The other day, I sat across the table from an elder minister who was full of stories given to him by experience and wisdom. He kicked back and talked about society and the church, and some other things that have changed dramatically. He repeated this one-liner again and again to highlight the way some things just change: "That was then, this is now."

          We have been involved in kids ministry together in one form or another since we were married in 2006. Even in that short amount of time, kids ministry has changed. There are evolving needs that must be addressed. The kids that ride our vans and busses to church carry a heavy burden. Have you heard the term "bullying?" This epidemic has gone beyond the schoolyard bully and changed to something different and sometimes scary. Things happen in the public school system between kids that are almost unthinkable, and some kids go to school and face it every day. Since the 70's, more and more children are navigating the troubled waters of a broken home. The problems kids face today are huge. When you minister to kids, it's very hard to know how to help the kids of the "this is now" situation. Kids, more than ever, have big problems.

          There is one thing that has not changed. Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forevermore." The same power that he had in the miraculous stories we read is available today. By the Holy Spirit, he healed deaf, blind, lame, diseased, and raised the dead. His power reached to the beggars, and also to the rulers. He handled big problems. That lets me know that Christ can enable those who minister to precious children to help them with their big problems.

          We must help kids learn to make use of the altar. It might seem like it isn't working when children come forward again and again, but when they practice coming to the altar, they will find it is a place where they can meet with God. The God who helped a shepherd boy kill a giant, can help the kids of our churches face the giants of their lives. God still solves big problems.

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