Newsletter 29

Contents.

What do children believe?
Blessings from children.
Teaching tip 17 - Ideas for teaching about Zacchaeus.
The Five Foundations of Children's Ministry.
Newsletter Contents (1 - 29).



Welcome to my last Newsletter for 2004. I had not intended to write another one this year as the run up to Christmas is usually a busy time for me. However, my bookings for churches and schools have been fewer than usual this time (I think I will have to do a little advertising early next year), leaving me with more time for writing. I often include my puppet play "What is Christmas all about? (Newsletter 6) as part of my Christmas programme. Interestingly, although I have not had the opportunity of personally presenting the skit at many venues this year, I have had numerous emails recently from people in many different countries saying that they are going to perform this play as part of their Christmas celebrations - for which I give thanks to God.

I would like to thank all those of you who responded to Newsletter 28. The subject "How God speaks to us" certainly seems to have created a lot of interest. It is always good to receive your feedback, although I don't always have the time to respond to it all.

Just a reminder that all my Newsletters are now viewable on http://mauricesweetsur.blogspot.com/ To enable you to find what you are looking for more easily, I have now placed the 'Contents' at the beginning of each Newsletter. This means that you will not have to read through all my (now outdated) Introductions before finding out what is in each Newsletter. Also, I have attached an up to date complete 'Contents' section at the end of the present Newsletter.

Wishing all my fellow Children's ministers a very happy and blessed Christmas.

You can request to receive all my Newsletters as they are written by emailing me at mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz

Maurice Sweetsur


What do children believe?

The short answer to that is anything and everything! One of the greatest benefits of teaching children is that they are generally very open and responsive to whatever you tell them. However, this is also one of the greatest difficulties. If children are open to you as their Bible teacher, they will also be open to other people. I am becoming increasingly aware that a child may gladly believe all they are taught about the Bible, but at the same time also believe in such things as evolution, reincarnation, horoscopes, talking to the dead, ghosts, aliens etc. To put it simply, they usually lack discernment. They don't seem to realise that you can't believe the Bible and all the strange ideas that they are exposed to. It is often said that we should always have an open mind. That is true, but an open mind, without discernment, is likely to have all kinds of rubbish thrown into it!


One story that I enjoy teaching children is about David and Goliath (See my Newsletter 17 for some teaching tips). In connection with this, I usually teach 1 Peter 5 v. 7 - "Throw all your worries on him, because he cares for you." I explain that there are many "giants" or worries that people have in their lives, e.g. another person who is giving them a hard time, a bad habit, or a fear (e.g. of the dark, nightmares, flying, dying, snakes, spiders, dogs etc.). I get the children to write out the names of their giant(s) on a piece of paper. Then, as I lead them in prayer, at the appropriate time, I get them to crumple up their papers (giants) and throw them on Jesus - imagining Him to be standing at the front of the class. I conclude by emphasising that because Jesus now has their giants, they have them no more.

When the lesson is over, I pick up the papers listing the ex giants to see what they were as this often gives me an idea of what the children believe in. As you can imagine, the list of giants for any one class is usually long and varied. However I discovered that the most common giant is a fear of dying - a somewhat surprising find, considering we are talking about young children. Some giants are unusual (e.g. fear of being abducted by aliens) or upsetting (fear of a hiding from my Father). However, the most disturbing one I came across just a few weeks ago. This was written by an eight year old child who had been receiving regular Bible teaching for at least two years. The child wrote "My friend can tell the future, and he says that I will die before I am 25 years old." I can hardly imagine what trauma the acceptance of that false belief must have had upon that child.

Most of my readers will have the privilege of teaching children mainly from Christian homes, where what you teach is re-enforced at home and vice-versa. However many of us in New Zealand and Australia in particular teach children in state primary schools. Our children come from a variety of backgrounds and are often exposed to many strange ideas that contradict God's Word. The question then is, how can we best counteract this?

The ultimate solution is to get them saved, for if they are truly born again they will receive the 'Spirit of truth' and should automatically be able to recognise false ideas when they hear them. (See 1. Corinthians 2.14). Unfortunately, we are not permitted to 'make appeals' in state schools. In these circumstances there are two other things we can do:-

1. Encourage the children to always use their minds and think for themselves. Teach the children not to accept any statement as true, simply because someone says it is - even if that person is their Bible teacher! Often, if we really examine a belief, the inconsistencies and falsehoods soon become apparent.

2. Emphasise the importance of the Bible. State that Christians believe the Bible is God's Word, and therefore what the Bible says, God says. If a particular belief or idea clearly contradicts what the Bible says, it should be rejected. Ultimately it comes down to who we choose to believe. Do we believe God who was there at the beginning of time, knows everything, is never wrong and cannot lie, or do we believe people who were not there at the beginning, only know a tiny fraction of all there is to know, are often wrong and sometimes lie? I choose to believe God!


Blessings from children.

As 'Bible' teachers, I am sure we all go into our classes with the intention of blessing the children by sharing God's love with them. However, many times we are the ones that are blessed by what a child may say or do. Here are a few examples of my own experiences, which I am sharing in the hope that they may encourage you to keep on "sowing the seed."

1. I was recently passing a teenager in the street (he looked about 15 or 16). He stopped and said "I remember you. You used to teach 'Bible' at Drury school." I agreed that I did, and he replied "You used to teach us lots of tricks." Rather disappointed, I asked if that was all he remembered. He replied "Oh no. It is because of those Bible lessons that I now go to church."

2. Another former pupil (an eight-year-old girl) came up to me to say " Yesterday, I asked my mum if I could become a Christian. She said 'Yes', so I did - I asked Jesus into my heart."

3. Last Sunday my church had a "Christmas in the Park" outreach. At the end of the event a seventeen-year-old girl came up and introduced herself to me as one of my former pupils (back in 1997), saying that she still remembered much of what I had taught her. I asked her why she had come along to "Christmas in the Park". She replied "Because it is my church that has put the event on, and I am one of the ushers!" It transpires that she has been a regular at my church for two years, but because we usually go to different morning services we had not met up before!

Instances like these remind me of Ecclesiastes 11. 6 "Sow your seed in the morning and in the evening, for you do not know which will grow. Perhaps it all will."

I get many wonderful letters and cards from children at the end of each school year, but largely because their class teachers have instructed them to write to me! However, the following are extracts from letters from parents and children that were written without compulsion. The first two were from (non-churchgoing) parents.

1. "Thank you for all the effort, time and love that you have put into Bible in Schools whilst teaching Amanda-Sheri. She has continually come home with only special words of you and your teachings of the good Lord. You have made an impact on this young girl."

2. "Thank you for taking Jona for R.E. He has certainly enjoyed your lessons, and has a positive attitude because of them."

3. "You made 'Bible' so interesting, funny and enjoyable. Learning about Jesus and God was a lot of fun. Now this year you teach my brother, and he always comes home and tells us what you have taught him. I enjoy listening to him to see what you have been getting up to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ." Olivia (aged 13).

4. "I really enjoy your tricks and Memory verses. They are a lot of fun. When I got home I forgave my sister, and now we seem to be getting along a lot better. I pray for my family and other people like you, and for people who are sick." Danielle (aged 10).

5. "Thank you so much for taking Room 3 for Bible on Thursdays. I really appreciate it, and I think the others do as well. I think your stories about God are really good. At the start of the week everyone says "I can't wait until Thursday", or else they say "Is it Thursday yet?"." Amanda (aged 8).

6. "Please come back next year. If you hadn't come this year, most of us wouldn't know how much fun 'Bible' can be." Breanna (aged 9).

7. "Thank you for all you teach in 'Bible'. The Memory verses are my favourite thing - because I always get them right." Samantha (aged 7).

Finally, here is an extract from a letter I received from one of my class teachers at a state primary school.

"Thank you very much for coming and sharing the gospel with my class. It is wonderful to see them so enthusiastic about 'Bible' each week, and to hear the conversations it sparks later on."

Only eternity will fully reveal the effect each of your ministries are having on today's children. What a joy it will be to meet up again with those we have helped on their way into the Kingdom.


Teaching tip 17. Ideas for teaching about Zacchaeus.

The well known story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19. 1-11). is useful for teaching a number of Biblical truths. Here are a few ideas.

1. Why was Zacchaeus a cheat? The Bible doesn't say, but it does give us a clue. He was very small (verse 3). You could speculate that Zacchaeus' stature caused him to have a tough time at school - e.g. name calling, bullying, not being allowed to join in games etc. This could well have caused Zacchaeus to become bitter, and have a desire to 'get even' when the chance arose through his tax collecting job. Relate this to problems some of your children may be having because they are 'different'.

2. Jesus knew Zacchaeus' name even though he had never met him before. Jesus probably knew everything about Zacchaeus - that he was a cheat, why he was a cheat, but most importantly what he could become if he allowed God to change him on the inside. This reminds us that our God knows everything. Here is a simple illustration you could use to teach that truth :-

Take four pieces (you could use more if you wish) of differently coloured cardboard - e.g. yellow, red, blue and green. On the back of the yellow card write "You will pick up the yellow card." Write on three small pieces of paper "You will pick up the red card ----------------- blue card. ------------------green card." Place these papers out of sight, but in easily accessible positions e.g. inside a plain envelope which is in full view of the class, inside the front cover of your Bible, etc.

Place the four coloured cards in full view of the class, and ask for a volunteer to come and pick up one of the cards - stating that you know beforehand which one they are going to choose. If the yellow card is chosen, ask your volunteer to pick it up and turn it over - showing the words "You will pick up the yellow card." They will probably think that the other three cards have a similar message written on the back. Show the class that this is not the case !

If your volunteer picks up one of the other cards, direct him/her to the appropriate piece of paper in the envelope, Bible etc.

Conclude by stating that what you did was a trick (without revealing how it was actually done), but that our God really does know everything - even the future !

There are four more alternative illustrations on this theme in Newsletter 10.

3. Zacchaeus truly repented, and proved it by promising to give half his money to the poor, and to pay back everyone he had cheated four times as much. When we do wrong, it is very easy to say 'sorry' , but what God is looking for is a 'Zacchaeus attitude'. If we are really sorry, we will not only say 'sorry' , but truly change our attitude, and do everything we can to put right the wrong. A fun object lesson on repentance, or changing direction (Which way?) can be found in Newsletter 4.

4. Here is a fun rap about Zacchaeus, written by Sue Bluett. I normally say the verses, and get the children to say the chorus between each verse.

Chorus.

Zac was short and robbed the poor
Because he was a tax collector.

Verses.

Once there was a man called Zacchaeus
Who went around taking money from us
He got so rich life became a bore
Wondered why he hadn't any friends no more.

Now counting out his money feeling down
He heard about a man who was coming to town
Jumped to his feet, hit the crowded street
Cause this was a man he wanted to meet.

Now being short he couldn't see
So he climbed up into a sycamore tree
And when Jesus came into that place
He looked right up into his face
And said "You!"
"Who me?"
"Yes you
"Couldn't be"
Well Zac my man come out of your tree
Cause I'm coming to your house for tea
In a state of shock he shimmied down
Ignoring the angry stares and frowns.

Now the crowd were not pleased with Jesus choice
So they cried out in a very loud voice
"Anyone can tell that he's no winner
Doesn't Jesus know this man's a sinner."

But off they went and had a private chat
And he came back a brand new chap
Salvation came to his house that day
And his desire was to repay.

He said, "Here's your money don't be poor
Not once, not twice but four times more
For once I was short before my call
But now I'm over ten feet tall."

Zacchaeus changed and made a new start
And of God's family he became a part.


The Five Foundations of Children's Ministry



By Dave Welday






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As we approach the beginning of a new year, take a few moments to step back and take a fresh look at what you are doing, where you spend your time and how you prioritize your ministry. As children and youth ministry leaders, if we are guilty of anything, it's wanting to over-achieve. To prove how committed we are by having bigger, better, badder programs, we can sometimes miss the beauty of God's call on our lives--to help train a generation in the way they should go.

So let me propose to you five foundational areas that should be a "spiritual litmus test" for how you measure your time and your success.

1. Have a systematic approach to training young people in God's Word. A friend of mine once said, "You raise chickens but you train children." Training is a process, and it should not be a haphazard one. Do you go from one lesson topic­ to another with no overarching plan? Are you guilty of using a curriculum just because it looks cool or is the latest fad you saw at a conference? We dare not sacrifice this generation on the altar of our own need for success and approval. In our zeal to attract kids and be popular with our pastor, we must not forsake the systematic training of this generation for the battles they are destined to fight! A popular beer commercial a few years ago pontificated the tension between "tastes great" and "less filling." To be sure, our programs need to "taste great" to kids, to appeal to their senses and their culture. But they should be MORE FILLING, not less. Kids need to learn, live and love the whole Word of God, not just the parts that "taste great."

2. Allow kids to experience God for themselves. We must use our service time to train and inspire kids to experience God for themselves. Our military men and women go to boot camp in order to prepare to fight in real life situations. Boot camp's sole purpose is to train soldiers for the real fight. Unless what you teach your young people can be applied in their real lives, it's just facts and "religious" information. Use the time you have with your kids to allow them to have real encounters with the living God. In I John 1, the Apostle John says that we can testify to others about "the things that we have seen and handled." (NKJV) Do you expect your kids to simply repeat information they've learned and memorized? Or do you challenge them to share what they have personally seen God do in and through their young lives? Make room in your program for the Holy Spirit to meet with your kids.

3. Help parents be successful as the primary trainers. Our primary focus must be to support, encourage and train parents to step up to the plate and "train up their children in the way they should go." Early on in my ministry with children, the Lord gave me a vivid picture of a woman in labor. She was ready to deliver. There was a midwife in the room whose responsibility was to help the mother deliver her child successfully into this world. The Lord showed me that, while the child was very much alive while inside the womb, he had not yet been birthed into this world. In the same way, we minister to a generation of young people who are very much alive, yet they have not been "birthed" into the purposes and plans for which their heavenly Father created them. The mother in labor represents the parents. Parents are the ones charged by God to see their sons and daughters "delivered" into their unique kingdom purpose, plan and destiny. We, as children's ministry leaders, have a role to play as well. But it's a secondary role. We are the midwives who are assisting the parents in this awesome and crucial birthing process. We are never called to minister to kids apart from their parents.

4. If you can't say, "Follow me," you've got nothing to say. This past fall, at one of our national children's ministry events, I heard a young woman make that powerful statement from the platform. We want to teach kids all sorts of good and godly information, but are we LIVING what we are teaching them? The Apostle Paul boldly told the early believers, "Follow my example. Do as I do." As a leader in the body of Christ, you are called to a higher standard of living. You may not want to hear that, but it's true. Young people will learn much more about how to live as a Christian by watching your life than from hearing any lesson you teach. So don't focus on saying "the right stuff." Rather, focus on being a model. Demonstrate by your own passion what a lover of God looks like. You may be the most influential Christian your kids will ever meet. Do you have to be perfect, or have "arrived" spiritually before you can be used to disciple others? Of course not! But you do need to live your life in such a way that others can see your devotion to Christ and commitment to His authority in your life. Then you can say, "Follow me!" with confidence.

5. Expect kids to minister, and release them to do it! We are called to live and die for something far greater than our own ministry and success. God's purposes are from generation to generation. So it is critical that we place the baton of ministry into the hands of this next generation. We are to raise them up to live for a mission and destiny beyond their own lives. The cry of this postmodern generation is "So what?" You've got to be able to answer that question for them. Teach them the story of David and Goliath, but ask the "so what" questions. Why did God want that story in the Bible? What's the point of knowing that story? How does it apply to your kids' lives? With every lesson you teach, make the present day application; push your kids to work at it and to try it out. Help them move beyond knowing the right answers to knowing how apply and use the principle truth in their own lives. Young knights in the first and second centuries were taught swordsmanship in the classroom. Why? So they could properly defend themselves in real-life battles!