CBC KIDS
Spring 2018
TRENDS IN KIDS MINISTRY - Part I
Do you wonder about the future state of kids ministry? How will our quickly changing culture affect how we serve kids and families in our churches? Well, this year, we’ve had the opportunity to connect with some pretty dynamic kids ministry leaders across the country who have all been in small, medium, and mega church settings.
This two-part blog will feature what we perceive as current trends in children’s ministry. Today’s blog features some potentially negative trends. Don’t be dismayed, however, as our next blog features some positive movements.
The bottom line is this: God is positioning His church to be a light in the darkness. The gospel shines brightly in the darkness. He’s placing vibrant kidmin leaders in a position to shape the culture of their churches and communities. One glaring idea that has risen from discussions with these leaders is that it’s important to partner families with Jesus. The church is the bridge of that partnership.
Here are some not-so-positive trends noted by various kidmin leaders.
“Churches are still evaluating themselves and their ministries by the number of kids or people they have, instead of spiritual growth or depth of their people. Churches are still trying to reach new volunteers instead of keeping the ones they have.”
– Chad Overton – First Baptist Church- Houston, TX
“It’s unsettling when churches remove the ‘human factor’ from worship. In other words, there seems to be a movement towards media-driven worship, even to the point that there are no people in front of the kids. There is a difference between using media and depending on it.”
– Jonathan Hansen – Passion City Church – Atlanta, GA
“The negative trend I see the most is the need to take the Scriptures and form a drama that mentions nothing about the Bible and call it the lesson. While this curriculum format might be fun, cute, and even drive home positive messages, I wonder what we are communicating to kids when we use everything but the Bible to actually teach the Bible. Dramas done well can still be exciting and even silly, and call for the need to have an open Bible in your lap. Kids should know they are learning the Word of God.”
– Heidi Hensley – Bayside Church – Sacramento, CA
“There are still some churches that feel children’s ministry is not something worth investing in. They feel that money is best spent somewhere else. This is something that breaks God’s heart. Jesus understood that that children are not our future, they are our NOW!”
– Chad Owens – Real Life Church – Valencia, CA
Much thanks goes out to these voices in kidmin.
Stay tuned for Part Two of “Trends In Kids Ministry.”
Jeffrey Reed serves on the leadership team for LifeWay Kids. He came to LifeWay with a wide variety of ministry experiences including worship leader, director of children’s ministry, and executive leadership in several growing congregations. He, his wife Katherine, and their four kids attend Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, TN.
NOTE FROM GERALDINE
For each of us to begin in a journey of growth, to become healthy and impactful in our ministry, we must reflect upon where we have been, examine where we are, and be intentional in where we are heading. That has been our process since I joined the CBC community. We are currently preparing and recreating space for ministry for kids and young families to worship and grow in faith together. All good things take time and patience.
Our four major guiding ministry principles are:
- Scriptures based model
- Character based pursuit
- Discipleship based operation
- Relationship based teamwork
High level view for long and short term goals for moving ministry forward, depending upon responsiveness of the leadership, co-laborers, and parents:
- Prepare up-to-date, safe, functional, and inviting environment for worship, discipleship, and ministries.
- Set up operational structure and communication pipelines.
- Institute safety & security / ministry procedures and policies.
- Provide appropriate tools, materials, and resources.
- Equip co-laborers, teachers, leaders, parents and kids for good work.
- Minister to teachers, leaders, co-laborers, and families.
- Engage parents for direct involvement.
- Annual review and evaluation to better our ministry.
Please spend some time here on our Parents/Kids and KidMin workers page.
Keep seeking creative ways to help parents & kids in CBC by seeking Him with us.
Have you heard this one?
Q: What's the quickest way to reach God?
A: Knee-mail!
Please spend time daily praying for:
- Yourself and your role as a Kingdom worker in the Kids' Ministry
- The kids you serve - their salvation & sanctification.
- Their parents and grandparents who bring them (and the ones who don't)
- The CBC community - for unity and maturity in the Body of Christ
- Our missions and goals - to disciple and equip God's people for good works
- Praise God for the way He is working in your life.
Grateful to be on a journey of grace together,
Geraldine
March Watch
We love and appreciate our faithful and committed program coordinaotrs!
CBC KIDs Annual Calendar Events 2018 - for your planning purposes.
Come & Remember: Good Friday for Kids (K-G5)
Space Ministry & Teaching Ministry Updates
A jewel in the dark - training the next generations to stand firm in Truth and Grace.
Kids Ministry logo and vision statement were prominently stated in the Children's Center.
Faith talk on "Agape Love" during Valentine Family Night.
A Children's Worship Leadership Team was assembled in 2017, leading and teaching worship with the brand new curriculum, DiscipleTown.
New age-appropriate furniture and computer stations were set in place in each of the Sunday school classrooms.
Inviting and vibrant colors are the new appeal at the Kids Wing in the Education Building.
"Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to Preschool garden hall.
We understand the challenges of parenthood. You asked and we answered with gladness!
A fresh and clean look at the Welcome Desk, Early Childhood Ministry entrance.
Currently transforming an interesting and engaging space for kids & their families - Themed ministry environment at the Preschool Wing.
A leadership team for Early Childhood Praise Time was newly formed in January 2018.
A special playroom was created for little ones to connect with each other and with their leaders.
As our church grows, and for your child's safety and your peace of mind, we've transitioned to a data based online check-in system.
With the digital age, kids/young families also expect options and technology - Our recent updates in teaching tools and digital curricula.
Don't be late with your appointment with God :)
RESOURCES
Spring 2018 Kids Sunday School
About Us
Email: geraldinel@cbchouston.org
Website: http://www.cbchouston.org/children.html
Phone: (713) 461-0963
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CBCKidParents/