Is there a method in the madness of our kids and youth ministry? Absolutely. It’s called Build – Reach – Flow. This is part of the strategy that lies behind our youth and kids ministry. So, what does it mean you ask? Well, let me explain.
Build – Our primary aim when it comes to the kids and youth we have in our flock is to build them up to be mature disciples of Christ. For new kids who come along, this means clearly sharing the good news of Jesus with them in the most creative, clear and convincing way possible and modelling the difference Jesus makes in our lives – both the lives of the leaders and kids. For those who are already part of the body, we want to be building them up in their knowledge and love of God, “…so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:12,13). We want to make sure we are not so focussed on reaching out that we neglect those God has already given us. Therefore we put effort into building those up that we are already have, so they are equipped to live faithful lives for Christ and to be able to reach out to their friends.
Reach – The best evangelists are the kids themselves. They are the ones who have the friends and connect best with them (as opposed to a guy who is rapidly greying!!). If we want to reach our community for Christ, our kids and youth are the ones most effective in this. The kids need to be equipped to know what it is they believe and be living lives that are different and attractive to their friends, where they can see the hope of Jesus in their lives. We want to encourage our kids and youth to have God’s passion for the lost so that they will be motivated to share Jesus with their friends and invite them to church.
Flow – This is how the body grows over time. As our kids and youth are built up, and then see their friends come to know Jesus, the groups grow and they flow from one group to the next. This next term on November 9th we will be seeing about 5 kids graduate from Generators Kids club up to SWAT youth. Which means SWAT youth will increase in size by about 5 kids. This may seem obvious but planning this flow, and having the right groups for them to flow into is part of the strategy. It is also important to help them make a smooth transition from one group to the next so as to minimise loss and retain relationships.
Build, Reach, Flow. Please pray that God would continue to equip the leaders to do this well, and that his Spirit would be mightily at work in our youth and kids to be built up and reach out.