“If I could relive my life,
I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!” D. L. Moody
When I was in middle school. I came to Christ. While there were some dark valleys during my teen years, that anchor of coming to Christ as a teen held firm and changed the trajectory of my life. My wife, Jane, came to Christ, when she was in 2nd grade. Coming to Christ at early ages gave us a tenderness to the Lord, steering us in a direction upward with a biblical worldview and eternity in our hearts.
It’s been called the 4-14 window. Many of our biblical and Christian history heroes and heroines had a heart for the Lord at early ages: Joseph, Samuel, David, Esther, Timothy, Amy Carmichael, Corrie ten Boom, Charles Spurgeon – to name a few. Researcher, George Barna, stresses the importance of children’s ministry and reaching children between the ages of 4 and 14. He writes, “What you believe at age 13 is pretty much what you're going to die believing.” Research compiled by his Barna Group shows that children between the ages of 5 and 13 have a 32% probability of accepting Christ as their Savior. But that likelihood drops to 4% for teens between the ages of 14 and 18, and rises to just 6% for adults older than 18.
As Child Evangelism Fellowship’s (CEF) President, Reese Kauffman, who himself trusted Christ as his Savior at age eight insightfully stated, “Even if we get the church to pay proper attention to children, there are still 80% who don't walk into a church every week. We need to be concerned about the children outside the church, [too].”
In a culture that placed little value on children, Jesus went against the current of His day: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). Jesus wasn’t commenting on what adults need to do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven or giving insight into what the Kingdom of Heaven is all about. No, He was telling us something fundamental about childhood. Yet, what is happening in many churches, what is happening in children’s outreach for those between ages 4 and 14 is often terribly under supported and invisible to the rest of the church family in the typical evangelical church.
At Grace, we’re committed to reaching the next generation with the gospel. We have three important ministries where we seek to reach children and where YOU can get involved and touch lives for eternity.
This fall we’re launching Amped. Amped is a 1 day a week, 2 hour after school program meeting on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
If we want to make a difference in our community for the gospel, it begins with the youngest members. Many children are “latch key,” in that they come home and spend an hour or more alone after school. In 46% of homes both parents work full time. Grandparents, relatives, or even a neighbor will sometimes watch those children. Women tend to have primary custody and head up single parent homes with 53% of them working full time.
There is a gap in child care and parents are looking for help. Juggling work, home and parenting is a major hurdle and yet an opportunity for our church to minister, be a blessing and share the gospel.
At Grace, we’re committed to small yet solid successes. We like to try something, see if it works, then as we have resources – grow the ministry forward from that point. That’s how we’re starting Amped.
God has blessed us with the facilities! There is a great need though and no lack of area children. We’re just missing one part. We need committed workers. We need those who will give a few hours a week to partner with us to make a difference in the lives of area children – those who are good at crafts, games, snacks or can teach children. Most of all, they must love Jesus and love children. It’s a two hour commitment just one day a week that’s an eternal investment. If this is something you’re interested in, please sign up on your Connection Card so we can get you more information.
We believe that each child is a door to a family and every family is a gateway to a community. By reaching a child, we can make a difference in his or her family. Every family is a gateway to other relatives, friends and neighbors. It’s the ripple effect. And parents appreciate those who care about their children. When you reach children, you reach parents. This isn’t babysitting or childcare. It’s a ministry at a vital time in a young person’s life. Those early years are crucial. Will you help?
Grace Groups for children and adults start September 9th! 1000 hours! The average child spends between 900 to 1000 hours in school, usually a public one, each year. While school helps a child make a living, it won’t teach them how to live. Sunday Grace Groups are designed to help both children and adults grow spiritually. Other than your home, they’re one of the few places your child is taught a biblical worldview. We only have a mere 40 hours in an entire year to support what you’re teaching in your home about God and the Bible. Please make it a priority! Sunday Grace Groups meet every Sunday during the school year from 10:45 to 11:30 am.
Grace Kids isn’t school. Every Sunday we dismiss children 3 years-old to 3rd Grade prior to the sermon. We want them to sit with their families and experience worship together, yet know biblical teaching that’s appropriate for adults and older children is difficult for younger children. It’s why we have Grace Kids. We seek to be biblical, purposeful and fun at Grace.
Be sure and read the insert in today’s bulletin explaining why we do what we do in Grace Kids. This is another place where you can get involved and make a difference in a child’s life. If you’d like more information, please sign up on your Connection Card this Sunday.
Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.
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