
Back then there was a "raging" debate about whether we should be focused on Children's Ministry or Family Ministry - today I want to say, in light of Larry Fowler's book, The Question Nobody Asks About Our Children, in my opinion, it is essential for us to focus upon the Next Generations Ministry.
What is a Next Generations Ministry, you ask? Well, it is a ministry which focuses upon engaging, equipping, encouraging and empowering both parents and grandparents, so they are able to hand down a heritage of faith to the children they love. A Next Generations Ministry is NOT just a class or two you offer each year on parenting, nor is it a Sunday school class for parents or grandparents - although both of these things could be used to connect with parents and grandparents. A Next Generations Ministry is ministry which is focused on purpose to engage, equip, encourage and empower parents and grandparents on a regular basis, connect them with the Children's Ministry - and Youth Ministry as well - so they are able to hand down the faith on purpose.