By Margaret Liow
I attended a meeting of church leaders,including ministers and elders. The guest speaker talked about ministry to young people. Near me a voice said, “This really doesn’t apply to us. We haven’t any children in our church”. They were not concerned about this as the members of their church community were all senior citizens. I was shocked. I know of no geographical areas in the vicinity where there are no children.
What is the future of the church if there are no children? Th e people of Israel were told to pass on God’s commands, “Never forget these commands that I am giving you. Teach them to your children” (Deut. 6:7). A church without children is a dying church. The future of our church and our nation rests with our children.
Each church needs to use the needs of its community as an opportunity for mission. One door of opportunity is the local school. Many schools are looking for values programmes.
The Churches Education Commission has a Religious Education programme that relates to our primary schools. It is amazing how much can be achieved in a weekly 30-minute programme.
It is essentially a seed sowing ministry, but sometimes we have evidence of fruit. The following letter was received by a religious education teacher from an 11 year old boy:
Dear Mrs
[name omitted for privacy]
Thank you for teaching us about Bible. At Korea my mother is always believe Buddha. I want to believe god but my mum won’t let me. I’m always believe Buddha but I know Jesus now. I will believe Jesus when I go back to Korea but I think my mum won’t let me. Th ank you for teach us. Do you know that I bought a Bible. I read Bible every day. I’m very interested and I think 5 or 6 months ago we do some dramatics, and you chose me I have to do soldier. I think at that time I was very shy but I just did it you helped me. Th ank you so much. Maybe we can meet again. [SIC]
From [name omitted for privacy]
Until she received the letter the teacher was unaware of the child’s commitment as he was very shy.
We have a tremendous opportunity in our schools – a mission on our doorstep. A child in our church commented, “It’s easy to talk to other children at our school about Jesus because we have Bible in School”. It is vital for Christian parents to be on Boards of Trustees. In our area we lost one school because there was only one Christian on the Board, who was then outnumbered. The opposition can be very forceful and vocal.
If you want to reach out to children, look for opportunities. Try a short-term programme such as a one-week holiday programme. Scripture Union has very effective programmes and personnel to help you.
If the programme goes well you can do another or maybe try a kids’ club. Halloween is another opportunity. Our church has held “Light” parties for families in the community, which provide an alternative to Halloween. They have included a chance to dress up (no scary costumes allowed), fun activities, games, sweets, a sausage sizzle, candyfloss and a speaker. All children had to be accompanied by an adult. When local schools were approached they were supportive in publicising the event.
There are children out there in the community and we cannot be obedient to the Gospel if we overlook them. Jesus’ command in the Great Commission was to all people: “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples … and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mat 28:19-20).
Children are people. If we ignore them many will be lost “It is not the Father’s will that one of there little ones should be lost” (Mat 18:14).
• Margaret Liow is the Community Minister at St Columba at Botany Downs, Auckland.