Are We Working toward a Common Goal in Youth and Children's Ministries?

There's some things I hate about standard tests like the SAT or ACT.

I hate that in the weeks leading up to them students undergo semi-panic attacks.
I hate that studying for them often cause sleep deprivation.
I hate that the scores of those tests alone can often mean the difference in thousands of dollars of scholarships.

But they do provide something good for our school systems:  Something to aim at.

In all actuality, the preparation and steps of education that we take leading up to the end of our high school careers are geared towards achieving a successful score on these standard tests.

Don't get me wrong.

Teachers are all unique. Each teacher will have his or her own style. Often a teacher will have a niche that they like to dive into from time to time as well. Underlying these truths is the fact there is a standard that all teachers are striving to help students achieve.

As we think about the spiritual formation of our youth and children, do we have a standard?

Lucky for us, Jesus made it easy for us to understand the standard.  In Matthew 22 he cites what he says to be the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.  Then he digs deeper and says to love your neighbor as yourself.

Love God.  Love others.  A Standard: To Be Rooted in God's Love.

• Are we creating systems that help students achieve success in living out the greatest commandment?
• Is everyone in our church's youth and children's ministries working toward this common goal?
• What are you doing to help students meet this standard?

Taking Root,Blake