passion and heartbeat must be reaching and discipling kids and families.
Online church without personal connections.
I'm not against online church. But when it comes to kids, I believe they need personal connections with caring volunteers. Discipleship happens through relationships. Kids need a consistent person pouring into their lives and helping them grow in their faith.
Churches that don't make children ministry a top priority.
You hear many churches say that children's ministry is a priority. But their budget, staffing, volunteer base, and facilities say something different.
Children are the greatest mission field in the world. It concerns me when a church can't see that and doesn't take action about it.
Children's ministries that don't have a salvation and discipleship pathway for children.
They don't have a clear next step when kids express an interest in beginning a relationship with Jesus. They don't have a curriculum plan in place that teaches kids the "musts knows" of following Jesus.
I believe we have to focus on what we are going to teach kids from God's Word. We must create intentional teaching pathways that will help kids know God's Word. It's time we adjust and rather than teaching kids "character traits" we must teach kids the key doctrines, principles, and truths that are found in God's Word. Biblical truth must be the foundation of what we teach.
Those are 12 things that concern me.
What concerns you about children's ministry? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
