I am 16 weeks a grandfather, and that truth has added a whole new dimension to my life. I am drawn to the children’s books in Borders. I have purchased a new box of crayons, and am on the prowl for a perfect coloring book.

Griffyn will be coming to grandpa’s and grandma’s home for Christmas, and I’m doing my part to be ready! Last night I watched Griffyn wave, and heard him coo (Brenda and I are still arguing over which of us he was waving to.) as we watched on our Internet video machinery. I do not understand how it works, but I love being able to see him and his parents right here in the study—even though they are far off in New Zealand. Griffyn is a new branch on our family tree, a branch filled with promises of future generations for our family, promises of men and women who will continue God’s ministry on Earth.

Much of my life’s ministry has been in Seventh-day Adventist schools. I have taught, principaled, driven bus, graded papers, and eaten the cafeteria’s Friday evening cinnamon rolls. Throughout that time I have watched students grow wise within the safety of Christian teachers who have been willing to love them through the rough spots. Many of those students are now elders, deacons, youth leaders, community service directors, secretaries, janitors, and pastors in Seventh-day Adventist churches around the world. They are the backbone of our congregations, dedicated leaders whose time belongs to God and whose hearts are open in service. Our children do stay in the church, IF they are accepted, respected, loved, and supported.

Churches grow best when children are born, dedicated, educated, graduated, and given jobs in the church. It’s an eye-popping challenge! But, they’re up to it, especially when the other members provide a safe place for kids to mature as persons, and as Christians.

Church growth generally comes in four ways:

1. New members are baptized.

2. New members are accepted on profession of faith.

3. Members transfer from another Seventh-day Adventist congregation.

4. Children of members accept Jesus as Savior and choose to become members.

Numbers one, two, and four increase the number of Seventh-day Adventists, and are called “Kingdom Growth.” All are good, but for me, number four is best. But then, I am a new grandpa, admiring the new limb on our church/family tree, and imagining a future when his courage and understanding will help other kids over the rough spots. Griffyn is a sixth-generation Seventh-day Adventist. That’s Kingdom Growth!

Dick Duerksen is an assistant vice president for mission development at Florida Hospital.