Sept. 9 - To 2008 and Beyond!

Churches so often focus on the "Three B's" -

• Buildings
• Budgets
• Bodies

We have seen good things happen in all of these areas. But there is much more to the biblical picture of the church than these three B's...

As we think about 2008 and beyond, let me challenge you to consider three very important ingredients to helping a church move beyond the three B's and toward making a powerful impact for the Lord:

• INCREDIBLE MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN

To be honest, the Bible doesn't tell us a whole lot about children's ministries in the 21st century. But we are called to look carefully at the culture in which we live, and also at successful, thriving churches in our day and time.

If you go to almost any large community, and ask around - "What church is doing a great job with young families?" - you will almost always find a church that does a knockout job in its children's ministries. Just go peek at the children's facilities in such a church. You will be amazed. Is this really important? YES! Because...

• We live in a society where you cannot reach parents well if the children are overlooked.

• We live in a society where a large number of people come to faith during their childhood years.

• We live in a society where adults will actually leave a church they enjoy if the ministries with children are inadequate or mediocre.

Investing in excellent ministries with children is a way for you to be a person of influence even after your earthly life is over!! Think about that. The world may be a different place, even after your life is over, because you touched the life of a child!

Take a look at what one church in Atlanta has done to reach for excellence in ministries with children.

Or a little closer to home, check out what this UM church in the Clear Lake area is up to!

What might incredible ministry with children look like?

• A CLEAR PROCESS FOR ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Too often we just throw together an assortment of activities, events and classes for adults and assume that we are growing Christians in the process.

Even one of the USA's largest churches became concerned that spiritual growth was not happening as it should for those who were a part of its ministries.

Check out these video clips that are well worth a watch!

• Bill Hybels and Greg Hawkins talk about "Reveal"

What was your reaction?

• POURING LOVE INTO A HURTING WORLD

We should be good at this. That's part of who we are as Methodists. At times we do this very well. But churches always must beware of focusing too much upon ourselves.

Don't let that happen! November 17 is a start - participating in B.A.R.K. - Bellville Acts of Random Kindness. Don't miss it!

Bishop Janice Huie calls this "risk-taking mission and service." Read her challenging words below:

Jesus is quite clear about what his disciples are to do. He told them to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide water for the thirsty, welcome the stranger, visit those in prison and care for the least of these. He asked them to love their enemies, and to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. He commanded them to love their neighbors as themselves. He invited them to be good Samaritans. He called them to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus. In a word, disciples pray for and then build God’s kingdom.

There is a purpose behind making disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s God’s purpose. We are called to build God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We stand in opposition to evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. We care for children. We care for the poor. We care for God’s good earth. We work for peace, for economic empowerment and for justice for all God’s people. In other words, we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.


What do you think?

Do some clicking and browse through this site that provides "ideas to help change the world!" Do you read anything that sounds like something that you (and a few friends) could pull off?