White Wing Messenger? - Church of God of Prophecy

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Children Bring Strength to the Local Church One of the greatest resources available to the local church is the contribution made by a child servant. Many of us focus on the responsibility that we have to minister to children. While this is certainly a necessary and biblical pursuit, we must not forget another part of the equation. God is calling children to minister and bring strength to the local church. It is not necessary to wait until our children reach maturity before they are used by God. Children have so much to offer, and it is time to capitalize on it. One needs to look no further than the child Samuel to see what God can do, not only for the young harvest but through the young harvest. The Dedication of Children Causes the Dedication of Parents. Samuel’s mother Hannah vowed, saying, “. . . remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life . . .” (1 Samuel 1:11). A year after Hannah’s prayer, Samuel was born. Two years later, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord. Samuel was not the only person who was dedicated that day. The mother’s commitment to God was so influenced by this child that she gave him back to God for His service. Her life was changed! Children have a way of influencing their parents in this way. Focusing on the spiritual needs of children not only blesses them, but it blesses us. Children hear the voice of god. Samuel heard God’s voice, but his inexperience led him to the Priest Eli to answer the call. This young child said yes, even before he knew who he was answering. He was listening; he was eager to be obedient and to serve. He eventually discovered it was the call of the Lord, not the call of the priest that he was hearing. God is still calling children for His service, and they are willing to say yes with no questions asked. Children are energetic servants, capable of hearing from the Lord. Now, consider what would have happened if Eli had discouraged Samuel’s experience. Eli could have very easily discounted what Samuel was hearing by saying, “You are just too young.” However, Eli said, “Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth . . .” (3:9). For every modern-day Samuel, God has selected an Eli that will encourage the child to be obedient by saying “yes.” children Speak the word of god. When Samuel did as Eli instructed him, the Lord told Samuel about the things He 22 WWM JUNE 2011 WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG
was going to do in Eli’s house. Eli’s sons were unrestrained, and judgment was coming. Even though Eli had been told this previously by the Lord, when the words were spoken by the child Samuel, Eli was willing to listen. When Samuel spoke, Eli confessed, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes” (v. 18 NIV). It took the words of a child to bring the message home to Eli. God used Samuel long before he was recognized as a prophet. God will use honest, unassuming children to speak His truths to us if we will only listen. Perfect praise can come through children as evidenced in Matthew 21:16: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” Churches that make room for children to minister have hope. Children are more than capable of leading us in the Word and worship. We must simply learn to look and listen for what God is saying to and through them. Jeff White Greenville, South Carolina Make plans now to attend the 2011 Institute of Children’s Ministry. September 22–25, 2011 Ridgecrest, North Carolina Reasons Children Are Essential to a Healthy Local Church 4 1. Serving children in the local church is an opportunity to serve Christ Himself. “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5 NIV). 2. Children assure the future of the local church (Judges 2:10; Psalm 78:1–7). Neil Postman said, “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” 3. Children are the reservoir from which the local church will draw future ministry leaders. If the local church effectively disciples its children, within ten years there will be an overflowing reservoir of leaders to serve in the local church and to send out from the local church. 4. Believing children are gifted by the Holy Spirit just as adults are. When their ministry gifts are recognized, developed, and released, they will be used to bring the body of believers into unity and spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11–16). • Grow in your ability to lead from a place of spiritual and emotional health. • Discover ways to lead up, influencing your senior pastor and those who serve alongside you. • Become better equipped to lead children’s ministry strategically, creatively, and relationally. • Learn ways you can lead families in creating faith environments in their homes. Skilled leaders are essential to the accomplishment of God’s purposes in the lives of our children. For more information, visit the Children’s Ministry website at http://children.cogop.org. WWM JUNE 2011 23
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