Written by the Children’s Ministry Team
When it comes to teaching the Bible to children there are so many things our teachers have to consider – from content, to delivery and engagement and now the added element of technology.
How do I work through the Bible Passage faithfully so I know what it is saying in context. Then, how do I teach this passage faithfully to the children. Younger ones might need simpler language – how do I simplify the lesson without watering down what the Word of God is saying. How can I engage the individual children who learn differently. How do I equip each child as they grow to learn to read the Word for themselves so they aren’t reliant on someone else telling them what God says. What examples or memory hooks can I think of that are relatable to the children that will help them understand this lesson. What have I personally been learning or convicted of as I prepare for the lesson. How can I share that appropriately with the children so they learn and see that the Word of God has to interact with lives, the Word of God requires response.
All this and more is what our Children’s Discipleship (CD) leaders are being trained to consider on a weekly basis as they prepare for their lessons.
Our CD Leaders commit to at least 3 compulsory large group Trainings a year. Two of these Trainings cover curriculum and strategies to help them in the classroom and the third covers Safeguarding Training and Body Safety Awareness.
In our recent training during the June CD Break, we spent half a day working through the curriculum for the second half of the year – Acts 1 to 14. The teachers had to learn how to pick out repeated themes in each lesson and see how the author (Dr. Luke) ‘s aim for the letter needs to drive what we teach and emphasise on for each lesson. We also spent some time thinking through the advantages of mixed age group classes, how to harness them and also what to watch out for.
For the second half of the year, some of our teaching teams will be focusing on learning how to write lesson outlines as well as learning how to give feedback to one another so there can be continued improvement in how we present the lessons as well as thinking deeper about follow up with the children in the respective classes.
COVID has been a catalyst for change within the Children’s Ministry. Having to adapt to our own form of “HBL”, moving into 4 distinct congregations, mixed age group classes and also changing to a new curriculum. We are thankful for every individual who is a part of Children’s Ministry and for every teacher willing to commit the time and the energy that is needed to learn how to faithfully teach God’s Word to our children.
Do keep the CD Leaders in prayer as they juggle family commitments, work, other ministry commitments as well as CD commitments. Pray that they would keep a close walk with God and that as they prepare for their lessons, the Spirit will work in their hearts and transform their lives.
Pray for eyes to see each child and their individual gifts and needs, ears to listen to what the children are saying and not saying, mouths to encourage and speak about God’s faithful character and testify of His work and hearts that love with the love of Christ.
If you know of someone who is involved in teaching the children in our church family – encourage them by asking about it, how they are learning and growing as they serve and how you can pray for and support them.
If you are keen to join this wonderful team of individuals, do reach out to June Tan, Ruth Quek, Cassandra Lee or Tay Li Hui or drop an email to childrensministry@zionbishan.org.sg
