"Jesus overheard them and said, 'I want little children to come to me, so never interfere with them when they want to come, for heaven's kingdom realm is composed of beloved ones like these! Listen to this truth: No one will enter the kingdom realm of heaven unless he becomes like one of these!'" Matt. 19:14-15, TPT
I have to hand it to Jesus for his communication skills. He was not ambivalent about children; he was clear and concise. Bring the children here to be loved at Jesus' feet. Even a casual reading of the Gospels shows that this is a priority for Christ. What would happen if we made children our priority? How would that affect our communities? Our culture?
Maybe it's just me, but when I think of all Jesus did during His life on earth, I immediately think about how He welcomed children. I also think of His angry response to the disciples, who would have shooed them away. Jesus showed us how important children are. What would Jesus say about the way children are treated in your congregation?
To further that point, what could happen in our congregations if we followed Christ's example and loved children as He showed us? What if we fully accepted His teachings and acknowledged that children represent the Kingdom of Heaven? What if we genuinely grasped the value of our children?
Can Global Methodists, at the beginning of our movement, teach and love children as Jesus would want us to? We can. We must. We cannot let our little ones drift away.
To love children as Jesus instructed, we may need to change some of our actions or take on tasks we’ve previously been reluctant to undertake. If our congregations have not embraced and served children as Jesus desires, we may need to adjust our approach.
What precisely must we do? What is needed to love our children and bring them to Jesus? How do we serve and encourage our children to be eager for His ways?
What vision has the Holy Spirit given you for children? Pray and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance if you wish to welcome more children and families into your congregation. How can you reach the children within your sphere of influence with your current resources and location? Let this be your motivation once the Lord provides you with a vision. Are there educators among you? Consider setting up an after-school homework station. Athletes? Engage in games! But remember: not every child is an athlete. Choose games that can include children of all physical abilities, including those who are shy and academically talented. Utilize the people and resources you have. But take action.
Joy surpasses perfection. Encourage those who enjoy being around children to participate in any way they can. To love children towards Jesus, they need to be surrounded by smiling individuals who are delighted to see them and will demonstrate Jesus' love by living it out in front of them. Publicly ask who in your faith community has a love for children. Identify those who can patiently, with courage, strength, kindness, and fun, embody the gospel's Good News while speaking of Jesus. It is not complicated. It is not difficult. It is a beautiful reflection of Jesus' love for the children brought to Him. To embody Jesus in this world, we must love the children who gather around us.
Understand that children have varying needs at different ages and stages. There isn't a universal program that will effectively serve all your children. Discipleship plans that consider the developmental stages of the children in your care are a crucial investment. This distinguishes merely keeping children occupied while others attend Sunday school from genuinely guiding children to Jesus. We can continue to give sixth graders cartoon coloring sheets, thus neglecting their spiritual growth, or we can invest in and develop engaging discipleship experiences. There are numerous talented authors and creators with orthodox discipleship materials. Seek them out. Read and research. This ministry is essential. Commit to it diligently.
Seek assistance. In your area, enthusiastic, vibrant, and joyful Christian educators are eager to help you begin. If your church has a few children and the church ten minutes away has a dozen children with an excellent adult leadership team, set aside your pride. Take your children where they can receive an exceptional Christian education. Stay and contribute. Collaborate with another faith community. Develop where the Lord is already active. Create a group of adults who cherish children and children who love Jesus. Enjoy yourselves. Make friends. It will be fantastic!
Seeking children where they may be found is a mandate for our time. The Eternal Our God commands us always to teach our children God's ways and commandments and to be faithful in instructing them in God's ways and word.
This is not an optional activity. It is not an add-on to the Church. It is the reason we exist. Our faith will wither and die without careful, dedicated, and orthodox teaching. Our children matter on every level: physical, mental, and spiritual.
Children are expensive, noisy, and active. But teaching and loving them is essential. We must keep them safe from predators and show them that following Christ leads to a life of abundance and happiness. This is our purpose and our obligation.
Enjoy working for Jesus! Love the children as He did.
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