so why do we do that? children's ministry

So why do we do what we do at GFMC?  This week, we'll think about Children's Ministry.

Almost two years ago, the decision was made to transition kid's ministry at GFMC from an activity-based, teacher-student style, where children are separated from parents, to an interactive, small-group, children-with-parents style. (The actual transition didn't take place until 1 year ago, but the decision to move that route was made almost a year earlier, and the research/preparation behind the decision started around 4 years ago. Not an overnight decision.)

Why did we do it?  Here are some simple facts

1) The primary responsibility for bringing kids up in the ways of Jesus lies with their parents and families. This is simply Biblical (Deuteronomy 6).

2) Parents and families will be much more effective at bringing their kids up in Jesus when they know what their kids are learning. Just ask any teacher!


3) Parents and kids don't need more time apart in our culture.  They need more time together, especially when it comes to passing on our faith.


4) We are an activity-overloaded society.  Kids and families don't need more to do; they need what they do to be more strategic and purposeful.

5) 'Fun' is a fabulous tool for getting a message across.  Why do you think video games and funny cartoons and shows are so popular with kids?

GFMC Children's Ministry is designed to address these simple facts of life.  We transitioned to Kidventure as our primary strategy for building kids up in the ways of Jesus.  We really shouldn't even call it 'children's' ministry because it's actually 'family' ministry.

Kidventure is fun.  It is engaging.  It is interactive.  Families look forward to it.  They go home with something in hand to help them build character into their kids' lives during the week.  It is making a difference in our families, which will make a difference in our communities.  

We don't have a lot of extra 'fun' activities for kids.  We understand that time is limited and a very precious commodity.  We think the best strategy is for the church to resource families as best we can to raise our children up in the ways of God and then free us up to serve our community, spend time together and put into practice what we've been learning together.  There are, of course, other ways to 'do' kids ministry.  We just passionately believe that family ministry is the best way.

Check out our website for more info on kids ministry.

That's a look at small groups, the "why" behind them.  Next on our "Why?" list: teen (student) ministry.