"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."
Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)
Christ Community Church values children. For that reason, we need an active children's ministry which can communicate the glory and value of God to the youngest of children. Beyond that, younger families are not likely to make a church which does not minister to their children their church home.
But, in spite of this, as we bang the drum for people to step up and volunteer to serve these children and their families, you may yet wonder, "Why me?"
Reason #1 - Children are important to God.
As we bring this long, slow train to its final stop, I want to focus on one particular word from the verses above. Jesus instructs the disciples not hinder the children. Most often, we use that word to mean get in the way of. But it also means to make slow or difficult or impede the progress of.
Our children are at the beginning of a lifelong faith journey. While we hope it will be faith in Christ, this world certainly offers numerous other options. Our inability or unwillingness to invest our time and energy in our children hinders that journey.
"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them..."
Think about it.
Pastor Jason