Externally Focused Ministry to Children

In 2005, there were 82 million residents of the U.S. under the age of 19. How is your church serving them?

Externally focused churches are responding to the needs of this significant population of little people in a variety of ways, taking seriously these words from Jesus, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

Church leaders and volunteers find serving children in their communities a rewarding way to meet needs and extend God’s grace beyond the walls of the church. Without the ability to totally care for themselves, children are one people group presenting great possibility for the future church. Just ask my friend Mark Krynski of Keller, TX, who mentors young men as a part of Northwood Church's Park Vista Afterschool club (pictured above).

The Externally Focused churches profiled in my most recent paper with Leadership Network are changing lives through meeting some basic needs for children like hunger, health care, education and safety. These churches are also leaving a legacy of faith through meeting more complex needs. They provide kids with positive role models, spiritual guidance and some churches are even giving children a new family in the absence of a parent’s ability or desire to be involved.

I can think of no greater way to build or begin your church's externally focused ministry than serving the children of your community and teaching the children of your church to serve. This paper gives you plenty of ideas on how to get started. Go get it for free at http://www.leadnet.org/Resources_downloads.asp

Once again, I thank the team at Leadership Network (www.leadnet.org) for allowing me to bring these valuable resources to you.