Ivy Beckwith, one of my favourite writers on children’s
ministry (her books “Post Modern Children’s Ministry” and “Formational Children’s
Ministry” are available from the Kids Friendly library) critiques the schooling
model most churches use to facilitate the spiritual formation of children.
“I wonder if school is the best way to help children love
God and live in the way of Jesus – especially when church school has morphed
into what some label ‘edutainment.’
School is good for teaching some things important to the
life of faith, such as the elements of prayer or the facts of a Bible story,
but is it the best vehicle for helping kids become followers of Jesus? Perhaps
what is needed is a formational model of children’s ministry with some
schooling elements, rather than our current model of school peppered with some
formational elements.”
Beckwith suggests there are three equally important elements
of a formational model of children’s ministry: story, ritual, and relationship.
Use her suggestions to inform and review your own ministry
with the children of your church. Read
more in a “Time to grow”.
