Children Run Up Escalators

Have you ever watched a child at the mall run up the escalators? There’s a part of you that sees the danger involved, but then there’s another part of you that kind of wants to do it yourself. Or perhaps in a school you’ve seen a child leap down the stairway? We’ve seen this stunt recently and realized we used to be those very kids. But no more! It might require a 911 call and an expensive ride in an ambulance. Kids oftentimes go through life with no inhibition, no fear and no anticipation of potential hazards. They are willing, adventurous and open to learning and new experiences.

This same curiosity, wonder and excitement that drives kids to run up escalators also creates a spiritual openness where a child’s heart is more receptive to faith. This is a life stage when the power of the gospel message is best presented and accepted. And there has never been a time in our culture when it is more important. Presently, statistics show us that roughly 50% of students walk away from the church after they graduate high school. These are formative years in a child’s development and an important time window to cultivate faith. As adults, investing in the youth during this precious time can be an important part of our generosity. So how can we invest in the next generation? Two primary thoughts come to mind.

The first investment is time. This may be the most challenging one. What’s our season of life? Are we a young person who has energy and understanding of children and youth? Or are we an older person who brings life experience, wisdom, time and mentoring qualities to affect young minds? According to our friends at Sticky Faith at Fuller Youth Institute, “Despite the age segregation that exists in our churches and broader culture, each young person is greatly benefited when surrounded by a team of five adults. We call this the new 5:1 ratio.”  Think of the impact that 5 adults to each child will have in influencing their faith.

There’s often a need within the church to assist that doesn’t require “teachers” but rather individuals to come alongside kids. Many children and youth just need someone who will listen to them. Every ministry leader is looking for a variety of people to speak spiritual truth and be available to provide support. Many leaders are looking for volunteers who can ask questions in a small group. The roles are numerous. While Jay was serving as a staff pastor, one his favorite volunteers was a grandpa who arrived on Sundays in his fun, bright colored socks to sit among preschoolers to read books on the floor in a corner.

The second investment option is resources. Perhaps some of us have funds to invest in a church’s children or youth ministries. Or maybe others can provide money to send kids to camp, support a summer outreach event or resource facility upgrades and classroom needs. Rich, stimulating, engaging environments and experiences are necessary for kids and youth.

In recent months we have worked with churches to help them determine the best approach for ministry to the next generation. We promote the idea of a wholistic approach between children and youth to better support families, spiritual development, legacy moments, transitions between age levels and a cohesive approach that has greater long-term impact. We also make recommendations for intergenerational involvement. This is a high value.

We’d love to challenge you to consider what you’ve been blessed with to give and think about investing that in your church’s next generation ministry!  By sharing your time, gifts and resources for the next generation, your generosity will be like an escalator in their lives, leading them to live into the fullness of who they were created to be.

Photo Credit: Kiana Bosman

Jay & Donna Hostetler love inspiring ministry leaders to go to the next level. They are the founders of MinistryWave (ministrywave.com), a ministry encouraging and challenging leaders in the church through a variety of approaches, such as evaluations and recommendations for ministry enhancement. They are veterans in the ministry world and have lived and served all over the country from Chicago to San Diego to west Michigan and presently the Gulf Coast of Florida. Jay enjoys a good round of golf, watching his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers and reading leadership books. Donna loves to spend a day roaming with her camera, at the beach near the waves or watching her hometown team, St. Louis Cardinals.