"Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it" - Proverbs 22:6 CSB
It's easy to look around as a parent and feel overwhelmed or discouraged by our culture's influence on our kids. Trends show that fewer and fewer kids and the younger generations are going to church. The older folks are not far behind the trend. So how do parents, or Christians for that matter, influence our kids and the younger generation to stay on "his way?" What if it were simple enough that even a kid could do it? Three young boys: Wesley, Zandom, and Elliot, who serve on Sundays, are three kids who are just one example of what God is doing to influence the next generation.
In Jana Magruder’s book “Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith" lists the "10 greatest influencers of spiritual health for your kids." The top three influencers are reading your Bible, praying, and serving. They sound simple, but are they really effective? In her book, she gives statistics behind the top three influencers:
"A child who read his Bible regularly while growing up has 12.5% stronger spiritual health as a young adult. A child who regularly spent time in prayer while growing up has 7.5% stronger spiritual health as a young adult. And a child who regularly served in church while growing up has 7.5% stronger spiritual health as a young adult."
Spending time in our Bibles, in prayer, and in serving sounds simple, but is it really? It is, and if you are unsure where to start with your kids or with yourself, take it from these three boys... start with Citylight Kids.
Elliot, who is a sixth grader, wanted to serve in Citylight Kids as soon as he aged out of the ministry as a participant. He said about his experience in the Kids Ministry...
"Fun and full of happiness and laughter and God’s word! The people around here are amazing and kind and always welcoming. I serve now in Kids because I want to share God’s love and kindness to young children. They may not fully understand, and I can help teach them that by reading the Bible to them and by singing songs of worship.”
Wesley, who is a seventh grader, remembered those who served in Kids Ministry and the impact it had on him. He now wants to do the same.
"When I was a kid in Kids Ministry, I learned about different Bible stories and how God wants us to learn about Him. I remember learning about Jesus raising from the dead 3 days later. He died for us and then He came back and I think of that as a symbol of the second coming. It makes me feel complete because I know He will come back someday and destroy Satan and all of sin and death and take us to heaven with Him. I serve so that kids that are younger than me grow up to know more about God and how good He is and how much He loves them. I love kids around 3 or 4 years old because I have a cousin around that age and I think they are really fun.”
Zandom saw how at church and in the Bible...
“God brings people together and the miracles He does.” He shared the reason he serves is... “So I can teach more people about God so they know about Him. I’ve been here since I was five. Here it's a connecting church and where you learn about God. You can make new friends and learn more about Jesus.”
As the proverb says... Start! Start reading your Bible, praying and serving. Lead your own heart and the hearts of kids around you. God promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you and if you need a helpful reminder, read Wesley, Zandom, and Elliot's words that point us back to God's promises.
For more information on Citylight Kids and how to serve, visit citylightomaha.org/kids.
Boys, thank you for sharing your love for the Lord and using that love to help children learn more about Jesus. The stories of men and women in the Bible impacted your lives. Now you have the opportunity to have an impact on the children you serve. I’ll be praying for you three and everyone serving City Light Kids! Stay focused on the Lord!