Number 4 & 5 Stupid Thing

The 4th stupid thing we to do to keep our churches from growing is to treat children's ministry like babysitting. The strongest healthiest churches today are investing in their children.  They are equipping and training the very brightest and best in the congregation.  They do not see technology, training events, or flat screen TV's as excessive spending for 'just the kids'.  These things among others are seen as investments into children finding Christ and being discipled.

Why should the sanctuary have thousands of dollars worth of sound and tech equipment and children have chalk boards and dirty toys?  Why do they even have toys?  Why are we putting thousands of dollars in parking lots, church vans, choir music, and sending newsletters in the mail when the carpet is dirty, the children's space smells, and teachers are not even preparing until Sunday Morning?  Yet, we all know Jesus prioritized children.

I am not against having sound systems, paved parking lots, and quality coffee but not at the expense of ignoring Student Ministry.

Invest in your student ministry - make it a priority to do more with less and make sure that children and teens, know they are valued and loved.  Remember a written value statement of children or family ministry is only worth something if you are investing in that something. I can say I value missions and reaching the lost but if I am not serving and winning lost people, it's only words.

New Covenant Church of God in Peoria hired a Children's Pastor when they couldnt' afford it, made their children's room tech savy, makes sure that every student that wants to attend youth convention or youth camps are provided a way by scholarship. They don't do it because they have lots of money, they do it because it is a value.

And Number 5
while we are on the subject...
Don't update, it's good enough.

This is a confession of mine.  Some of you know that while I was at Shorewood, we were constantly planning for relocation.  Over several years, we accumulated a significant nest egg for future plans.  However, when the economy turned and it was obvious we were not going to be building for a long time... we should have updated and remodeled the building.  The carpet needed replaced, the outside was looking old, the youth were meeting in a moldy basement. Sound equipment was outdated.  I could go on.

I often look back and think, had we reallocated resources, maybe we would have embraced our stated value of student ministry with more integrity. How can I say I value student ministry or excellence when stains in the carpet stared at every person as they walked in the door and our class rooms had VCR's and Cassette Players?  I cast no stone, except at me on this issue.  We were pleasantly full in two services.  We were talking about adding a third service.  All was well and people were coming to Christ regularly.

So you might ask, wasn't it the right decision?  Five years later, I am walking into buildings, including Shorewood that are being remodeled and updated.  No, it was not the right decision.  These creative leaders and pastors are making their buildings look awesome.  The children's ministry rooms are looking so cool, I want to work in children's ministry!  Flat screens have replaced bulletin boards and metal folding chairs are replacing comfortable seating that makes me want to stay and visit.

If you are in the Shorewood area - stop and see the stuff they are doing.
If you are in Decatur - stop and see what a remodeled sanctuary looks like.
If you are in Champaign - stop and see what fresh paint and cleaning out clutter can do.
If you are in Marion - stop and see a children's ministry cooler than a set on Nickleodean.
If you are in Herrin, stop and see a crazy cool lighting system.
If you are in Freeport, stop and see how chairs and carpet can change the way a building looks.
And Chicago... wait a few more months and see the new Vernon Park Church of God.

People who we are trying win to Christ, deserve better than, "it's good enough."
Children and Youth need a place to invite friends to a place they are not embarrassed about.
We need to be able to welcome guest into our places of worship and not apologize for paneling, bad lighting, shag carpet, or pictures that are 20 years old still hanging in the same place.

Do your best for a Father that has done His best!

How serious are we when we say, we are going to change the world but not the carpet?  I just think it communicates what we value.