What I'm Reading

 A recent post on Kidmin1124:

I have been re-reading Sue Miller’s book Making Your Children’s Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid’s Week. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend that you do. If you have already read it, I highly recommend that you read it again every so often. I get something new from it every time I read it.

In the chapter I am reading right now, Sue is talking about the importance of having a mission statement and values that are clearly defined. The one that stood out for me today was:

Value 5: Promiseland Will Intentionally Shepherd in Small Groups.

Small groups serve as the perfect setting for adults to help children apply the day’s Bible lesson to their lives and to connect them into community patterned after Acts 2. The small group leader has both a privilege and responsibility to model a life committed to Jesus. Sometimes the small group leader might be the only Christian adult a child personally knows.

She then goes on to share the responsibility to show up that all small group leaders have.

They must show up excited to be with kids.

They must show up ready to listen.

They must show up physically every week.

They must show up with an expectant spirit.

On Sunday Morning, it is possible to offer a place to know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. It is possible to provide a place where every child is individually treasured and valued. A place where, every week, kids can build healthy bonds and trust with the same children and same leader.

This really is the heart of small groups and as a leader you need to just show up.