Who/What Influences Kids and How Does This Change Your Ministry?

I'd like to share another George Barna video with you today - in this one he is talking about seven major influences in our life. Take a moment to watch it . . . 


Now, consider the following . . .

• media - movies, television, books, internet and music are five powerful influences in our lives and in the lives of the children and families in our ministries 
• the messages from these sources of media remain in our minds and heart and shape the way we think, believe and our behavior

Here's a question for you - how do we use media to communicate with the children and families in our ministries?

• family and public policy also shape what we think, believe and how we behave
• the typical church family has almost no spiritual life together - they may go to church together, but even there they separate and go to their "own" areas of the church for ministry
• in the home where families spend the most time together, faith is not an essential part of their time together

Here's a few more questions for you - Do these influences push us toward understanding, desiring and wanting to live for Christ and what does it take to really facilitate real Christian living? Do these questions require any changes in the way you approach children's ministry at your church? If so, how do these questions change what you are doing in your ministry?