In our many years of mountain hiking, my family has only once experienced feeling hopelessly lost. We became surrounded by thick forest between two mountain buttes. Although we continued to walk and make some progress, we did a lot of backtracking—wasting valuable time. It wasn’t until we emerged from the thick trees that we were able to gain perspective and see our desired final destination—a point in the far distance. Keeping that point constantly before us enabled us to complete the hike without further confusion and backtracking. Our hike became “vision-oriented.” It made all the difference.
Yet, too often, we tend to get “lost in the trees” in children’s and youth ministry. How so? By focusing primarily on short-term goals for the coming year. What curricula should we use this year? What devotional materials should we recommend to parents? What special activities do we want for the youth this year? Etc. All of these are good questions to address, but without a larger vision, you may find your children’s ministry going in various directions from year to year which may result in serious gaps in the children’s spiritual instruction.
At Truth78 we believe that it is crucial to have “vision-oriented” ministry to children and youth. A vision-orientation considers where you are going—clarifying your goals—and then carefully develops and implements an intentional plan in pursuing those goals. Parents, pastors, ministry leaders, and all who care about the faith of the next generation must have a clear target in view so we know where to aim when we are interacting with our children and youth. No being “lost in the trees” from year to year.
That is why, along with our name change, we felt it important to clarify our vision. It serves to orient all that we do.
At Truth78 our vision is that the next generations know, honor, and treasure God, setting their hope in Christ alone, so that they will live as faithful disciples for the glory of God.
If your heart resonates with the above vision, we invite you to partner with us in prioritizing faithful biblical instruction to the next generations. Our mission is to help both church and home develop a comprehensive and effective plan of biblical instruction and discipleship.
With that in mind, Truth78 is excited to provide some new resources to better understand and implement a vision-oriented approach to ministering to children and youth.
Videos
Pastor David Michael and Sally Michael explain the foundations and key components of vision-oriented ministry in these newly recorded, 15 minute videos. A must-see for parents, church leaders, and ministry volunteers.
- A Vision for the Discipleship of the Next Generation
- A Vision for God-Centered, Gospel-Focused Teaching for the Next Generations
- A Vision for Teaching the Word of God
- A Vision for Encouraging Faith in Christ
Viewbook
This booklet explains the importance of vision-oriented ministry as well as six key components for its implementation. It also presents Truth78’s curricula scope and sequence and an overview of other available resources for both church and home. A great introduction to Truth78.
Indestructible Joy for the Next Generations
Available in print or free e-book download.
Presents a vision of indestructible joy for the next generations—a joy that can’t be destroyed in the best, or worst, of times—a joy that can withstand the temptations, the trials, and the persecutions of the world. Each chapter is drawn from messages given over the past 15 years at the national conferences for Children Desiring God (now Truth78). John Piper, R. Albert Mohler Jr., Russell Moore, Bruce Ware, and more encourage parents and teachers to proclaim the whole counsel of God to nurture the faith of the next generations.
