My ten-year-old climbed into the car with a scowl. Her usual, bubbly demeanor was overshadowed by frustration. She met my “How was your day?” with a big sigh, and it didn’t take long for her to describe how much “easier” life would be without “loud, bossy, gross boys.” As she talked, I couldn’t help but think two things: 1) those 4th-grade boys probably felt the same way about the girls, and 2) boys and girls sure are different.
Yes, boys and girls are different. We know this from Scripture and science. Our differences impact how we think, relate to others, and view the world. Thus, our boys and girls benefit from discipleship that works with our God-given identities. Our discipleship plans should celebrate and work with how God made us – as males and females.
Unfortunately, cultural changes over the last few years haven’t been kind to ministry that teaches boys and girls separately, and Covid only worsened things. As churches continue to struggle with which programs to retain, discipleship outside of the Sunday morning service has a high risk of being dropped (especially boys’ and girls’ ministries).
I appreciate that churches are hesitant to return to their old schedules. This crisis gives us a chance to reconsider what we offer, and running our families ragged is not the answer. Our people need time for sabbath rest, organic evangelism, and friendship. So, how do we know if separate ministries to girls and boys are needed or if they are just “one more thing?” And, if they are essential, what should they look like in your church? If you have thoughts like these, here are some questions to consider:
- How does your church help children understand who they are in Christ?
- How will you lovingly counteract the false messages they hear about their identity?
- How do you acknowledge and meet the different needs of girls and boys(as well as men and women)?
- Is there an organized way for women to mentor girls and men to mentor boys? If so, how could it improve?
- How might you reimagine ministry to girls and boys so that you make the most of your time together?
- What constraints (time, money, volunteers, etc.) does your church have that must be considered before beginning or adapting a ministry to boys or girls?
It is time to prayerfully Consider how God is leading us to share the truth and hope of Christ with our boys and girls, and we are here to help! Let us know if the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about beginning, restarting, or adapting a ministry to girls or boys. We will partner with you to disciple the children and youth of your church and community.
Kristi Cain, LifeSprings Resources Director of Marketing and Development
David Moore has served as the National Commander of the Royal Rangers for the International Pentecostal Holiness Church since October 1998. Before coming to the national office in 1993, he worked in the Global Ministries Center accounting office. Commander Moore has been actively involved in a local outpost since 1985. He currently serves as the Senior Commander for his local church and works on a weekly basis with the Ranger Kids outpost.
