THC, God is Calling You to be a Trail Blazer for the Next Generation
Joan with her Elementary FC!
When you come on Sundays to THC you will notice some children worshipping alongside us.
Why is this?
Some may say:
“Can they really sit still and worship with us?“
“Isn’t it possible that they can distract us, adults, from worshipping God on Sundays?“
“Shouldn’t they just worship with children-songs?”
You also know that there is a strong emphasis for members to be serving in “next-generation ministries” (Beautiful Church Elementary/Youth, or THC Children’s Ministry).
This week is also VBS where Joan Lim has mobilized about 20 THC members (not counting some Youth Group members) to be serving in various capacities over the next 3 days. We will have 45 children (1st grade-5th grade) who will be served by their older brothers and sisters.
Why is this?
Some may say:
“Can they really sit still and worship with us?“
“Isn’t it possible that they can distract us, adults, from worshipping God on Sundays?“
“Shouldn’t they just worship with children-songs?”
You also know that there is a strong emphasis for members to be serving in “next-generation ministries” (Beautiful Church Elementary/Youth, or THC Children’s Ministry).
This week is also VBS where Joan Lim has mobilized about 20 THC members (not counting some Youth Group members) to be serving in various capacities over the next 3 days. We will have 45 children (1st grade-5th grade) who will be served by their older brothers and sisters.
Pastor Danny with some Youth Shepherds
I remember once being in a Pastor’s Meeting at a large church. I was a Youth Pastor, at the time, and the conversation we were having revolved around the problem of helping graduating seniors transition into the adult service on Sundays. We were having a very hard time retaining our graduating Seniors. Different ideas were suggested, but none of these ideas were going to work. Why? Because these ideas were “event-based”. We, naively, thought that if we just sprinkled 2-3 events a year where the Youth led praise in the adult service or where the Youth sat in service with their parents for communion (just to name a couple of examples).
These ideas were noble, but they were bound to fail. Why? Because what really needed to take place is for the adults (older and more spiritually mature) to take the responsibility/burden of inviting, welcoming, praying for, serving, sacrificing, and clearly showing the next generation that they were seriously wanted.
I’ve shared this story many times, but when my wife and I met the leaders of THC for the first time, I asked what the strengths/weaknesses of THC were. Different answers were given. But one thing that stood out to me was a common weakness. This was shared in multiple ways, but in a nutshell it was this: “No one has ever mentored us…“
I remember feeling a combination of sadness and confusion. I couldn’t understand, at that time, what they were referring to. I later learned that the common-trend of the ministry was that when a member got married, or got a “career job”, or had children - they transitioned out of the ministry because they felt they could no longer relate to the rest of the group. How tragic :’(
That’s why it’s been so encouraging for me to see those of us who have gotten married, have children, and have gotten serious careers - continue to not just stay at THC, but to be so committed. This is trail-blazing. We are beginning to see the fruits of this with recent graduating classes coming to THC, finding community, becoming members, and serving.
One day, there was a group of hikers that were attempting to trek a very difficult mountain. They were having trouble finding the best way to get through the brush. They soon became lost and began to grow discouraged. They began to think about giving up on the trek because it was too difficult. But that’s when one of the hikers saw a small trail. There was evidence of footprints. They realized it was a small foot-trail that led them through the brush. And they scaled the mountain. Why? Because a group of previous hikers blazed through much difficulty to pave a smooth path for future hikers.
These kids that many of us are serving this week in VBS and the kids you see worshipping with us on Sundays may never realize the blessing and privilege they have been given because we decided, collectively, to “blaze a trail” for them. If we are tempted to think this way we are showing, very quickly, our lack of understanding of what God has done for us - blazing the ultimate trail… so that you and I can have the greatest blessing and privilege of all. We will sacrifice time. But God sacrificed His Son.
These ideas were noble, but they were bound to fail. Why? Because what really needed to take place is for the adults (older and more spiritually mature) to take the responsibility/burden of inviting, welcoming, praying for, serving, sacrificing, and clearly showing the next generation that they were seriously wanted.
I’ve shared this story many times, but when my wife and I met the leaders of THC for the first time, I asked what the strengths/weaknesses of THC were. Different answers were given. But one thing that stood out to me was a common weakness. This was shared in multiple ways, but in a nutshell it was this: “No one has ever mentored us…“
I remember feeling a combination of sadness and confusion. I couldn’t understand, at that time, what they were referring to. I later learned that the common-trend of the ministry was that when a member got married, or got a “career job”, or had children - they transitioned out of the ministry because they felt they could no longer relate to the rest of the group. How tragic :’(
That’s why it’s been so encouraging for me to see those of us who have gotten married, have children, and have gotten serious careers - continue to not just stay at THC, but to be so committed. This is trail-blazing. We are beginning to see the fruits of this with recent graduating classes coming to THC, finding community, becoming members, and serving.
One day, there was a group of hikers that were attempting to trek a very difficult mountain. They were having trouble finding the best way to get through the brush. They soon became lost and began to grow discouraged. They began to think about giving up on the trek because it was too difficult. But that’s when one of the hikers saw a small trail. There was evidence of footprints. They realized it was a small foot-trail that led them through the brush. And they scaled the mountain. Why? Because a group of previous hikers blazed through much difficulty to pave a smooth path for future hikers.
These kids that many of us are serving this week in VBS and the kids you see worshipping with us on Sundays may never realize the blessing and privilege they have been given because we decided, collectively, to “blaze a trail” for them. If we are tempted to think this way we are showing, very quickly, our lack of understanding of what God has done for us - blazing the ultimate trail… so that you and I can have the greatest blessing and privilege of all. We will sacrifice time. But God sacrificed His Son.
THC Covenanted Members, God is calling us to be a “Trail Blazer” for the next generation. Here’s 5 ways you can help make their paths smooth:
THC Singles, the current parents are setting an example for you. It is possible to be an active contributor to church while having a career, spouse, and children. Follow in those footsteps as you fall in love, get hitched, and start fulfilling your “Genesis 1-mandate”. The best thing you can do for the next generation and your future children is to love Jesus with all you got and to be actively involved in church community.
Love,
Your Pastor
- Serve in a “Next-Generation-Ministry” - Come talk to one of us Pastors (Danny, John, or myself) or Mama Delia. Just so you know, the most important Sunday ministry a THC-member can serve in, is one of these. it’s more important, in my opinion, that we have a great presence in these ministries then having the best Worship Team, Welcome Team, or any other THC Serving Team.
- Practice Hospitality Towards Them - When you see them on Sundays (or Fridays at FC): greet them warmly… YOU take the initiative to say “Hi…. (insert name)”, familiarize yourself with their names, and give them “high-fives” - that burden is YOURS, not theirs.
- Remind Them That You are Excited for Them to Join Us - In your heads/hearts, view them as you’re younger brothers or sisters. Also, keep in mind that the majority are likely VIPs. This is also evangelism. But our sincere words of affirmation create a bridge from their hearts to ours.
- Embrace the Chaos of Doing Church Community Through the Chaos of Children - Sure, you may not get your “no-distraction-worship”. Sure, they may get easily distracted. Sure, they may show external signs of not wanting to be there. That’s what kids do. Haha! Imagine if we only let our kids brush their teeth if they “wanted to”. At the end of the day, we know church community is good for them. It just may take a while for them to realize that. Focus on worshipping God and sharing through crying babies, laughing children, and constant interruptions. This is the reality of parenting by the way ;)
- Look for Ways to Serve the Parents - I can tell you firsthand (and many of you will come to see this in the future) - it’s difficult to go to FC and our Sunday service with young children. Trying to have children adequately fed, clothed, while making sure you’re taking care of for Fridays and Sundays is very hard. That’s why you can do small things that will bless the parents. Find out what their favorite drink is and surprise the parents with it on a Sunday/Friday. If the parents feel comfortable with it, offer to hold babies or watch the children so parents can have a break/date nights. When you see parents with children, verbally thank them for still coming to FC/Sundays - this communicates to the parents that their presence in church community is valuable to you.
THC Singles, the current parents are setting an example for you. It is possible to be an active contributor to church while having a career, spouse, and children. Follow in those footsteps as you fall in love, get hitched, and start fulfilling your “Genesis 1-mandate”. The best thing you can do for the next generation and your future children is to love Jesus with all you got and to be actively involved in church community.
Love,
Your Pastor
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