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

I'd like to share another George Barna video with you today. (You will find it at this link.) In this video George talks about the seven major influences in our lives - please take a minute 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 behave.

So, with these things being true, consider this question; 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 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.

Makes you think. So, with these questions "floating" around your mind, ask yourself, do these influences push us toward understanding, desiring and wanting to live for Jesus and what does it take for us to truly facilitate real Christian living? Do we need to make any changes in the way we approach Children's Ministry?

And, keep in mind, the two most influential people in the lives of the children in your ministry are their parents and grandparents. How are you supporting, encouraging and equipping them to hand down the faith?