Disney, McDonalds, and Chuck E. Cheese, what do they all have in common. They understand the power of experience . They understand how to reach kids in a way that that kids understand. In the past 10 years I have seen children’s ministry come a long way. I think that one thing that I have seen is churches are starting to come to the same realization that Matell, McDonalds and Micky Mouse have come to for years. The experience matters.
I have gone to some churches and they have millions of dollars invested in the "adult sanctuary " while at the same time the kids meet in the basement or some "education wing" with sterile walls. I think this is wrong. I think it is the modern day equivalent of the disciples turning kids away from the master. Jesus loves kids. He understood the power of experience. Kids who are touched by the power of God, grow up to be conduits of blessing to the next generation.
My good friend Mike Servello, says that "we want to create a positive experience for kids. To many kids have an either neutral or negative experience with church", that should not be. We can create an experience without an amazing environment . But don’t lie to yourself and think environment doesn’t matter to kids. If you need proof next time you are at Disney, or McAnything start counting board adults that are there for their kids. People love their kids and want them to have what they never had. To experience things they have never experienced.
13-16The people
brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples
shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don’t push
these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children
are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you
accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get
in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of
blessing on them.