 In a well-known story, D. L. Moody was asked how the night’s evangelistic meeting had gone. His celebrated response was, “We had two and a half conversions.” His interviewer responded, “You mean two adults and one child?” “No,” Moody replied, “two children and one adult. The adult only has half his life left to follow Christ. The children have their entire lives to do so.”
This exchange reminds me of the inclination to think about children as “not-yet participants in the kingdom of God.” This cannot be further from the truth! Great leaders think of children as essential players in God’s kingdom and God’s plan of reconciliation. They see them as central to their mission. Jesus used children to illustrate some of the greatest truths about the kingdom of God. Jesus reminded the disciples that not only are children a model of faith to enter the Kingdom, but we are required to examine ourselves on how we welcome children in our midst. What does it mean to put children in the middle? Matthew records the disciples discussing greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Before Jesus responded, He painted a vivid metaphor in leadership: He placed a child in their midst. Putting children in the middle means that we cannot think of children as peripheral. True leadership conversation must start with the perspective that children matter and are at the core of God’s plan of redemption. Children are a model of faith. Jesus’ bold response to the disciples highlights the damaging power of “growing up” (Matthew 18). “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Child-like faith is absolutely necessary to enjoy the fullness of the riches of His kingdom. A child’s faith is unspoiled, genuine, and unbiased. As children grow older, their faith, already tainted by the Adamic propensity to sin, becomes spoiled by the agnostic, materialistic, self-centered societies that shape and train them. As our faith becomes sophisticated, we begin to question even the most evident truths. To enjoy the rich, unadulterated blessing of God’s kingdom, we must become like children. Children are the most ripe and ready mission field. Around the world, in any country or culture, more than three-fourths (75 percent) of adults now filling our churches received Christ between the ages of 4 and 18. Missiologists have defined this group age as the 4/14 window, the world’s most ripe yet unreached people group. Unfortunately, we think of them as “ways to attract their parents,” “a drain on our budgets and programs,” “a distraction to our solemn services,” or even as “non-productive entities who do not vote and who do not give.” The disciples were in the same boat. Matthew 19 narrates another event with Jesus and children. As people brought their children to Jesus for Him to pray and bless them, the disciples rebuked the parents. Jesus’ response was emphatic: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Do not hinder children. You were one of them. Throughout church history, theologians and practitioners have discussed the “reliability of the faith of a child.” Well-intentioned leaders, infected by the “grown-up bug,” question the validity of a child’s conversion. To them, D. L. Moody responded: “It is a masterpiece of the devil to make us believe that children cannot understand religion. Would Christ have made a child the standard of faith if He had known that it was not capable of understanding His words?” Children are the most prolific mission field. Harvest it! Children can be agents of God’s mission. We cannot stop at ministering to children and youth only. Great leaders invest in children and youth as agents of the transforming mission of God. Children and youth are capable of sharing the love of Christ to their relatives, friends, and social networks and leading others to join them in their faith. The Scripture is full of stories of children and youth used by God to accomplish His mission: …a trafficked child, Joseph, brought hope to his people… …a shepherd boy, David, defeated a giant and became king of Israel … …a young minister, Samuel, led God’s people while serving in times of dryness and desperation… …an anonymous, well-prepared boy provided resources for Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the five thousand… …and Jesus Himself, while still a young boy, declared His commitment to the Father’s business… It was said by the prophet Isaiah: “…and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). Great leaders express their greatness by thinking small. We must focus on the child in our midst. -Written by Dr. Gustavo A. Crocker, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene
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 We are starting a new series this Sunday, September 23rd. We will be traveling through the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of Luke can be summed up in one phrase: It’s all about Jesus, and Jesus is for everyone. Throughout the book of Luke, Jesus is constantly reaching out to people pushed aside by the society of that time. Women, a thief, gentiles, fishermen, and “sinners”—they’re all here, and they’re all seen. This series will offer a snapshot of Luke, touching on some of the major topics in the gospel. The hope is to learn more about Jesus and the good news He brings into our lives! Come and journey with us! The worship gathering starts at 10:30am.
 It's that time of year when the hot summer days start cooling off and the kids head back to school. Life has an opportunity to settle down a little bit in time for all the fall activities to kick into gear. I thought I would share a few of the many things going on here at the church that you might be interested in.
#1 End of Summer Picnic-- Every year we celebrate the end of summer as a church family by having a picnic at Triangle Park along the reservoir. It starts at 1pm with a great potluck. The church provides chicken and drinks. We need you to bring a main dish or side/salad and a dessert. Then we'll hang out by relaxing in the shade together and playing any yard games you might want to bring. #2 Small Groups-- We have lots of opportunities to connect with each other, and one of our favorites are our small groups. If you want to look over the list to see topics and times, click on www.emmettnaz.org and then click on groups. Request to join from there. #3 Men's Steak Night-- This is one of the favorites for the guys... obviously! This is simply a gathering of the men of all ages (kids can come with their dads!) to enjoy great fellowship and great steak... all by donation! The first one is Tuesday, September 18th, at 7pm. I heard they have some great plans this year to make it even better- including some door prizes! This is a good one to invite your friends!! #4 Family Fan Nights- One last one I will mention. This is an opportunity to have some great fellowship while you are supporting one of our teens. Each week we pick a different sports activity and all plan to show up there. Look for the list in the Upcoming Events and then come have a great time! -Pastor Brian |
Updates BlogThis is a great place to find updates about church activities and other information. Archives
May 2022
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