Evil Video Games?

Yep, they are bad for kids. Well... they are bad in large doses. A small amount of gaming isn't going to send a kid into a crime spree or relegate them to a life of nerdy seclusion. However, the tendency for young boys to get wrapped up in video games remains an issue children's ministers have to deal with.

I'm not a professional therapist nor a gifted researcher, but I do have an observation on why young boys like video games so much. It's because they get a maximum of adventure and a sense of accomplishment with a minimum of effort. Think about this:

• They can be a sports star even if they stink at sports in real life.
• They can drive a race car 10 years before they are eligible for a driver's licence.
• They can become a super hero.
• They can explore an imaginary world with mythical creatures.

Here's the kicker... they can do things they could never do in real life, and they can do them well. Only about one out of five kids are good at sports. It's about the same for musical instruments, school work, and people skills. All of these skills can be developed, but it takes HARD WORK. Video games don't, they are much easier.

However, these little facts give us as children's ministers a few useful insights into the minds of kids.

1. Kids want to succeed.
2. Kids want adventure.
3. Kids find meaning in accomplishment as much as adults, they just find it in different places.

As children's ministers we can take this fact and tailor our programs to fit. Give them specific and attainable goals with well defined rewards. Give them a clear path to excellence. Give them another chance when they fail. Spark their imaginations. Don't forget to let them know before hand that they don't need to be perfect, they just need to keep trying.

So when you develop your programs make sure they have specific goals for you AND the kids. Make sure they have a clearly laid out path for success. Make sure that kids know about and can understand the developmental path you are taking them on. Plan for some kids to fail and make sure they are able to get back on track quickly. Most of all, make sure they get a tangible reward for their work.

While this requires more planning and more forethought, I think you'll find your kids more engaged and better able to grow spiritually.

The Annoying of the Lord

Please don't think me sacrilegious, but God can be annoying at times. Take the story of Gideon's call for example. When the angel shows up to tell Gideon he's he chosen instrument of God to deliver Israel from Middian, Gideon asks "why me". You'd expect the God of all that can be measured (plus some) to answer the question... if for no other reason than to say, "BECAUSE I SAID SO!"

He said nothing.

So what's the deal God? "Why me" question's don't deserve an answer? Isn't the question of competency a valid one? Should we not cover my resume before I get hired? Maybe you could even ask if I want the job?

Nothing... an annoying lack of any response.

But on some reflection I see the brilliant leadership tactic God used. He stayed positive, on track, and mission focused.

1. Mission Focused: God (being the author of all knowledge) knew that Gideon didn't need to look at his credentials, he needed to keep his eye on the prize. Gideon was the last person Gideon needed to think about. The mission needed the focus.
2. On Track: The LAST thing any good meeting needs is a rabbit trail. God kept to the subject at hand. While it's not always the case, the question of credentials was irrelevant here.
3. Positive: Last of all, God did not let the mission get bogged down by covering all the reasons it wouldn't work. I can't tell you how many great ideas I've seen crushed when the difficulties of a project become the center of discussion. If it's something that MUST be done, then talking about why it can't be done is just stupid.

Gideon went on to win one of the most strategic victories in the Bible. He may never have started if God had let things get off track and negative. So as irritating as the silence was, it was some of the wisest nothing Gideon never heard.

So when you pray and ask God how you are going to get it done and God seems silent, think of how it turned out for Gideon.