Donia Hovet, Children’s Pastor
I was not born to be a Children’s pastor. In fact, I told God in Bible College that I would NEVER be a children’s pastor. I had worked in children’s ministry from the time I was a child myself, just twelve years old, and for a decade, I had a front row seat to the endless stress and strain that comes with leading a children’s ministry. No way! Not for me!
I am now in my SIXTH year of functioning as a children’s pastor.
Life is funny. If there is one thing I have learned as I have sacrificially laid my life down to serve kids and families, it is this: God LOVES kids.
Read Luke 18:15-17
One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
This past Sunday, Isaac juxtaposed Herod’s massacre of children with how Jesus embraced them. Jesus Christ, the king of kings and lord of lords, gave time and space to a segment of the population who, at that time, was to be seen and not heard.
“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!”
Our king has issued an EDICT.
After working with kids for most of my life, I can state without equivocation, that I believe there is no greater work than to usher kids into the knowledge of God’s love and grace. Over the years I’ve invited hundreds of people to work with kids, but most people either say no, or they don’t last. Why is this? Is it cultural? Is it generational? Is it fear-based?
Maybe…but it’s more than any of that. Read what Paul says in Ephesians 6:12:
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Could it be that the enemy has a vested interest in keeping the next generation away from Jesus? I think so. He is a thief. He is a murderer. He is a destroyer. He wants to deprive our children from the inheritance they have in Jesus. You see, the command of Jesus began long before his time on earth. The Father’s heart IS FOR THE GENERATIONS.
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9
These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.
Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
The King of Kings, who existed at the beginning of the world, ALWAYS had in mind that the children would come to him.
“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!”
I was not born to be a children’s pastor. Or maybe I was. Maybe we all were.
Application:
- Re-read: Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
- What are the promises that accompany obedience to God’s commands?
- What are some practical ways the writer of Deuteronomy suggests toward remembering and integrating Gods’ ways into the home? How might you implement these strategies?
- Reflect: How are you PAVING THE WAY for the next generation to know and love King Jesus?
- Pray: for the next generation, for parents and guardians, for grandparents, for pastors and leaders.