by Brian Dollar/ January 8, 2015
Sometimes we overestimate our own creativity and cleverness. We think we’re so smart that we know exactly what we need to do in a given situation without consulting God or others. It’s a sad situation that I see repeated over and over in Kids' Ministry.
This post will be the first in a series of posts dealing with SIX QUESTIONS we must ask ourselves before implementing a new idea. Often, we can get in such a hurry to implement a “crazy clever” or “amazingly creative” idea that we have for Kids' Ministry. I have had many such ideas end up as disasters (as I am sure many of you have).
I wish I could give you a list of “Ten Ways to Discover God’s Idea for Your Life and Ministry,” but God speaks to different people in different ways.
* God spoke to Moses through a burning bush.
* God spoke to Samuel in an audible voice in the middle of the night.
* God spoke to Joseph in a dream.
* God spoke to David through the prophet, Nathan.
* God spoke to Mary through the angel, Gabriel.
God speaks to people when and how He chooses, but I want to give you a series of six questions that can help clarify your thinking. Ask these questions of yourself BEFORE implementing a new idea in your ministry.
QUESTION 1: “Have I prayed about it?”
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV).
If the idea you’re chasing came from any source other than a time of prayer, hit your knees immediately and ask, “God, is this your idea for my life and ministry?”
God is not trying to hide His will from you, and He is not trying to make you figure it all out on your own. He wants to give you wisdom and reveal His plan to you. God wants to give you incredible, amazing ideas that He inspires. Pray about it. Ask Him for wisdom and clarity. He’ll answer and show you the way.
QUESTION 2: “What does my pastor think about the idea?”
As early as possible, run your idea by your pastor or kids’ ministry leader to get feedback and input. Take this step before you invest too much time and energy in your idea. Your pastor may be aware of liability issues or other reasons why your plan just won’t work. Trust your pastor’s judgment—he’s been down this road before.
Take the initiative to make the appointment with your pastor or ministry leader. Explain the idea, including the pros and cons. If he approves it, that’s wonderful. If he finds problems with it, then the conversation will save you a great deal of wasted time and embarrassment. (I can’t tell you how much my pastor has saved me from all kinds of heartaches.) And talking with this person before you implement the plan builds trust for the future too.
