1. New and Revitalizing United Methodist Congregations

2. In this PowerPoint you will find: Scriptural foundations for Ministry with Children Our commitment to Ministry with Children through our Methodist heritage Developmental support for Ministry with Children Resources available through the General Board of Discipleship

3. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!” –Matthew 18.1-7

4. Resourcing Training Theology Identity Best Practices Lay Leadership Pastoral Leadership Worship Evangelism Faith Formation Age-Level Ministries Disciple-Making Spirituality-Forming

5. GBOD resources all ministries involving children within the life of the congregational community Sunday school Vacation Bible school Nursery ministries Children’s choir and music ministries Fellowship groups Support groups Short-term study groups Children’s worship experiences Mission education experiences Intergenerational activities All weekday programs for children of all ages Book of Discipline, ¶ 256. 2

6. Jesus lived each phase of childhood. We may reason that Jesus knew “the love and comfort of parents and the fears, sorrows and joys of a child.” In this way, Jesus could be a friend to children. Robert Coles, one of the most powerful voices in the spiritual lives of children, conducted extensive research with children from all over the world. “As Coles talked with Christian children, he was impressed by how important Jesus was to them.” Children relate to Jesus because Jesus was a child.

7. John Wesley followed the teachings of Jesus, committing himself to the education and formation of children, and traditionally, the Methodist church has provided a space for children to not only learn and grow, but be an active part of the community. John Wesley set the example for us as Methodists as he began health clinics and schools for the children to learn to read and encouraged the pastors to meet with the children regularly. His call to meet the needs of people where they were stands as a marker for us today. Using our buildings that otherwise might sit empty six days a week to meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of children and their families clearly meets Mr. Wesley’s expectations.

8. Help children become aware of God’s presence Demonstrate God’s unconditional love Help children know that they can be instruments of God’s love in the world Help children discover and share their gifts Be familiar with What Every Teacher Needs to KnowWhat Every Teacher Needs to Know

9. Click here for a developmental chartClick here for a developmental chart, developed by the staff responsible for life-span ministries at the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, can be post in classrooms in your church community to remind leaders of what is happening in the lives of children. You may also want to share this with teachers during training. What do you notice in the first two columns? What resonates with you as you think about the children that you serve?

10. … and as people of faith, we are called to teach children through Scripture, Our tradition as Methodists, Our Social Principles, The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and Our concern for families. In responding to the call set before us, we will provide environments for children to be nurtured in the faith and to grow as children of God.

11. Read Child Care and the Church, The United Methodist Document On Caring for Our Children This Resolution identifiesChild Care and the Church, The United Methodist Document On Caring for Our Children NURTURE – OUTREACH – WITNESS As key components of any ministry for children What do these words mean to you? How are they lived out in the life of your congregation in ministry with children?

12. It is always important that we have the tools needed to work with children. It takes a little more planning than making sure that two unrelated adults are in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Click here for a list of RESOURCES that you will find helpful in your ministry. Click here for a list of RESOURCES Remember, children come to us with an innate sense of who God is. We are their guides as they grow into deeper relationship with God. We are here to help them "do it themselves"!

13. Click here for CURRICULUM Click here for CURRICULUM approved by the Curriculum Resources Committee of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. This committee meets yearly to identify curriculum that is aligned with United Methodist theology.

14. How are we continually looking at ways to improve communication and relationship between preschool staff members and the church education staff? What mechanisms do we have in place to bring people to the table to constructively work through issues regarding use of space? What policies do we have in place to allow ongoing communication concerning issues around space between the Children’s Minister and church committees? How do we communicate with one another so that there is more of a focus on community rather than individuality? What budget process do we have in place to adequately maintain ongoing ministries given varying economic climates? How do we set an example for children through our actions and decisions on shared space?

15. Contact the SAFE SANCTUARIES Representative for your Annual Conference, and be sure that the Safe Sanctuaries policies of your congregation are aligned with the policies set forth by your Annual Conference. http://www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries