From Sampler to Sower

Ever wonder why I love my church?

Probably not, but I’m going to show you anyway.  Here’s the video:

This last Sunday our church had what we call “Imagine Ministries Sunday” when we hand off our Sunday services to our Children’s ministries. Our children’s pastor, Rev. Jill Waltz, plans the sermon and presents the message. Our Imagine Praise Team who minister each week in children’s church take a turn leading us in worship. The kids fill the choir loft and take part in other aspects of the service.

The video is a compilation of the pictures I took during worship Sunday morning. It shows, at least in part, why I love my church so much.

It has nothing to do with my youth ministry – though I have some of the best teens on the planet.

It has nothing to do with how well the church takes care of me and supports my ministry – though they do an outstanding job.

It has everything to do with how my church ministers to my family. I know my children are growing up under the care of a great pastor and team.

After the jump I’ve picked out my five favorite pictures from yesterday which show exactly what I love about our church’s children’s ministry. You can see all the pictures I took on my flickr account here.

5. Christ is the focal point.

Pastor Jill does a great job both leading and teaching our children.  But the focus isn’t on her, it’s on the Christ she serves.

4. My kids are surrounded by great friends.

That’s my son, Brett, and one of his best friends Alex.  I love the fact that my children are growing up around other kids who love God.

3. Students worship.

That’s another one of my sons, Bryce, singing along with his cousin Connor.  I still get choked up every time I sit back and watch my children worship.  I love the fact that my kids are growing up learning how to actively worship God.  And more importantly, they’re learning that worship isn’t just the songs you sing on Sunday, but the way you live every day.

2. Graduates stay connected.

Okay, so those two aren’t my boys, at least not biologically.  They are, however, both graduates of our youth ministry.  They’ve graduated from high school now and both have headed off for college.  Yet here they both are, still serving our church week in and week out.  That gives me hope for my kids too.  It’s good seeing how many graduates of the children’s ministry hang around and as teens continue to help in the children’s ministry.  And it’s great seeing how many graduates of the youth ministry stay connected to the church even after high school – not merely attending but serving.  I want my kids to learn to serve.

1. Children lead.

There’s Bryce again.  This time he’s battling nerves (and the fact that Dad’s in the front row with a camera) getting ready to lead the congregation in our prayers for our country’s service men and women.  I love the fact that my children are attending a church where they not only get ministered to, they also get opportunities to lead.

So Jill, if you’re reading this, thanks for everything you do – not only for my kids, but for all the children of our church.  I couldn’t imagine a better church in which to serve, and the way you minister to my children is a big part of that!