getting started...

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20

Connections 18:20

This group has been meeting for two years now, and, although each meeting has been meaningful and served the needs of [at least some of] the people involved, I can't help feeling that there needs to be a way for more interaction.  

A Facebook page is available, but not everyone is on Facebook, and not much has been posted.  Someone suggested setting up a blog, so here we are.  But this seems somewhat one-sided.  I'm wishing, rather, that we could have a "clog" instead; a conversation log, where other people could post and discussions could take place.  This is, however, a starting point.  A place to share the distinctive dynamics of children and youth ministry in small (or medium) membership churches. 

 From my experience, any training, workshop or conference I have attended has focused on ministries attended by larger groups of children and youth, leaving those of us struggling with smaller numbers feeling left in the dark.  Yes, having a smaller number to work with is a challenge. But that does not negate the powerful work you are doing.  I have heard it said, "there are not enough kids to do...."  But that brings us back to our framework scripture:  "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” 

Successful Sunday School can take place with one teacher and one student. I have seen it happen.  I have experienced it myself. Let us not be deluded into thinking otherwise.  Yes, we are called to make disciples of all people.  But we are also called to make disciples of the ones already in our care, that they "may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal."