one of the things i learned at a conference early in ministry, is the children i minister to are a reach up generation. i believe the same is true for this next generation of “digital natives.” the children that make up these generations demand more, desire deeper, and seek harder than is typically true of previous generations.

those two words, reach up, have always been present in my mind as i pick curriculum, prepare material and choose topics for special events. children are being overloaded with heavy, false information from the world. am i then delivering deep, solid promises and truths from God’s Word to their searching hearts? or do i settle with the simple, easy, and constantly repeated stories?

this has an adverse effect, because sometimes i feel i am trying to give them drinks from a fire hydrant. this was true of our 3rd-6th grade fall retreat last weekend. i so desired for them to grasp the rarely talked about fear of God. i longed for them to understand that while He is a loving, gentle God, He is also a Holy and Righteous Judge. He is to be feared in a healthy way!

so, for our children’s fall retreat i used youth curriculum that included three (out of five) lessons on the fear of God. for the first time i did multi-age groups, hoping the older children could help their younger peers grasp these truths. (the mixed groups were at hit with my volunteers.) while the curriculum was maybe a bit more of a bite than some were ready to chew, i am confident that many were challenged and stretched in their faith journey. but, did i overwhelm others?

so i struggle and question myself often. where is the balance of filling hands that are reaching up without weighing them down with confusing, abstract truths?  (i also find myself thankful for the Holy Spirit, who speaks truths into hearts way better than i can.)  how do you find this balance in KidMin?

for over a year i have had the privilege of talking to children’s ministry leaders from around the country that form our inside track team. so many i have never met in person, but felt like i had known forever. many i had met, but began to get to know on a deeper level through social media. we were this unique, scattered family that held Jesus and KidMin in common. then, the first ever Group KidMin conference happened.

as we began to gather in chicago, hug each other’s necks, and meet face to face; the inside track team took on a whole new form. no longer did our relationships consist of statuses, family pictures, tiny avatars, or tweets. surface conversations turned to deep, heartfelt talks. conference suggestions were found in concrete elements throughout KidMin. and what was once individuals serving separately across the country became a group passionately serving KidMin11. it was as if the inside track family was finally all home together for a KidMin holiday.

as i come to grips with the fact that we are a year away from KidMin 2012, i know for sure that the sweet friendships formed through the inside track team will only grow richer. i also look forward to the many other friends that will be added to this group and all the gifts, ideas, and encouragement they bring. countdown to KidMin 2012 begins now!