Partnering With Parents - Part 2

What partnering means to me as a parent.

I have two teenage boys. Andrew is 16, Jake is 19.

Everything I said in my last post, Partnering with Parents - Part 1, is not just something I believe in because it is my job, or even because I love working with children and am passionate about helping kids know Jesus.

I also believe in partnering with parents because I am a parent who has been partnered with here at The Church at Argyle.

Before I was ever on staff, I was the Mom of two precious boys, and I needed help with this parent thing. Parenting is hard. I love being a Mom. It is the one thing, all of my life, that I was certain I wanted to do. But when you actually have a precious, helpless, living, breathing, human being, completely dependent on you... well, for me I realized very quickly, I needed help.

One of the ways God answered my prayer for help was when I found Argyle Christian Preschool and Kindergarten. My oldest, Jake, was four. I did what I saw as my duty and researched preschools in the area. I narrowed it down to four places based on research and word of mouth. I'll admit I was drawn to the schools that had brand new buildings and security systems with bells and whistles.

ACPK did not have either at the time, but I walked in the building and met the director. I can only describe it as a peace coming over me. I knew this was the place. I had never had that happen before.

I still looked at the rest of the schools on my list. However, I came back to Argyle. Here, I began to learn what it looked like and felt like to not just drop my child off at school but to be supported, encouraged, cared about - partnered with - as a parent.

I could do a whole blog about ACPK, but if you need a wonderful preschool for your 2, 3, 4 year old or Kindergartner, I highly recommend you call 904-778-4838 and talk to Terri or Sharon, or go to ACPK's website.

We had a church home before coming to Argyle. We loved it and loved the people, many of which I had known since I was a little girl. It was Jake asking about going to church at his school that brought us here for a visit. That, along with prayer that took me out of my comfort zone for what my children needed, turned into regular attendance and eventually membership.

The partnership has continued to grow throughout the lives of my children. First, children's ministry small group leaders in Kindergarten who made Jesus real, not just by the stories they told and activities they shared but by the way the treated my boys and the way they treated everyone. In the small group of a wonderful married couple, first Jake and two years after him, Andrew, accepted Jesus as their savior. From our conversations at the time I know that in their young minds and precious hearts, they knew exactly what they were doing.

They were not doing what they were told.

They were not following an alter call that 20 of their friends followed.

They had been taught about Jesus' love for them in a way that was so clear and real it gave them the childlike faith to say, this is what I want and I am ready.

They each prayed the prayer of salvation and were baptized here at Argyle. Each event was one of the happiest days of my life as a Mom! To this day I get emotional when I talk about these leaders and the impact they had in the lives of my children.

That impact has not stopped. Even though my boys moved out of that small group and into the next, each leader here has invested in my children. There have been student leaders along the way as well, who have given my child someone to look up to and want to be like while they are still young and still learning. This showed them that they have a purpose right now, not "someday". They went from elementary to junior high and their leaders took them out into the community to serve and encouraged them to find a way to connect right here. Jesus is as real to them and His love is as clear for them now as it was then.

With the guidance and encouragement of our High School Pastor and his wife, as well as that of our Senior Pastor, they both began serving in our church. Jake serves in our worship arts tech department and Andrew in our Youth worship band. Of course, both are serving with me in children's ministry. They are stuck with me! They honestly do a better job because I'm not the only one who holds them accountable. They serve with our Worship Arts in their areas of passion and giftedness because someone, besides me, believed in them and gave them a chance.

This summer, for the first time, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to our high school camp, BigStuf. This trip motivated me to write these blogs. Watching our leaders spend a week with our middle and high schoolers. Seeing existing relationships grow as we spent 24 hours a day together for five days straight. Watching them listen, laugh, cry, wait, eat, get tired and get grumpy together. See our kids understand that they are loved - no matter what. Watching them worship with their whole selves, get excited about how much God loves them and hear them say in their own words what they learned from the speakers, whether they were 12, 15 or 18. Watching them support and encourage each other as they shared their sins and fears with humility and courage. Watching them give and receive grace, trust and lean on each other as God's word teaches us.

My overwhelming emotion during the whole trip was gratitude.

I am grateful as a leader to know that when the children in my ministry leave UpStreet (K-5) and go to Crave (6-8) and then Impact (9-12), they are loved and led.I know their families have a group of leaders to help them know grace, forgiveness, courage and truth so they learn to trust in the One who created them.

I am grateful as a parent to have a family of leaders we trust, who will pray with us and pray for us. Leaders who have shown up faithfully and consistently in my son's lives, and earned the position of mentors and Godly leaders that my kids will talk to when they have questions. Leaders I can go to if there is an issue I need help with as a parent and who will come to me if my teenager has an issue that I need to know about. These are the people I will invite to their graduation. These are the people I will call when we need help.

Please don't miss this - we all need help. We are not meant to do any of this life alone.

I'll talk about some ways we can partner together in my next and final post in this series, Partnering with Parents - Part 3. If you're a parent at Argyle and have a story of encouragement for our leaders, please post it in the comments here. If you're a parent who wants to partner with us, email me at amygieger@iargyle.com and I'll get you connected with the right information and leaders.

You are not alone. We are better together.

Amy

A Word From Amy...

Dear Faithful and Loving Children's Ministry Leaders–

Sunday, something happened. I was washed with a feeling of gratitude.

I was going around the church to see our small groups this past Sunday. It was at too fast a pace because I had to get to the next thing, but I noticed something important. I saw how blessed we are with leaders who love the children they are leading. I know I tell you that I appreciate you but I want to give you some specifics so you know that I do see you and recognize your effort and dedication to the Lord in your service to Him.

I talked to leaders who connect with the parents of their children on Facebook or let them know they missed them when they miss a Sunday – not in the "where have you been?" tone that makes someone ashamed they've missed church, but in that "we've missed you and are so glad to see you" tone that lets a person know they matter and that you care about them.

I saw leaders comfort an upset child nervous on their first visit, whether the child is in their small group or not.

I saw leaders who are glad to be here, and know their small groups well, who take time to make sure everyone's name is on the roll and even try to get the spelling right!

I saw leaders who see that their small groups are into an activity that they didn't get to finish, and do their best to let them finish it the next time they serve.

I saw leaders who listen, who give, who get here early, who do the extra stuff, so often without anyone else knowing.

That is service to the Lord! I know you do it for Him. Thank you for blessing me and more importantly our children and their families, with your time, energy and love!

Renewed Energy and Peace in Christ,
Amy

Why The Church Needs To Change When Jesus Hasn't...

Here is a link to a post on Perry Noble's blog you need to read.

He is the Pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He is just as passionate about God and being real and relevant for Christ as our own Pastor Ken. Perry's style is different but his message is the same.

The message is - we are here to reach people for Christ, not to protect ourselves in a Christian bubble. The people we are trying to reach are those who do not know Jesus yet.

The church should be a place where believers greet and welcome people, children, families, who are looking for Jesus. We are not trying to make people more like us; we are introducing them to Jesus so they can build a relationship with Him, choose to ask him to dwell in their hearts and become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Perry doesn't pull any punches so please get past the language and hear the message, see this child through Jesus' eyes.

This is our job every week in the children's ministry. This is our job every day in a world looking for Christ but being criticized by Christians.

 Amy Gieger
Children's Ministry Director

Why We Do It... A Guest Post

What a great service Sunday. Thanks so much to all of you for all you do!

I am guilty of taking for granted that our church will be there and will be great. Pastor Rick will have great music. The Worship Team will be great. Pastor Ken will have a moving and inspiring sermon. The KidStuf actors will rock.

I'm thankful that I can do my little part and serve as a baby toe in the church body. I tried doing "Word" in KidStuf and was sick with worry about remembering my lines every Saturday night. I tried being a lead teacher; again, I was sick with worry every Saturday night, and dreaded it, and knew that wasn't right.

But I can DANCE and smile. So I am happy to dance on the KidStuf floor and serve as the STAIRMASTER, keeping kids off the stairs and stage and go shhhhh to the noisy ones during the show.

I can dance in UpStreet too (its like a free aerobics class). And I CAN easily be a friend and listener and provide Jolly Ranchers to kids in UpStreet and assist crazy fun Don Eldridge in his kids small group. I'm so thankful to him for figuring out the curriculum and lesson, which boggles my mind many times. I'm happy to say shhhh while he speaks and to play the games, especially those boy vs. girls competitions that can be so riveting.

It's EZ to hug, smile, chat and encourage little ones and listen to their stories about a lost tooth, good grades, winning a soccer game, and to meet their friends and relatives.

I guess I'd like to inspire those folks who think they don't have a place at church that they do! Even if you aren't as comical as Kenny, eloquent as Mr. Dwight and Mrs. Linda. Even if you aren't a musician like the amazing Bass family and that awesome teenage drummer girl Cameron or you don't sing like Arlette (ssss..Stepping Stone). Or you are not actors or actresses who can remember lines and get on that KidStuf stage without vomiting.

Keep searching till you find your spot. Try things and if they don't work. Try something else until you find a comfy space, like I have.



Mary Maragy

God's Word - Weapon or Protection?

I had someone ask me this week, "Is it ever inappropriate to share God's word with a child and if so at what age?"

On the surface this is an easy question; right? Given some basic Bible knowledge, it's always appropriate to share God's word. However, with a little deeper knowledge of the Bible, there are some stories and verses that, in my opinion, are not age appropriate for children 4 and under or even some of the elementary aged crowd. Yes, I realized this was a loaded or trick question but from the person who asked it the trick was their motive. They worded the question to serve their purpose. They were also attempting to use my position in children's ministry to force my answer; i.e. "As a children's ministry director, at what age do you believe it inappropriate to share God's word with a child?"

Have you ever used God's word as a weapon? I mean, a weapon to justify your actions or to make someone else feel guilty? Have you ever used it to win an argument even if you knew you were taking His word out of context to do it? Maybe pulling out the verse about wives submitting to their husbands to "put a wife in her place" (Ephesians 5:21-33; read the whole thing) or the verse about money being the root of all evil, to blame money instead of our greed. The verse says the "...love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). I've had to read it myself.

I have so much yet to learn but in my relationship with Christ, He has never used His word to hurt me. His word builds me up, corrects me, comforts me, directs me, (directs me again and again) and gives me strength, grace, peace, joy, conviction, wisdom and love. His word is for protection against evil. it is an integral piece of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). It is not ever to be mistaken for a weapon used in personal gain or justification.

So- let's think about how we use the Bible. Is it an every day part of life? Is is something only heard about on Sunday? What about only when there is one of those "controversial" stories in the news?

Please take the time to read it today and this week. Not just a verse or two or even a chapter- how about one whole book of the Bible? The books referenced above are some I would recommend, but really I suggest reading where you are led. Pray for God's guidance before opening the Bible. I'm genuinely interested in learning what you have to say about what you find.

And as for my answer to the question: As a children's ministry director and child of God I believe if you are sharing God's word to share His love, then there is no age limit. Pray with me that we continue to learn and grow in His word and will.

Wisdom and Joy in Christ,
Amy

Reading is "Fun"damental...

Do you read? For fun, for education, only when you have to, never?

I am a fun and/or learning reader. Of course, for fun is the easiest and to read for learning at this stage in my life usually fueled by something God is leading me to, something I need to know about for my children or a subject or title that I've been encouraged to read by someone I respect.

Most of the time reading is my "escape", my quiet time, something I do for myself kinda thing. I'm trying to pass on this love and value of reading to my children. My two boys and I frequent the library. We even know how to work the self check out. Seriously!! This summer we've been reading poetry and listening to more audio books but the most valuable book I'm reading with them right now (though it is taking us a few months to get through because I read it at bedtime on the nights that I am not so exhausted I can't see to read) is a book by James Dobson on adolescence. It brings up a lot of topics and issues I am uncomfortable with but God has impressed on me how important this time in their lives is and that if my husband and I (he's is talking to them too) are not talking to them about this stuff then they will form their opinions and morals from people who are not uncomfortable talking about it. Do I even have to go there to tell you why I need to be pro-active against that???!!!!

I have always been a reader, even when I was little. I know it has a lot to do with my parents reading to me every night at bed time. That was a time I looked forward to every day (though going to sleep was a completely different story back then). I enjoyed the stories, the time with my Mom and/or Dad, the comfort, the questions, the just one more story pleeeaaaase! It was a great help as I learned how to read, expanded my vocabulary and realized that a good book could make any day better (especially a bad one). I am a HUGE fan of reading with my kids and I highly recommend it for every parent and child.

So reading came easily, made sense, and helped me perform better in every other aspect of my life (except maybe for calculating math in my head). You might say, well Amy, "miss reader pants" reading is not fun for everyone. No- really? Why in the world not?

Okay, okay, I do know that a big part of my life has been spent with children. I know that we all learn differently and not everyone is made with the "YAY reading" gene. What I have learned though is that everyone loves a good story. Their definition of what a good story is may be different and some would rather watch or hear than read but everyone loves a good story. We love to be drawn into another world, shown how someone is getting through something we can relate to, live vicariously through someone else's experiences and most of all be INSPIRED by someone else's life, career, battle, perseverance, compassion and love.

SO... I challenge you to find something to read or listen to or watch that inspires you today! The Bible is the first book that comes to mind to recommend, but there are many books out there that God can use to love and grow and inspire us if we let Him. He is in all things you know. :-)

Better yet, share the most inspiring story of love and sacrifice ever told, the story of the cross, with someone who has never heard it. How about someone you know who has heard it. Could be the start of a conversation that includes someone's inspiring story you wouldn't have heard otherwise...

I'd love to hear what you're reading or listening to and how God is inspiring you!

Peace and Love in Christ,

Amy Gieger
Children's Ministry Director

Another reason we do what we do...

I just spent a few minutes, along with Children's Ministry Director Amy Gieger, with a mom who was in the office with her two daughters to discuss baptism.

Mom was raised in another faith, but as an adult felt an emptiness, heard the Gospel, and came to faith. Recently coming to Jacksonville, she was attending a church that was meeting her spiritual needs, but was boring her children stiff. She was looking for a church that would speak to her kids; a friend invited her to Argyle and KidStuf.

This is a Christian family, the kids are in a Christian school, and there was never any doubt that the kids were going to hear the Gospel, and see it demonstrated daily. The question was- were they going to hear it in a way that excited them and engaged them and gave them an age-appropriate approach to life change.

I guess we know the answer- they were here to discuss baptism. Just another reason why we do what we do here at Argyle.

Hal Hunter

Some Win Statements In Children's Ministry...

One of our primary ministries at Argyle involves our kids. We have a lot of them in our family, and they are important to us. Click here to read about our Children's Ministry strategy.

Amazing Place is our environment for preschool kids. A win here is a kid who comes out of this environment knowing-

• God made me
• God loves me
• Jesus wants to be my friend forever

UpStreet is our environment for kids K-6th grade. We want them to learn that-

• I need to make the wise choice
• I can trust God no matter what
• I need to others the way I want to be treated
• Jesus loves me so much He wants to save me forever

KidStuf is our high energy stage environment for kids and their families. It is a place that gets kids excited about God and what He is doing in their lives. A win in KidStuf is a kid who gets excited enough to drag his parents and friends to church.

Another win is when we see families growing together. We want to partner with parents; we can never replace them in developing their kids spiritually. Family Times is a resource we encourage families to use to help their children in the rest of the week when they aren't here.

Something neat I want to share...

Something really great happened last night at our house. I was playing a game with my four year old granddaughter, Lilly. We were "talking to God" on the cell phone. Her eight year old sister, Savannah, was watching.

During the conversation, Savannah started telling me the Biblical story of Esther. She floored me! She knew the story, the names, the details, everything. She was able to tell the story better than I could!

I asked her, "How did you learn about Esther?" She looked at me and said simply, "In UpSteet."

You need to understand what happened here. The pastor's granddaughter didn't learn this Bible story as his knee- she learned it in the UpStreet environment. Dedicated people working with not only Savannah but with dozens of other kids communicated Biblical truth. A complicated story was presented in a way that made sense to an eight year old and made a lasting impression. She didn't memorize the story- she learned it. She learned it so well she could explain it to her granddad.

I am grateful that God has gifted our fellowship with people that have a heart for kids. I am grateful that my grandchildren learn from people who love kids and know how important they are to God. I am grateful that we are able to make a difference in the lives of not only my family but the lives of so many more families in our fellowship.

I am constantly amazed at the people God sends us. I am thankful, every day, for the gifts He has given our fellowship. Thank you to all the people who are working in our children's ministries.

Next time you wonder if what we do here at Argyle matters - think about these kids. It matters. It matters a lot.

Ken Dyal
Senior Pastor