Tag: jesus

Children's Ministry, Discipleship, KidMin, leadership, Motherhood & Ministry

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Steady Hands: Exodus 17:8 – 16

We have already looked in Exodus 17 about the grumbling of the people against Moses. We too will face grumbling, and must respond in prayer. Continuing in Exodus 17, we see how prayer, active obedience, and leadership come together to bring about victory in the Lord.

While out in the wilderness, Amalek came to fight against the people of Israel. We see Moses turning to Joshua to select men to fight, while Moses would intercede for the Israelites. It is noteworthy that long before we see Joshua succeeding Moses and leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, we first see a track record of faithfulness and obedience leading up to his calling to shepherd all of Israel. 

As Joshua was faithful to fight Amalek, Moses went to the top of the hill to lift his hands to the Lord. As long as Moses’ hands remained aloft, the Israelites prevailed in battle, but when Moses lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur faithfully came alongside Moses. They gave him a stone to rest on, and as his hands grew heavy, they each took one side and physically supported Moses’ hands to remain steadily raised. 

Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, raised his hands up to the Lord until the sun went down. After what was no doubt a long day, Amalek was defeated and Israel prevailed. Moses’ hands held true because of the support of faithful leaders around him. 

Leadership is not a solo act – as Moses needed the support of Aaron and Hur and the leadership of Joshua on the battlefield – so do we need the support and leadership of faithful servants of the Lord. We see front-line obedience from Joshua to physically fight the war, while we see behind the scenes obedience of Moses to raise his hands to the Lord, as well as the key support of Aaron and Hur. 

In this passage we see both faithfulness in prayer and active obedience working in conjunction to experience victory from the Lord. Every believer has a role to play in the body of Christ – some are on front-lines like Joshua, some are leaders like Moses contending in prayer while holding enormous responsibility, and some are like Aaron and Hur playing key roles of support and encouragement.

For our ministries today to experience victory, we cannot try to do it alone. We must intentionally and prayerfully seek out the people the Lord calls to come alongside us to lend strength and leadership for the ministry. Do you have a Joshua who you are inviting into strategic leadership roles? A key leader who is growing in ministry experience and responsibility? Do you have an Aaron or Hur with whom you are honest about your struggles and weaknesses? Someone to encourage you and hold you accountable?

Join our wonderful conversation about identifying, recruiting, and empowering key leaders. There are practical steps you can take to find the Joshua’s, Aaron’s, and Hur’s for your ministry! 

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Motherhood & Ministry, Spiritual Formation

Motherhood and Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

No Fools on April Fools Day

Today is April Fools Day, which leads me to reflect on the foolishness of man and the wisdom of the Lord. I’m a fan of silly jokes, but I never want to be a fool in the biblical sense. I want to be attuned to the Holy Spirit and steeped in the wisdom of the Lord, and the Lord gives us plenty of guidance and direction in His Word for seeking wisdom!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. – Proverbs 28:26

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

These verses, and many others, challenge me to consider tough questions:

Do I welcome wisdom and instruction? Even if the wisdom and instruction wounds my pride? 

Do I go to the Lord first in a challenging situation, or do I first rely on my own mind? 

Do I seek out biblically wise friendships and counsel, and then welcome them into my tough situations to speak truth into my life?

When have I sought out biblical wisdom and how did those situations turn out?

When I trusted in my own mind or relied on my own wisdom how did that turn out?

The wisdom of the Lord gives life. He will never lead us astray – even when things don’t make sense or are incredibly difficult. God promises to give wisdom generously to all who ask, without reproach. God doesn’t expect us to “know better,” He will give us the wisdom we need, but we must be faithful and obedient to seek Him and ask.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia share practical tips for navigating relationships with wisdom and discernment.
Motherhood & Ministry, Spiritual Formation

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Praying on the Mountain

We return to Mark 6 this week for one last look at this passage. In week one, we considered the disciples’ time in the boat. In week two, we looked at how God orchestrates every detail, down to empty baskets being in the right place, at the right time. This week we conclude by looking at how Jesus concluded this enormous miracle – He sent everyone away and went to the wilderness to be with His Father.

To remember the events leading up to Jesus’ time in the wilderness – He commissioned the 12 to go do ministry in pairs, Mark 6:7-13. They cast out demons, preached repentance, and healed the sick. When they returned to Jesus, they were still so busy they did not have time to eat, Mark 6:30-31. When they tried to get away to the wilderness to rest, they were met with crowds of needy people who Jesus fed miraculously, Mark 6:32-44. 

Hot on the heels of performing miracles themselves, and then witnessing one of Jesus’ largest miracles, Jesus sends the disciples ahead of him in a boat while he heads up the mountain to pray, Mark 6:45-46. 

I cannot truly imagine how Jesus and the disciples felt on that evening – I only know how I feel at the end of VBS Sunday. After months of preparations, a 50-60 hour work week of VBS, hundreds of children reached, dozens of children making professions of faith, whole families hearing the Gospel on Sunday morning – I am completely spent, incredibly grateful for all that God has done, and profoundly in need of rest and rejuvenation! And yet all that, I’m sure, does not hold a candle to what Jesus and the disciples felt after their whirlwind of ministry! 

If Jesus pulled away from everything – even the good thing of teaching and ministering to his closest 12 disciples – to spend focused time in prayer with his Father, how much more do we need intentional time alone with the Father? 

Moms in ministry are pulled in every imaginable direction – from the endless needs of our own kids and families, to the endless needs of ministry to the kids and families at our church. Prioritizing time with Father – even if it means foregoing other good things – is not a luxury, it is a necessity. The perfect, holy Son got away to be one-on-one with the Father. We are not stronger, better equipped, or less in need of prayer than Jesus himself! 

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss unexpected circumstances and biblical encouragement.

leadership, Spiritual Formation

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

Empty Baskets

Last week in Motherhood & Ministry we considered our time in the wilderness and our time in the boat with Jesus. In Mark 6, Jesus was on his way to spend time alone with the disciples to rest and reconnect in the wilderness. Instead we see one of Jesus’ greatest miracles, and his only miracle (outside of His resurrection) that is included in all 4 Gospels – the feeding of the 5,000.

The whole point of this passage is that Jesus does things that only God can do. He is the Son of God and He is the Savior. The disciples, of course, could never solve the problem of thousands of hungry people because the disciples are mere humans. Jesus, I think, wanted to highlight their limitations and in contrast with His holy solution.

When they were full, he told his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten. – John 6:12-13

Here’s a question that I had never thought about before – where did those 12 empty baskets come from?

Did the disciples have them in the boat? Some of the people who rushed off on foot to meet Jesus – did they not even turn around to put their basket away before leaving? Who carries around empty baskets?

Have you ever gone somewhere and you bring an umbrella because it might rain, and then you end up carrying it around all day, and you’re like, “Ugh, why did I bring this?” I wonder if an owner of an empty basket spent most of her day in the wilderness wondering why they didn’t just go home and put the basket down?

But God orchestrated not only one boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish, but also 12 empty baskets to all be present that day to take part in a miracle that pointed to the truth about Jesus.

God does the same thing today. In our lives, and in our churches, He pulls together seemingly separate people, life experiences, and circumstances to all work together in unity to point a lost and dying world to Jesus. God works out His will on earth through things like empty baskets being in the right place, at the right time.

We just have to trust in that, even in seasons when we’re carrying around an empty basket “for no reason,” God has a purpose and a plan to fill it for His Kingdom and His glory.

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss personal circumstances and challenges, as well as scriptural encouragement.
Motherhood & Ministry, Spiritual Formation

Motherhood & Ministry

Dr. Virginia Brennan

To the Wilderness with God

Moms everywhere experience the feeling that there is never an opportunity for solitude, down time, or quiet. Especially being a mom in vocational ministry – not only do the needs of caring for a busy family never stop, but the needs of an active and effective ministry never stop either! 

Thankfully, we can look to the life and ministry of Jesus. His ministry, time, and availability were in demand beyond what we could ever imagine, and through His example we can gain guidance for our own lives. 

In Mark 6, we see Jesus commissioning the 12 disciples to do ministry. They preached a message of repentance, drove out demons, and healed sick people. They sound pretty busy! 

In Mark 6:30 we see them gather back to Jesus to report all they had done and taught. Jesus identified their need for rest and invited them to retreat to the wilderness. Verse 31 specifies that they were so busy, there was not even time to eat!? (Can I get an Amen for all the leaders who have thrown down a handful of goldfish and called it a meal on busy days!?)

Jesus and the disciples traveled by boat to a remote place, but the crowds saw them and ran ahead to meet them at the shore. Mark 6:34 says, “When he [Jesus] went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” How often have I set aside time to spend in Bible study, prayer, reflection, and solitude, only to have those plans magnificently interrupted?

I get up at the crack of dawn to read my Bible, only to be joined by a toddler who is *also* up at the crack of dawn. I decide to spend a lunch break walking and praying on a beautiful day, only to have a time-sensitive need pop up, and then work through lunch instead. I plan to attend a retreat or conference, only to have my plans derailed by a sick child or an unforeseen change.

The disciples did not get their anticipated rest and solitude in the wilderness – but they did get a boat ride alone with Jesus. Sometimes our best laid plans for rest and solitude are derailed, and the “time in the boat” is the only time we get with Jesus that day.

Making the most of my “time in the boat” could look like continuing my quiet time, with a toddler on my lap. It could look like my shower, commute, or wait in the school pick up line becoming a time of intentional and focused prayer. It could look like finding a quiet place to pray in solitude for just 5 minutes out of a busy work day. 

Sometimes we make it to the wilderness only to be met with more pressing needs. Let us not stop seeking alone time with the Lord, but may we also make good use of our time in the boat.

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.

Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia talk burnout, as well as personal and organizational strategies to avoid it!
VBS

Breaker Rock Beach

Dr. Virginia Brennan

A volunteer approached the welcome desk and said, “A child just said they’re getting a brother.”

I start to think, “Oh here we go again, we’re finding out about a pregnancy that’s not public yet!”

The volunteer goes on to explain that the child declared that their sister was becoming a boy, and they would soon have a brother. 

I knew I loved Breaker Rock Beach from the moment that I read each day’s theme; how we are tackling the lies of the world with God’s truth in VBS this year. Each day of VBS we start with what the world says, and address it with scriptural truth. I did not anticipate that I would shortly get a poignant reminder of why this year’s VBS is so timely and so valuable.

Kids today are being inundated with half-truths and lies that tickle the ears, but they need the eternal truth of God’s Word to sink deeply and take root in their hearts. One look at Breaker Rock Beach, and it’s evident that this isn’t the VBS I grew up with – and I praise God for that! It is the VBS that kids need for today!

Check out more about Breaker Rock Beach!

Planning a Successful VBS – Join Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia for a year of VBS planning tips!
leadership, Spiritual Formation

The Small Things and the Best Portion

Dr. Virginia Brennan

The Lord has reminded me recently that when circumstances feel overwhelming, often the first step is simply to be faithful in the small things. When the “big” things are out of our hands, simply being faithful in the “small” things can often add up to big changes! Demonstrating faithfulness over “a little” shows a character that can be entrusted with “much,” Matt 25:23. 

I also reflect on Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as a student and listened to all Jesus had to say. Martha bustled around with “many tasks” – no doubt good, necessary tasks of hosting a crowd of Jesus’ followers. Martha was “worried and upset” over Mary’s lack of assistance with household duties. 

I can see myself in Martha – she means so well – but what Martha (and sometimes I) miss is that she was serving the God of the universe. He put the stars into motion and raised up the mountains. He filled the depths of the oceans with creatures and made birds to soar through the sky. He is God in the flesh come down to earth to be the yes and amen to all God’s promises.

This King of the universe in her living room also multiplied one boy’s small lunch into a feast to feed over 5,000 people. Martha did not need to run herself ragged in service to the King of the Universe. He calls her – and us – to know Him, love Him, and follow Him in faithfulness. 

Are you doing the “small thing” of spending time at His feet, in His Word daily? It is the best portion. Are you doing the “small thing” of praying for yourself, your family, and your ministry daily and with intentionality? Are you doing the “small thing” of spending time in worship privately and corporately? 

Be faithful in the small things. Trust God with the big things. 

Protecting Spiritual Growth – Dr. Val and Dr. Virginia discuss the necessity of prioritizing our spiritual growth while serving in ministry.
Discipleship

Child Development & Spiritual Formation: Elementary Years

Dr. Virginia Brennan

“I’m just pulling your leg,” I told a six year old girl after joking with her one night at church. She looked down at her leg, looked up at me, and exclaimed, “No you’re not!?”

This funny little moment coincided with one of my first classes on child development, and I’ll never forget this real life illustration of the thinking of small children. It’s easy as adults to forget how we thought as children, and the ways our thought processes have changed over time. Children view the world and process information very differently than adults, and a basic knowledge of child development can assist ministry leaders in effectively teaching and ministering to children.

Elementary Ages 5 – 10

Young children are very concrete and literal in their thinking – as the above example of the six year old little girl illustrates. Early elementary children often are unable to fully understand abstract concepts such as sarcasm, metaphors, and hypothetical scenarios. Abstract thinking is often limited to actions or characteristics. For example, “honesty” means telling the truth, even if I’ll get in trouble. “Love” is how Jesus died for me, even though I disobey Him. “Kindness” is letting someone else use a toy first, even though I want to play with it too.

During childhood, children also develop the cognitive trait of reversibility – the ability to “think back” and remember past events sequentially. A child can retrace his steps in an attempt to locate a lost toy, but he cannot yet think “forward” through hypothetical scenarios or draw conclusions about the outcomes of future events. 

Oftentimes it can be easy to think a child should “know better,” because the outcomes of certain actions or decisions seem obvious to us as adults. However, we may need to take a step back and remember that kids are still learning many different social, cognitive, and life skills. While we provide consistent and caring correction, we also must remember that sometimes kids really don’t know better yet. Part of our job is to teach them!

Elementary age children are also developing the cognitive ability of decentration, the ability to consider more than one attribute of an object or person at time. For example, a child begins to understand that her aunt is also her mother’s sister, or understand that God is both a loving Father and a perfect Judge. God cannot overlook disobedience, but He also loves us, and Jesus died willingly for our sins.

Children are also developing the cognitive skill of seriation, which is the ability to put things in a logical order or sequence. For example, putting a series of events in sequential order or lining up similar objects smallest to largest. The Gospel itself can be understood as a logical order or sequence. God created everything and made good rules; humans disobey God; sin separates us from God; Jesus came to earth as fully God and fully human to be our Savior; and we can turn to Him for forgiveness of our sins and begin a relationship with God. Is it any surprise that in the elementary years we see the Gospel beginning to “click” with kids, as they ask insightful questions and express a desire to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior?

Elementary age children also have a natural desire to set and achieve goals. Every kid wants a way to shine and feel a sense of accomplishment. Recognizing achievement, hard work, and intrinsic traits can help kids feel valued and seen. It is important to acknowledge both a child’s natural giftings and her efforts, even if the outcomes of her efforts aren’t always as smooth or immediate as she would like. Recognizing dedication and determination in the face of difficulties helps kids build resilience as they work toward goals.

Children’s attention spans can be calculated at one minute per year of life. As we teach elementary age children, we need to structure lessons in 5 – 10 minute increments. Keeping lessons engaging through active and interactive learning techniques, teaching to a variety of learning styles, and providing hands-on learning opportunities are vital to teaching elementary age children well. We also need to clarify our classroom expectations and repeat them often, if not weekly. Children need clear, simple guidelines for behavior, which are repeated often, and consistently followed.

During the elementary years children develop and grow in many wonderful ways. Adults have the opportunity to lay a foundation of faith that stands the test of time in the life of a child. Understanding how children think, grow, and develop can help children’s ministry leaders more effectively reach and minister to children at all stages of development.

First published here on Faithly.

Child Development and Spiritual Formation Part 2