Kids Quest Online

These last few week we’ve had two big wins in the Next Generation ministries here at Gateway.

First of all, we launched small groups in Elementary. This was huge! Really huge! Our small group leaders started up on August 24th and we’ve spent the last 20 or so minutes in small groups these past two Sundays. I must say, seeing the interaction on this level has been a sight for sore eyes. We’ve got kids talking and laughing and interacting with their peers on a whole new level. I’m just going to put this out there, but chances are really good that your children might actually develop some good friendships while at church. Wow! Not that this wasn’t happening before, but now we’ve really created an environment where relational growth is not just a goal… but it is one of the highest priorities. Starting this week, the kids will actually spend closer to 35 minutes with their small groups. Not only will they be building stronger relationship with their peers and group leader, but they will be unpacking Biblical truths in a way that a child can live out. It’s amazing.

Let me also say this. The small group leaders I have in place are some of the best I’ve every seen. Really, they’re absolutely amazing. I’ve seen them work hard to draw in those kids who are quite and create a welcoming environment to all the kids, old and new alike. What I’ve admired most is how serious many of these small group leaders are about their kids. I have gotten emails from many who are so excited about the following week or I’ve had conversations with some who are really intent on building life-changing relationships with their kids.

All that said, I’m not going to lie though. It’s not perfect. I think there is a reason why the leaders I have are so amazing, there just aren’t that many of them. I have easily lost as many leaders or leader candidates as I have gained leaders. It’s such an important role. That means I still have some holes in my schedule. I’m plugging subs into many spots each week not because they’re subbing, but because they’re filling in an empty hole. Even this weekend, I was the small group leader for the 4th and 5th grade girls at 11:00. I absolutely loved it, but just between you and me… I’m not the best small group leader for 4th and 5th grade girls.

So, please continue to pray with me about the right leaders stepping up. I believe that many of our next leaders are parents as well as young singles without kids. At this point I could even use a few more subs to fill in some of these spots, so if you want to commit to a twice a month serving schedule, shoot me an email and let me know.

Hooray for small groups!