The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood

[Helen Shannon]

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John 1:14 The Message
I love the Message’s translation of John 1:14 …the idea that God moved into our neighborhood at the incarnation. As Christians’ we know the truth that God is up close and personal with us, that he has moved into our “personal neighborhood”. But what about those who have yet to come into his Kingdom…I’m really challenged that by and large as the church we say to children and families “come to our church services, come to our groups, in our places.” Rather than going to build incarnational communities outside of the church building. Incarnational communities where Christians’ can lift up the valleys and lower the mountains for the children and families in their neighborhoods. Community after all is a Christian principle; “the Trinity” is all about community, all about relationship. If children and families won’t or can’t come through the doors of our churches how will they see the good news in action, how will they hear about and meet Jesus, how will they be part of a life transforming community? So are we as those who are passionate about children and families ready to take on the commission that Jesus gives us?
"God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 The Message

[Gwynneth Hauxwell]

what should we actually do then?

[Helen Shannon]

Developing a strategic vision for your children's ministry FINAL.ppt
Personally I think that we should be looking at working with the those on the outer edge of the circle and those outside of the circle (slide 3) in community buildings and homes, unless your church building is the hub of your local community. For the sceptics and agnostics (slide 4) the church building and all that it represents might be a stumbling block for them in getting to know Jesus. So how about running kids or families groups in your local school or community centre, I’d suggest with some cool pool activities first (slide 10) and then move on to some warm pool activities. Don’t be in a hurry to get them into your church building, you can do the hot pool stuff in your community buildings too. As far as what activities to run to engage with the kids and families in the community I’d say do your homework, ask people what they want and need, look for a gap in the market and use the skills that you and other team members have. Hope that helps a bit