A few years ago, I came across an individual who had attended one of our Ignite the Supernatural Conferences. In reconnecting with this person they were so kind in their compliments of the conference. It truly had made an impact in their life. Everything was great until they made a statement telling me that because of their relationship with the Holy Spirit, they no longer studied before they went in to minister to the children. Now, they just “flowed” with the Spirit and whatever happened was a result of His leading. Believe me when I write that I did correct that error. We teach that flowing is a direct result of time with the Lord (prayer) and time in His Word. This time in His Word is also called preparation or study. That is why Paul told Timothy to “study to show yourself approved unto God”. This preparation in the Word will prevent doctrinal error and keep the ministry balanced and not wacky and weird.
I came across this quote from R.C. Sproul’s book The Mystery of the Holy Spirit. It is great counsel for those desiring to flow with the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit may be distinguished from the Word, but to separate the Word and the Spirit is spiritually fatal. The Holy Spirit teaches, leads, and speaks to us through the Word and with the Word, not apart from or against the Word. How grievous it is to the Holy Spirit when unbridled spirits mock God by claiming the leading of the Spirit when they are acting against the Word.”
If you truly want to a Holy Ghost children’s ministry, STUDY and PREPARE. Find a Word-filled curriculum or create a teaching series that will usher in the desired move of God. Walk into the service with both YOU and YOUR team ready to teach the lesson all the while being subject to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the One who aided you in your preparation. In doing so, here will be the results.Powerful … yes. Biblically sound and balanced … yes. Holy Ghost sensitive … yes. Wacky and weird … no!
Let’s keep the Holy Spirit and the Word together. In other words, place the FLOW with the KNOW and then you and your children will GROW. (I’m a poet and didn’t know it.)
