The premier outreach event for our church, Kids Games, is coming in a week. Let me assure you, we do have room for your child still and it is not too late to register (but, the sooner the better). We are limited only theoretically by space and practically by the number of leaders; with Aviara Middle School as our venue and 163 people enlisted to help, we are in good shape.
So - we have a job for you: invite.
First, of course, register your own child. You can still do this by phone at 760-579-4161 or in person at the church between 9:30-1:30. While there are some electives full, many more remain available and we do place a priority on getting kids with their friends. That's part of the beauty of Kids Games - it gives kids common activities to share, the axis of kid friendship, and weaves spiritual lessons into those experiences, all while kids are under the wing of a caring adult leader.
Second, have your child bring a friend. Kids Games is about as non-threatening as it gets. And parents are the engine of invitation. I do believe kids are capable of deep, meaningful spiritual experiences, but most lack the maturity to view the world through a spiritual lens. As a result, kids don't always get why they should invite friends to church.
But we do. Parents grasp spiritual needs and spiritual health, and I've met some parents at this church who are very, very good about having their kids be intentional inviters. Some of them shrug off this acumen, and just lay credit on their own son or daughter, but I know better. And I can see the effect that these parents' hearts has on their kids: after a while, the kids start to "get it", that we don't just invite others to church because church is fun and cool and neat, but because people are spiritual and they need God. Constantly asking your child, "Who else can we bring with you?" is a great way to make them other-minded. After a while, bringing a friend along becomes second nature. And, as kids grow older, they're less likely to feel embarrassed about their own church affiliation and identity as a "churched kid" because everyone they know is aware of it. AND - the best thing - it keeps churches from becoming closed clubs.
How's your kid at inviting? Very likely the answer is related to how strongly you encourage it. I'm often asked whether some upcoming event or another is ok to bring friends to. The answer is nearly always yes. We do almost nothing that an unchurched child would feel uncomfortable attending, and that's by design.
See you - and your kid's friend - at Kids Games.
Info, articles, and thoughts for parents of kids at North Coast Calvary Chapel.
