A weekly chat about life together as the people of God here on the East Coast
One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” – Matthew 19:13-15 (The Message)
Thud! Deep breath. Will she scream? This was the second thud we had experienced in a number of minutes. The ‘we’ was our reasonably regular Under 18’s team meeting—a highlight of my job. I get to sit with Rachel Cowan, Melissa Wilkes, and Lorna Bradley. Three brilliant women who pour themselves into building great teams who are focused on discipling the growing (and I mean growing) number of tots, kids and youth. However, the thuds we had heard were made by Rachel’s twins as they tried to stand up under a nearby table. They were way too tall for that height restriction! We sat together around a lunchtime array of half-eaten sandwiches, crisps ground into the picnic mat (by little feet), and a laptop opened with a planning spreadsheet, and a phone to record any notes from our discussion.
We took time to look back and give thanks to God for so many beautiful things that are happening at Kingsgate when it comes to discipling our Under 18’s. We also felt the ever-present ache of Sarah Evans’ absence. We also took time to consider some of the feedback that had been shared by parents at a recent Under 18’s lunch. Yes, we felt excited as we considered the future and yet, alongside this, we felt the pressure of not having enough time and enough hands to do all that we would so want to do. We talked about Christmas (yes, Christmas!), and other key events coming up. Then, all of a sudden, the meeting was over and we all dashed off to our own separate worlds. Since that meeting, I’ve been thinking so much about it and have at least three lasting impressions:
Gratitude: As a parent, I’m so grateful for this team’s love and commitment to my children. As a Pastor/Elder here at Kingsgate, I’m grateful that this love keeps growing to encircle more and more tots, kids and young people. You see, all three of these (biological) mums already have more than enough on their plates but they are also giving themselves to be spiritual mums to so many. I’m really grateful.
Prayerful: The work they are doing is way more than putting a rota together. They are involved in the spiritual formation of young lives. This is an eternally significant business. This is work beyond themselves (or anyone for that matter). As a result, I feel increasingly compelled to pray for them.
Teaming-it: As I walked out of the door I looked forward to the next time we would meet. When a team is sweet it’s one of the best places to be. In fact, God never made us to be lone rangers. He has hardwired us into being a team – community, congregation and collaboration. And this team… is one I’m looking forward to getting together with again… soon.
And one final thought… I think the twins’ thuds are a helpful picture for all of us. Too often we put barriers in the way of kids growing up into Christ-likeness. We think that’s adult ‘stuff’. Yet, again and again through scripture, we see how this way of thinking is turned on its head! Children need to be given the headroom to grow up into all that God has for them.