Undercover Boss

With an audience averaging 17.7 million viewers, 'Undercover Boss' ranks as the biggest new season premiere since 1987 and the most watched premiere episode of any reality series.
Each week, 'Undercover Boss' follows a different executive as they leave the comfort of their office above to work alongside their employees below. This undercover mission allows them to share in the experiences of their employees and to obtain an up-close look at how their company works. At the end of the week, the true identity of the boss is revealed, the employees are rewarded for their hard work, and the company celebrates as everyone benefits from the experience.
Over 2000 years ago, another 'Undercover Boss' left the comfort of His office above and came down to live amongst His people on the earth below. With an audience of millions, the true identity of the boss was revealed and each Christmas, the world celebrates. As we step into our Advent season this year, I pray that we, as educators, would faithfully play our part in bringing children to discover the true identity of that 'Undercover Baby' and the eternal benefits He brings.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1: 14
How Many Kings: Downhere

First Impressions...

Our New Home

My husband and I stood on the doorstep of what would become our new home.

As our realtor turned the key in the lock, I wondered what would greet us when we stepped through the door. Would it be the smell of dogs or cats? Would it be gloomy and dark? Would it be old and in need of some repair? I hoped not! In our search for a new home in Grand Rapids, all of these things had been among our first impressions.

I need not have worried. We opened the door and...WOW! We loved it! 

Our first impressions were of light and space; a home that had obviously been carefully prepared for us; a place of warmth and welcome. More than that, this was a place of possibilities. I turned to my husband and whispered, 'I can imagine us living here.'

Every Sunday, each of us who serve in Children's Ministry may have potential buyers who are ready to step through our doors.

What will their first impressions be?
Will it be a WOW moment for them?

My prayer is that children and parents will be greeted by warmth and welcome; that they will find a home that has been lovingly and carefully prepared for them; a place of light, space, and most of all, possibilities.

My prayer is that as those families step through our doors, they will turn to each other and whisper, 'I can imagine us worshiping here.'

 



What I Wanted To Be.....

Always an avid reader, one of my favorite books when I was a little girl was 'The Famous Five' by Enid Blyton. I loved nothing more than curling up with 'Five Go Adventuring Again.' I would disappear right into those pages and imagine myself as one of the five... visiting a farmhouse on our latest adventure and being fed a wonderful picnic of ham, pork pies, hard boiled eggs, and ginger beer...all lovingly prepared & served by the bustling, cheerful farmer's wife. And so naturally- this is what I wanted to be when I grew up- a farmer's wife. Sadly, I never did become a farmer's wife. I can't even cook that well. But I think I did become a farmer of sorts....the sort that carries a big bag of seeds & works in the field of Children's Ministry.

We who teach may never know if our seeds fell on good soil. We who teach may never reap that golden harvest. But we who teach have the amazing privilege of sowing that good seed, which we then entrust to God, who will water, nurture and grow what we began. I do not know what you wanted to be when you grew up...but if you are serving in that fertile field of Children's Ministry, I do know that you are where God intended you to be. So keep sowing, 'for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Galatians 6:9

Why Kids' Ministry Matters...

Orrell Post Methodist Church,
England

I was 10 years old.
The year was 1969.
It was a cold Sunday evening...

In the little Northern English town of Wigan, my sister and I sat in the back pew of the Methodist church. I remember only one part of that service. The preacher asked is there anyone here who wants to ask Jesus to be their friend forever?

I looked at my sister. She looked at me. 'Shall we do that?' I whispered to her.

If she had not been with me that night, I might never have knelt at that altar rail.

I might never have felt that preacher's hand on my head as she whispered words that have long since faded from my mind.

I might never have felt special as I waited at the little bus stop for the bus to take me home.

I might never have grown up with a passion for children's ministry.

I might never be writing this blog to encourage others as they lead kids to Christ.

I am 51 years old. The year is 2010. And kids' ministry matters...