THE ENEMY HAS PLANS FOR YOUR CHILDREN- DO YOU?* Children’s Ministries Bridgit Gillis *Quote by George Barna

Why do kids matter? A person’s spiritual development begins at age 2, and is generally established by age 9. Absorption of biblical information and principles typically peaks during the preteen years.* …if people do not embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior before they reach their teenage years, the chance of their doing so at all is slim.* *George Barna

If there was ever a generation that needed a firm foundation in Jesus Christ, it is our children. Our nation’s children will struggle to maintain a healthy balance in life. Constantly exposed to evil, they will win the battle most of the time but never escape the sense of jeopardy… The end result of growing up in this challenging culture will be a country of adults whose standards have been lowered and whose sensitivities have been blunted. The gifts of childhood that have become or are rapidly becoming extinct include innocence, civility, patience, joy, and trust.* *George Barna

We can reshape the culture from within If we do a great job of training children to love God with all their heart, mind, strength, and soul, then we will no longer have to invest time battling over moral and spiritual issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gambling and pornography.* *George Barna

Okay, kids are important… What can we do?

Take the job seriously Recognize that it will take work.  Children’s lessons take just as long, if not longer, to prepare as adult’s lessons do.  This is not babysitting.  Find the right person for the task- not everyone is suited to teaching children. Develop a plan, even if you don’t currently have children in your group.  Who, where, when, and what are all good questions to think about.

Who should lead the kid’s group? Someone who likes kids. Someone with experience working with kids. Someone with a strong biblical foundation and moral living habits. Someone who has time to develop lessons and activities. Preferably someone who has had a background check.

Where do we find a kid’s group leader? Look within the group.  A rotation schedule might work best.  Remember- this is a group responsibility, not just the parent’s. Contact the church’s children’s coordinator for ideas.  The coordinator may know of some people who can help. Look into swapping childcare with another group.  If two groups meet at different times, this might be a good solution, allowing all members to participate at their particular time. Hire someone.  This has it’s pros and cons. Ideally, the whole group should take the responsibility of paying for a kid’s leader, but as long as the group is in agreement, whatever works for that group is fine.

Who should be in a kid’s group? Kids ages toddler to 12 should be included in a kid’s group.  Steve Lorch recommends that kids age 12 and up be included with the adults. Once a group reaches 8 kids, an additional helper will be needed to assist the leader.  This number will vary depending on individual needs.

What will the kids learn? Lesson material should mirror what the adults are learning.  This will allow families to discuss topics together.  This requires collaboration between the adult leader and the kid’s leader.  The leader will have to work to develop lessons appropriate for the ages in the group.  Visit you church’s resource office, or use the internet for ideas. In addition to the lesson, there should be hands-on crafts, games, or activities that relate to the lesson.  Kids are active learners. They understand concepts better when they are dealing with concrete items.  This takes work! It may be time-consuming to prepare for, but it is essential that kids have some sort of hands-on learning.  Visit your church’s resource office, or use the internet for ideas.

Age-Appropriate Activities Toddler- Kindergarten Grades 1-6

Common Schedule Options Children remain present with adults for part of the meeting, then break off into their own group. Children join the adults occasionally, and meet separately the other weeks. Children and adults meet separately.

Why kids need to spend time with adults The importance of role models.  Young people admit to being highly influenced by their role models and to be actively seeking more such examples, but nearly half of all preteens admit that they don’t have any role models.* Bonding within families.  A majority of parents of adolescents admit that they do not spend enough meaningful time with their young ones.* *George Barna

Shared Time with Kids and Adults in Home Groups Use the beginning of your meeting time for prayer and worship. Encourage young people to share their hearts, and as adults, share your hearts as well. You might be surprised how much you learn from one another.

Other Ideas for Including Kids Have the kids perform a puppet show or skit for the adults based on the week’s lesson. (If the adults are brave enough, they can do the same for the kids!) Use the outdoors when planning kid’s activities. Nothing accompanies a lesson on creation better than enjoying it in person! Help the kids compose a worship song or act out a Bible story, then perform it for the adults. Every so often, introduce an adult group member to the kids during their time away from the adults. Have the adult share briefly about who they are, what they do, and how they came to know Jesus.

Tips for a Kid-Friendly Atmosphere Make YOUR house the kid-friendly one!  Remember that toddlers get into everything! Prepare your house ahead of time.  Have juice and crackers or other snacks on hand.  Keep a stock of toys or coloring supplies around.  The best place for a kid’s group to meet is NOT the room with white carpet!

OVERVIEW

People are the most impressionable when they are young. This is the best time to reach them for Christ. Be serious about planning for the kids in your group. Find the right person to lead the kid’s group. Use the same topic for both adults and kids. Be hands-on! Interaction between kids and adults is important.

Sample Schedule 6:30-6:55Group prayer and worship 6:55-7:00Kids leave for their own group 7:00-7:15Bible story/object lesson 7:15-7:45Craft/activity related to lesson 7:45-8:00Snack (with discussion) 8:00-8:25Active games relating to lesson 8:25-8:30Cool down/wrap-up

Works Consulted Welcome Home by Steve Lorch Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna Practical Ministry Skills: Family-Friendly Small Groups from Christianity Today Intl. Also recommended: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Children’s Ministry Workers by Ivy Beckwith