Series: The Best Summer Ever
Sermon Title: Summer is for Kids
Passage: Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 18:1–6; Mark 9:33–37 

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Series: The Best Summer Ever

Sermon Title: Summer is for Kids
Passage: Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 18:1–6; Mark 9:33–37 

SERMON POINTS: 

We go all in every simmer for the next generation because…

1. Children Aren’t a Distraction from the Mission—They Are the Mission. 

• Mark 10:13–14 
• Mark 10:13–14 (The Message)

2. Childhood Is a Sacred Window of Spiritual Opportunity.

• Mark 10:14–16

3. What Happens Early,.. Echoes for a Lifetime.

•  Matthew 18:1–6 

4. How We Treat Children Reflects How We See God. 

• Mark 9:33–37

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you think Jesus so often elevated children as examples of Kingdom living?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:13–14; Matthew 19:14; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29; 
• Follow-up question: What does this tell us about what God values? How does it challenge our own priorities when it comes to time, attention, and discipleship?

2. How does our treatment of children reflect our theology of or belief about God?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 9:36–37; Psalm 127:3; James 1:27 
• Follow-up question: Do we view kids as burdens to manage or image-bearers to honor? What does your engagement with children reveal about how you see the heart of God?

3. What are some ways the Church (and your own life) can unintentionally push children to the margins?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 (The Message); Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Matthew 21:15–16 
• Follow-up question: Where do you notice subtle cultural or spiritual practices that diminish the presence and formation of children?

4. How would your summer (or life) look different if you fully embraced the next generation as your mission field?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; Psalm 78:5–7 
• Follow-up question:: What does it mean to go “all in” for the spiritual formation of the next generation? What might you need to surrender or reprioritize?

5. Jesus says the Kingdom belongs to children. What qualities in children reflect Kingdom values that we need to recover?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:15; Matthew 18:3–4; Luke 18:16–17 
• Follow-up question: Where has cynicism, control, or pride dulled your childlike wonder, dependence, or trust?

6. How do early spiritual experiences in childhood shape a person’s long-term faith journey?

•  Additional Scripture: Matthew 18:1–6; Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:14–15
• Follow-up question: Who shaped your view of God in childhood (for better or worse)? What spiritual rhythms do you think make the most impact early in life?

7. What is one way you can spiritually shape or intentionally invest in a child or student this summer?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:16; Numbers 6:24–26; Ephesians 6:4
• Follow-up question: Jesus didn’t just teach children—He blessed them. What’s one blessing or affirmation a child in your life needs to hear?

8. What might be preventing you from engaging more deeply in the discipleship of the next generation?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 9:33–34; Luke 22:26; Philippians 2:3–4
• Follow-up question: Is your vision of spiritual influence still shaped by prestige or platform rather than hidden investment in others?

9. How does loving and discipling children and youth expose or grow our own spiritual maturity?

• Additional Scripture: Mark 10:14–16; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:12–13
• Follow-up question:: Kids are often unfiltered, vulnerable, and full of energy. What does your reaction to that reveal about your spiritual growth or lack of it?

10. What legacy are you leaving with your time, words, and example?

• Additional Scripture: Matthew 18:6; Psalm 145:4; Isaiah 54:13
• Follow-up question: Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or simply part of the community of faith, what echoes are your life and love creating in the hearts of the young?

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

Day 1 — When God Feels Distant or Disappointing

• Reflective Question: Where have I experienced unmet expectations from God that have left me disappointed, hurt, or numb?
• Scripture: Mark 10:13–14 
• Meditative Prompt: Imagine yourself as a child being welcomed into Jesus’ arms. What does He say to you in that place of confusion or pain?

Day 2 — Recovering a Childlike Trust

• Reflective Question: What would it look like to approach God today with childlike honesty and dependence?
• Scripture: Mark 10:15 
• Meditative Prompt: Hold your hands open in prayer. Ask the Father to meet you with the same gentleness He offers children.

Day 3 — When You’ve Been Overlooked or Forgotten

• Reflective Question: Do I believe God truly sees and values me, especially when others don’t?
• Scripture: Mark 9:36–37 
• Meditative Prompt: Picture Jesus pulling you aside in a crowd, locking eyes with you, and blessing you. What emotion rises in you?

Day 4 — What Echo Will I Leave?

• Reflective Question: What impact am I leaving—intentionally or unintentionally—on the spiritual lives of the kids who watch me?

• Scripture: Matthew 18:6 

• Meditative Prompt: Ask the Spirit: “What kind of echo do my words, priorities, and attitudes leave in the lives of young people?”

Day 5 — Letting God Into Early Wounds

• Reflective Question: How have experiences from my childhood or early spiritual life shaped how I expect God to treat me?
• Scripture: Matthew 18:5–6 
• Meditative Prompt: Invite Jesus into a painful childhood memory or moment of spiritual disappointment. What does His presence shift in that scene?

Day 6 — Echoes That Last a Lifetime

• Reflective Question: What beliefs about God have echoed in me from past disappointments—and are those echoes true?
• Scripture: Matthew 18:1–4 (NIV)
• Meditative Prompt: Ask the Holy Spirit to replace false narratives you’ve internalized with truth about God’s heart for you.

Day 7 — Returning to Wonder and Joy

• Reflective Question: Where do I need to reclaim a spirit of wonder, playfulness, or hope in my walk with God?
• Scripture: Psalm 131:2 (NIV) 
• Meditative Prompt: Take a moment to reflect on one small joy today—a flower, laughter, music. Thank God like a child would.

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Psalm 78:5–7
• Proverbs 22:6
• Joel 1:3
• Matthew 21:15–16

 

RESOURCES:

• ARTICLE | THE GOSPEL COALITION | FAMILY FIRST IN YOUTH MINISTRY
• BOOK | DR. RANDALL BIXBY | THE FAMILY LEGACY: SHAPING CULTURE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
• BOOK: | JON TYSON | THE INTENTIONAL FATHER
• PODCAST | PRACTICE MAKES PARENT | HOW TO DISCIPLE YOUR KIDS LIKE JESUS

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE: Solitude and Silence

Creating Space for God: The Practice of Solitude and Silence
By Rob Hans, Spiritual Formation Pastor, LifeChurch NV

In a culture that constantly tells us to move faster, do more, and stay connected 24/7, solitude and silence invite us into a completely different way of life—a way that leads to deeper communion with God. These ancient disciplines aren’t about checking out from life; they’re about intentionally stepping away from the noise so we can become more present to God and to who we truly are. Solitude removes the distractions, and silence quiets the internal noise so we can actually hear God speak. Pete Scazzero puts it like this: “Silence and solitude are the two most radical spiritual disciplines because they place us before God without any role to play—just us and Him.” That’s both incredibly vulnerable and incredibly freeing.

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t naturally good at this. I know I have a deep longing for it, however when I step into this discipline, I begin to become nervous. When the noise dies down, the discomfort rises. I experience my  insecurities, doubts, and unmet expectations coming to the surface. Most of the time, I work to shut those down, and silence invites it. 

This is exactly where the Spirit meets us. Ruth Haley Barton says, “Solitude is a place. It is a place in time that is set apart for God alone… in order to attend to the quiet whisper of God.” God doesn’t usually shout over our chaos—He whispers. But unless we slow down and still our souls, we’ll miss the very voice that brings peace, clarity, and direction.

Jesus modeled this rhythm for us. He regularly withdrew to be alone with the Father—not because He was weak, but because He was deeply rooted. THis is where He and the father’s love for each other and union were fostered. (John 17) And if we want to live from a place of rest instead of reaction, that rhythm has to become part of our own formation. Solitude and silence aren’t about performance or productivity—they’re about presence. They form us into people who live and lead from the quiet center of God’s love, not from our need to prove, fix, or impress. In that stillness, we remember who we are and, more importantly, whose we are.

Day 1: Becoming Aware of the Noise

• Focus: Noticing internal and external noise
• Practice: Set a timer for 3 minutes. Sit in a quiet place. Before you try to be silent, notice the noise: your thoughts, your surroundings, your distractions. Don’t judge them. Just observe.
• Breath Prayer (as needed): “Lord, here I am.”
• Reflection Prompt: What do I usually fill the silence with? What fears or feelings show up when I stop?
• Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10

Day 2: Creating a Sacred Pause

• Focus: Introducing intentional stillness
• Practice: Sit in silence for 5 minutes. Start with a slow breath. Picture yourself sitting with Jesus. You don’t need to say anything. You’re just with Him.
• Breath Prayer (as needed): “Speak, Lord… your servant is listening.”
• Reflection Prompt: What shifted when I stopped talking or trying to accomplish something?
• Scripture: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” —Isaiah 30:15

Day 3: Letting Go of Inner Commentary

• Focus: Releasing the need to fix, analyze, or perform
• Practice: Sit in silence for 7 minutes. When thoughts or distractions come, gently release them. Let God hold whatever comes up. Return to your breath and a simple phrase like “Jesus, I trust You.”
• Breath Prayer (as needed): “Jesus… You are enough.”
• Reflection Prompt: What am I tempted to control or explain away in silence?
• Scripture: “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.” —Habakkuk 2:2

Day 4: Listening with the Heart

• Focus: Moving from doing to being
• Practice: Sit in silence for 10 minutes. This time, imagine yourself simply being held by God. You are not here to give—only to receive. Let His presence be enough.
• Breath Prayer (as needed): “I am… loved by You.”
• Reflection Prompt: What does it feel like to simply be in God’s presence, without performance?
• Scripture: “My soul waits in silence for God alone.” —Psalm 62:1

Day 5: Welcoming God’s Whisper

• Focus: Letting God speak in stillness
• Practice: Sit in silence for 12–15 minutes. Begin with a short prayer: “God, I welcome You.” Then sit in openness. If God brings a word, a memory, or a sense of peace, receive it. If not, simply rest.
• Breath Prayer (as needed): “Not my doing… but Your presence.”
• Reflection Prompt: Did I sense anything from God today? If not, can I still trust He was with me?
• Scripture: “After the fire came a gentle whisper… and Elijah wrapped his face in his cloak.” —1 Kings 19:12–13

This journey isn’t about becoming a master of silence—it’s about becoming a child in the presence of a loving Father. Keep showing up. Keep letting go. God does some of His deepest work not in our noise, but in our quiet surrender.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: The Echo of a Life Well-Planted

By Rob Hans | LifeChurchNV

As I think about my life and where I am today, there are several names and faces that come to mind. These were people—pastors, teachers, leaders, and coaches—who took the time to speak into my life. Some were spiritual mentors. Others were just solid, steady adults who paid attention to a young man trying to find his way. I was a product of a single-parent home. Life was loud with unspoken questions. And yet these people made space. They invited me into their rhythms, into their homes, and—perhaps most importantly—into their conversations.

They didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear. Many of those conversations were difficult. They called out things in me I didn’t yet see and corrected things I thought I had hidden well. I was not always easy to deal with. But they stayed. They planted seeds. They invested. And today, whether they realize it or not, I am part of their legacy.

This week, as we step into our summer series Best Summer Ever, we begin by considering something simple but profound: children are not a distraction from the mission—they are the mission. That was the heartbeat of Jesus when He rebuked the disciples for pushing kids aside (Mark 10:13–14). He wasn’t just making a point—He was laying out a value system. One where those who often get ignored are placed at the center of attention. Many of us grew up hearing the phrase, “Children should be seen but not heard”, I certainly was told that by my dad as a younger child. However, that is the opposite of the Kingdom values Jesus was establishing.

And it’s not just about affection, and recognition it’s about formation! Childhood is a sacred window, and what happens during those years echoes for a lifetime (Matthew 18:1–6). I’m living proof. The coaches who spoke truth to me, a mother who weekly sought prayer at the front of the church for me. These people who saw me, believed in me, loved me, corrected me, and prayed for me… they didn’t just change my youth, they shaped my future.

This week, I want to invite you into something simple: take a few minutes and reflect.

• Who were the people who invested in you when you were young?
• Who are you because someone made time, spoke truth, or modeled character for you?
• And then… who are you being that person for today?

So maybe the most spiritual thing you do this summer isn’t found on a stage or in a quiet time it’s found in the eyes of a child who knows you see them, value them, and believe in the person they’re becoming.

This is how legacies are built.