Cultivating Kids’ Devotion to God

Formula-driven children’s ministry has dominated the modern church. Often, as a result, many curriculum developers have limited rather than empowered what children are expected to do in ministry . . .

I understand the challenges we face today, but I also know that the future of the prayer and worship movement, the future of world missions and the future of justice ministries rely heavily on how we equip children and teens today.

But I have a greater vision than simply equipping children for tomorrow. What if our children could grow in faith for signs and wonders today? What if revival was not just a program or an event in history books, but the spiritual environment our kids were walking in today? . . .

Prayer is not a program.

Prayer is a relationship with the living God, so it’s important to increase your own personal devotion and prayer life. Influencing children comes from your being influenced and impacted by God.

Teach children that prayer is a relationship with God.

By praying and listening to God, children are developing their own personal relationship and wholehearted devotion to God. Prayer is the road to a personal relationship with God.

Teach children key biblical values.

Children need to be taught the importance of practicing prayer and becoming familiar with the Word of God.

Communicate Jesus’ worth and beauty in His identity.

Emphasize to children that Jesus is the Lamb of God who forgives sins and gives redemption and eternal life.

Equip children to discern.

Give children the tools to distinguish between kingdom truth and the enemy’s counterfeit.

Empower children to be spiritually active now, not to wait until they are adults.

Train and empower them to be involved in the prayer movement, operating in signs and wonders.

How can you equip and empower children for ministry?

Reprinted with permission from Ministry Today. Copyright Charisma Media, USA. All rights reserved.

If you’re looking to provide an environment for your children to grow in love for Jesus and their understanding of the Word, the Children’s Equipping Center is a safe and nurturing environment for your child’s growth. Read more about their upcoming events, camps and classes here.

Lenny La Guardia

position

• Vice President of Ministries, IHOPKC
• Executive Director, Children's Equipping Center, IHOPKC

For over three decades, Lenny and Tracy La Guardia have devoted their lives locally and internationally to equipping, empowering, and mobilizing young people, parents, and leaders with biblical truths and relevant strategies for ministering to children and youth today. Lenny and Tracy are the executive directors of the Children’s Equipping Center (CEC) at the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, where they lead a missionary staff that equips children from all over the world. Currently, the CEC provides over 130 hours a week of children’s services. Lenny also serves as the senior vice president of IHOPKC’s Ministries and Justice Divisions, giving oversight to vital ministries that mobilize the values and priorities of the IHOPKC Missions Base in Kansas City and abroad. Lenny started the Grandview, Missouri, Police Chaplains in 2007 and currently serves as a police chaplain. Lenny and Tracy have been married for 38 years and have five children: Leonard, Leatha, Andrea, Adrienne, and Shontavion.