If You Build It
Every once in a while a year comes along in the life of a church that is a landmark in its history. If the past couple of weeks are any indication, I feel like 2023 could very well be one of those landmark years. We invited a new staff member to oversee our children’s ministry while I am now moving to full-time youth/student ministry, and we are beginning to break ground on a moving project that will have a tremendous impact on how we do ministry for children and youth at Navarre United Methodist.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16)
I’m often reminded at times with how Jesus spoke to the disciples concerning children being brought to him to be blessed here in Mark. The reaction I see from the disciples can be one that churches fall into even today. But Jesus stresses the importance that not only are they welcomed and have room in the Kingdom, they’re example of child-like faith is also the standard we should have as adults. Jesus also calls his disciples to “not hinder them.” The efforts we are putting forth this year are to make sure we are not hindering the growth of our children and youth. Each group has its own special needs in order to make that work. Our young people need an environment that is conducive to learn at their level and capabilities; as well as a space that is safe and designed for their spiritual growth! This is what many prospective families are looking for when they visit a church.
I have seen our church band together and put on amazing VBS weeks and raise funds for youth camps. However, I want to challenge us to not just save that energy for events or “once a year” activities. Let’s keep that energy for discipleship and intentional relationship building on a weekly basis! We do not need to wait to have a certain number of kids each week to begin investing in their spiritual growth. It reminds me of a line from one of my favorite nostalgic movies Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” We are about to make an incredible investment in the spiritual lives of children, youth, and their families. There are so many families struggling with a plethora of issues in our world today, and if the church cannot provide that sense of safety, education, love, and peace in the lives of our community then what hope is there?
This means that we all may need to be more flexible and more patient with one another over the next few months as we make these transitions. We might have to put up with a little extra glitter on the floor, louder voices in the hallways, see a little bit of messiness. But all of these are just signs of children growing, learning, and having a little bit of fun in the Lord’s name. This is a joyful and wonderful noise. And my prayer is (as I hope it will be yours as well) that this year will be the beginning of many great things to come for our church.
Grace and Peace.