Reaching Our Country’s Kids” Through Energetic, Anointed Services
“As soon as I realized what was involved and what God could do through children’s ministry, I was hooked,” said Bro. John Lagas, a full-time evangelist based out of Bakersfield, CA. “For the next 10 years I was either a teacher or I was the director for our kid’s church program. Learning how to utilize puppets, skits, characters, object lessons, etc., and ministering to children eventually just became a part of me. In early 2012 my wife, Jennie, and I felt the call to take our experience outside of the local church. On a whim we purchased our own equipment, sound system, props, puppets, puppet stages, and began to put the word out. Kidz Rock Ministries was born and the rest is history.”
Bro. Lagas, who also serves as the Western District Children’s Ministry Secretary, explained that the ROCK in Kidz Rock Ministries stands for “Reaching Our Country’s Kids.” Their ministry has been described as a variety show with anointing. “My family and I work together as a team via puppetry (songs, dialogue and ventriloquism), action songs, skits, and characters so we can put together a high energy and anointed kids’ service. Our ministry’s mascot, Skip-E, loves to go out in his crazy costume passing out flyers and connecting with kids and families prior to the services.
“God has blessed us to go places where we have seen Him move in children’s lives in miraculous ways. I’ve seen God fill them with the Holy Ghost, and seen the children renewed. I thank God that we can be used by Him for His purpose!”
How would Bro. Lagas advise a pastor who wishes to improve his children’s ministry? “First, treat your children’s ministry department(s) like it’s a ministry and not an entertainment center for kids. I believe that God wants to be able to flow through every aspect of children’s ministry. When God is recognized and allowed to flow in our children’s ministry just like every other aspect of church, then the results are bound to go to another level.” Bro. Lagas also added, “Secondly, support your staff. Help them to be a part of workshops, conventions and training seminars. It is such a blessing to know that we are equipping, encouraging and inspiring teachers. They leave transformed and no doubt they are returning determined to save our children.
“We can have the talent, the wit, and all the greatest skits, props and fun, but if we aren’t doing it all with a passion and a burden to bring our children into the knowledge of truth and salvation then it’s all for naught. The secret lies within us, in our burden, in our passion, and in our perspective, because it is those things that can readily translate into the heart and mind of a child to receive and respond to truth.”
You can contact Bro. Lagas by calling 805-304-7231 or e-mailing him at lagasjj@gmail.com. They have a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KidzRockMinistries. Their website is www.kidzrockmin.wix.com/kidzrock.
By Susan Thomas