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Kids are valuable members of our church family. But a key ingredient of small group ministry is adult discussion. How can we reap the benefits of deep, interpersonal Bible study in small groups while guiding the hearts of our children closer to Jesus?
There are no easy solutions. Over the years, our groups have employed a variety of strategies with varying degrees of success.
An opportunity to shepherd
It is important for group members to continually evaluate the group’s responsibility to provide spiritual guidance and opportunities for kids to grow in the Lord. Small groups can be an ideal environment for families to pray and study together. Even if your group decides to separate the kids for the meeting, work to build spiritual friendships between kids and adults.
Ever feel like you’re being watched?
Our kids watch us constantly, even when we’re not aware of it. Parents exert the single greatest influence on a child. So, it should be no surprise that when we struggle with how to include our children in our small group, our children feel the tension too.
As your group discusses how to address these issues, consider the following:
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"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My Name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome me but the One who sent Me."
Mark 9:37 (NIV)
| Consider the role your group plays in the spiritual development of the kids
· Don’t view the children as a problem to be solved; they are a gift from God
· Decisions regarding kids should be made as a group
· The interests of kids and adults should be considered
Resources
Lots of us have struggled with what to do with kids during the meeting and have enjoyed success with some ideas and failed with others. There is no magic pill, but we have found some ways to make groups worthwhile for kids and adults:
· A Kid-Friendly Activity idea is included in every LIFE Group discussion guide. These ideas are designed for elementary children but can be tailored to other ages.
· Look for material that supports child-adult spiritual interaction, such as Jim Weidmann’s Family Night series or Karyn Henley’s products.
· Talk to children's ministry leaders about curriculum for pre-school and early elementary ages. If we do not have the material you are looking for, we will help you get it.
· Talk to your LIFE group coach or other leaders to find out what has worked in other groups.
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." -- James Baldwin
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Four Options
With Pro’s (J) & Con’s (M)
Babysitting – childcare provided by members or paid sitter.
J Requires little planning
J Allows good adult discussion
M Provides little or no faith-building for children
M No mentoring or spiritual interaction with adults
Dual studies – separate studies for kids and adults.
J Allows good adult discussion
J Kids get safe & fun activities
J Kids get an opportunity to learn the faith
M Missing an opportunity for kids & adults to connect
M Requires site with at least two large rooms
M Adults have to miss meeting time (often just the women)
M Requires creativity & energy to develop kids’ lessons
Integration – adults & kids interacting spiritually.
J Kids get an opportunity to learn the faith
J Kids & adults connect in mentoring relationships
J Requires only one meeting room
M Limits material that can be discussed
Boys’ Club/Girls' Club – men care for kids one week, women the next.
J Kids get an opportunity to learn the faith
J Kids & adults connect in mentoring relationships, and not only with the moms
J Adults build friendships while they care for kids
M Requires two meeting rooms
M Adults miss Bible study every other meeting
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