The loney road

It's been awhile since I have posted. It has been an eventful eight months of ministry. In many ways, everything has changed over the past eight months.
Today, I sent up to the youth group the first group I have taken all the way through elementary school. This afternoon, I took them to lunch, gave them a bible and wished them well. They are excited for the next chapter in their lives, to move up and be with the big kids, and I am excited for them, somewhat sad to not have them anymore, but also relieved because they have outgrown their place within our children's ministry.
Tonight, I think about some of the unique challenges of children's ministry, and why God has wired those who would answer this calling differently. At 39 years old, through camps, school outreaches, mission trips, outreaches and being a full time pastor in three churches, I have ministered to thousands of children. Tonight, I really have no idea what kind of impact I have had.
Now, I understand the impact is eternal. I know I will see some of those in heaven. I rejoice in that that face. However, many times children's ministry is a lonely road, as it is a one way impartation, as children are not capable of giving back. The relationships change as the kids get older, and now I have the joy of having fellowship with kids who are now grown up, married, and in ministry themselves, but at one time sat in Kid's Church under our leadership. I cherish those moments, to hear a 20 year old tell you their faith journey began in that setting, the foundations for their life were set, they asked Jesus into their heart one Sunday morning or night. But, the road to those relationships can be lonely, as you give and give and give and maybe never see anything in return. The person called to children's ministry has to be more long suffering and willing to endure than most others in ministry. God gives us a special grace in that regard, but on nights like this, I just hand over my group of kids to the Lord and pray the foundation laid in their will be built upon. For the most part, it is more sweet than it is bitter, as there is a sense of completion and satisfaction knowing I given them all I can give them.
I cannot take too long to think about what is behind, with the departure of the older group, we welcomed the youngest group we have ever had at Christian Chapel. It's time to start all over again.