There Are No Kiddie Tables in Heaven
"Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." — 1 Timothy 4:12
As we celebrated the closing of an unforgettable week of Illumination Station Vacation Bible School, Janet Perry, First Kids Director, shared a heartfelt message that beautifully captured both the spirit of VBS and the heart of our church's vision.
After welcoming nearly 60 children throughout the week, Janet reflected on how every craft, every game, every song, and every Bible lesson pointed children to one life-changing truth: Jesus is God's promised Son, the powerful Son of God, the proven Son of God, and God's plan for forgiveness.
But the message extended far beyond Vacation Bible School.
More Than a Week of VBS
Illumination Station reminded us that children's ministry isn't simply about creating fun memories—it's about helping the next generation discover Jesus while allowing the entire church to serve together.
Throughout the week, youth leaders, summer students, volunteers, staff members, and families worked side by side. It became a beautiful picture of what the Church is meant to be: one body, carrying one another's burdens and serving with joy.
Every Generation Has Something to Offer
Our church vision is:
"Becoming a Revelation Church where people from all ethnicities, all generations, and all economic realities are challenged to be radically transformed by God."
Janet focused on one important phrase:
All generations.
Using Paul's encouragement to the young Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6–16, she reminded us that age has never been a limitation for God's calling. Timothy wasn't told to wait until he was older before leading. Instead, Paul encouraged him to faithfully use the gifts God had already given him.
The same is true today.
Children and youth aren't simply preparing to become the Church someday.
They are part of God's mission today.
We Need Them Now
One of the most memorable moments of the message came with this challenge:
"We need your generation now—not later."
Young people bring fresh perspectives, compassion for justice, authentic relationships, creativity, energy, and gifts uniquely designed by God.
Likewise, older generations bring wisdom, experience, mentorship, and faithful examples that younger believers desperately need.
The Church flourishes when generations don't live in separate worlds but learn, serve, and grow together.
There Are No Kiddie Tables in Heaven
In God's Kingdom, children aren't placed at a separate table while the "real ministry" happens elsewhere.
They belong in the family.
They belong in the mission.
They belong alongside every generation.
A Final Challenge
What kind of church are we building for the generations to come?
A church where children are simply entertained?
Or a church where every generation is known, valued, equipped, and invited to serve?
At First Baptist Moncton, our prayer is that every child, every teenager, every adult, and every senior would know they belong.
