Pastor's Perspective - Kids and Church

Some kids will do anything to get out of church!

I confess that last night I had a bit of a chuckle after reading an online news story – after the fact of course. Apparently a 7-year-old boy in Utah led the police on a car chase, all in an effort to avoid going to church! After witnesses saw a child driving a Dodge Intrepid, they called the authorities who followed him at speeds up to 40 mph. Finally the boy stopped in a driveway and ran inside a home. According to the Associated Press, when the boy’s father confronted him later about his reckless behavior, the boy explained that he simply didn’t want to go to church that morning.

Several years ago back in Florida I preached a message called, ‘Dying to Get Out of Church’. The Bible text I used was the account of the Apostle Paul raising a kid named Eutychus back to life (Acts 20:7-12). Apparently the time-pressed apostle was doing a ‘Smokey & the Bandit’ message – a long way to go and a short time to get there! A young man named Eutychus was becoming groggier and groggier as he sat in the window listening. Finally he couldn’t fight slumber any longer and fell from the 3-story ledge to his death. Paul, not missing a beat, simply paused his message, marched downstairs, threw himself on the child and through God’s miraculous power, raised the boy back to life! This dramatic event proved to have little effect, as Paul just continued preaching until sunrise.

Some kids will do anything to get out of church!

I’m always saddened when someone tells me that their kids don’t like coming to church. This statement usually tells me that the child is not being intentionally and creatively reached, has made few friends, or is seeing hypocrisy or lack of ‘church’ zeal in his parents. Gratefully, I rarely if ever hear that! I’m so very blessed to pastor a congregation that makes student and children’s ministry a high priority. Where some might only pacify and warehouse kids while their parents get all the focus and creative attention, FCC is not one of those places. We value the wonderful opportunity God has given us to introduce young people to Christ at the level they can comprehend and engage Him. From our loving Nursery Ministry, to Kingdom Kids, to Awana, to Impact Student Ministries, all are fun and creative avenues led by highly dedicated leaders and volunteers trying to make positive first impressions. Our goal is for each child to know that they are unconditionally loved by their Creator, that following Jesus Christ daily is key, that the Bible is their reliable life-long guide, and that each tender life has a God-sized plan accompanying it.

So, my challenge to you is to bring your young ones to church regularly, support specialized children’s and youth ministry, volunteer selflessly, and thank those who labor with your child’s salvation and spiritual maturity at heart.

My guarantee is, your child won’t fall asleep, and, you won’t have to hide your car keys!

Drama Camp Talent Show – Friday, July 31 at 6PM
Vacation Bible School – Monday, August 3rd thru Friday, August 7th – nightly
Awana Club – Continuing September 2009
Kingdom Kids – Every Sunday morning during both services (9 & 11AM)
Impact Student Ministries – Every Wednesday (Sr High) & Thursday (Jr High) and every Sunday morning

Pastor's Perspective - Just One Promise

Fifteen years ago God called me into the full-time ministry.

For the first thirty years of my existence, I had no idea what the Lord wanted me to do with my life; but the summer of 1994 He made it abundantly clear. I remember the first few days after the calling. I was filled with relief and excitement yes, but also with some fear and anxiety.

For the hundreds who have heard my testimony over the years, I share that Michelle and I were newlyweds, only six months married. We had just bought our little “dream house”, had good jobs, lived close to family and friends, were extremely active in our home church, and were excited to start a family. Then one day, like any other day, God made an unanticipated, strong and sudden impression in me that set me on this white-knuckle ride of faith.

As mentioned, there were many fears and anxieties initially, like telling and leaving our family and friends (ie. ‘going public’), quitting our jobs, selling our house, college tuition and living expenses, and the toll this new chapter would have on a brand-new marriage.

One day while reading my Bible, I read something Jesus shared - a promise - “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). I remember being seized by that verse, unable to read on. Following God’s voice for us meant giving up ever single one of those things! Taking my open Bible to Michelle, I read it to her and said, “We either believe what Jesus promised here or we don’t. And if we don’t, we shouldn’t go into the full-time ministry.” My beautiful bride shook her head in agreement, and our adventure of releasing and expecting began.

I share this with you my readers, not to paint myself as some spiritual superhero. I am far from that. Though I’m a pastor, I’m a man who faces challenges and struggles like everyone else. The reason I shared a chapter of my story with you is because of something I have tested repeatedly and have found to be true - Jesus never fails! He made good on every single one of those things we surrendered to follow Him. By far the hardest part was parting with our family. Listen, the family we said goodbye to venturing into the unknown, God over the years has multiplied a hundred-fold all around the planet! How about that dream house we put on the market? God has literally given us houses and other supernatural housing opportunities since saying “yes” to Him! Everything we put in His hand, came back – multiplied and way better than anything we initially gave Him.

So what am I saying?

Friends, Matthew 19:29 is just one small verse of promise in the Bible, among thousands of such promises! Take it from me, His Word is strong and reliable. You can trust Him. He will not and cannot let you fall. Jesus never fails!

So when it comes to life, the choice is ultimately ours, ‘Will we stand on the promises, or sit on the premises?’ One is boring and fruitless, but the other is an adventure of a lifetime!