About 3 years ago at our parish AGM, someone raised the need for us as a parish to begin planning towards employing a full time children’s and youth worker to help in the ministry of our church.
At that time, it seemed like a good and necessary step to be taking as a parish, since the task of organising programs, training leaders, discipling kids and many other small tasks were consuming significant amounts of my time. Well, nearly three years later and now with greater need, we have begun the process of interviewing for this position.
A few weeks ago in conversation with one of the “kids church” leaders, they noted that we had 38 kids in their church that day and some of the groups were already filling up their room. Two weeks ago we had 46 kids at Generators Kids Club and whilst the SWAT Youth is around 15 people, we also had a new person come along last Friday night. Of course, it is not all about numbers – it is all about making disciples (see today’s sermon). However, each of these opportunities enables us to continue the process of discipling children and youth. Of course, some who come to our programs are already followers of Jesus and we can encourage them to grow as we teach them the word of God.
But it is not just with the children and youth age range that we must be about the business of growing. At the beginning of this year we started a new bible study group on Monday nights and then again at the end of July we started another one – two more groups of adults studying God’s word together to grow more like Christ. There are other groups already regularly meeting throughout the week to do the same thing.
This is all wonderful news; it seems like a lot is happening. However, it is worth our while to stop and ask ourselves if we are just running lots of programs or are we seeking to make genuine disciples of Christ. It is a good thing as a church, to stop and ask ourselves this question. It will ensure that we have “Growing under God’s word” central to every program we run. Our church activities have little point if this is not our expressed aim.
Another good thing is to stop and each ask ourselves, “Am I growing more like Christ?” Is what we are hearing and reading in God’s word transforming us as his people? Would you like to be part of a church that is passionate about making disciples and is being transformed by the word of God?
Feel free to talk with me more if you want to find out what this means. Of course, you might feel your life as a disciple of Jesus is stuck in a rut or growing stale. If this is the case, why not come and speak with me about ways you can ensure God’s word transforms you so that you use the gifts, talents and resources he has given you to serve him.