Answering the Call: Investing in Our Children's Future
Summary
As we stand at the threshold of our church's centennial celebration, we are reminded of the profound legacy of faith that has been handed down to us. It is our sacred duty to answer the call, to carry the torch of the Gospel, and to prepare South Lake for the next century of ministry. This year, our theme is "Answer the Call," and it is a clarion call to action, to engage with the mission of Christ with renewed vigor and commitment.
Our journey as a church is akin to a child's eager anticipation during a long trip, constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" This question, though repetitive, is born out of excitement for the destination ahead. It is this same excitement for the future of our church that we must embrace as we ask ourselves, "Are we there yet?" in our walk with God and in our service to His kingdom.
The foundation of our future lies in the investment we make in our children today. Our children's ministry, built on the dedication of countless volunteers over the years, has been a beacon of light. However, the time has come to deepen our commitment by hiring a full-time children's pastor. This is not merely an organizational step; it is a spiritual imperative. We must see our children as lost souls in need of the Gospel, and it is our responsibility to guide them into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Statistics reveal that the majority of Christians come to faith before adulthood, with a significant number making that commitment before the age of 12. This underscores the critical importance of a robust children's ministry that can lay a solid foundation of faith, one that will endure the challenges of life and the secular pressures of adulthood.
Our vision extends beyond the walls of our church; we are called to be a church for the region. We must recognize the plight of children in Lake and Porter County—those who are victims of hunger, poverty, abuse, and neglect. We cannot turn a blind eye to the exploitation and human trafficking that occurs at our doorstep. Our response to these injustices must be one of action, compassion, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
The testimony of our own daughter, Jackie, is a living example of the life-changing impact a children's ministry can have. Adopted from the foster care system, Jackie's early encounter with the love of Christ set her on a path of hope and purpose. Her story is a testament to the potential that lies within each child we reach, and the generational blessings that can flow from one act of faithful ministry.
To achieve our goal of hiring a children's pastor, we have launched a campaign to raise $135,000, which represents three years of salary. This financial commitment ensures stability for the ministry and allows us to plan for the future with confidence. We are asking each member of our church family to make a pledge, above and beyond their regular tithes, to support this vital initiative.
As we move forward, we will provide resources to share our vision with others, both within and outside our church community. We will keep you updated on the progress of the campaign, and we invite you to join us in this journey of faith, sacrifice, and commitment to the next generation.
Key Takeaways:
- The urgency of answering God's call in our lives is not just a personal endeavor but a collective mission that requires us to look beyond our current state and anticipate the future with hope and action. Just as a child eagerly asks, "Are we there yet?" we too should persistently seek progress in our spiritual journey and the growth of our church. [02:56]
- Investing in a full-time children's pastor is not merely a strategic decision but a spiritual mandate to see our children as souls in need of salvation. By prioritizing their spiritual development, we are laying a foundation that will not only benefit them but also have a ripple effect on the community and future generations. [11:44]
- The alarming statistics of children facing abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our region call us to a deeper sense of responsibility. As a church, we must be a beacon of hope and a safe haven for the vulnerable, demonstrating the love of Christ through tangible action and support. [15:59]
- The transformative power of a children's ministry is vividly illustrated in the life of our daughter Jackie. Her journey from the foster care system to a life of faith and service is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we invest in the spiritual lives of children. [35:13]
- Our commitment to hiring a children's pastor is a step of faith that requires sacrificial giving from our church family. By pledging financial support, we are not only ensuring the sustainability of this ministry but also affirming our trust in God's provision and the importance of nurturing the faith of our youngest members. [42:40]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:6 (ESV): "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
2. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
3. Matthew 21:16 (ESV): "Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 22:6 suggest about the long-term impact of early spiritual education?
2. According to Deuteronomy 6:5-7, what are the specific actions parents are instructed to take in teaching their children about God?
3. In Matthew 21:16, what does Jesus say about the praise that comes from children?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle in Proverbs 22:6 apply to the church's decision to hire a full-time children's pastor? ([09:09])
2. What might be the significance of the command in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 for the church's vision to invest in children's ministry? ([10:25])
3. How does Jesus' statement in Matthew 21:16 reflect the importance of children's ministry in the church? ([11:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the urgency of answering God's call in your life. How can you persistently seek progress in your spiritual journey and the growth of our church? ([02:56])
2. How can you personally contribute to the church's goal of hiring a full-time children's pastor? What sacrifices might this require from you? ([42:40])
3. Considering the alarming statistics of children facing abuse, neglect, and exploitation in our region, what actions can you take to support vulnerable children in our community? ([15:59])
4. How does Jackie's testimony inspire you to invest in the spiritual lives of children? What steps can you take to make a difference in a child's life today? ([35:13])
5. What specific ways can you support the church's campaign to raise $135,000 for a children's pastor? How can you encourage others to join this effort? ([42:40])
6. How can you share the church's vision for children's ministry with people outside our church community? What resources or strategies might you use? ([45:20])
7. Reflect on the transformative power of a children's ministry. How can you be more involved in nurturing the faith of our youngest members? ([35:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Call to Spiritual Progress
The journey of faith is a continuous quest for growth and understanding. Just as a child on a long trip is filled with anticipation and repeatedly asks, "Are we there yet?", believers are encouraged to maintain a sense of eagerness and excitement for what lies ahead in their spiritual walk. This anticipation should not be passive but rather a driving force that propels one to take action and engage more deeply with the mission of Christ. It is about looking forward with hope, seeking to understand where one stands in their relationship with God, and discerning how to move closer to the vision God has for their life and the life of the church community.
The call to action is a reminder that the work of the church is never complete; there is always room for growth, outreach, and deeper commitment. It is a call to not only reflect on the past century of ministry but also to prepare and equip oneself for the challenges and opportunities that the next century will bring. The church's centennial celebration is not just a milestone but a launching pad for renewed vigor in spreading the Gospel and serving the kingdom of God. [02:56]
Matthew 9:37-38
"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively "answer the call" in your own life this week, and how can you encourage others in your community to join you in this mission?
Day 2: Nurturing Young Souls is Our Spiritual Imperative
Investing in the spiritual lives of children is not just a strategic choice for the church; it is a profound spiritual responsibility. Children are not only the future of the church but also young souls in need of guidance and the love of Christ. The decision to hire a full-time children's pastor is a commitment to seeing each child as an individual who needs to know the Gospel. This role is crucial in laying a foundation of faith that will help children withstand the challenges of life and the secular pressures they will face as adults.
The church's dedication to children's ministry is a reflection of the value placed on the spiritual development of its youngest members. By prioritizing this ministry, the church is investing in a future where these children, nurtured and grounded in faith, can become leaders and influencers for Christ in their communities. The impact of such an investment is immeasurable, as it has the potential to change the trajectory of a child's life, just as it did for Jackie, who found hope and purpose through the church's ministry. [11:44]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of the children in your community, and what steps can you take to support the children's ministry in your church?
Day 3: Answering the Cry of the Vulnerable
The alarming issues facing children in the surrounding counties—hunger, poverty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation—are not just societal problems; they are spiritual battles that the church is called to engage in. As followers of Christ, it is not enough to simply be aware of these injustices; there must be a heartfelt response that leads to action. The church is called to be a beacon of hope and a safe haven for the vulnerable, demonstrating the love of Christ through tangible support and the transformative power of the Gospel.
This call to action is about extending compassion beyond the church walls and into the lives of those who are most in need. It is about recognizing the plight of these children and responding with the same urgency and commitment as if they were our own. By doing so, the church embodies the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing light into the darkest of circumstances and offering a path to restoration and healing. [15:59]
Proverbs 31:8-9
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can respond to the needs of vulnerable children in your region this month, and how can you involve others in this mission?
Day 4: The Impact of Faithful Ministry on Future Generations
The story of Jackie, a child adopted from the foster care system whose life was transformed by the children's ministry, is a powerful illustration of the impact that the church can have on an individual's life. Her journey from a place of uncertainty to one of faith and purpose is a testament to the potential that lies within each child reached by the ministry. It is a reminder that the work done today in the lives of children can lead to generational blessings and a legacy of faith that extends far beyond what can be immediately seen.
The church's commitment to children's ministry is not just about the present moment but about sowing seeds that will bear fruit for years to come. It is about recognizing the value and potential of every child and providing them with the opportunity to encounter the love of Christ in a way that will shape their entire life. The investment made in these young lives is an investment in the future of the church and the kingdom of God. [35:13]
Psalm 78:4-6
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done... that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."
Reflection: Can you think of a person who invested in your spiritual life at a young age? How can you follow their example and invest in the spiritual lives of the next generation?
Day 5: Faith and Sacrifice in Supporting Ministry
The commitment to hire a children's pastor is a significant step of faith for the church. It requires not only a financial investment but also a collective act of sacrifice and trust in God's provision. By pledging support above and beyond regular tithes, the church family is affirming the importance of nurturing the faith of the youngest members and ensuring the sustainability of this vital ministry. This act of giving is a demonstration of trust in God's ability to provide and a commitment to the spiritual well-being of the children.
The campaign to raise funds for the children's pastor is about more than meeting a financial goal; it is about coming together as a community of believers to support a cause that is close to the heart of God. It is an opportunity for each member to participate in the work of the church in a tangible way, contributing to a legacy that will impact the lives of children for years to come. [42:40]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What sacrifice can you make to support the vision of hiring a children's pastor, and how can you encourage others to join in this financial commitment?
Quotes
1) "Our goal is to prepare South Lake for the next 100 years so how do we do that and we do that by answering a call." [00:51] (Download)
2) "It is that passion, that excitement of looking towards a future that is not quite arrived and so we're waiting for it with eager anticipation and we keep saying are we there yet." [02:14] (Download)
3) "We need to start seeing the children in the church as lost... We need to see our children as needing the gospel." [06:18] (Download)
4) "Our goal is not to get children into the church our goal is to get our children in a relationship with Jesus Christ." [06:18] (Download)
5) "When a church invests in children, they praise and worship God from a very young age." [11:44] (Download)
6) "When we invest in children they begin to engage with God's word... the best Ministry we can have as parents is you share your faith." [10:25] (Download)
7) "We need to recognize that children are frequently exploited... we have to recognize that human trafficking is real." [13:12] (Download)
8) "We can't save the world but we as a church can become a powerful vessel that God can work through and make a difference especially in the lives of our children." [16:44] (Download)
9) "It truly meant everything when you say that word foundation... it truly meant that I could start finding Freedom." [21:39] (Download)
10) "We haven't launched a campaign in this church in years but I believe this is the time and I believe we can make a difference." [48:37] (Download)
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