Make an Eternal Impact

Just a few days ago, Vickie and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary of being Trinity Church International's Children's Pastors. I'll have to admit, there aren't too many Children's Pastors that I am aware of that have stayed at one church for any where near that length of time. We are celebrating because during these years, we have been blessed, blessed, blessed to have loved on thousands of children (that's a literal number ... not some number to hype a blog entry).

The reward for these years of ministry is incalculable. It's a rare Sunday when we don't have at least one of our graduates (those whose age moved them on to youth) to stop by to see and love on us. Often, Vickie and I have "kids" who were once in our ministry when we first arrived at Trinity and are now in their twenties and early thirties stop by to hug us and remind us that they love us. Why? Because over the years I've told them that they may outgrow our ministry, but they will never outgrow me. I will always be their Children's Pastor. They will never find a pastor who will love them more than we do.

Displaying my love in a shaving cream fight!

I will be the first to admit that there may be many Children's Pastors far more eloquent than I am in their speaking abilities. Without question, there are many far more creative than I have been or ever will be. But, I say without hesitation that you won't find anyone who loves their children and communicates that love more we do. 

Children's leader, the children will someday (perhaps sooner than you think) forget your brilliant puppet skit. Years down the road, they won't remember the magic trick that you worked on for days upon end. I seriously question if they will be able to tell you about the creative way that you told your Bible story. But, I do know that they will remember the love that you deposited. 

AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY, make time to display and articulate love. Connect. Touch. Smile. Genuinely care. Create "uh huh" moments where your hearts intertwine and they can see the love of Jesus flow through a simple, humble servant. Remember, "There are three things that will endure—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (The New Living Translation)

How does this relate to a blog that is supposed to be dedicated to raising and equipping Holy Ghost leaders? I'm glad that you asked. Here's the answer ... EVERYTHING. This love is supernatural because it comes from the Holy Ghost. The Bible teaches "... the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost." (Romans 5:5) Now go and be a Holy Ghost lover of kids!