A generation ago in America, most families lived close together. In small towns, rural communities, or in neighborhoods children were around their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
I grew up in a small town. I lived within a short drive of almost all of my extended family members.
We shared common interests and circles of friends. Our families worked in the same stores and coal mines. Being close to family provided me with a large support - group to nurture me as I grew.
Today, more families are scattered. Jobs, finances, educational pursuits, and divorce are just a few reasons why people are more mobile.
Being separated from family has redefined “family” for many. Children are missing the extended family layer in their lives.
This is where the church can make a tremendous difference. As children of our mobile society are separated from important moral and spiritual influences in their family, the attendees of the churches in our communities must be ready to stand in the gap.
Children are a gift from God. They need to be taught how to live with integrity and in obedience to God.
George Barna said, “We spend roughly 68 times more money per capita on caring for the average felon than on a church’s ministry to a spiritually hungry child.” Perhaps, if the churches of America would come alongside of parents to help them in the critical role of childrearing, there would be fewer spiritually starving children and fewer felons!
Kids need another voice in their lives saying the same things as their parents. For example, a mother can tells her daughter to dress with modesty a thousand times, yet it seems to “click” when someone younger and “cooler” (like a volunteer in the church’s student ministry) tells her the same thing. A dad lectures his son to be punctual and responsible and it falls on deaf ears—until a Sunday School teacher or coach reinforces the principle. The church family can make a positive impression on a child’s life by being “another voice.”
Perhaps God is leading you to be “another voice” in the life of a child. During this time of year many churches are preparing for a fresh start in their child and youth ministries.
Pastors and leaders are seeking volunteers and support for various programs. Now, more than at any other time in recent history, it is important to be involved in reaching the next generation.
Will you step up and give of your time and resources through your local church? Will you become the extended family of children in your community?
As a pastor, I have spent much of my adult life moving around. My children do not have the blessing of living down the street from their aunts and uncles. However, our church family has served as grandparents, aunts, and uncles to my three children.
I see how they enrich my family by investing into the lives our children. I do not understand why any parent would not want that kind of support for their children.
One 90-year-old gentleman at the Birmingham location of our church has been honored by my children with the title “Pee Paw.” I am not sure where they came up with that name. However, Pee Paw is mentioned in every nighttime prayer by at least one of my children.
Also, my kids talk about Mr. Brock and Mrs. Barbara and numerous other volunteers in the children’s ministry. To hear my children talk, these are the wisest, most amazing people on the planet.
It is my hope that you will join the ranks of selfless, giving people like these. Be a constant in the changing world of our children. You are what kids need!
— Chris Crain, Pastor, North Valley Church, Margaret
Read more: St. Clair Times - Clergy Corner You hold the key for next generation
I grew up in a small town. I lived within a short drive of almost all of my extended family members.
We shared common interests and circles of friends. Our families worked in the same stores and coal mines. Being close to family provided me with a large support - group to nurture me as I grew.
Today, more families are scattered. Jobs, finances, educational pursuits, and divorce are just a few reasons why people are more mobile.
Being separated from family has redefined “family” for many. Children are missing the extended family layer in their lives.
This is where the church can make a tremendous difference. As children of our mobile society are separated from important moral and spiritual influences in their family, the attendees of the churches in our communities must be ready to stand in the gap.
Children are a gift from God. They need to be taught how to live with integrity and in obedience to God.
George Barna said, “We spend roughly 68 times more money per capita on caring for the average felon than on a church’s ministry to a spiritually hungry child.” Perhaps, if the churches of America would come alongside of parents to help them in the critical role of childrearing, there would be fewer spiritually starving children and fewer felons!
Kids need another voice in their lives saying the same things as their parents. For example, a mother can tells her daughter to dress with modesty a thousand times, yet it seems to “click” when someone younger and “cooler” (like a volunteer in the church’s student ministry) tells her the same thing. A dad lectures his son to be punctual and responsible and it falls on deaf ears—until a Sunday School teacher or coach reinforces the principle. The church family can make a positive impression on a child’s life by being “another voice.”
Perhaps God is leading you to be “another voice” in the life of a child. During this time of year many churches are preparing for a fresh start in their child and youth ministries.
Pastors and leaders are seeking volunteers and support for various programs. Now, more than at any other time in recent history, it is important to be involved in reaching the next generation.
Will you step up and give of your time and resources through your local church? Will you become the extended family of children in your community?
As a pastor, I have spent much of my adult life moving around. My children do not have the blessing of living down the street from their aunts and uncles. However, our church family has served as grandparents, aunts, and uncles to my three children.
I see how they enrich my family by investing into the lives our children. I do not understand why any parent would not want that kind of support for their children.
One 90-year-old gentleman at the Birmingham location of our church has been honored by my children with the title “Pee Paw.” I am not sure where they came up with that name. However, Pee Paw is mentioned in every nighttime prayer by at least one of my children.
Also, my kids talk about Mr. Brock and Mrs. Barbara and numerous other volunteers in the children’s ministry. To hear my children talk, these are the wisest, most amazing people on the planet.
It is my hope that you will join the ranks of selfless, giving people like these. Be a constant in the changing world of our children. You are what kids need!
— Chris Crain, Pastor, North Valley Church, Margaret
Read more: St. Clair Times - Clergy Corner You hold the key for next generation
