“Generational” is a word that finds its way into all kinds of conversation, analysis, and approach, both inside the church and in our world at large. This morning, as I was reviewing final edits for this article, I saw a news release about one of our sister church organizations dedicating its entire national conference to “including all the generations.”

Gary Blanchard and I recently concluded one of our most delightful (and fruitful from response and follow-through) tours of our District fellowship, as we spoke to leaders and pastors about “4 Generations/1 Church.”

Program your remote? Ask your grandkids. O yes, we’ve all heard (and believe) the phrase, “Insanity is hereditary…you catch it from your kids!”

I want to use the rest of this column to report to our District family about a wonderful weekend we recently shared – we have called it for years “P K Retreat!” This year, PK Retreat moved from the Columbus Day weekend in October to Martin Luther King Day weekend in January.

Paul and Debbie Hinzman give great leadership to this ministry moment, planned to invest in the lives of some of our most cherished possessions – children of Illinois AG ministers. A great team (the Bennett family and church staff from PAG/Pawnee, Ron and Jacque Martinez/Rock Island, Mike Shepherd/Normal First AG, and more) give themselves willingly to make this a special set of hours.

Coleen and I work to clear our schedules for the retreat. I’ve challenged (successfully, I might add) students in “Wacky Basketball,” been involved in goofy skits, and even the brunt of a few fun-filled moments…all “in the line of duty.”  

This year was special for a number of other reasons. In this large group picture you’ve been peering over (trying to make sure your kids showed up for the picture!!??), you’ll find another set of great PK’s – members of the leadership and counseling team. It is not the first year that we’ve had returning PK’s work at the camp. This year, the Lord just dropped into my heart a little confirmation “that’s the way it should be…receive and then give in return.”

I was overjoyed to watch this special group of PK’s enjoy the late-night hours, the 24-7 assignment of time, creatively help kids participate in the Team Talent night, and above all, passionately give themselves to God at the altars we shared together.

I recently sat in interviews as a part of our Ordination 2012 journey. I asked, “Who is your Timothy? Who are you investing in for ministry? Who are you raising up to follow you?” It is a biblical model…it’s a biblical mandate… it is a biblical measurement.

You want to test the fruit of your ministry? Don’t just send me the “nickels and noses” kind of count. Why not also talk about a healthy church in terms of sons and daughters raised up for ministry and godly assignment? Why not measure the reproducible fruit that starts the multiplying process?

A special joy about longevity of assignment is the opportunity to witness product over time. I’ll admit it was scary when I paused during a wedding rehearsal in Joliet and thought to myself, “I dedicated these children!” It was sheer joy, however, to see former students in our classes become leaders of ministries, and even selected as a deacon for the church.

I salute the PK’s of Illinois! I love the PK’s of Illinois!

Can it be said of each of us – “reproducible ministry”…??

LHG

I am proud of these sons and daughters now giving back to those coming after them. Pictured are, front row (left to right): Tiffany Cope, Jana Booze, Alex Martinez, Brock Bennett; back row (left to right): Leah Close, Tara Martin, Chip Nuttall, Luke Shepherd.