I’m in the big apple, that’s right the old guy is in the city that never sleeps. My wife and I went to our favorite place in little Italy, Angelo’s. We walked around Little Italy and Chinatown, we shopped in Soho and hit the Whole Foods Market in Union Square then back to the hotel until tomorrow. But I just noticed something although NY City boasts to be a city that caters to all in the last 7 hours I have not seen a single child. Manhattan is a grown up’s playground but it’s not real child friendly. Our churches could take a lesson from this. There is a difference between an adult place that allows kids and a family place. Think about the steakhouse, I like the steakhouse but they are built for adults with a limited menu for kids. I think there’s a huge difference in places like these and places that are child welcoming and designed just for kids and families. I think if we are serious about reaching kids it’s time we don’t treat ministry to children as an add on or after thought but a destination for families. If we want to see intentional results we must see intentional plans of action. I hope kids are spotted all over your church and it’s more than just a place designed with adults in mind.
Beth and I went to New York City a few years back and loved it. Be sure to get some cheesecake at Roxy’s Deli. It’s right down there in Manhattan. It’s the best cheesecake you’ll ever eat!
Thanks for sharing this lesson from NYC. When I think of intentional ministry I think of making some deliberate choices and doing ministry with purpose. Hey, maybe I could write a book about being purpose-driven. Shucks, someone beat me to it
You’re so right about NYC. My husband and I have referred to it as Disneyland for grownups. There’s a difference in being “child-tolerant” “child-friendly” and “child-targeted”
FYI-If you get to the Apple Store in Soho, our middle son works there. His name is Jeremy Kirkland. He’s also a killer guitar player!