Bishop Wills’ Life Journal Entry for March 3, 2008, “The Most Important People”

S: Mark 10:14-15 (The Message)
But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.

O: Over and over Jesus has to tell the disciples about the importance of children.

A: This morning as I reflect on the life of the United Methodist Church, I am more aware than ever that we are growing older and many of us are not making children a priority in our churches.

Without large numbers of children and youth I fear we may become a sect just as John Wesley feared we might become some day. Jesus makes it very clear to me this morning that I must join hands with the many people in our churches who value children. I think Jesus had in mind to more for children than just providing child care and Sunday School, though both of these are very important. I think Jesus wants me and others to put children first and make sure we do not get in the way of children encountering the risen Jesus.

I was at a church on Sunday which had only 2 or 3 children. This church has made an effort in their community to reach children. Sunday during the service there were 21 children in this congregation of mostly older adults! The pastor brought the children down front and made sure they knew they were important to Jesus and to this church. The pastor then prayed for those 21 children because they were so very special. The children then went with some very loving adults to a very creative and interactive children’s worship experience. I knew yesterday Jesus was proud of this group of mostly older people who were making children special in their church. I believe this church will find vital life again as it reaches out to more and more children.

I want to be the kind of Bishop who makes a special place for children in our churches and in our Annual Conferences.

P: Father thank you for this day. Help me always value children. Forgive me if I ever fail to notice how important children are to you and your kingdom. Love, Dick

Y: I will value children every day.