Peter Witkowski Children's Ministry

Kids’ Ministry, What Is It Really?

Kgirl blogids ministry is_______________________ ? What do would you put in the blank? Maybe, “childcare, nursery, fun, exciting, chaos, caring, love, etc.” A whole host of things pop to mind. After all there is not a “children’s” chapter in the Bible for us to read every time we baptize or if we are good Baptist “dedicate our children.” There is no New Testament description of kids’ ministry.

So what is kids’ ministry all about? Essentially is about the same thing that every biblical ministry is about. Kids’ ministry is about the gospel. Kids’ ministry is the ministry that faithfully explains the gospel to families. The apostle Paul says it this way:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The only way to help parents and the only way to reach kids is to preach the Bible. Sure games are great, crafts are fun, and clean facilities resonate with new moms. But these things don’t save or grow people. As one little boy once told me when I asked him why he stopped coming to church, “X Church has better snacks.” Sugar doesn’t grow the church. What completes, changes, and gives life is the word of God. Salvation comes through hearing the word. Families can always find better music, graphics, and slides elsewhere. But they can never find a better gospel.

Kids loved Jesus not because of his programs (if anything his disciples were rather unwelcoming). Kids loved Jesus because of who he was. He was the loving, gracious, savior of the world. And, He is still the savoir of the world. And He is still the best thing we can offer families that pop into church on Sunday morning.  We need to lovingly preach the word. We need to connect both parents and kids to the transforming power of the Jesus Christ. Games, crafts, and snacks can all help us teach better. But nothing is better than the Jesus of the Bible.

If we want to see marriages last, kids become obedient, and the next generation embrace Jesus, the game plan is simple. Preach, teach, and minister the word by applying directly to people’s lives. Nothing beats the gospel.

Peter Witkowski Discipleship

2015 FBCE Biblical Parenting Conference

Parening Conference Facebook

It’s easy to dream about being a parent. Before kids arrive, we can’t stop envisioning what it will be like to see our future, little guys and gals smile, to feel their sweet hugs, and to experience their slobbery kisses.  But then the little person arrives.  After a few moments, the dream becomes a slightly less-than -ideal reality consisting of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and temper tantrums. All those lofty ideals about being the calm, loving, and always thoughtful parent are replaced by one word “survive!” Although children are a wonderful blessing (those hugs and kisses are real), parenting requires some serious elbow grease.

guide to biblical manhoodTo parent well, we all need to take to time to relax and to be refreshed by the Scriptures. On August 29-30, FBCE will be inviting parents, grandparents, and all adults who are raising kids to come be rejuvenated and encouraged at our second, bi-annual Biblical Parenting Conference.

stinson 2This year, Dr. Stinson will be our featured speaker. A Southern Seminary Vice President, co-author of A Guide to Biblical Manhood, and father of 8, Dr. Stinson will be bringing a ton of biblical knowledge and parenting experience to our conference. On Saturday, August 29, he will be addressing the priority of having a biblical marriage, how to overcome common parenting mistakes, and how to reach your child’s heart with truth. On Sunday, August 30, he will be discussing God’s plan for the family, how to biblically lead blended 2015 Parenting Conference Schedulefamilies, how to raise teens, and how to handle rebellious children. See the full schedule below


Come be a part of the Parenting Conference! We will even have free childcare available for all pre-registered parents. To sign up or to get more information visit fbceastman.com!

What’s your favorite conference, book, or advice on parenting?

Peter Witkowski Children's Ministry

Kid’s Ministry Needs You, Yes You!

“The more we get together the happier we’ll be!”

kids need you blogThis simple children’s song speaks to one of the greatest truths about Children’s ministry. We can’t do it alone. We (Children’s pastors, directors, and key leaders) can’t lead kids alone. There is no so such thing as professional children’s workers. Sure, some are paid to promote a unified vision, maintain safety standards, and direct strategic responsibilities. But the very ministry of teaching and discipling the next generation is the mission of the whole Church. Whether we are reading Deuteronomy 6,  Psalm 78, or about Jesus welcoming the little children, all of scripture assumes that all the church is doing kids ministry. Please notice that Jesus never pulled Andrew aside and said, “Andrew, take care of the kids while I teach the adults.” Passing on the word of God to the next generation is the mission and calling of the entire church. If we are going to have successful kids ministry that reach kids and families, we need our whole church involved. We need parents with kids, we need grandparents, we need singles; we need everybody to help! Kids’ ministry is not just nursery. It’s not just a program designed to give adults a weekly break from their kids. Kids ministry exists to equip parents and the whole church to reach future generations for Christ. We (leaders) can’t do it without you the church! Join us in kids’ ministry! We need you!

The more we get together the happier our kids and churches will be!