A Splendid Torch

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinoin that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.



George Bernard Shaw

Participants to Servant

I had the unique opportunity to visit one of our student ministries this evening. It was our Kidz 156 program. They did an outstanding job putting on an entertaining production entitled "The Cross Factor".

This is a ministry specifically designed to mobilize our children into service in the local church. We are talking about kids from ages 4 to 11. Our amazing staff created an environment where children at a very young age begin developing their talents.

I  have observed over my twenty years of ministry that little time is placed on discipleship of children. Lots of Bible stories, games and snacks have been delivered but seldom do children have the opportunity to follow Christ through service. Do not read this wrong, I think that Biblical teaching is essential but being a hearer of the word without being a doer is empty. It leads to a consumer mentality in the church. As people move into adulthood, their senses to serve are dulled. It becomes about them versus others.

We want to move the children at Columbus Road directly from participants to servants. This requires intentionality. We have found that it is a lot easier and more effective to train children rather then un-train adults. What is amazing about this philosophy of ministry is that by starting them when they are young, it carries right into the teen years.

This morning we had teens serving in both services as praise team members. We had teens serving as nursery workers, teacher, helpers, and ushers. What was even more amazing was all the teens who came tonight to support our children. It is no wonder, many are Kidz 156 alums.