Every church knows that kids matter. That’s not in question.

A better question is, does your church act like every kid matters at every phase in their lives?

A phase is a timeframe in kids’ lives when we can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future. That means the whining toddler, the dramatic fifth grader, and the stressed-out tenth grader are not just “going through a phase” that should be wished away; rather, they are transitioning through critical periods that we are called to discover, celebrate, and navigate strategically with them.

It’s Just a Phase presents a challenge to churches to treat every kid like they are made in the image of God. When we keep acting like every kid and teenager has the potential …

to believe, imagine, and love

to care, relate, and trust

to reason, improve, and lead

… it can change

how the parents next door see your church.

how your elders value teenagers.

how your executive staff views children and youth ministry.

how you organize what you do every week.

how kids see themselves.

But, more importantly, it can change how every kid sees God, and that could change every kid’s future.