When I step back and survey the things that are important in life, it is always clear to me that the development and maturation of “kids” is paramount. When I use the term “kids” I mean those who are in the fresh, and critically important, stage of life where they are weaving together an understanding of the world around them and their own personal ‘identity’ within it. With that in mind, two things jump out at me: first, there is only one chance to build a strong foundation in the critical years of 0-18, and especially the elementary school years of 5–11. Kids don’t raise themselves. Kids are raised and developed by learning from key people in their lives who are pillars for them. These are parents, grandparents, relatives, teachers, coaches and close family friends. We cannot over estimate the importance of the investments we make in kids’ lives during these very important years. My second thought is that the world these kids face today is full of avalanches and quicksand.
Recent studies have shown an amazing erosion in kids’ ability to be resilient in the face of the ups and downs of their experience. Life seems to be more violent, less stable and more uncertain than in years before. There is not enough room in this letter to outline all the issues they are facing, but let it suffice for me to say, it does not take long to understand when we take a serious look at the turmoil in our society. Therefore, it has never been more important to supply healthy adults to help kids find their way in life. They need to know who they are, who they can trust and what life is all about. That is why our Children’s Ministry at Quest (Quest Kids) is so important to us and for us.
As you know, Karen Woolsey has volunteered her time for the last six years as the Director of Children’s Ministry. I can’t even tell you how incredible she has been. Not only has she lead well in Children’s Ministry, but she has been a strong and gracious presence throughout our church. However, she as come to the point of sensing that it is time to step away and focus on time with her husband Tom, her children and her grandchildren… and maybe a little time in Florida during the Missouri winter. We will take some time on Sunday, September 15th to say thanks to Karen, and her husband Tom, for their amazing service.
As one Karen transitions, we are excited that there is another Karen that will step in to give leadership to Quest Kids. The new one will be Karen Robertson, someone who we are very familiar with and who is very familiar with Quest Kids having served as a volunteer for the last six years. Karen brings a ton of experience with her. She has done children’s ministry in other venues, taught elementary school for more than fifteen years, raised her own kids and she has walked with the Lord since early in her life. She understands the foundational elements of our ministry and will bring her own unique qualities and insights to the situation. We are looking forward to her beginning with us in the next week or so, overlap with Karen Woolsey for the month of August and then be on her own with the “others” when September rolls around.
The “others” I just referred to are adults and teen helpers who sacrificially teach and facilitate the Sunday program in the lower level plus various events sprinkled throughout the year. These “others” come along side families to help ground kids in God’s Word and in encouraging relationships with adults and teens. When parents are confident that their kids are in a safe and effective environment, it sets them free to focus on their own spiritual and relational growth. And frankly, a strong Children’s Ministry is foundational for a healthy and effective church as a whole.
So… therefore… what now? Would you consider investing the lives of ‘kids’ this fall? They are an exciting and challenging group… but like I said earlier, kid’s are one of the most important groups in our church and we do not get a second chance to redo these pivotal years. You could be the ‘champion’ in the life of a kid who they will never forget. Think about it. Pray about it. Contact ’the Karens’ and see what God might have for you.
Yours,
Kevin