Seven Things Your Pastor Asks of You

2. BOLDLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY PRIORITIZE OUR MINISTRIES TO CHILDREN, STUDENTS, AND YOUNG FAMILIES

Jesus seemed pretty out of step with His culture when, as a man with considerable notoriety and authority, He suggested to His followers that perhaps children should be treated with respect far above their societal status. He told the adults in the room to step back for a second and let the little children come to Him. And if that wasn’t enough, He declared that even the most powerful among them would do well to become as humble as the neediest child if they really wanted to get a glimpse of the kind of kingdom He had in mind.

At FBC, I am asking our church to commit to making the most of our opportunities to engage, care for, and minister to children, students, and young families. Why is this so important? Well, one could say because that will help secure the future of our church. And that would be right, but wrong. Having a particularly strong presence of young families does bode better for future viability. But if our motivations lead with institutional security and survival, not love, we have missed the point. We do this because we value the legions of children and young families in our community. We believe that, in the name of Jesus, we have something to offer them, as they do to us. We are convinced that our last and only hope for generations to come will be built on the foundation of lives, families, and churches committed to being faithful followers and imitators of Jesus. And that is worth sacrificing for now.

What will it cost? It will show up in a budget that does its best to resource these ministries in staffing and other ways. It will take a church culture that rejects any idea that “We have done our part,” and “It’s time for the young folks to do their part.” We are all in this together, just as others were for us and our families years ago. It takes trusting that just because our leadership is prioritizing ministry to these groups, older adults are not valued and cared for less. They – I guess I should say “We” – are not. It means not abiding any notion of entitlement based on age, tenure, or giving. That’s what Jesus was saying to his disciples; that’s what your pastor is saying to you.

Acts of ministry in these areas have the capacity to shape lives when they are the most moldable, strengthen families when they most need the help, direct paths when the stakes are the highest, and bear fruit for decades and generations far beyond our numbered days. It’s the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do. It’s the faithful thing to do. And it’s what your pastor is imploring us to do. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was right and urgent, or if I didn’t believe my people were of a mind and heart to embrace the challenge. I know you are. And I know you will.

Dr. Glen Money
Senior Pastor