In kids ministry we try to connect with kids in order to reach them – Kidology is a philosophy of ministry that strives to minister to kids from within the culture of kids. In order to interest, engage and even at times (dare I say it?) entertain kids, we will do the craziest things, won’t we? Dunk tanks! Drop eggs from helicopters! Pies in the face! All manner of craziness and silliness goes on in children’s ministries.
And this is good!
But there is also a danger.
We can risk losing the sacred.
We can risk being flippant with holiness.
And at some point, all that FUN needs to decrescendo down to some sacred seriousness, or else it loses it’s purpose and was all for naught. Fun isn’t the goal, it is a means to a greater end.
We aren’t in the business of giving kids a great time. We are in the business of making disciples.
Consider:
“Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting sacrilege.” Matthew 7:6 MSG
I’m not going to offer the answer here – just a challenge as you plan to also pray and ask God to give you wisdom. The balance between silliness and the sacred will be played out differently in each ministry – but it needs to be there.
We are working with children, so there needs to be silliness and fun. But at the same time, we need to draw kids into the mystery and awe of God. That calls for a level of reverence and seriousness. You can have both! Actually, you need both. Ministries that try to be all serious lose kids and ministries that are all fun aren’t making an eternal difference because life isn’t all fun. Kids need to know the serious side of a life walking with an Awesome God.
Question: How do YOU “bring it down” and help kids appreciate the sacred and serious side of the Christian life? I have my techniques, I’d love to hear some of yours.
Please comment below, or in this thread on Kidology. Thanks!
