ministry with children
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Ministry with Children . Training Model New and Revitalizing United Methodist Congregations . Welcome. Session 1. Devotion. 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; - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Ministry with Children
Training Model New and Revitalizing United Methodist Congregations
Welcome
Session 1
Devotion
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Matthew 18.1-7
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“Jesus Loves Me”
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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.
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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!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
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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.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.
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Leader: This is the day that the Lord has made!
People: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
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Leader: We serve the children that God has made!
People: We will both love and take care of them!
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Leader: We welcome children in God’s name!
People: We will not be stumbling blocks for our children.
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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.
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So, I ask you…
Who Are You? Why Are You Here?Connection Activity
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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?
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General Board of DiscipleshipGBOD 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.
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Leadership Ministries Division• Resourcing
• Training
• Theology
• Identity
• Best Practices
• Lay Leadership
• Pastoral Leadership
• Worship
• Evangelism
• Faith Formation
• Age-Level Ministries
• Disciple-Making
• Spirituality-Forming
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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
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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
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THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF CHILDREN
“Like a Child” Activity
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JESUS LIVED EACH PHASE OF CHILDHOOD
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“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!”
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John WesleyEducation and Formation of Children
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What were your formational experiences within the Church when you were a young child?
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What can we offer children that is more formational than informational?
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Helping Children Grow in their relationship with God
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Helping Children Grow in their relationship with God
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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?
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DEVELOPMENTAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
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Stages of Selfhood and Faith – James FowlerUp to Age Seven School Age
Intuitive – Projective Stage Mythical - LiteralGestures 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 valueStages of Development - Erik Erikson
Infant 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
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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
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Break
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PRESENCE OF CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY
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God’s Love
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Deuteronomy 4.10
Deuteronomy 6.6-7
Matthew 19.14
Mark 10.14
Luke 18.16
Luke 2.40b
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What do you believe God is saying through these words of scripture?
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Mr. Wesley’s Expectations
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Surround them with a
Community of Love and
Forgiveness
Childcare and the Church
The United Methodist Document On Caring for Our Children
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Childcare and the Church
• Nurture
• Outreach
• Witness
Safe Sanctuaries
The United Methodist MandateTo Protect Our Children
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Safe Sanctuaries
• Contact Your Annual Conference
• Develop a Congregational PlanImplement Strategies for the Congregation
• Train Workers
• http://www.gbod.org/safesanctuaries
Stumbling Blocks
Stumbling Block Activity
SESSION 2
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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.
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RESOURCES AND SETTINGS
Resources that Support Ministry with Children
Resource List
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Resources for those Engaged in Ministry for Children
What Every Child Should Experience:
A Guide for Leaders and Teachers in United Methodist Congregations
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Resources for those Engaged in Ministry for Children• Basics
• Staff Development Resources
• Curriculum
• Formational Resources
• Downloadable Resources
• On-Line Resources
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Choosing Curriculum
Collaboration and Connection
Collaboration Cycle Activity
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Collaboration Cycle
Decide on a Focus Area
Develop Goals
Determine How Goals Will Be Met
Work with
Collaborators
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Collaboration Cycle
Decide on a Focus Area
Develop Goals
Determine How Goals Will Be Met
Work with
Collaborators
GBOD Use for team or subject title. Change in master view
Collaboration Cycle
Decide on a Focus Area
Develop Goals
Determine How Goals Will Be Met
Work with
Collaborators
GBOD Use for team or subject title. Change in master view
Collaboration Cycle
Decide on a Focus Area
Develop Goals
Determine How Goals Will Be Met
Work with
Collaborators
GBOD Use for team or subject title. Change in master view
Collaboration Cycle
Decide on a Focus Area
Develop Goals
Determine How Goals Will Be Met
Work with
Collaborators
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REFLECTIONS AND QUESTIONS
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Evaluation What went well?
What did you learn?
What could be improved?
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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.”
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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
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Go in Peace