Reclaiming the 4/14 WindowRefocus

Melissa J. MacDonald www.melissajmacdonald.com

2.3 billion kids in the world

800 million have never heard the name of Jesus

The largest unreached people group in the world is kids ages 4-14.

We’ve lost a

generation

We’re losing

another one

Refocus: Volunteers

Recruit to a vision• It’s not their responsibility to develop a

passion for kids, it our responsibility to cast the vision and recruit them to something bigger.

By the age of 5 a child’s life-long concept of God has been formed.

FoundationBefore the age of 12 kids are deciding what they believe. After the age of 12 kids are defending what they believe.

Kids Need Adults

• Authentic• Healthy• Jesus followers• Relational

Refocus: Kids

The Stats

• 85% of people who make a decision to follow Christ do so before the age of 14. • A survey found that 80% of missionaries

heard God’s call and had already said “yes” to serve him by the time they were 12 years old.

Don’t Underestimate

What God can do, is doing,

and will do in and through

Kids

We need critical thinkers

We need to empower kids

• They need to believe they can change the world

• They need to know they have the power to make wise choices

Kids need to encounter God• They need to know his voice• They need to have their hearts impacted

by the story he writes for them.

Refocus: Family

The reality

• The average church has 40 hours a year to spend with kids. • The average parent

has 3000 hours a year to spend with the same child.

Equip the Family

• Train parents • Create space for families to serve

together, do life together, be together, etc. • Encourage family in ALL aspects of

ministry.• Think creatively

Join the Conversation

• www.facebook.com/cmakids• www.melissajmacdonald.com

Reclaiming the 4/14 WindowRefocus

Melissa J. MacDonald www.melissajmacdonald.com