Anyone else felt like the rug was ripped from under them this season when it came to Children's Ministry? Okay...let's be honest...when it came to life in general! If it wasn't one thing, it was another. And if that wasn't enough, go ahead and add racial tensions, riots, and political drag out fights as the bitter cherry on top of it all. As many have succumbed to the vortex, is it any wonder why the passion of many has grown cold?
For those of us who have been in ministry for a long time, it's easy to lose our zeal, passion, and excitement in serving. So many of us have been forced out of our comfort zones and frustrated by the challenges of this pandemic. It's easy to experience exhaustion when new virtual methods aren't yielding the desired outcome. It's easy to be disappointed when our interactions are crippled by social distancing restrictions.
Earlier this week I had the amazing opportunity to have a discussion with my friend Michayla White, Executive Director at the International Network of Children's Ministry. The topic of conversation was centered on ways we could move children's ministry forward in the midst of such a trying season. Despite our efforts to focus on the methods and best practices in this season, our conversation continued to drift back to the same central theme: The Lord. As our conversation continued, I believe we both began to experience times of refreshing and a renewed zeal to draw closer to the Father.
If your passion has waned in Children's Ministry and you're looking to be reignited in your call to children and families, then consider Jesus' words to the church of Epesus.
4 But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. 5 So remember the heights from which you have fallen, and repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will] and do the works you did at first [when you first knew Me]. -Revelation 2:4-5
I know that life has a way of throwing us lemons but let me give you some advice. SNAP OUT OF IT! Allow me to remind you that you are not your own. The ministry God has given you to children is so much greater than YOU! Get up and wipe the dust of this season from your feet and choose to move forward in your calling! Don't let this season eclipse the purpose that God has planted within you. Don't let the news, social media posts, or COVID19 dictate your destiny. Choose to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. 1 Corinthians 15:58
So what's the secret to reigniting your passion in Children's Ministry? REPENT and REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE!
REMEMBER why you started in the first place.
REMEMBER the vision
REMEMBER the excitement you had when that kid "got it."
REMEMBER His Word is Alive and Active
REMEMBER fervently seeking him in prayer
REMEMBER His faithfulness in every circumstance
REMEMBER His presence
REMEMBER The next generation is depending on you!