Church Ministries: organizations that members of a church can participate in to further the kingdom of Christ. There are hundreds to choose from! They range from choirs to orchestras, from women’s groups to singles ministries. But then -- there are puppet teams. Let me give you some background.

I've been a proud member of Kirby Woods for well over a decade now. Throughout my time there, I have been involved in several ministries; however, none of them impacted my life as much as the puppet team. That’s right, a puppet team. A group of teenagers making little felt people lip sync to Christian children’s music. Embarrassing? Maybe. Am I ashamed? Let me tell you.

You see, on paper, the idea of a puppet team may seem strange or even childish, and when I was much younger, I might have agreed, but I assure you that this couldn't be further from the truth. Through my experiences on the puppet team, I learned that God can use something as silly as a puppet to expand his kingdom and change the lives of his children. When you think about it, isn't it silly of us to assume that God can't use puppets and children's music? I mean, this is the same God who spoke through a donkey -- and more importantly, this is the same God who can speak through us.

And speak through us he does. The puppet team’s No. 1 goal is to further the kingdom by showing the love of God through our shows and our actions. This is where the most important lesson the puppet team taught me comes in. The lesson is simple: we serve for God, and not ourselves -- no exceptions. Think about it: in the end, that's why the curtains are there; that's why we use puppets -- so that no one is ever distracted by us. Our skills that God has given us for entertainment were never for our own glory, but for his alone. In our shows, what's important is not the kids behind the curtain; it's not the cool puppets and props; it's not even our fabulous director. No, what's important is our message. That's what the life of Christian should be: a life where everything we do points to the love of God.

That's why I love the puppet team and why my many years as a team member will always hold a special place in my heart. And no, I’m not ashamed in the slightest.