A few years ago I attended a conference for Children’s Pastors. There was a concept that I had been taught before but really needed the reminder in that moment. As church leaders, we are not to add programming to our ministry areas just to add programming. We need to answer the questions, “Who is this for?” and “What purpose is this unto?” Out of the answers to those questions would come the program. Many people start with the program and are disappointed when it’s not really reaching the people or the purpose that we feel we’re called to.
It was shortly after this conference that I took an inventory of our KIDS ministry. Along with a team of wise and passionate people we looked at everything we had to work with and everything we had to offer to the children in our church and our community. We determined for each area “who” it was reaching and “what” purpose it was fulfilling. From this inventory we discovered the areas that we needed to beef up and the areas we needed to pare down. From this inventory we discovered that the area of discipleship and growth needed some improvement and out of that discovery the Family Discipleship Path was birthed.
I would like to encourage you, as a church leader, to take an inventory of your resources in your church.
Who is it for?
- Core Church Kids: Those who are here on Sunday morning most of the time. Their families are involved somewhere in the church in ministry or community.
- Fringe Church Kids: Those who are here sometimes on Sunday mornings. Their families call your church their church home but they are not really involved.
- Friends of Church Kids: Those who are here occasionally on Sunday mornings. They participate in annual events like VBS or Camps. Usually you don’t know their families because they are brought by a family in your church.
- Not Yet Church Kids: Those in your community who do not yet know Jesus.
What is the Purpose?
At Risen King, our purpose statement is “to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ and to advance His Kingdom.” The purpose of anything we do will reflect back to this main purpose. We have also defined disciple as a 3-C disciple. These are the 3-C’s that we use.
- Centered on Jesus- Is the purpose to worship Jesus? To learn more about Jesus? To become more like Jesus?
- Contributing to the Advance of the Kingdom: Is the purpose to be a part of advancing the Kingdom of God either deeper or wider? Is the purpose to give back? To use times, talents, or treasures to serve?
- Connected to friends- We cannot do this life alone. We are meant to live our lives connected to others who are going after the same thing. Is the purpose to get to know people better? To build connections with others?
The small step that we are going to take this week is to look at your ministry areas and take an inventory of “who” and “why.” Are there areas you need to increase or decrease? For me, this was a small step that led me on a two year journey. What’s it going to be for you? Please share your thoughts, ideas, or encouragements to others.
Family Discipleship Path 