"If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry
it two miles" (Matthew 5:41).
Israel was under Roman rule when Jesus spoke these words. He
told his followers to do far more than required. Today Jesus
challenges us to serve families in ways far beyond what's expected
-- we need to "times two" our serv- ice! This truth can translate
right into your family ministry.
• Seek Opportunities. Look for ways to serve
families "times two." Some ideas you can plan -- such as
designating special up-close parking for expectant moms. Other
opportunities may just pop up -- helping a dad to his car with four
kids in tow. Watch his grateful expression as you buckle car seats
and provide crackers for the ride home.
• Train Your Team. Teach your volunteers to
reach out with times-two service by making it a core value of your
ministry. Emphasize the importance of exceeding families'
expectations -- always. At team meetings, allow time for volunteers
to share their times-two experiences.
• Make a Difference. Can you imagine the look
on a Roman soldier's face when someone said he wanted to carry that
heavy gear an extra mile? You'll get similar responses when you
times two your service. Last summer a girl who went to camp didn't
have fun due to a misunderstanding with a counselor. We decided to
times two and took a cookie bouquet to her home. We sat and worked
through the issue with her and her parents. The look on their faces
when we left was obvious -- God used this times-two service to
minister to this family.
• Create Lasting Impressions. At a recent hotel
stay, the manager handed me a fresh baked cookie at check in, but
he didn't stop there -- he times two-ed his hospitality. He also
handed me a handwritten, personal note thanking me for my stay.
Wow! I won't forget his gesture, and you can bet I'll stay at that
hotel in the future. What lasting impressions does your church
leave with families?
When you times two your service to families, they won't forget
it. In fact, it may affect the number of families you minister to
each week -- times two -- and that's a double blessing for your
ministry.
Dale Hudson is the children's pastor at Central Christian
Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, and contributing author to
Children's Ministry in the 21st Century (Group).
