Yesterday I received my digital version of Children's Ministry Magazine and looked eargerly at the article on trends because they had solicited my opinions on some of the trends they outlined. I was interested to see what they used of my opinions and to my dismay (as far as I could tell in my quick appraisal of the article) they had used none of what I said. So I thought some one might find my opinions helpful - so here in its entirety are the comments I forwarded on to the magazine.

Trend #4: Conformity before Conviction

This generation’s affinity for authentic community offers churches a great opportunity for the spiritual formation of their children. Studies have shown that for children the context of formation is often more important than the content of formation in the development of conscience and values. This finding can surely be extrapolated to faith formation as well. If our churches can become authoritative faith communities offering children real and valuable relationships with adults who model Christian faith for them and communities which offer children opportunities to be full, functioning members not just receivers of the community’s generosity, then they will be providing this generation and coming generations with a context for faith development well suited to the their needs, world view, and proclivities. And, churches need to be faith communities where children are allowed to belong before they believe. True belongingness within a group who understands its identity and celebrates its shared values and story is instrumental in bringing about transformation. Those of us responsible for the spiritual formation of children need to help our churches understand this and take steps to become truly authentic and transformational communities.


Trend #5: Malaise vs. Making A Difference

Children’s Ministries should be about forming people who love God and follow Jesus. One way to keep this and coming generations outwardly focused is to provide a missional context in the church and, more specifically, in those programs and opportunities directed toward children. Faith communities desiring to form children who participate in God’s kingdom work will be faith communities who care more about works of peace and justice, who care more about “doing what people who follow Jesus do,” than about attracting large numbers through glitzy programs and providing a “holy huddle” for those who are on the inside. When children see an ethos of mission modeled for them by parents, church leaders, and other significant adults they can be transformed to live in the way of Jesus as they begin to understand their responsibilities to the world and other people God created in the holy image.

Hope you find these thoughts helpful as you think about trends in today's application of ministry to children.

I believe that the role of the Children's Pastor or the Director of Children's ministry is the most difficult staff or ministry role in the church. When I worked at Wooddale Church outside of Minneapolis a retired pastor of the church would often find me in the hallway or the work room and tell me how often he prayed for me because he believed mine was "the most difficult job in the church." I would always thank him and say "Sam, I'm glad someone has noticed that." Children's Pastors have 4 constituencies to juggle and keep happy: the children, the parents, the volunteers, and the leadership of the church. This can often make some one feel like he or she is pulled in all sorts of directions.

I found (as I'm sure many of you have as well) that connecting with other children's pastors was helpful for support and feedback. But, these days I'm thinking that many people who do children's ministry need something more formal than that - perhaps a person, a coach to bounce ideas off of, to help prioritize the many tasks the average Director of Children's Ministries is bombarded with, someone who can help the Children's Pastor keep his or her life in balance. So as part of Soul Shepherds, Inc. I'm available for formal coaching for children's ministry professionals. There would be a fee involved and we would sit down and work out a plan for what you need in this area - what would be the most helpful to you. You don't need to live in the Minneapolis area. This can often be done by phone. Please feel free to contact me if this is something you might be interested in.

The latest issue of Harpers Magazine has a great article by Bill McKibben (written for both Christianity Today & Christian Century) entitled "The Chrisitan Paradox: How a Faithful Nation Gets Jesus Wrong". While not explicitly about Children's ministry he addresses many of the hot button issues I think and talk about in relation to Children's Ministry only in the context of the American Church and American Christianity. Read it if you can.