This past Sunday, we launched Route 45, our brand new preteen ministry for 4th & 5th graders. This launch has been almost a year in the making. A team of 4th & 5th grade teachers, parents, and I met for months to plan for the launch. Here’s what some of what the planning items included:
- crafting a vision statement and ministry goals
- selecting a curriculum
- finalizing the ministry year calendar and lesson schedule
- designing a logo
- recruiting small group leaders
- and the list goes on.
Despite all of this planning, the launch date was met with excitement and apprehension for me personally. I began to think, “Why did I do this?” “Why didn’t I leave things the way they were?” “Why didn’t my husband stop me?!” I left for church praying that God would bless our day. And boy did He!
The excitement in the air was palpable! Their new space was ready for them, the music was blaring and the team was ready. The children were filled with excitement and anticipation of seeing what Route 45 was all about. Children who had dropped out of Sunday school in the previous years made reappeared. Laughter filled the room as a game of human scrabble was played. Eyes were focused intently as the large group teaching took place. Discussion and smiles were noticeable during small group time. At the end of the morning, preteens recalled the day with smiles and anticipation of what we had planned for next week.
All of the nervousness I felt passed and was replaced with pride, peace and affirmation that God placed this vision on my heart for these preteens. What an honor! I felt that He was well-pleased. I am no longer apprehensive–I feel more fired up than ever!
Is fear of change holding you back? What might you gain by letting go of fear and trusting God for the outcome?
