Religion
Children's minister returns to flock
By David Lazenby
davidl@cullmantimes.com
Robert Strane does not kid around when it comes to children’s ministry.
The 31-year-old children’s minister from Decatur who recently joined the staff of East Point Church of God said those who learn about Christianity before the age of 13 are more likely to embrace the religious belief during adulthood.
“Seventy-four percent of everyone who accepts Christ does so before they’re 13,” said Strane. “The older you get, the slimmer your chances are of accepting Christ as your savior.”
Because of this, Strane said he feels children’s ministry is “the most fertile field in the ministry.”
“Now is the time to teach our kids about God and let them know how they need to live,” said Strane. “That’s really why we’re in it — we want these kids to go to Heaven and that’s what it’s all about.”
To encourage parents to offer their children an education on faith, the church, formerly known as the Good Hope Church of God, held a week-long Vacation Bible School that kicked off each night with a bang.
“We have a big worship rally at the beginning of every night,” Strane said. The event even inspired church members to decorate the facility like a jungle in conjunction with an island theme.
The VBS classes wind down tonight with a ceremony for the children involved.
Tonight’s event, however, will not only be for children. Strane said a parents’ night event is being held at 6 p.m. at the church in conjunction with the final day of the Bible school.
The seriousness of salvation is not the only reason Strane said he was drawn to children’s ministry.
Strane, who does air-conditioning and duct work at his regular full-time job, said he believes he was made for the type of work he is doing in his part-time position at the church, and hopes it will eventually evolve into a full-time job.
“That’s where my heart is,” Strane said. “I love kids and I’ve always enjoyed being around kids. I just thought the Lord could use me at his best there.”
Church pastor Howard Leslie agreed.
“Robert is great with children. To say that he’s an asset to our church would be an understatement,” Leslie said. “He has really helped with the kids as far as growing with the Lord.”
Although his position at the church is new, Strane is no stranger to the house of worship.
“I’ve been involved in East Point Church since 1991,” said Strane.
Strane said he was led by the Lord to return to the area. “(He) brought us back to home,”
“There was a opportunity and I took it,” added Strane who has two children of his own with his wife, Lorie, five-year-old Clayton, and Anna Claire, who is 8-months old.
Leslie said he is glad to have Strane back in the fold.
“I know I’m a little biased because I’m his pastor, but I think he’s the best children’s pastor around, just because of his abilities,” Leslie said. “There’s just so much good about this guy.”
East Point Church of God is located at the corner of Alabama Highway 157 and U.S. Highway 278.
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Children's minister returns to flock
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Children's minister returns to flock
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