​CHILDREN ENGAGED IN MINISTRY

​CHILDREN ENGAGED IN MINISTRY

Each week our children ages two through grade six leave Sunday morning worship to attend their own program. If you volunteer for the Lighthouse ministry, you have a good idea about what goes on in the lower level of the church when the kids meet. However, many of us know very little about what the children actually do from Sunday to Sunday.

The leaders are doing something very creative with the children this week, so I thought I would tell you about it to give you a glimpse into what Lighthouse is like. I think you will find it inspiring.

First the leaders will tell the children the story about the rich man who stored up wealth but neglected his soul. He died and had to leave all his wealth behind.Then they will apply the story to the children’s lives. Christie Thomas writes:

•  Our problems and worries are not solved by what we have. Our kids are not immune to this type of thinking. They believe that having their own iPod, or having their favorite food for supper each night, or owning the latest toy, will solve all their problems.

Once they have told and applied the story, the Lighthouse leaders will go one step further. They will involve the children in a project aimed at cultivating generosity and curtailing selfishness—they will have the children pack lunches for the less fortunate. Christie explains:

•  Each lunch will have a drink, cookies, fruit, and a sandwich. The kids will write notes about God’s love and care, then place these notes into the bags they pack. The lunches will be delivered by a ministry called “We Care” to the less fortunate, including people who are homeless and those who have homes but are otherwise penniless.

Christie told me why she chose this exercise. What she had to say speaks to people of all ages:

•  It is only God who can keep us from worrying about the future. One of the ways that we can learn to trust Him is through the discipline of generosity, through the giving up of something we want so that others can have what they need.

I am grateful for the dedication of our staff and other leaders who care about our church‘s children. Their efforts are helping our kids to fulfill Bethel’s mission to “become like Christ and share Him with others.” –Pastor Tom

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