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There is an old story about a church of ducks. Every week they would
waddle to Sunday services, open the duck book, sing duck songs, and listen
to the duck preacher expound on the meaning of being a duck.
One particular Sunday all of the ducks waddled in and the service began.
Shortly after, the duck preacher opened the duck book and began to preach.
This Sunday, however, the message was different. With a new determination
and fire in his eyes, the duck preacher began to convey a new message.
“We are ducks!” he said with confidence.
“Amen!” said all of the ducks.
“We have waddled too long!” he continued. “We have wings! We can fly!” he
shouted as all of the ducks joined together in a resounding “amen!” The
service came alive as all of the ducks began to see their potential. “We
have been confined to this mundane existence of waddling for far too
long!” exclaimed the duck preacher. “We can spread our wings and fly!” The
service continued with enthusiasm for over an hour as shouts of “amen”
filled the duck church.
When the duck preacher concluded the service, the
congregation of ducks applauded and closed their duck books. Then they all
waddled home.
Adults are more likely to offer “amens” to the preacher; children are more
likely to fly. Children seldom express vocally their enthusiasm for what
you are communicating to them but they are more apt to believe what you
tell them and act on it. Children have a tremendous capacity to receive a
simple and profound message to the point that they can put it into action.
They would rather fly than "amen" and waddle. That is the power of children’s ministry...and
a pretty good reason to be active in it. |
