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Many churches consider ways to help children successfully transition from children’s ministry to youth ministry. But placing a specific focus on helping nurture the hearts of young givers who are moving into their teen years may benefit from a specific focus.

“For about eight months I had this nagging feeling in the back of my mind: “Did I rob my son of following what God had put on his heart?” I even teach parents not to do this, but I did the very same thing. I encourage them to walk with their child and nurture what God has placed in their heart. But yet, I violated this very principle.” See what the Spirit taught Mark Entzminger in this 8 Goals of Children’s Ministries post.

The national KidMin17 conference was held April 19-21 at First Assembly in Ft. Wayne, Ind., with over 1,000 kids’ pastors and children’s leaders attending. The following is an overview provided by Danielle Christy, one of the conference attendees.

True to our current theme, “Above & Beyond,” children’s leaders across the nation are challenging their leaders and church kids to set all-time high BGMC giving goals in 2017. But what’s the next step to motivate your leaders and kids to sacrificially give with a heart of compassion to world missions? This article suggests some easy steps to follow.

There is no question that giving to missions has the capacity to disciple us all. Yes, the money is necessary, but it can also be the means in which you develop the people that you lead, including yourself. The change we collect for BGMC is not only a tangible way to collect coins, but it’s also symbolic of the change that can happen in the hearts of the givers. Giving to missions affects everyone under your leadership and has the potential to move them forward in Christ.

Get your kids ready for March Missions Madness! Every year during the month of March, BGMC runs its annual challenge called “March Missions Madness—Lost Change for Lost Souls.” The month of March was chosen because National BGMC Day is the second Sunday in March. For 2017, it’s March 12. The BGMC theme for 2017 is “Above & Beyond…with BGMC” based on the verse, “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20, HCSB).

How do you set a new goal for BGMC for the year? One idea is to spread the responsibility. Gather your children’s leaders, and ask each of them for a personal goal. Also ask your leaders to brainstorm together on how to set a BGMC goal and how each person can assist you in accomplishing this goal.