I’m curious as to what emerging churches, house churches… any alternative to the establisment, actually, is doing for children’s ministry?
One of the questions I get asked most frequently is, “What about the children?” Once I start talking about a structure which is not program-driven, persons thoughts go to the most programmed of all ministries in many churches: the children’s ministry.
I have some thoughts, and I definitely give answers to the question when asked. But right now, I’m interested into what you all are doing out there as far as the development of children in the Kingdom of God.
I LOVE to hear your input. We don’t have many kids at our service…in fact usually just our own two, but we have had some single moms show up sometimes with and sometimes without their kids.
We’ve talked about crossing that bridge when we get to it and I think we are getting to it.
Since we are limited on space, we’re thinking of doing something with the kids that follow the service so they learn the same types of things. They would just do it in back and include more ‘hands on’ type stuff – although were pretty hands on anyway even with the ‘big’ people.
We’ve tried to make it clear that kids are welcome and we don’t mind some noise at all. I think doing things as families regarding faith is important.
But really, we have no clue. haha.
David
January 5th, 2007
I’m serving a traditional church in Oakland, CA that is experiencing a major shift in thinking as we determine how to develop community in a postmodern world. We’re asking similar questions. While I don’t have any answers, I believe they lie in a wholistic, multi-generational context. No more segregating families at the door. We all learn together, in ways that we’re wired to learn, in contexts that fit whatever developmental stage we’re in. Prioritizing the family’s experience together is key.
John
January 5th, 2007