As I looked around the room, I was struck by how crucial these moments are for us as leaders, to get out of the trudge of the weekly and monthly programme delivery and take stock of what God is doing in the lives of children and the spiritual fruit that is growing. We get to celebrate and see as a whole what is happening with the children in our church, and be reminded again of why we do what we do.
But as I looked around the room, I was also heart-sore for parents. Parents are the front line of children’s ministry. They are called to disciple their children, and have been given immense opportunities to coach their family into a vibrant relationship with God. But they too, can get sucked into the drudgery of the everyday, and lose sight of what God is doing in the lives of their children.
We as leaders support each other, laugh and share together. We share our vision of seeing children love God deeply and support each other in the pursuit of that. Parents often never get that. They never get their heads lifted and told they are doing a great job spiritually growing their children, never get encouraged by stories of their children spiritually, never have a community to ask questions and laugh and celebrate the little spiritual progresses. What if we became that for them?
We often talk about equipping parents to disciple their children, and that is essential. But instead of rushing in with resources and children’s Bibles, devotionals to do at home and letters that tell parents how to get on board with our Sunday programme, we need to pause and be the community that they need. A community which says: “we see you and we believe in you”. A community which asks questions like: “how is your kid doing spiritually?”. A community which celebrates the little stories of God-connection and the bravery of parents trying new things. A community which steadfastly points out to parents: “look at what God is doing in your child – how wonderful!” A community which lifts parents’ heads out of the drudgery of the everyday to see that they are loved and held by people who pray for them and are cheering them on. A community which means they are not alone in their journey of parenting for faith.
When we try to equip parents without that, they can feel judged and isolated. But when we, as a community arise and say: “you’ve got this! And we are here as your team!” then we become a powerful well for all our parents to draw from.
So on Sunday, keep an eye out for parents. Grab one after the service and say: “I just wanted to say, I love how your son prays. Yes, he’s quiet, but every once in a while he prays with such sincerity and gentleness. I love seeing the fruit of what you and God are growing in him. You are doing a great job.” Smile at the family juggling four under 5-year-olds and say: “You win just by getting them in the room. Just look, your kids know that a whole community of God’s people love them and that they belong here with us. Just getting them here is significant. Now can I hold the baby and get you some chocolate?” Ask a parent: “I remember Oliver said he was worried about Grandma’s illness. How is he coping spiritually with it?” Watch out for children living out their faith, and tell the families about how passionately their daughter read the Bible out loud, or how significant their son was in welcoming a new child. If you ever get an opportunity to speak from the front of church, take a moment to tell parents how much you believe in their ability to connect their kids to God and tell them how you desire to serve and help them in any way they need.
As I left our leaders meeting last night, I felt a million miles tall and bowled over by the grace of God in the lives of the children of our church. I want every encounter parents have with us as a children’s team to leave them feeling the same way.
