Who remembers the 90’s cartoon ‘Pinky & the Brain?’ I was in college when the show was airing, but I work with kids and therefore I am not too proud to admit to regularly watching cartoons. My favorite part of the show was a conversation that happened in every episode.
PINKY – “Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?”
BRAIN- “The same thing we do every night Pinky, try to take over the world.”
As children’s ministry leaders, and as believers, we should have as narrow of a focus as Pinky & the Brain had. No, we shouldn’t physically be trying to take over the world, but our singular goal in all things should be the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the earth…taking over the world with the truth of the Gospel.
With schools starting back soon, it's time to remind ourselves of our goal in ministry. As we start this year, I have one goal, and it’s the same goal as last year, and the year before, and the year before that. My goal, as always, is to faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the children and families of my church. 2 Timothy 4:1-4 has always been the passage I get my inspiration from this time of year.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
What are believers called to do? Proclaim the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20). What are children’s ministry leaders called to do? Preach & teach the Word while kids are listening. Verses 3 & 4 are a sobering truth that the day is coming when people will stop listening. Our time with the kids in our church, our time with our neighbors, our time with everyone we meet, is short. Let’s make the most of the time that we’ve been given!
In children’s ministry we should strive for kids to see, hear, read, sing, pray and discuss the gospel every week. Songs should be carefully chosen, gospel conversation written into every lesson, and activities designed for kids to interact with the gospel. With that in mind, this skittles good news treat would be a great option to send home on the first Sunday of your new school year!