BREATHE, teaching children to connect with and be restored by God’s presence and His Word, became the new theme for 2022’s Superkid Academy at the Southwest Believers’ Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. At the convention, which takes place Aug. 1-6, children ages 6-12 will learn what it means to breathe in God’s presence so they can experience joy, peace and freedom, Commander Jenni explained.
“It’s only by taking a deep, spiritual breath that they will connect with God, the One who makes breathing and enduring possible.”
A Specific Word for a Specific Time
Understanding what is happening in the culture, and ministering that to children in a way they can grasp, is essential to Superkid Academy. Since SKA first opened its doors at the Southwest Believers’ Convention 29 years ago, the leaders have made a point of being Spirit-led in all they do, so they can speak to children right where they’re at.
This can be a challenge since there’s a temptation in children’s ministry to value efficiency and production above the daily, even minute-by-minute, leading of the Holy Spirit. With decades of experience, Commander Dana admits that it’s easy to plan children’s meetings months in advance. He’s learned, though, that leaders must be willing to put their own plans—which are made with the best of intentions—aside for what the Lord wants to do in each moment, for how He wants to reach the children with a specific word.
For Commander Dana, children’s ministry is more than simply a break for parents or a way to keep children occupied. Children’s ministry can be life-changing.
“Children belong to our heavenly Father,” Commander Dana says. “If we bear that in mind, it affects what we do for those kids, and how we prepare for those kids who only have minutes or hours with us.”
This commitment to children has guided Dana and Linda in ministry for 37 years. It’s something they come back to again and again—measuring their own plans against what the Lord wants them to do in each service.
13 : BVOV
