If you want to know the air temperature, read a thermometer. Wondering if you have enough gas for your commute? Check the fuel gauge. Has cutting out carbohydrates worked? The scale won't lie. Measurements and standards provide us with an objective method to examine something and determine how much change has occurred. Even in church work. This article focuses on a reliable tool to help children's ministries see their effectiveness.

It's a simple tool; just look at the children. So that's what we'll do—look at some real kids. The challenge, though, is to determine exactly what to look for. Well-behaved? Nope—that's not the answer because it can be temporary. Attendance? No, it's too dependent on parents—kids can't drive themselves to church. Ability to recite scripture? Nice start, but short term memory doesn't always last. Changed lives? Now you're talking!

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" In ministry, we want to look ...