Thursday, February 23, 2006 - Children's Ministry Philosophy
Okay, so I've been agonizing on what my philosophy of Children's Ministry is over the last two days (heavily) and for several months (lightly). More importantly what is God's philosophy of Children's Ministry.
Last night, hubby's two children's ministry friends and I debated for a couple of hours as I was determined to "figure" out what is "right". Yes, I was analyzing it to death.
Today, friend and I continued the conversation as I continued to seek some direction. Yes, I am seeking God on this as well.
I sat down to do my assignment for tonight's class at church (writing a mission statement for children's ministry). I struggled, because I wasn't sure if my idea of children's ministry matched up with the needs of the children in the church hubby and I will be going to this summer(which I am using to complete the assignment).
A few years ago, I truly believe God gave me vision and guidance for children's ministry in this church. This never took flight due to our moving here and other things. This vision has been resurfacing as I attempt to complete my assignments. I can't let go of the vision, yet I'm not sure it follows the direction of the church. It seems that families desire to adopt more of a "Homeschooling" approach and "Family Worship" instead of a seperate children's service during the worship service.
Anyway, it was time for me to personally take a stand on what my belief of children's ministry is in order to come up with anything. Frustrating to say the least.
I went to hubby. I am so amazed at his maturity in things like this. He told me to start pulling back and looking at the simpler picture, quit analyzing the areas that really aren't a major concern and look at children's ministry as a whole. It is a good thing.
The seperation that happens on Sunday morning is 1 hour - 2 1/2 hours out of an entire week. Is that really the cause for seperation of families? Should children learn that church is fun -- through there own age-related service, or should they learn that it is a time to be serious (perhaps it is reverance) and quiet at the appropriate times? (Sidebar: What do we teach kids about church without actually teaching them?) Is God fun? Would it be to the children's disadvantage to have a service where they were learning about God in a fun way, that they were excited about church because it was fun? So began my rethinking.
We all know how God will miraculously bring us out of our wandering. Tonight's topic in our class was everything I had been agonizing over. Without me bringing anything up, PM's teaching was over ALL of these things. Much teaching about the challenge churches face with the mixture of homeschool vs. public school families. She gave us two GREAT handouts, I expressed my personal struggle and God struck a chord with me at the very end that put all of my anxieties at ease.
It was about Vision. Then my focus became clear again. It's about the lost. He has given me a burden for the lost.
I couldn't understand why God would give me vision for a children's ministry for that church that would not reflect what the people may want. It is because "Vision is about seeing and perceiving. Vision sees beyond what is there!!!!" The vision God has given is to reach the community that has not been reached yet! There lies my passion and there lies what I see beyond what is there. The quoted sentences are from PM's handout, the rest is my interpretation of what God showed me tonight.
PM brought up Moses, the vision God gave him not for the NOW but for BEYOND. I haven't even told PM my vision or what side of the fence I was on, so she wasn't even trying to convince me one way or the other. It was all God and my agonizing is over. I know where I stand now, at least for today! :)
She also had us answer each of the following questions and then discuss:
What I believe about children
1. I believe the most cricial need of today's child is:
2. I believe the most effective way to attract today's child to God is:
3. I believe the most effective way to inspire today's child to a lifelong intimate relationship with God is:
What I believe about the family
1. I believe the most critical need of today's family is:
2. I believe today's parents are most afraid of:
3. I believe today's parents are most interested in:
4. I believe God wants to help today's family by:
5. I believe the best way to connect with today's family is through:
What I believe about the Church
1. I believe the most critical need of today's Church (universal body of believers) is:
2. I believe the most critical message that today's Church has to bring to the world is:
There are no right/wrong answers, but it is a great worksheet to complete to get your mind thinking about your own philosphy of children's ministry.
In the end, all kids/families/people need Jesus. Our philosophy MUST include "giving Jesus to families." The principles we need to teach children are the same whether homeschooled or not. Some children may be hearing repeated information on Sunday, for some it may be new. Regardless, all children (and adults for that matter) need to be taught the same principles of Jesus.
That's my musings about Children's Ministry.
Comments
Monday, April 24, 2006 - CM philosophy
Posted by dswescott
Thanks for sharing your struggle w/ us. I am a worship leader in children's ministry. I have struggled w/ many of the same issues you bring up. I enjoyed reading and pondering along with you. Thanks for posting the questions from your PM. Our vision has been set by our director, and by in large, it follows my own philosophy, but more importantly, as you expressed so well, when we search for God's philosophy on this matter, we cannot go wrong! Thanks again! Have a great day!
SebbieDue
Thursday, March 8, 2007 - Thanks
Posted by StillHisGirl
I'm going to pass on the questions you received to my husband. He was the children's minister at our (large and sometimes overwhelming) church, and has recently transitioned into Family Minstry while now overseeing the Children's Ministry. He desires to see CM not separated and segregated from the rest of family life and church life. We need to do a better job of partnering with and equipping parents to do what THEY are called to do. I'd love to hear more of your journey!
Cindy
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