What is essential for children's ministry?

[Ali Campbell]

There is a difference between what we "do" in children's ministry and the attitude or way that we do it. There are some abiding principles, though techniques, resources, fads come and go. Craig Jutila wrote, "Leadership Essentials for Children's Ministry" a while ago now, but I still haven't found a better description of what really matters . . .

Passion - we need to be passionate about what we are doing, who we are doing it for and why.

Attitude - we need the right attitude towards the children and the work with them.

Teamwork - we need to build and sustain teams that actually work together (rather than an eclectic bunch of competing egos).

Honour - we need to honour Jesus, each other and the children . . .

I would add one to Craig's list, it doesn't fit nicely into a one word thing - or help with p.a.t.h. (which, if you haven't noticed is what the four words above spell out), it is simply this - we need to not get in the way of the children meeting with Jesus. Our stuff can get in the way. What we believe is right can get in the way. Our churchmanship can get in the way. Our responsibility to teach can get in the way. Our demands and expectations can get in the way. Did Jesus' disciples prepare the children before they came to him? Are we wanting our children to become like Jesus - or become like us? What would be better for them?

[Kay Morgan-Gurr]

Well said Ali! Totally agree with you. Especially with our "stuff" getting in the way. A friend of mine said yesterday "Too many people have had their minds screwed up by Bible teachers who claim to know it all." He was refering to preconceived ideas on prayer. Our firmly held beliefs can often get in the way of the Spirits leading. So yes - lets pack our "stuff" out of the way and let the spirit do His work.
God bless you in what you are doing.
Kay

[Alan Charter]

This is a really important one for us all in children's (or any!) ministry - thanks Ali. The one I have found most helpful (and wish I'd written!) is 'Perspectives on children and the gospel' by Ron Buckland (sub-headed 'Excellence in ministry with children and their families', published by SU in Australia, 2001).
Ron helpfully pulls together some of the core issues, together with 20 principles that lead to excellence. Including the need to nurture our own walk with Christ and our dependency on the Holy Spirit.
Yes some of it leans into what we do, but more from an assessment of what values do we hold to and how do they shape what we do.
You are right about how our 'stuff' can get in the way. Perhaps at the beginning of a new year it is a good time for any of us to reflect a little on what we think our values are; how they shape what we do and what might need giving back to God afresh in order to reflect a dependency upon him rather than our own ability...

I'm at the head of the queue!

[Ali Campbell]

I was at a church last year (I can't name them . . . somewhere in Sussex) and the vicar won't, under any circumstances, allow children to clap in his church - his perspective is paramount, all must conform. This isn't about the gospel or a theological position he holds . . . I meet more nonsense that has NO basis in the tenants of our faith than I bump into crazy, off the wall teaching - and yet some of these things seem to be held onto as dearly as the eucharist or the physical resurrection of Jesus. Right now, as we start 2008, I am more focused on how we might not LOOSE those children we already have in the church than how we might REACH those beyond the church . . . it is both / and - but, if we reach kids and they come to church or get involved in a midweek club and they start getting excited about Jesus . . . and also see just as many kids leaving . . . what does that say about our discipleship stuff?

[Hannah Edmunds]

Yes and have to echo the comments above about 'stuff' getting in the way!! The line ' it is not about me it is about you' comes to mind. I also get really frustrated at some churches/Christians always referring to children's ministry asbuilding up future leaders - yes this is correct but they are also so important NOW - children can offer us so much and learn so much that can be applicable in their lives in the now as well as in the future.