ministry with children training model new and revitalizing united methodist congregations

Ministry with Children

Training Model New and Revitalizing United Methodist Congregations

Welcome

Session 1

Devotion

GBOD Use for team or subject title. Change in master view

Matthew 18.1-7


“Jesus Loves Me”


Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!The Bible tells me so.


Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me! This I know

As He showed so long ago,

Took a child upon his knee,

Saying, ‘Let them come to Me.’

Yes, Jesus loves me!



The Bible tells me so.


Jesus Love Me

Jesus loves me still today,

Walking with me on my way,

Guiding me in how to give

Light and love to all who live.




The Bible tells me so.


Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made!

People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!


Leader: We serve the children that God has made!

People: We will both love and take care of them!


Leader: We welcome children in God’s name!

People: We will not be stumbling blocks for our children.


Leader: This is the children’s ministry training that gives thanks to God for children, where we covenant to meet their needs faithfully.

People: We will give thanks and covenant anew. Amen.


So, I ask you…

Who Are You? Why Are You Here?Connection Activity


Who are you? Why are you here?

You are invited to introduce yourself by sharing your name, home church, and three words that define your role in ministry with children.

You may choose to do this verbally or visually, using the paper and markers on the tables.

Who are you? Why are you here?


General Board of Discipleship

GBOD serves as a two-way conduit by providing resources and

training to annual conferences and churches and also, cultivating

contacts in, listening to and receiving the wisdom, practice, and

developed resources of annual conferences and churches; making that

available to the entire church for growth, enrichment, and ongoing

development.


Leadership Ministries Division• Resourcing

• Training

• Theology

• Identity

• Best Practices

• Lay Leadership

• Pastoral Leadership

• Worship

• Evangelism

• Faith Formation

• Age-Level Ministries

• Disciple-Making

• Spirituality-Forming


www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministryResources for 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

http://www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministry


Goals• Spiritual Lives of Children

• Developmental and Emotional Needs of Children

• Presence of Children in the Community

• Resources Available to Support Ministry with Children

• king Connections


THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF CHILDREN

“Like a Child” Activity


JESUS LIVED EACH PHASE OF CHILDHOOD


“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6“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. 7Woe 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!”


John WesleyEducation and Formation of Children


What were your formational experiences within the Church when you were a young child?


What can we offer children that is more formational than informational?


Helping Children Grow in their relationship with God


How can we help children become aware of God’s presence?

How do we demonstrate God’s unconditional love and help children know that they can be instruments of God’s love in the world?

How can we help children discover and share their gifts?


DEVELOPMENTAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS


Stages of Selfhood and Faith – James FowlerUp to Age Seven School Age

Intuitive – Projective Stage Mythical - Literal

Gestures and symbols are important, rise in the imagination, no capacity to question fantasy, negative and positive images and experiences have long-

lasting effects on faith

Sorts out real from fantasy, strong belief in justice,

importance of narrative, takes symbols of faith and beliefs at

face value

Stages of Development - Erik EriksonInfant Toddler Preschooler School Age

Trust versus

Mistrust

Autonomy versus

Shame and Doubt

Initiative versus

Guilt

IndustryVersus

Inferiority

Needs maximum comfort with minimal uncertaintyto trust himself/herself,

others, and the environment

Working to master physical environment

while maintainingself-esteem

Beginning to initiate, not imitate, activities;

developingconscience and sexual

identity

Trying to develop a sense of self-worth by refining skills;becoming more social

Most significant relationship: Primary

Caregiver

Most significant relationship: Parents

Most significant relationship: Family

Most significant relationship: School and community

Hebrews 11. 1-3

“What is Faith” Activity


What is Faith?

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see.

Development through the Life-Span

Chart


Break


PRESENCE OF CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY


God’s Love


Deuteronomy 4.10

Deuteronomy 6.6-7

Matthew 19.14

Mark 10.14

Luke 18.16

Luke 2.40b


What do you believe God is saying through these words of scripture?


Mr. Wesley’s Expectations

http://youtu.be/9Od4Cvo9NHU


Surround them with a

Community of Love and

Forgiveness

Childcare and the Church

The United Methodist Document On Caring for Our Children


Childcare and the Church

• Nurture

• Outreach

• Witness

http://gbod.org.s3.amazonaws.com/legacy/kintera-files/childrens-ministries/childcare_and_church_2008_resolution63.pdf

Safe Sanctuaries

The United Methodist MandateTo Protect Our Children


Safe Sanctuaries

• Contact Your Annual Conference

• Develop a Congregational PlanImplement Strategies for the Congregation

• Train Workers

• http://www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries

http://www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries

http://www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries

Stumbling Blocks

Stumbling Block Activity

SESSION 2


Prayer Thank you for gathering us together on this day.

Help us to learn all that is needed to serve children in your name.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.


RESOURCES AND SETTINGS

Resources that Support Ministry with Children

Resource List


Resources for those Engaged in Ministry for Children

What Every Child Should Experience:

A Guide for Leaders and Teachers in United Methodist Congregations


Resources for those Engaged in Ministry for Children

• Basics

• Staff Development Resources

• Curriculum

• Formational Resources

• Downloadable Resources

• On-Line Resources


Choosing Curriculum

Collaboration and Connection

Collaboration Cycle Activity


Collaboration Cycle

Decide on a Focus Area

Develop Goals

Determine How Goals Will Be

Met

Work with

Collaborators


REFLECTIONS AND QUESTIONS


Evaluation What went well?

What did you learn?

What could be improved?


Dismissal with BlessingLeader: In the Gospel of John, we read Jesus’ post-resurrection words to the disciples. How might they call us to new life, new hope, and a new day for ourselves and for all children? Listen! Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”


Leader: Friends, we know the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Every child is our neighbor and deserves and needs our love. Let us love the children as we love ourselves.

People: We will love God. We will love our neighbor. We will work toward a community where children know the love of God. Amen


Go in Peace

ministry with children training model new and revitalizing united methodist congregations

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