What can we provide that parents can't?

Seesaw with a crowd of children playingImage via Wikipedia

My Sunday School is made up entirely of children who have at least one parent who is a regular attender at our church. Some may only have one parent or a grandparent who brings them, but it is the rare time that a child comes to my programs by themselves. Even the guests that kids bring are often friends who go to another church.

It got me to thinking, "why are we in ministry to children trying to do what parents are capable of doing themselves?' Parents can teach and read bible stories, watch and discuss movies and videos with a message, and serve - all in the context of family.

During the week, howver, the majority of the children in my church go to public or secular private schools. On a day-to-day basis, they are surrounded by children, teachers and coaches from many cultures, faiths, family situations and neighborhoods. People whose worldview sometimes clashes dramatically with what they know to be God's way. They are learning to navigate the environment that is school (the second largest time period of their week), and yet the principals and guidelines they are being taught are not necessarily the ways of Christ.

What parents can't do is create a counter kid-culture that competes with the kid-culture at school. Parents can't - on an ongoing basis - provide large group games, worship time, and mission projects.

Kids need to learn how to navigate their social world with a place to practice the Christian values of love, forgiveness, teachability, humility, self control. etc. What Sunday School can offer is a more than a place where kids come to learn about God, but a place where kids can come and practice living out their faith with Christian friends in a learning and working environment. We can offer opportunities for kids to serve, worship and lead others in a context of a faith community of their peers.
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The New Year

Kanak Champa Pterospermum acerifolium in Kolka...Image via Wikipedia

For most people, the new year begins on January 1. For those of us in ministry or service to kids, the year begins in September. I associate the newness of the year with the crunch of leaves, school supplies and the new dynamics of my classrooms.

And summer is the time for dreaming and planning. As I approach this new year, I am looking to find clear spiritual pathways for growth, build bridges between generations, unite volunteers and align ministries.

The new year is coming ... are you ready??
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