I’ve been reading a book that has rocked my world. And yes, it’s about ministry and about children, two things I’m passionate about. The book is titled, Resilient by Valerie Bell. I learned of this book at a discipleship conference that several of our staff attended in November of 2021. I want to share with you two of the concepts I’m reading about that have me shaken up and wanting more for our families at Mount Carmel.

The first question is: If we continue doing what we’re doing in our children’s and student ministries, will these young ones be prepared to lead the church in 2050? Do you feel that punch in the gut? I did. I think about the 30+ years of ministry with which I’ve been blessed. I see how different the church has become and how its role has shifted for our families. We are, unfortunately, living in a post-Christian society. What once was a priority for families has fallen to something that takes a lesser priority. As a person in ministry, that’s tough to see.

The second question is this: With what we, the church, are teaching our children and students, will they have both heart and spine? Spine to stand up under cultural influences and heart to love passionately like Jesus did. Will they know God’s Word enough to not be shaken? Do they understand why we believe that the Bible is the ultimate truth? The very breath of the God that we serve?

If you’re still reading, thank you. But, the best is yet to come! You see, challenges like these make me want to work harder. They make me want to love deeper. They make me more passionate about loving and leading parents to be disciple-makers of their children. It makes me want to use the very best curriculum I can find to make sure our kids have both spine and heart.

Therefore, we have exciting things coming to Mount Carmel Kids:

We’re launching a new curriculum in March! You’re going to be challenged to engage at home with what your children have learned on Sunday. We need you to partner with us to develop spine and heart.

Our Phase events are back! Our first one is for our PreK families on February 19, 2022. Parents and their 2–5-year-olds are encouraged to come and let us help you take these first necessary steps of creating both spine and heart. We’re so excited about this breakfast we’re sharing with you.

Our preteens in grades 3-5 are going to the SuperStart Conference (March 18-19) this year! Yes, it will be crazy fun, crazy games, crazy worship, and teaching. But more than anything, they’re going to experience knowledge of God’s Word. We’re building…..yes, spine and heart.

Journey to the Cross is our Easter Family Event. Walkthrough stations that mimic what Jesus experienced His last week on earth. Share truth with your child this year. Yes, go to the egg hunts, and delightful breakfasts and all the things. BUT don’t neglect to share the truth of our risen Savior. That’s the spine, friends.

Finally, I’m beyond grateful for the team of leaders that serve our families. Both paid and unpaid. They invest every single Sunday. Investment is another of those ‘words’ for me right now. I think of a neighbor named Carole that invested her time and love for God’s Word with me. Do you know that 99 people invest in our Children’s Ministry every month? Ninety-nine investors. My mind is blown and overwhelmed with thankfulness. Ninety-nine partners that help teach heart and spine. You are dearly loved.
~Lisa