How often do you have people willingly come up to you wanting to hear about Jesus? Bursting out of their skin with enthusiasm (so much so they can't sit still!) to learn more from God's word?
This is the hunger and attitude that our kids and youth bring to church each week. After each Sunday I hear the reports of them going home from church and asking to hear more stories from the Bible, asking their friends at school if they know Jesus, praying for those they know to come to Jesus. Our youth are regularly inviting friends on a Friday night so they too might know the hope and life found only in Jesus.
At City on a Hill, we believe God’s kingdom is for the kids as much as it is for the adults. It is our prayer and desire that the kids and youth come to know and grow in their own personal relationship with Jesus.
'Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."' (Mark 10:14)
We have an amazing opportunity as a church to multiply and mature wholehearted followers of Jesus even amongst the youngest kids through to the teenagers who are a part of our church family.
I’m reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:24-27:
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Jesus’ words are the rock to build our lives it is the sure foundation we want our kids build their whole lives on, even from the youngest age.
So, what part will you play in seeing the kids and youth at church know and grow in Jesus?
You could pray for the kids at church and their parents. You could pray that their homes would be places soaked in the word of God and where their growing faith in Jesus is nurtured and fed.
You could re-stock supplies or buy resources that are needed by the kids or youth leaders.
Or you could put your hand up to serve. We’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic people who love Jesus and are willing to lead on one of the creche, kids or youth teams. It’s a privilege to serve and see first-hand God transforming the lives of these kids and teenagers. (Don't worry, training and support is always provided!)
If you’re interested in serving the kids and families at church in any of those ways, I’d love to hear from you. Please be praying that the kids and youth in our midst might grow and mature to be wholehearted followers of Jesus and continue to grow God’s kingdom in the next generation!
Grace and Peace
Paul
eNews - 8th March 2024