A "Leader Lesson" from Christopher L. Frank, or "Frank Frank" as we all know him.

 I remember moving to Austin about a year and a half ago trying to figure out what life would be like, and what ministry would look like, now that I was away from college.

I had just spent the past five years heavily involved with Campus Crusade for Christ (including the final year on staff with Cru). I loved it, every minute of it. God grew me a ton, too. But there was something about college ministry that seemed so yesterday - so 2008 - and I felt it was time for a change.

I had originally wanted to be involved with the film team here at the Stone. I had heard a sermon where we were encouraged to ‘get in the fight', and I knew it was time for me to step up and start serving. The film team seemed like a great fit, considering I wanted to be a screenwriter.

I was all set to get plugged in with the team, but a few extenuating circumstances arose. For a time, I was in limbo. Maybe I would do it, maybe I wouldn't.

Until, I had the opportunity to volunteer with KidStuff.
I can recall it like it was yesterday. In reality, it was last March, though it in no way seems that long ago.

After exchanging some emails with Becca Harris and a few other staff, I met with John Murchison to discuss my involvement. About an hour after we began to speak, I was slated to shadow another leader that upcoming Sunday.

And that would be when my life really began to change...I never really had much experience with kids. I'm an only child, so I never had the joy of siblings, and my extended family isn't too big either, so I never had that. And if I'm honest, I kinda hated kids growing up, especially young ones. I mean, all they did was like, cry, and eat, and make a mess, and they got all the attention. When I did that, people just told me to grow up. I thought it was a raw deal.

I had no clue what was going on that first week. It seemed like it was a pretty fun place to be, and the people seemed to love Jesus and be real. It was different from what I had envisioned a kid's ministry would be. Although there was much unknown, something drew me in.

Not to mention, there was something about the children. I kinda forgot how small kids are. I'm almost twenty years older than some of these kids, and I'm twice their size. That never happens! It was kinda cool.

But oh, let me tell you about this past year. There is something unique about children's ministry that I have witnessed. The thing about children is that they still have this sense of wonder and innocence, and they don't worry about things like rent, and bills, and who they are going to marry. And they play - oh my gosh, do they play! - and they invite you in to their world of play. And it's awesome.

Sunday nights are definitely one of my favorite times of the week. Week after week, I see kids step into class, somewhat tired, and usually there is a game of some sort going on. Within minutes, you see their excitement level go through the roof. I love that part.

And we're very blessed to be in a ministry that desires to point children to the Gospel, to the Cross of Jesus Christ. These things we are teaching the children aren't simply ‘do this, do that, don't do that, and God will love you'. No, we're teaching these kids the Gospel. And we're teaching ourselves the Gospel.

The thing about children that people don't always understand is that they are the future. They are the ones who God is going to use to bring redemption to this city. They are the ones who God is going to use to break down walls in high schools and colleges. They are the ones on the front lines of the under-12 soccer field. They are some of the greatest missionaries we as a church have to offer.

I look at my role as a leader as a very serious one. I love these guys like I would a younger brother, because that's what they are to me. I can see that one of the greatest impacts I could ever leave, one of the greatest ways I could spend my life, is pouring into these children. I imagine ten years down the road, when these guys are thinking about what college they are going to go to, what girl they may want to date, how they should spend their summers, and I hope that I am one of the guys they would ask for advice. I look forward to that day.

There's so much more to say about my time with KidStuff. It's a joy, it's amazing, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. It may be the best.

And the thing is, not everyone is called to this. Sure, I get that. But too many of us are afraid that we don't know what we're doing. The thing is, it's not about us.

So I'm not going to make some elaborate pitch to join KidStuff. If you feel the Lord may be leading you here, then come. If you know for sure He's not, then don't. If you're not sure, then come, and come, and come back, until He either says yes or says no. We'd love to have you, and I'm sure you'd love to be here.

For more of my story, email me at christopherl.frank@gmail.com. I'd love to share more.

For His Glory,
Christopher L. Frank

"Frank Frank" serves at a small group leader at the 5pm service at Austin High School.