Recently the preschool and children’s ministries were combined into one ministry focusing on young families. Greg Springsteen, Minister to Preschool and Children, is excited about God’s new plan.

The Encourager: What is the goal of the “new” ministry?
Greg Springsteen: The goal of the Preschool and Children’s Ministry is to focus on young families and come alongside them in this wonderful stage of parenting. When God called Angela and me into full-time ministry He placed within our?hearts a focus for families with young kids.

TE: Why do you feel that is necessary?
GS: Parenting is one of the most challenging and at the same time rewarding jobs anyone could ask for. We want to point parents to God’s grace and blessing that will sustain them along this wonderful journey.

TE: What do you think is the most important thing parents can do for their children?
GS: The most important responsibility Christian parents have is to pass their faith on to their children.

TE: Is it hard to minister to both preschoolers and children at the same time?
GS: I have had the great privilege to work in both our children’s ministry and the preschool ministry. ?In both ministries God constantly challenged me to think of how to best minister to the family as a unit. This umbrella ministry now incorporates these two vital stages of childhood development and parenting.

TE: Do you really think this is an effective way to reach such a large group?
GS: We can be more unified through communication, planning, training, and support for the life stages of young families as a whole. Many young families have children in both the preschool and children’s areas and this will enhance our ability to minister more effectively to these families. We will continue to provide support for the different stages of childhood growth and family development. ?

TE: Any other comments?
GS: We want to be what Home Depot is to home building and repair: YOU CAN DO IT, WE CAN HELP! ?God has entrusted the parents with the spiritual development of their children but as the church we are here to support them in this wonderful process.

TE: What about the future of the Preschool and Children’s Ministry?
GS: I am excited to be a part of this as we build a new team to keep our focus on equipping families with Kingdom Purpose, one family at a time.