Ministry with Children - District Leadership Training

United Methodist Ministry with Children District Leadership Training - GBOD

©2012 by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. Permission is granted for use of training in UM congregations, districts, and annual conferences. For any other use, please contact

[email protected]

Ministry with Children

District Leadership Training

3-Hour Workshop Model

Developed by:

Melanie C. Gordon

Director, Ministry with Children

General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

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

Email Address: [email protected]

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

mailto:[email protected]



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Contents

Welcome and Devotion Page 3

Get Acquainted Page 5

What is GBOD Page 6

Workshop Goals Page 7

Spiritual Lives of Children Page 8

Developmental and Emotional Needs of Children Page 10

The Presence of Children in the Community Page 12

Resources that Support Ministry with Children Page 14

Workshop Evaluation Page 19

Closing Prayer 0

Workshop Resources and Supplies Page 21

ALL of these, and additional resources can be found at

ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com

This Training Model was designed for flexibility. Use the

printed portion only, use the PowerPoint only, or use them

together. Use the handouts, or use the web links. You may

have a devotion that suits your context better. You may

have an expert in child development in your district or

congregation. The most important thing is that participants

leave the training with a basic understanding of faith

formation of children.

Peace, melanie



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Welcome and Devotion

[SAY]

Welcome to our district Ministry with Children Leadership Training.

During the next few hours we will learn more about the developmental,

spiritual, and emotional needs of the children we serve. Our time will be

a combination of discussion, sharing, and exploration. Before we begin,

let’s take care of housekeeping. You will want to advise people of where

to find restrooms, refreshments, and let them know that it is okay to get

up and stretch or go to the restroom at any time, but there will be a break

halfway through the training.

[SAY]

Let us begin by a reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18,

verses 1-7.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest

in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them,

and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children,

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble

like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever

welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “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. Woe 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!”

Song - “Jesus Loves Me”

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!



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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.

[SAY]

During the course of a visit to a preschool in one of our United

Methodist churches, a volunteer observed and chatted with three-to-

five-year-olds who only wanted to know two things about him – Who

are you? Why are you here? Once they were satisfied with his answers,

they either went about their business or shared with him descriptions

of what they were doing. He began thinking about their two questions;

simple, but profound questions from people so young. These questions

are critical, not only in our journey through life, but for those of us who

work in children’s ministries it is important for us to know who we are

and why we do what we do. What is our identity as Christians? Why do

we teach children? By knowing the answers, the children that we serve

will be better equipped to answer these questions for themselves as

they transition from child to youth to adult. So I ask you… Who are

you? Why are you here?

Let us pray: O God, we come to hear your word today with ears

distracted by wiggles and giggles, minds trapped by tensions and to-do

lists, and hearts dulled by habit. By your Spirit, sharpen our ears to

catch your word to us this day. Open our minds to grasp your truth.

Quicken our hearts to respond to your message to us that together we

may create the world you intend for your beloved children. Amen.



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Get Acquainted

Introduce yourself with your name, your home church, your role in the

church, and your commitment to children’s ministries.

[SAY]

I have been invited to lead this 3-hour workshop on ministries with

children. I hope that this will be a time that we will learn from one

another while making and renewing connections with one another. In

true children’s ministry fashion, we will introduce ourselves creatively.

Choose one of the two following ways for people to introduce themselves.

Allow about 2 minutes for the traditional model and 6 minutes for the

creative model for preparation. Use a bell or a clap to bring participants

back to the whole group.

Traditional Creative

[SAY]

I invite you to introduce yourself

by sharing your name and 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?

[SAY]

Choose a partner that you do not

know. Share your name, your

church, and three words to

describe yourselves. Create a rap,

a poem, or a song to introduce the

two of you to the group. Who are

you? Why are you here?



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[SAY]

What is GBOD?

The General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church or

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.

The Leadership Ministries Division of GBOD offers online and print

resources for congregational and conference leader development,

resources for lay and pastoral leadership in the areas of worship,

evangelism, age-level ministries, faith formation, and leadership.

[SAY]

For further information on how the GBOD may serve you, please visit

their website at www.gbod.org

http://www.gbod.org/



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Goals of the Workshop

For this part of the workshop, you may choose to use chart paper, a white

board, or you may want to make a PowerPoint.

The hope is that at the end of this workshop you will gain a better

understanding of:

the spiritual lives of children

the developmental and emotional needs of children

the presence of children in the community

resources available to support ministry with children



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The Spiritual Lives of Children

On your tables you will find Post-It notes. Please take one and write on

it ONE characteristic of a child. Allow 30 seconds, and then ask them to

place the post-it on a board or wall on which you have written “Like a

Child”. Read them to the group, and then ask if they have any additional

words as they think about the opening scripture.

[SAY]

“Jesus lived each phase of childhood.” We may reason that Jesus knew

“the love and comfort of parents and the fears, sorrows and joys of a

child.” In this way, Jesus could be a friend to children. Robert Coles, one

of the most powerful voices in the spiritual lives of children, conducted

extensive research with children from all over the world. “As Coles

talked with Christian children, he was impressed by how important

Jesus was to them. We know from Jesus’ response to the disciples that

children come to us with an innate sense of who God is. John Wesley

was also committed to the education and formation of children, and

traditionally, the Methodist church has provided a space for children to

not only learn and grow, but be an active part of the community.

But, let’s look at our own formational experiences within the church

when we were young children. What do you remember?

Allow about 5-7 minutes for this part. Record the responses on chart

paper. You will use this to compare it to how we minister to children

today. You will likely hear many comments that point to “informational”

teaching.



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[SAY]

How do we turn this around so that what we offer children is

formational rather than informational? Listen for things like praying with

children, offering opportunities for worship, modeling justice and service.

This should spark some conversation about what is happening in different

church communities. Chart those comments also.

[SAY]

The children that we serve today are born surrounded by more

technological advances than many of us could have ever imagined. We

have become very good at informing children, but how are we on

formation? Let’s take a look at this short video that offers some

questions helpful about how we faithfully form children. If you do not

have the capacity to link to the video via the internet, watch it beforehand

and summarize the questions. The video is about 3 minutes.

Following the video

[SAY]

How do we help children grow in their relationship with God? Take

about 5 minutes. Gather into groups of three or four and talk about

ways that we can do this without the assistance of anything that plugs

into a wall. We will share as a group. When you bring them back

together as a group, ask each of the smaller groups to share one or two of

their ideas. Let the participants know that you will be sharing resources

like The Way of the Child in the last segment of the workshop.



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Developmental and Emotional Needs of Children

Young children fall into what James Fowler, a noted theologian and

expert in human development, the Intuitive-Projective category in the

area of faith development. And they experience three different social

and emotional stages according to noted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson.

Use the chart below to discuss the stages. Offer examples of behavior, and

ask for examples from participants. Ask participants if anything “pops

out” at them. You may want to make this chart into a PowerPoint slide.

[SAY]

We are now going to do an activity that you can do with children, called

“Symbols of Faith” from Jolene Roehlkepartain’s excellent book, 101

Games for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: Active, Bible-Based Fun for

Christian Education. Let’s play. On your tables you will find photos or

illustrations of religious symbols [for example: cross, Bible, star, ark,

sheep, candle]. Choose one while _______ reads Hebrews 11.1-3 from a

children’s bible. Look around the room, find the real object that

matches the picture that you are holding.

Take a few moments to acknowledge that everyone has found their

symbol

[SAY]

These are all symbols of our faith. The Bible says it’s important that we

grow in our faith.

Ask them to be seated.



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[SAY]

If you were doing this with young children, you would hand one card to

a child and say, “This is a picture of a cross. Can you find the real cross

in this room?” Allow time for the child to look around the room, and

then go stand next to the cross and tell everyone what it is. Let

everyone have an opportunity to participate. End the activity by saying,

“These are all symbols of our faith. The Bible says it’s important that we

grow in our faith.”

Let’s look at a chart developed by the staff responsible for life-span

ministries at the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist

Church.

Distribute the Developmental Through the Life-Span Chart. You may also

provide several, and ask the participants to download the pdf when they

return home.

[SAY]

This is a chart that you can post in classrooms in your church

community to remind leaders of what is happening in the lives of

children. You may also want to share this with teachers during training.

What do you notice in the first two columns? What resonates with you?

Allow time for brief responses, and then take a 15 minute break. During

the break, leave the following texts from scripture at the seats of those

willing to read when prompted. Deuteronomy 4:10; 6:6-7; Matthew 19:14;

Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; Luke 2:40b

[BREAK]



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The Presence of Children in the Community

Read Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

[SAY]

For children, how do you think this book might help them think about

God’s love?

Allow for answers and short discussion.

[SAY]

As people of faith, we are called to teach children through scripture, our

tradition as Methodists, the Social Principles, the ritual of baptism, and

our concern for families. In responding to the call set before us, we will

provide environments for children to be nurtured in the faith and to

grow as children of God.

Call on those who were given scripture to read to share with the group on

cue. Ask participants to listen for what they believe God is saying through

these words of scripture.

[SAY]

Some of you were given scripture to share with group. As you are able,

please stand and read as I call on you.

Scripture tells us to teach children the words of God as in Deuteronomy

4:10 and 6:6-7

Not to prevent them from discovering Jesus as we see in three of the

Gospels - Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; and Luke 18:16

We can also help children to grow as Jesus grew as in Luke 2:40

Allow a few minutes for people to respond to the question posed before the

scripture readings.



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[SAY]

John Wesley set the example for us as Methodists as he began health

clinics and schools for the children to learn to read and encouraged the

pastors to meet with the children regularly. His call to meet the needs of

people where they were stands as a marker for us today. Using our

buildings that otherwise might sit empty six days a week to meet the

physical, mental, and emotional needs of children and their families

clearly meets Mr. Wesley’s expectations.

We promise “We will surround these persons with a community of love

and forgiveness that they may grow in their service to others . . .” (The

United Methodist Hymnal, page 40). In recognition of this promise and in

response to the sacredness of all children as set forth in scripture,

through the teachings of John Wesley, and in our Social Principles, our

vision for child care must include a vision of services available to all

families on an equitable basis. Through the particular ministry of child

care, we extend the nurturing ministry of the church and proclaim

justice to children, families, and communities.

What I would like for us to do now is to work in groups of three or four.

Take a piece of chart paper and a marker, and talk about practical ways

to involve children in the life of the church outside of the nursery.

Decide on three to five ideas and chart them. Then, write out the

possible stumbling blocks and how to move those blocks out of the way.

Allow about 10-12 minutes for this. As groups finish, give them the list of

resources that you will be discussing in the next segment of the workshop.

At the end of the 10-12 minutes, ask the groups to share, and put their

chart paper on the wall. Follow up with assuring words about their

responses.



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Resources That Support Ministry with Children

[SAY]

So, what are the “tools of the trade”? What do we need in order to equip

us to serve as guides for children? I would like to turn your attention to

the resource list that was distributed a few minutes ago. You can also

find this on-line through the Children’s Ministry site at the General

Board of Discipleship.

The suggestion here is to download the list and become familiar with

some of the resources. Most of them have detailed descriptions. If you can

have them on hand for participants to explore in groups, that would be

quite helpful.

If you have the ability to connect to the internet, sharing the internet sites

would also be helpful.

[SAY]

It is always important that we have the tools needed to work with

children. It takes a little more effort than making sure that two

unrelated adults are in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Here is a list of

resources that you will find helpful. Remember, children come to us

with an innate sense of who God is. We are their guides as they grow

into deeper relationship with God. We are here to help them "do it

themselves"!



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ALL of these, and additional resource s can be found at

ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com

Staff Development Resources

GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN

What Every Child Should Experience: A Guide for Teachers and Leaders in United

Methodist Congregations - This resource contains a comprehensive guide to

scripture significant for children as they develop cognitively and theologically. It is

meant to closely follow the three-year lectionary cycle. This resource also contains

a chart of what children need and understand developmentally around the beliefs

and concepts of God, Worship, The Bible, Home and Family, Everyday Life,

Community and Wesleyan Heritage.

Childcare and the Church– This is the official document of the United Methodist

Church that outlines the church’s responsibilities in initiating, encouraging, and

participating in the highest quality of child care for children and families, not only in

the local community but also nationwide.

Safe Sanctuaries – Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth -

Practical guidance is provided in developing and implementing a substantive,

holistic action plan of abuse prevention. Available through Upper Room Books

The United Methodist Task Force on Disabilities Ministries – Resources, support, and

guidance on actively including people with disabilities in the life of the church.

“Some people came in, carrying a paralyzed man in a chair. They wanted to bring

him to Jesus, but they were not able to find a way in because of the crowd. So they

went up onto the roof and let him and his chair down through it! — Luke 5:18

Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation: Children’s Ministries- This booklet

concentrates of the basics of ministry that help children grow in faith. It is the

beginning point for organizing for ministry and is designed to help congregations

use their own gifts to respond to God’s call to care for the children, on Sunday

morning, through the week and for special events.

https://ministrywithchildren.wordpress.com/

http://www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministry/resource/what-every-child-should-experience-in-um-congregations

http://www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/childrens-ministry/resource/what-every-child-should-experience-in-um-congregations

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

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-16521.htm

http://www.umdisabilityministries.org/2000.html

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1119578



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Job Descriptions and Leadership Training in the United Methodist Church – A Leader

Development Guide 2013 – 2016 – In this guide, each job description includes: Result

Expected, Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications Helpful for this Position, Responsibilities,

Support to Expect from the Congregation, Getting Started, People and Agencies That

Can Help, and Resources for Help. In addition to individual positions within

congregational life, the book explores biblical roots and dimensions of leader

development. It includes new thinking based on field research and training leaders

in a variety of settings.

BOOKS AND E-NEWSLETTERS FOR UNDERSTANDING MINISTRY WITH

CHILDREN

The Children’s Minister- Children yearn to be noticed and recognized as individuals

who have an important place in the church. Remember the vow the congregation

takes at a baptism or dedication of a child? The church declares a commitment to be

a part of the lives of the children in their midst. Senior pastors, church staff and

volunteers, children’s pastors — all will find a treasure trove of tested guidelines to

help you effectively offer the presence of Christ to children. Available through Upper

Room Books

Real Kids, Real Faith – Practices for Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives – Drawn from

a three-year study of children’s spirituality, as well as the best in theological

tradition and literature, Real Kids, Real Faith provides insight and a variety of helpful

tips for nurturing children’s spiritual and religious formation. In addition to its

wealth of practical advice on how to engage children in authentic faith practice, Real

Kids, Real Faith helps parents identify their own important role in a child’s

deepening life of faith. This book forges a path for a child’s spiritual life and invites

parents to share the journey. Available through cokesbury.com

Ministry with Children E-Newsletter– This free e-newsletter provides information,

and a Christian perspective on current issues facing our children, and is made

possible by World Service Giving.

CURRICULUM AND FORMATIONAL RESOURCES

United Methodist Curriculum Resources Committee – This site offers curriculum

approved by the Curriculum Resources Committee (CRC) of the United Methodist

General Board of Discipleship for use in the Christian education ministry of The

United Methodist Church.




http://www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/ministry-with-children-newsletter

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?id=206&pageid=848



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The Way of the Child - The Way of the Child is a formative study for children ages six

through eleven that recognizes that children have an innate spirituality with a

natural acceptance of mystery, an amazing capacity for awe, a vital imagination, a

longing to be their unique selves, and an ability to be open to and receive God’s love.

Available through Upper Room Books

Godly Play - Teaches young children the art of using religious language – parable,

sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of

the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.

Children Worship and Wonder - Young Children and Worship is a program

curriculum that presents a joyful way for children to worship God. It invites children

and adults to experience the wonder and mystery of God through a unique

storytelling format and multi-sensory materials. Since the sacraments differ from

those of the United Methodist Church, you will need to rewrite these lessons as is

appropriate.

Pockets Magazine - Pockets is the devotional magazine that helps children ages six

through eleven learn more about God by encouraging them to read the Bible,

practice spiritual disciplines, act compassionately, and exercise their creativity. This

magazine also includes an on-line component. Available through Upper Room Books

The Little Christian Magazine - The stories in this magazine are meant to be read by

or with children, so the text is simple or rhymed. The art is vivid, bold and engaging.

The stories are faith-based, so you’ll be helping to nurture a child’s spiritual

awareness from a young age. In addition to stories, it contains prayers, songs,

Christian biographies, activities, rituals and more to help children become aware of

God’s presence and activity in and around them. Available through the Evangelical

Lutheran Church of America

TRAINING, FORUMS, AND EDUCATIONAL AND FORMATIONAL RESOURCES

General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church Resources, training, and

support for leaders of children’s ministries

United Methodist Conference on Ministry with Children (Formerly FOCUS) Bi-Annual

National Conference for those engaged in ministry with children. Offers cutting-

edge workshops, certification classes, and experiences applicable in different

ministry contexts.

http://companions.upperroom.org/children

http://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/newsite/Main.php

http://www.childrenandworship.org/

http://pockets.upperroom.org/

http://www.thelittlechristian.org/littlechristian/


http://www.gbod.org/minister-to-people/conference-on-ministry-with-children



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UMC Ministry with Children Forum and Group Teachers and Leaders in United

Methodist congregations sharing resources, information, and ideas daily!

First Steps Spirituality Center The Certification Course is designed by Rev. Leanne

Hadley, using the skills and techniques used at First Steps with hurting children and

teens

National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] Annual training

for educators of young children, ongoing professional development, online

community forums

Association for Childhood Education International [ACEI] Annual Training for

educators of young children; radio/internet accessible lectures and discussions

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/108689069185062/

http://www.1ststeps.net/Events/tabid/618/Default.aspx

http://www.naeyc.org/ecp

http://www.acei.org/programs-events/programs-events.html



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Evaluation of Workshop

On a sheet of chart paper or on the board, record class responses to the

following three evaluation questions concerning today’s workshop.

What went well?

What did you learn?

What could be improved?

Thank participants for attending the workshop and indicate your

willingness to help them with special concerns with their faith

community’s ministry with children.



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Closing Prayer

Leader: 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.”

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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The district leadership training model for ministry with children was designed by:

Melanie C. Gordon

Director, Ministry with Children

General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

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

Email Address: [email protected]

Workshop Resources:

Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Development and the Quest for Meaning by James

Fowler http://www.amazon.com

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Development

http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm

The Way of the Child Introduction Video

http://www.companionsinchrist.org/WOC/index.html

Click on Introduction to The Way of the Child

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney http://www.amazon.com

Supplies:

Chart Paper

Markers

Pens

Copy Paper

Post-It Notes

Symbols of Our Faith

Photos/Illustrations of Symbols of Our Faith

Bibles


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm

http://www.companionsinchrist.org/WOC/index.html

http://www.amazon.com/

Ministry with Children - District Leadership Training

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Transcript of Ministry with Children - District Leadership Training