Don’t Neglect the 4–14
Our kids, youth and their families have been drastically affected by our current isolation as a result of COVID 19. Children’s Ministries Leaders have been amazingly resourceful during this Pandemic. Within a week or two many reconstructed their job descriptions to become writers, directors, announcers, filmers, activity geniuses and editors of children’s and youth online experiences. Our kids and their families are now facing isolation that is extending into the summer. It is imperative that Next Gen ministries are resourced to equip families for the development of their children’s faith, provide activities to do at home, as well as opportunities for meaningful connection that will enrich their week at home in isolation. Putting out a meaningful Easter experience for kids and families became a huge focus for our CM leaders last month! I watched a number of presentations and while the methods were quite varied, the passion for the message of the hope that Jesus our Saviour brings was very evident. It is that passion for which I share and wish to come along side these resilient leaders to help resource them in this most critical time. Most leaders are under resourced for equipment and personnel needed to pull off a sustainable quality children’s experience unique to each ministry context on a weekly basis for the next several months. They need help with video equipment, editing, and getting the word out that their church is providing programming for kids and families. I discovered that many Children’s Ministries experiences are compromised in quality because their support staff have been let go, or those doing the filming/editing for the “main” service are completely consumed and not able to help with Children’s Ministries. It would also really help your Children’s Ministries department if your church webpage clearly indicated their online links so that even an elementary student can find the links to their programming. It is very reassuring for families to see their own Children’s Ministry Leaders, even if it is online. There are many online curriculum options available for free that I can help your Children’s Ministries access if needed. I believe online options for kids will also continue in some way after our Pandemic is over so it would be a great opportunity for your church to empower your Children’s Leaders now.
We must be vigilant to reach into Next Gen homes as their salvation is in the balance. Most of the adults attending church services and now services online are saved, but not so for our Next Gen! Steve S. Chang in his article "Don’t Neglect the 4–14 Window of Children’s Ministry” quoted this In a 2015 survey, “the National Association of Evangelicals found that 63 percent of Christians accepted Jesus Christ between the ages of 4 and 14. This stage of life is a window of opportunity for the church where the harvest is plentiful (Matt. 9:37).” He also emphasized the emotional lasting impression the church has on children, “one of the most important determinants of a returning churchgoer will be the quality of the deposit the church made during the child’s formative years.”
Prevailing churches have thriving children’s and youth ministries and lead pastors that care very much about these departments, enough to intentionally send resources their way to empower their ministries. The 4-14 window Next Gen are our key mission field, they must be viewed as the Church of today, or there will be no church tomorrow. It is a known fact that if you want to change a society’s culture, you must start with its children! If we can reach them before the age of 14, we won’t have a rescue operation when they are older.
An article came out April 7, in which Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services said this: “Now, more than ever, we need to make sure that children and their families have targeted supports that promote child safety, well-being and development. Our new Family Resource Networks will provide programs, services and supports to build stronger, more resilient families and communities across the province.” If our provincial government is concerned for our children, how much more concerned should the church be?
Summer is just around the corner and traditional Children’s Christian daycamps, overnight kids and youth camps as well as VBS as we know it will not be operating. Your Next Gen department will need to invest in these outreach endeavors in new ways, therefore needing personnel and resources to do so or your kids and your community will miss a great evangelistic opportunity. With mental wellness in families and meaningful connection with others being such a great need, it is time for the Church to rise up and meet these kids, youth and families where they are, and empower them to thrive together in this Pandemic.