If Jesus was the guest preacher at your church, what would you do with your kids?
Let that question sink in for a moment.
This question was posed by Rob Reinow to a group of ministers and parents yesterday and I literally watched the reactions go from “Bring them of course!” to “Oh wait…what?” and then “Oh…”
If Jesus was coming to our church, in the flesh, and speaking to us, we would bring our kids.
We wouldn’t just bring our kids – we’d get them as close to the stage as possible.
We’d wait in the longest lines to have a chance to let them meet Him. We, because we love our children, would not put them aside so we got our chance with Jesus. No, each and every one of us said, “I would make sure that my child met Jesus.”
I’m not sure that much more needs said.
But just in case you’re not sure that parents would do that, here’s a testimony from some parents who actually got to live this out.
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. (Luke 18:15-17)
Phil Vischer shared last night this simple truth: “Do not underestimate how much kids can learn. Do not overestimate how much adults want to learn.” Jesus was able to reach both, with exceptional specificity and unending welcome. He didn’t put age limits on his ministry. He was indignant with those who did.
If Jesus were the guest preacher at your church…He’d want the children there.
And every Sunday, as believers meet all over the world, we can know that He is there, for He says, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there” (Mt. 18:20). There must be times where the children are too.
So…what would you do if Jesus came to your church?
Join the conversation on Facebook at ReFocus Family and Intergen Ministry.
For more information about practical discipleship in the home or transitioning to a more home-focused ministry at your church, go to ReFocus Ministry or “like” our Facebook page.
About the author
Christina Embree is wife to Pastor Luke, mom to three wonderful kids, and family minister at Nicholasville UMC. She is passionate about seeing churches partnering
with families to encourage faith formation at home and equipping parents to disciple their kids in the faith. Currently studying Family, Youth and Children’s Ministry at Wesley Seminary, she also blogs at www.refocusministry.org and is a contributing blogger at ChildrensMinistryBlog.com, Seedbed, and D6 Family.
0 Comments