Our theme this year is "Awaken Faith" (Hebrews 11.1-6). We look to awaken faith at Club this year by:
1) Leading lives of faith ourselves
2) Protecting the space for God encounters
3) Looking for opportunities to share the goodness of God with each other, the kids and the families.
Everyone loves a good story. Think about the most recent new place you went to eat, or new show you watched or something new that you tried. Most people try these new things because someone told them about it. I recently watched a show on Netflix ONLY because I heard others talking about it. I had to see what they was talking about. The Bible tells us we shall overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and word of our testimony. I ONLY came to Christ because I heard how good he was to people that I was around. It is God's kindness that draws us to turning from sin and towards God(Romans 2.4). When we realize the reality of our earthly situation, it is God's goodness, mercy, grace, faithfulness, etc. that cause us to run towards God. How can they believe if nobody tells them? So, tell em.
At Club when we pray we share God's goodness by speaking God's words over the kids. We speak God's promises to Him in prayer. We tell them they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139.14), that God loves us (John 3.16, Romans 5.8), that God knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1.5), that we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2.10), and that if we trust in God with all our hearts he will direct our paths (Proverbs 3.5-6). We call them to obedience to God, because that's where God blesses us (Psalm 37.5, Psalm 84.11). We are encouraging faith in them even when we pray. "Awaken Faith" is more than just a theme, it really is a way to live.
Lastly, engage the kids and families in genuine relationship. Engage those around you, love them and be with them. Your actions will speak louder than your words. Nobody cares how good your God is if you treat them like a means to an end. Don't be so spiritual that you miss what God is doing. Love each other, be patient and keep walking with God. If you had tasted the most tasty fruit, wouldn't you want those you love to taste it too?