Pastors...
Please take time to read the following statement.
I became a Christian as a young child and actually felt God's call upon my life early on. In fact, I preached my first sermon when I was about 13 years of age. At 15, I was priviledged to attend our denominational Christian high school in central California. I was there through part of my college years also. Traveling, preaching and singing for those 4-5 years was a thrilling experience. At about 17 years of age, I received my first ministry credential from our Denomination.
The reason I am telling you these things is to reveal why I feel so strongly about young people and children and God's call upon their lives. My mentor and pastor, R.D. Cook, was always supportive and encouraging to me during my formative early years of ministry. His example had a tremendous influence upon my life.
I am compiling a list of wonderful links for you to explore. Variety is the key word because I think we preachers need to be aware of all the materials which are available to help us minister to children.
Too often, pastors leave the ministry to children for someone else to do. I know we have pulpit responsibilities, but, if we don't involve ourselves in some way with children and young people they will grow to have NO identification with our ministry.
I am staggered at the possibility of influence we have in the lives of children and young people because we are their pastor. It is an awesome priviledge which comes with the position.
Sadly, many pastors fail to understand this fact. They focus all their attention on the adults (who pay the tithes) and overlook the younger ones. Adults are hard to teach because they are already set in their ways. They will nod in agreement to the sermon, but seldom change their behavior. Children, on the other hand, are like sponges. If you will give them the gospel, in a way they can understand, they will soak it up and their little lives will be molded by what you say and do.
I hope you will check out some of the following sites and add a new dimension to your ministry. Take time to pay attention to the kids. Provide something from YOU which will intrigue and excite them. Sunday School, Children's Church and other "special" programs have their role in your ministry. But, they cannot replace the unique God-given priviledge which you enjoy. When the children are in the auditorium for "preaching time" don't let them just sit, squirm and be bored.
You can hand out "sermon helpers" - custom made "Christian crosswords" - "coloring pictures" which focus on your message - "word games" - and a hundred other things to help the children "get" the sermon.
I have a created a wonderful "sermon helper" concept which I use every Sunday night. I realized that the children were going to be doing something so I decided to provide that something. It's different every week but it always focuses their attention on the message. The kids love it and the parents think I'm a genious!
The internet is a wonderful tool. You can find almost anything. Christian sites abound - knowledge is knocking on your computer screen. Open up and let the good stuff in.
MY TERMS OF USE STATEMENT IS LOCATED ON MY HOME PAGE.
 webpastor1@aol.com
Stuff On ..  .. My Site
Home Page Miscellaneous Sites Non-Pentecostal Links Pentecostal/Charismatic Links Personal Data Topical Sermon Outlines 
The greatest symbol of freedom in the world! "Long may she wave in the land of the free and the home of the brave." GOD BLESS AMERICA 
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