Family/Kids/Youth Ministry
One of the verses that have shaped my faith life is Psalm 145:4:
One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty deeds.
This verse fuelled my love and passion for family and young people ministry. It is our joy and
responsibility to share God's goodness with children and youth. It is our joy because God
has been so good and loving to us, so how can we keep it to ourselves? It is our duty
because the next generation deserves to know their creator and redeemer. They need to
know the source of true love and joy.
I believe this is one of God's gifts through the church. Church is a unique place. It is one of
the only places in our Western society where multiple generations interact meaningfully. It is
where they come together for shared life experiences; to engage in social events, worship,
and go through different stages of life together. Much research has shown the benefits of
this, and governments have tried to recreate these social dynamics by having young people
live with seniors. The church is a natural place for this, and I believe that God designed the
church to be this way because of his wisdom. The older generation can mentor and share
their life lessons of God's faithfulness. The younger generation can provide the older with
continuous flexibility, a growth mindset and a reminder of their years before. Both parties can
learn empathy from one another by learning to live with one another and enjoy each other’s
company.
During my time at STABC, seeing our community's kids interact with the older generation
has been a joy. It’s also been a blessing for me to share God's goodness with the next
generation through our kids program on Tuesday nights. I pray and hope this church family
continues to encourage and foster the younger generation through their family, kids, and
youth ministry so they can tell the next generation of God's goodness and mighty deeds.
What is a story of God's goodness would you like to share with the next generation? How
can you personally live out Psalm 145?