Many of us have never thought about how negatively “children’s ministry” might be received. If people don’t have a chance to be offended by the gospel because our methods get in the way from them even hearing it, we’re doing more damage than good.

Thanks for your comment.

Wow!, what an interesting array of comments/commenters you’ve acquired over a complex subject.

Back home (in the States), I love the idea of VBS and Awana, etc. I guess that’s b/c it’s largely how I was formed. However, I agree w/ the risk of “outsourcing” as Bill explains in his second point.

I work in Tijuana, Mexico. And, for the most part, I cringe when groups come down from the States and put on summer VBS. The same 50 kids get prizes each week; and the same 50 kids get saved each week. It’s fruitless (except for the exception), unless the parents are involved.

But you’ve taken the argument a different direction. Would I be offended if Muslims set up a VBS next door? The answer is yes. But is that our battle?

This is a subject that definitely needs more thoughtful discussion – there is a lot of validity in what you say. A couple (well 3) quick thoughts:

1. I think the way we treat children’s evangelism is consistent to way we’ve at times thought about all evangelism – getting people to “say the prayer.” However, I do think we’re seeing some progress in this area – the increased recognition of the importance of spiritual formation (as opposed to the “going to church” model of spiritual growth.)

2. One major reason that children’s ministry has become the way that you describe it is because many parents have shirked the responsibility for the spiritual growth of their children, and are entrusting that role to the “professionals” – i.e. Sunday School teachers and camp counselors . We may be seeing progress here as well. Our church has a family ministry rather than a children’s ministry, with the primary purpose to help parents tend to the spiritual growth of their children.

3. One positive aspect of the model that you describe is that when parents are not involved, children’s and youth ministries can lead kids to salvation and help them grow until they can stand on their own. For example I said the prayer and accepted Christ because of a message I heard in “big church,” but it was my continuous involvement in Sunday School, Bible Camp, youth ministry, and a Christian college that kept me growing until my faith could stand on its own.

I really think that we should re-think the way we do children’s and youth ministry the same way we are re-thinking methods for adult evangelism and missions. This comes with the realization that our purpose is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and not just “good church members.”

Keep up the good work!

Shannon,
Very funny. Second base… isn’t that holding hands?

Sea Mike,
You make a good point about how often we ignore God’s sovereignty when it comes to salvation. We ask ourselves theological questions like, “Would this approach lead to conversions?” or “Is this person really saved?” Another reason to stop valuing something just because we think it “works.”

“It is harder to manipulate people the older they become.” It would be really funny if someone printed up a Sunday School poster with that on it.And then it would be really sad when no one noticed the irony of it.

i think it is manipulation and to some degree i experienced it when i was young… (mainly in the church camp catagory)

so I think the best thing you can do is make sure to send your 13-17 year old to christian summer camp but insist that for every “decision for christ” they make they also have to try to get to 2nd base with someone.

They fail to see or they fail to acknowledge that “salvtion is of the Lord”. They fail to see that God is the One who turns mans heart not missionaries nor well intentioned youth workers/children workers.

I think it providential that yesterday I was thinking about how unexact various statisics are on how it is harder to “reach” children the older they become. Reading your post today on “Taking advantage” helped clarify those thoughts.

I would like to suggest that maybe those reports should have instead stated, it is harder to manipulate children the older they become ;0.

I think that there are many people who believe that they are Christians because they said a prayer.

I know that I was one. When I was in 4th grade we moved to a new town and the preacher came to visit. That next Sunday we went to church and when the alter call was given the preacher came down the isle grabbed me by the hand and led me to the front of the church. He asked (I assume he asked because I dont remember) if i wanted to be a Christian. The next thing I knew I was a “new believer”.

At that time I assure you that I did not know Christ as my Savior…That didnt come until I was sixteen when in my room reading my Bible God opened my eyes enabling me to see His beauty and His Grace. He turned my heart of stone to one of flesh.

mike at http://seasidevacation.blogspot.com/

i knew i liked you for some reason. this post explains why.

most often, the first question people ask when we tell them we are doing simple church in our home, its is asked, “what about the children?” i say we took our kids out of public church so we could homechurch them. Followed by “but what do you do for them?” For some reason, “let them play” isnt an adequate response. “But how do they learn the bible?” They watch Mom and Dad live life.

this doesn’t get me invited to do any teaching either. but if youre ever in my neck of the woods, i’ll invite you to speak, and I’ll buy the first round. Heck, I’ll pick up your whole tab.

watchman