Train Up a Child

In the 1970s, there was an ad campaign for Wonder Bread that promoted the spongy white (probably not too healthy) bread that many of us grew up with as being ideal for the wonder years between ages 1-12. While I would rather not debate the value of white bread (a classic PB&J on Wonder Bread is pretty great), I would like to celebrate how those wonder years can be among the most important times for spiritual development in our lives.

According to recently released findings from Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research and Consulting,* Most adult evangelicals were saved in childhood and over half of all believers came to their beliefs between the ages of 5 and 12.  

At Hope Church, we take the challenge seriously to, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV) We believe that good, spiritual training for children and youth can have a wonderful impact on their lifelong faith. The Infinity Concepts study states, “Among today’s adult evangelical Protestants in the US, 72% came to their evangelical beliefs before the age of 18.” Parents and church have the highest influence on that decision. 

So the wonder years that are historically marked by curiosity, optimism, and anticipation of the future can also be marked by life-changing spiritual decisions. At Hope Church, we want to do everything we can to help children in our church and in our community grow to love and know Jesus as their savior in the early years of their lives.

This past Sunday, Lauren Muniak shared that she will be stepping down from her role as our Children’s Ministry Director next month. I am very grateful for Lauren and for the 8 incredible years that she has served on our staff team. She, and her impact on our children and families at Hope, will be dearly missed. I would like to invite you to join us for a reception in the Café on June 9 at 10:15am. to honor Lauren’s faithful investment in our Hope Church family.

I am grateful to share with you that Stacie Sauter has agreed to serve as our next Children’s Ministry Director. Stacie is a very gifted leader and has been a significant part of our church family for the past ten years. Stacie will step into this role early next month.

I invite you to join me in praying for both Stacie and Lauren in this time of transition. I would also like to invite you to consider serving in our Children’s Ministry. We have some fantastic opportunities for you to do so. We are looking forward to our upcoming Beulah on the Road summer camp this July, along with a packed summer of Children’s activities. 

If you are interested in joining the Children’s Ministry Team, please contact the church office at 330-273-5651 or email lauren.muniak@hopebrunswick.org.

Expectantly,

Shawn

*https://www.infinityconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Spiritual-Journey-Downloadable.pdf