As we embark on a new ministry year, it's an honor to reflect on the journey ahead. Having led next generation ministries for nearly three decades, I've come to realize that one of the most crucial aspects of this role is casting a clear vision. A vision not only guides us but also unites all who are involved—parents, grandparents, teachers, and everyone in the church who plays a role in the discipleship of the next generation.
In Psalm 127, we see that children are likened to arrows in the hand of a warrior. A ministry leader's responsibility is to help define the target for these arrows and rally everyone in the same direction to guide the hearts of our children toward God and His Word. One effective way I’ve sought to unify efforts around a central vision is by selecting a theme verse, or what I like to call a "banner verse." This verse serves as the banner that flies over our ministry year, reminding us of our mission and identity.
For this year, our chosen banner text is Psalm 89:1: "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations." If you are involved in children's ministry in any capacity and have not yet selected a banner verse for the year, I encourage you to consider adopting Psalm 89:1 alongside us.
This verse is divided into two parts. The first part states, "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever." This is both a declaration of fact and an expression of the heart and will. It reflects our destiny as Christians to sing of God's steadfast love forever. It also expresses a heart that has encountered God's love, compelling us to worship.
The second part of the verse says, "With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations." This too is a statement of fact. It aligns with God’s purpose described in Psalm 145:4: "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." This responsibility is not only a response of the heart but also a directive from God.
The mission of Truth78 is rooted in the desire to make God's faithfulness known to all generations. Knowledge of God and His glory cannot be kept to ourselves; it must be passed on to our children. Truth78 exists to challenge and encourage the church and ourselves to make known God's faithfulness and to develop tools that help us effectively communicate this message.
While there will likely be challenges and uncertainties during the year, one thing remains certain: The steadfast love of the Lord will never change, and His faithfulness will endure. This gives us every reason to sing of His faithfulness, regardless of the circumstances we may face.
Let's make it our goal to not only tell the next generation about God's steadfast love but to do so from hearts that are truly singing of His faithfulness. Whether you're a parent at the dinner table, a grandparent spending time with a grandchild, a Sunday school teacher, or anyone else involved in ministry, let's open our mouths and make God's faithfulness known to all generations.
As we seek to make God's love known to the next generation, our hope is that they will rise up, sing of His steadfast love, and declare His faithfulness to the generations to come. This is the multiplying effect of the gospel—ongoing praise and proclamation that spans across generations.
Let's embrace this vision together as we move forward in faith, confident that God's steadfast love and faithfulness will guide us through whatever lies ahead.
Would you like to use Psalm 89:1 as a banner verse for your children's discipleship ministry this year? You are welcome to use graphics available here.
