I served at my first church for over 11 years. This was a place I had become very established in my ministry and routine. I went to my second church and served three and half years. Both times it was not easy to leave because I dreaded the “start over phase”. It is never easy. Looking for a new place to live, making new friends, figuring out a routine, starting over in ministry, figuring out all the new rules, and anything else that a new person has to do. (Now please don’t misunderstand me- I am very excited about being at Northside.) Then I paused for a brief moment and realized I may have it all backwards. I was given a new start and a brand new chance to do things differently. God was giving me a great opportunity to have an impact for the kingdom. On my first Sunday, one of the things I made up my mind to do would be something different than I had ever done before. I started taking pictures of all the kids, and writing down their names so I could learn them. It didn’t matter how many changes to the programs I made or new things I added. More than ever, the most important thing was to immediately start building a relationship with the Northside kids.
Before Christ converted people over to Him, he spent time getting to know them. One of my favorite examples is Zacchaeus. On surface level, he was a major “loser”. This man was dishonest, looked like a runt, and was mostly considered a sinner because he collected taxes for the Roman government. Most Jews despised anybody that worked for the Roman government. The plan of Christ was so much different He spent time getting to know them first. Not once did Zacchaeus’ past prevent Christ from starting a relationship with Him. (For the record, at all of the churches I have served, I would eventually get to know all the kids and was concerned about building a relationship with them.) At Northside I have a new opportunity to be more effective for him and the kingdom. Learning names is important to me, but most importantly, kids matter to God. Another story I think about is when Jesus lets the kids come to Him. The kids came to Jesus as they are; however, the disciples were trying to stand in the way of them coming to Jesus. Christ response was “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”(Mark 10:14)
Not only do I have the opportunity to do things better than I have before, but Christ gives us a new start every day. How can we make the most of it? Maybe Christ wants to reveal something new that will impact your life and others.
Dave Benefield
Minister to Children
