This Is What I Think About You!

If you teach or lead our children in J-kids (on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings) or serve to lead or teach our youth in Element 26, have you ever wondered what I, your pastor, think of you? I do not want you to wonder any longer… I think what you do is one of the most important ministries of the church! You play a huge role in the formation of a young person whose heart is after God’s. I think that the church will never be or become what God intends without you! I think you are GREAT!

In Jeremiah 1:5-7 God said to the prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”

What is important to note in this scripture is that God’s call on Jeremiah’s life and our life predates our birth. He created us with a purpose – with gifting and a calling to fulfill that purpose!
The role of children and youth leaders is to partner with parents (and God) in training a young person in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) We are to help young people understand that they have always been on God’s mind. He has a purpose and plan for their life. They have never been off His mind. He wants them to know Him and His love as they work in faith and fellowship beside Him.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone at Live Oaks who gives of their time, energy, and resources in ministry to our young disciples! What you do on Sunday morning’s matters! What you do in the Element 26 and Prince Caspian small groups on Wednesday evening’s matters! What you did at VBS mattered! What you did at last weekends Element 26 retreat in the Kansas City area mattered! Testimonies about kids’ decisions for Christ and steps in obedience to Christ through these ministry efforts are still surfacing… We are grateful for your partnership with us (parents) in providing structured opportunities for our kids to experience… fellowship with the living
Lord and believers in the church, growth in their knowledge of God and faith, and identify and develop their gifts and calling in partnering with God to build up His body, transform our world and bring others into His family.

You may never know what an impact your ministry is having on the life and future of the young ones and students under your care… but rest assured with each prayer, valuing conversation, and lesson taught in love you are moving them forward in their walk with Christ and helping them add valuable knowledge, attitudes and spiritual skills to their growing faith. Thank you for fanning the flames of the gifts God has placed within our kids while protecting them in each stage of maturity. Your whole church family highly esteems you and your work with our kids.

Always holding you fondly in my thoughts and prayers,

Pastor Kelley