Building Bridges: Connecting with Unchurched Kids

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing Through Christ's Eyes

To create a safe space for children, it's essential to see them through the eyes of Christ, focusing on their spiritual potential rather than their outward behaviors or circumstances. This perspective shift allows us to minister to their true needs and demonstrate genuine love and acceptance. When we look at children through Christ's eyes, we see beyond their immediate actions and recognize their inherent worth and potential. This approach helps us to be more compassionate and patient, providing a nurturing environment where they can grow spiritually.

By adopting this Christ-centered perspective, we can better understand the unique challenges and struggles that children face. This understanding enables us to offer more meaningful support and guidance, helping them to navigate their circumstances with faith and resilience. Ultimately, seeing children through Christ's eyes allows us to be more effective in our ministry, as we are better equipped to address their true needs and help them experience the transformative love of Jesus. [05:54]

Matthew 18:10 (ESV): "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Think of a child in your life who may be struggling. How can you shift your perspective to see them through Christ's eyes and offer them the love and support they need today?

Day 2: Building Relationships Over Promotion

Effective outreach is about building genuine relationships rather than merely promoting church attendance. By engaging with children and their families in their own environments, we can show Christ's love through our actions, making them feel valued and understood. This approach emphasizes the importance of personal connections and trust, which are foundational for meaningful ministry. When we prioritize relationships, we demonstrate that we care about individuals for who they are, not just as potential church members.

Building relationships involves spending time with children and their families, listening to their stories, and understanding their needs and aspirations. It requires patience, consistency, and a genuine interest in their well-being. By fostering these connections, we create opportunities to share the gospel in a way that is relevant and impactful, ultimately leading to a deeper and more authentic faith journey for those we serve. [10:08]

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV): "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

Reflection: Think of a family in your community that you haven't connected with yet. How can you take a step today to build a genuine relationship with them, showing Christ's love through your actions?

Day 3: Using Relatable Objects for Teaching

Incorporating familiar objects like toys and games into our ministry can help convey biblical truths in a relatable and engaging manner. This approach meets children where they are and makes the teachings of Jesus accessible and relevant to their everyday lives. By using items that children are already comfortable with, we can create a bridge between their world and the spiritual lessons we want to impart. This method not only captures their attention but also helps them to internalize and remember the teachings more effectively.

Relatable objects serve as tangible reminders of spiritual truths, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable for young minds. For example, a simple game can illustrate the importance of teamwork and cooperation, reflecting the biblical principle of loving and supporting one another. By integrating these objects into our lessons, we can create a more dynamic and interactive learning experience that resonates with children and helps them to grow in their faith. [19:00]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "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: Think of a biblical truth you want to teach a child. What familiar object or game can you use to make this lesson more relatable and engaging for them today?

Day 4: Consistency and Presence

Regularly showing up and being present in the community builds trust and rapport with the children and their families. Consistency in our actions and interactions demonstrates our commitment and allows us to be a reliable source of support and love. When we are consistently present, we show that we are genuinely invested in the lives of those we serve, which helps to establish a strong foundation of trust. This trust is crucial for effective ministry, as it opens the door for deeper connections and more meaningful conversations about faith.

Being present also means being attentive and responsive to the needs of the community. It involves actively listening, offering encouragement, and providing practical assistance when needed. By consistently showing up and being a dependable presence, we reflect the steadfast love of Christ and create an environment where children and their families feel valued and supported. This consistency helps to build a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for fostering spiritual growth and development. [22:10]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Reflect on your presence in your community. How can you be more consistent in showing up and offering support to those around you, demonstrating Christ's love through your actions?

Day 5: Community Involvement and Safety

Involving the community and ensuring safety and trust are crucial for effective outreach. By getting to know the parents and being transparent about our intentions, we can create a secure environment where children feel safe to engage and open up. Building relationships with parents and caregivers helps to establish a network of support and accountability, which is essential for creating a safe and nurturing space for children. When parents feel confident in our intentions and trust our presence, they are more likely to encourage their children to participate and engage with our ministry.

Ensuring safety also involves being mindful of the physical and emotional well-being of the children. This includes creating a structured and supervised environment, setting clear boundaries, and being attentive to any signs of distress or discomfort. By prioritizing safety and trust, we can create a space where children feel secure and valued, allowing them to fully experience the love and teachings of Christ. This approach not only benefits the children but also strengthens the overall sense of community and collaboration. [15:27]

Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Reflection: Think about the parents and caregivers in your community. How can you build stronger relationships with them to ensure a safe and supportive environment for their children? What steps can you take today to foster trust and transparency?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound topic of building bridges and faith by connecting with unchurched kids through neighborhood outreach. My journey into children's ministry began with a divine calling at a conference in 2008, which led me to serve in various capacities, including as a children's director and a missionary mentor. The essence of our discussion was about creating a safe space for children, not by focusing on their outward behaviors or circumstances, but by seeing them through the eyes of Christ. This perspective shift is crucial for effective ministry.

We delved into practical strategies for outreach, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over merely promoting church attendance. I shared my experiences of engaging with children in low-income neighborhoods, using simple yet impactful methods like bringing food, games, and relatable objects to connect with them. The goal was to demonstrate Christ's love through actions, making the children feel valued and understood.

One key aspect was the use of a "suitcase of opportunity," filled with various items like toys, games, and teaching aids that helped convey biblical truths in a relatable manner. This approach allowed me to meet the children where they were, using familiar objects to teach them about Jesus and His love. We also discussed the importance of involving the community, getting to know the parents, and ensuring safety and trust.

The session highlighted the significance of being present and consistent, showing up regularly to build trust and rapport. It’s about being a living example of Christ’s love, demonstrating His kingdom through our actions. By doing so, we can effectively introduce children to Jesus, not just our church.

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Key Takeaways

1. Seeing Through Christ's Eyes: To create a safe space for children, it's essential to see them through the eyes of Christ, focusing on their spiritual potential rather than their outward behaviors or circumstances. This perspective shift allows us to minister to their true needs and demonstrate genuine love and acceptance. [05:54]
2. Building Relationships Over Promotion: Effective outreach is about building genuine relationships rather than merely promoting church attendance. By engaging with children and their families in their own environments, we can show Christ's love through our actions, making them feel valued and understood. [10:08]
3. Using Relatable Objects for Teaching: Incorporating familiar objects like toys and games into our ministry can help convey biblical truths in a relatable and engaging manner. This approach meets children where they are and makes the teachings of Jesus accessible and relevant to their everyday lives. [19:00]
4. Consistency and Presence: Regularly showing up and being present in the community builds trust and rapport with the children and their families. Consistency in our actions and interactions demonstrates our commitment and allows us to be a reliable source of support and love. [22:10]
5. Community Involvement and Safety: Involving the community and ensuring safety and trust are crucial for effective outreach. By getting to know the parents and being transparent about our intentions, we can create a secure environment where children feel safe to engage and open up. [15:27]
### [15:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Divine Calling to Children's Ministry
[02:54] - Prayer for Outreach
[04:29] - Mentorship and Missionary Ministry
[05:54] - Creating a Safe Space
[07:24] - Seeing Children as Whosoever
[08:49] - Building Relationships
[10:08] - Representing Jesus, Not Just the Church
[11:37] - Using GIS for Ministry
[13:02] - Engaging with Food and Games
[15:27] - Connecting with Parents
[17:17] - Demonstrating Christ's Love
[19:00] - Using Games for Teaching
[22:10] - Introducing Jesus
[22:49] - Suitcase of Opportunity
[27:16] - Holy Spirit Hunting
[32:03] - Creative Games and Activities
[40:08] - Altar Call and Response
[45:13] - Providing Relevant Books and Bibles

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does John 3:16 reveal about God's love for the world and how does it relate to seeing children as "whosoever"? [07:24]
How did Angela Marks use familiar objects like toys and games to teach biblical truths to children? [19:00]
What practical steps did Angela take to ensure safety and build trust with the children and their parents? [15:27]
How did Angela's approach of representing Jesus, rather than just her church, impact her outreach efforts? [10:08]

Interpretation Questions

How does seeing children through the eyes of Christ change the way we approach ministry and outreach? [05:54]
Why is it important to build relationships over merely promoting church attendance when engaging with unchurched kids? [10:08]
In what ways can using relatable objects like toys and games make the teachings of Jesus more accessible to children? [19:00]
How does consistency and presence in the community help in building trust and rapport with children and their families? [22:10]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on their outward behavior or circumstances. How can you shift your perspective to see them through the eyes of Christ? [05:54]
Think about your current outreach efforts. Are you more focused on promoting church attendance or building genuine relationships? How can you adjust your approach to better reflect Christ's love? [10:08]
Identify a familiar object or activity that you can use to teach a biblical truth to children in your community. How will you incorporate it into your next outreach event? [19:00]
How can you ensure that you are consistently present in the lives of the children you are ministering to? What steps can you take to build trust and rapport with them and their families? [22:10]
What are some ways you can involve the community and ensure safety and trust in your outreach efforts? How can you get to know the parents and be transparent about your intentions? [15:27]
Reflect on the idea of representing Jesus rather than just your church in your outreach efforts. How can this mindset change the way you interact with the children and their families? [10:08]
Think of a specific child or family in your community who might benefit from your outreach. What practical steps can you take this week to connect with them and demonstrate Christ's love? [13:02]

Sermon Clips

1. "What God showed me was Angela has everything to do with you. If you're going to create a safe space, you're going to have to create a safe space. You're going to have to create a safe space for these children. You have to see them differently. You cannot look at them after the flesh, but you definitely have to look after them after the spirit, because if you look at, look at them after the flesh and you try to think about ways that you could go in and begin to teach and do stuff, you're going to always start seeing their behavior." [05:54] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I began to really dive in and study identity. I began to really study in the word of God, how we are seen by God, how we are viewed by God. And the verse that really, really began to stick out to me, was John 3 16 that said for God so loved the world that he gave us only begotten son that whosoever believe it. And what God began to show me was if you, if you're ever going to create a safe space for them, you got to look at the children as a whosoever, whosoever believe it, no matter what they are, they, no matter where they come from, no matter what they're dealing with, no matter what they know." [07:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So the question is, how do you see them? Are you willing to put aside, the limitations and, and things that we say, they may not know, or they may not have, because that's the whole point. And so I think that's the question. And I think that's the whole reason why, we're here. We're here to teach them what they don't know. We had to love them in areas where they need to be loved. We're here to embrace them and to guide them and to lead them in a journey of discipleship." [08:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I didn't come in with as Angela representing, Bethel AME Zion church. I actually came in as Angela representing Jesus. I was just, a person that wanted to come into a community and to share the love of Christ with children that needed to know him. And so what I decided to do was I was like, okay, for me to come in. I'm going to have to come in with, things that I know would open up the door. I remember someone saying that games and fun are the opening door to a child's heart. But how many of you know, when you're dealing with children in the community, especially in the areas of low income, that, food can be the opening to a child's heart." [10:08] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I didn't go out there preaching. I went out there representing Christ and the love that Christ was flowing through me and bringing them snacks and, and, and food and stuff and just sitting and listening to. Them tell me about their day and tell me who got in trouble and who got in, in school suspension. Like I'm just there listening. I'm there to build relationship and to build it, be an ear and a trusted voice for them. And so I didn't immediately go in, with my Bible in my hand preaching. No, I went in with the Jesus that lives on the inside of me." [17:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus went about. Showing himself to people that needed his love, needed help, needed deliverance and healing. And guess what? He didn't do that totin a scroll. And he didn't do that saying, you know, I am here from heaven. He said the kingdom of heaven is here, but guess what? He demonstrated it. And that was my goal. The Lord told me you demonstrate my kingdom to these kids. And that's what I did. So that is how I began. To create a safe space. I began to go out there and let them know who I was, introduce myself to the parents, give them my information and just spend time connecting with the kids, listening about their day and doing that kind of stuff." [18:02] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I would use games to be able to intro into my message and bring my net message to life. And so that's what I would do. So every week, listen, I mean, they're out there having a ball. They're like, they're having their own. It was like they were having their own personal children's ministry in their own community, but they didn't know what it was. They just knew that someone cared enough to come by one day. And hang out with them and love on them. And I don't even think they knew at the time that they were getting Jesus the way they were. But I would have the opportunity to continue to pour into them little by little." [21:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I would talk about, man, I have to tell you about Jesus. I got to tell you about my God, the one that created me and you. And then I'm going to tell you about his amazing son that came so that, you know, we could be in relationship with God again. And I was it was like they were sitting. It was like Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to him pour. And so that's how I introduced them. To Jesus. I didn't introduce them to my church down the street. No, that was not priority. I introduced them to Jesus." [22:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I used to tell him, bro, that's a lot of stuff. He's like, let me tell you why. Because you never know when God will give you opportunity, opportunity, opportunity, opportunity. Drop that in the chat opportunity to minister and teach to a child. So, you know what? I went to Wal-Mart and I got me a small suitcase. Right. Because I named it my suitcase of opportunity. Right. And so here's my suitcase of opportunity. And I'm going to go through my suitcase of opportunity with you. And so in my suitcase of opportunity is everything that I would pack to minister to the kids." [22:49] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I would tell them to come up and I would say, Jesus wants to give you a hug and I would just wrap that around them and I would just affirm them in the love of God. And so I have had this pillow for so many years. I ended up buying two and I gave it to another minister that was really drawn to it. But this is my Holy Spirit. I mean, this is my Jesus love heart pillow, right? All right. So remember I told you that I used to go out there and I would bring games, right? So I had this in my in my. Suitcase of opportunity." [27:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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