Every year, the national conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches is a time to reconnect with friends from around the country, to be rejuvenated by the speakers and worship, and to be stretched and challenged in faith and ministry.
The same is true for our kids. When you bring your kids to conference, they get to hang out with the friends they made last year, spend time in an environment that understands what it means to be a pastor’s or missionary’s kid, and be challenged to take big risks in their own faith.
Risk does not always mean recklessness. Parents and church leaders have the responsibility to provide safe places for kids to take risks and even to fail so that their faith muscles are stretched and stronger faith involves risk, and to take risks we need courage. The courage to take risks is connected to the idea that the risk will be worth it. Bungee jumping is worth it to the risk seeker, financial investments are worth it to the capitalist. To believe in a God without proof of his existence is a risk, but the promise of salvation is worth it.
When you risk and come to Flinch Conference, you model to your kids that some risks are worth it. You will be refreshed and rejuvenated and your kids will get to see the benefits of risk-taking in your life. The next generation of risk takers is following in our footsteps. Will they be ready to step out in faith and trust a God who, as Jeremiah 29:11 says, has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (NIV)”? — Erica Shelton, Grace Kids Coordinator
This post first appeared on the Flinch Conference blog. Click here to register for the conference. Don’t forget — prices go up on April 1.