Promotion

It that time of year again to promote students to the next age level.  This means that at the start of June my 8th grade students will move on to the high school ministry at our church.  As they leave, we will get a new group of incoming students.  This creates several different feelings for me going into the month of June.

1.  I think about our 8th grade students. I think about where they are in their walk with Jesus. I think of all the students who have made decisions for Jesus over the past few years and those who are here now because a friend invited them.

I also think of those who have not made a decision for Christ, the ones who don’t come to church very often and those  who I know are headed down the wrong path.

I can’t help but wonder if there is something else I could have or should have done to help them in their walk with Christ.

2.  I also think of the new young students who will join our ministry starting in June.  I think of how much I want them to get connected.  I  talk to parents and teachers about them to learn all about them because I want to connect with them personally. I pray they will make a decision to follow Jesus Christ.

I also think of the students and parents who will be a handful. I think of being there for these families when tragedy or loss strikes their family over the next few years.

I can’t help but wonder what God has planned for us to accomplish together.

This is a huge time of transition for our students.  I know that God is in control, and I don’t need to worry about the students moving on to high school.  We have a great high school ministry at our church, and I know that our students will love it if they choose to get involved.

Our new students will do great in our ministry as well.  After a few months of getting to know each other they will be connected in a way that lets them know this is their ministry.  They will soon no longer be the new kids, but they will be significant part of our group.  They’ll contribute in conversations and make their opinions known. They’ll be asking questions about their relationship with Jesus, and they will be on their way to making their own decision to follow Jesus.

I want to encourage you!   Don’t worry about kids moving on.  Be excited about it because it is all a part of God’s plan.  His plan is perfect.