What makes or breaks a worship program? I'm not talking about one service. I'm talking about a program: the long-term impact that a worship service can have on the life of a church. Certainly a good sermon is paramount. Good, energizing, biblical preaching that reaches the heart is THE beginning of quality worship experiences. This should go unsaid, but sadly needs to be said over and over again in worship services and to pastors that settle for mediocrity.

Music is another element that adds to a worship program. Music sets the tone for any worship service. Music that is less than good can become a distraction to the worshipper. Music that is very good can energize the worshipper into passionate worship. I feel blessed at Emmanuel. Glenda, Russ, Fools For Christ, the choir.....all are doing a good job and sometimes and excellent job. They will continue to do more and hopefully I will continue to do less. This will allow me to focus more energy on the sermon and allow better musicians to set a better tone.

The third element to a successful worship program is a strong children's ministry. I know there are opinions out there that parents should teach their children how to worship with the rest of us. I don't necessarily disagree with this. But I also am very well aware of many parents who simply can't worship because they are too busy parenting during the songs, prayer and sermon. Having a strong Children's Church and nursery to give parents an option is a huge plus for a church wanting to fill the gas tanks of young families. This leads me to a rather heart-felt point:

We need to re-energize the Children's Church program.

Now that the Faith-Forming Relationships Team is in place, we have the people and the energy to focus on children. While Vera Edwards and Andrea DeRose have done a tremendous job at organizing this ministry, I am sad that two person are responsible for such a huge task. At the risk of embarrassing her, I hope everyone knows the heart and soul Vera has poured into Children's Church. It is way past time to have a team around her. Now we do.

In the coming weeks we will be making changes to this ministry. There will be guidelines and volunteer meetings (October 11th after church). There will be an emphasis on holding children responsible for disruptive behavior and rewarding children who help with the learning environment. There will also be added help for volunteers who become discouraged and frustrated with their time spent with the children.

In the coming weeks it is my prayer that parents are understanding and accepting of the changes. In the short-term, parents may have a difficult time understanding the changes. But in the long-term I am convinced it will lead to a healthier children's minsitry and, in turn, to a healthier worship program. Pray for the FFR Team and all the volunteers as we move into a time of change.