Abundance of Safety

" Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

An abundance of safety. 


If that isn't what you already pray for your child, maybe you should add it to the list. I pray daily for your children, their love and knowledge of Christ, and their well being. I've never used these words, and this morning, they have washed over me. They bathe me in comfort and guidance in how to pray, and how to continue to train parents, leaders and volunteers. This passage illustrates for us what we need to provide in order to maintain an abundance of safety. Guidance. But, the passage also terrified me, because it says without guidance, people fall. They fail- they have nothing to lean back on. That is the last thing that we would ever desire for these kids.

Alright. I know you are all providing guidance and counsel in your homes, bringing your children ease, rest and warmth from being under your protection and supervision. What we're told through this passage, is that we can provide larger amounts, and our children have access to knowing and feeling that safety in other areas of their life. We pray for this protection and safety in their schools, and that teachers are shepherding and paving a path for them to explore and grow in a safe way.

I pray for an overwhelming sense of comfort any time a child walks in our doors of the church. I hear giggles, little feet running, and echoing through the narthex, and I immediately pray for their desire to increase to want to be inside our doors.  For me, any time a child is in a place of comfort, they'll feel open enough to learn, share and proclaim the Gospel of Christ. So, what are we doing here, at CCP, to ensure that there is an abundance of safety? We know them. We love them. We play with them.

BUT, more importantly, I think our leaders and volunteers are expected to provide this abundance of safety. How can you as a member of our congregation and community provide guidance, nurture, safety and love for our kids?

You listen.
You make yourself available.
You volunteer.
You let them sit in your lap.
You get on your knees to be eye level with them.
You teach.
You hold their hands.
You tell them they're awesome.
You guide.
You reflect Jesus.


The more our children see the WHOLE congregation (NOT just parents of children. Yes, that's right.) engaged and interacting with them, the more this place and the relationships we're building with them, become an abundance of safety.  It's your responsibility to them because of your baptismal vows. You have agreed to be responsible for them, just as you would your own children. You've claimed during any child's baptism to care and nurture them, to provide an abundance of safety for them.


If you're called to participate, teach, greet, love, play games, lead or shepherd our kids, we are in desperate need of volunteers for Sunday school and Wednesday nights. Please e-mail me for ways you can engage and participate in the great JOY of teaching and loving our kids! (enickles@ccpdalton.org)