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It is startling to notice how far the world has shifted technologically. WE are on the cusp of another wave of the digital revolution. It is exciting and scary simultaneously. The group at the very forefront of the wave; experiencing it as fully as possible, are our children. We have a nearly 15 year old , a 13 year old, 10 year old and 8 year old, and just in their very short life time, technology has shifted. A simple example is cellphones are now mini computers - smartphones. The choices are not just Facebook but are a multitude of different social Media.
There is a wealth of fun and excitement at a click of a button.
Schools are or have been doing the shift along the way to make space for the fast and seemingly unending availability of subject matter. TED Talks are one example of extending and encouraging children to think about new ideas.
Youtube offers a stream of support material that encourage and engage with subject matter. I often use both these in my art lessons. Online games such as coolmaths and many, many more help children who might dislike numbers , have a different perspective.
The way children gather information has shifted.
The modern child is in a different environment from the one we grew up and it is constantly changing .
In the midst of this change- The gospel of Jesus Christ stands firm and stable. The truth about who Jesus is and what he has done for us is relevant and real .This truth stands and is certain. Sure and steadfast it holds out its hand and with it God saves the lost.
Churchs have shifted too.
Media has become part of church including bible apps on smart phones etc.
Churches face huge questions around keeping church relevant and up to date BUT never compromising on Gods Word.
One of the basic arms of the gospel that has not changed and still has a massive impact is
being RELATIONAL.
There is nothing worse than impersonal, boring , crowd control Sunday school classes. Thankfully many churches in our local neighbourhood have really stepped up to the modern plate and there are such fun things happening with kids of all ages. Firstly this draws kids who do not go to church regularly and secondly it keeps kids who do.
Gone are the old worksheet blues and in the place are relevant gospel centred fun. Children do not school at church. They have enough real , long , hard slogg. Boys especially do not want to colour in ( in fact who actually does). The wonder of fun and building things and discovering Gods word and finding him to be real is robbed when we make childrens work boring. Our eldest son is part of a great youth where the leaders are engaging and the issues of life real. The youth find each other and are building some good relathionships. He loves youth and would not miss it. Sadly, there are not many other grade 8 boys who regularly attend. :( Opportunities to invite !!
Our second son is part of a Friday night , local church evening. It is the absolute highlight of his week. The young people play cricket and football and a whole host of fun, crazy games. In the midst of this children are loved, engaged with and the gospel becomes real. The leaders come out to the car park and greet the parents and introduce themselves. They know the kids by name and engage with them on a very meaningful level.
The bible teaching slot is short and punchy and never repeated. Interesting questions are encouraged and the young kids engage with the answers. Children want a safe place to ask the questions they have about God and the universe. They have marvelous questions!!
We are so thankful for this Friday night fun.
I am blessed to be part of a school community with lots of Christians from many different churches in Cape Town. I love this. My bible studies are also made up of women who worship at different churches. We share life together. I love seeing what the different churches get up . Keeping kids engaged is very tricky in the modern, fast, technological world. God is at work. People are being very creative. It is hard work!
I think the key feature that stands out with all is being relational with the children and parents on a very real level. Getting to know the child and having fun with them . Hikes and squash - sharing real life with them. Showing love and sharing life with them helps them to know that Jesus loves them.
Church is a place where people love and care deeply and so it should be with children's church too.
Youtube offers a stream of support material that encourage and engage with subject matter. I often use both these in my art lessons. Online games such as coolmaths and many, many more help children who might dislike numbers , have a different perspective.
The way children gather information has shifted.
The modern child is in a different environment from the one we grew up and it is constantly changing .
In the midst of this change- The gospel of Jesus Christ stands firm and stable. The truth about who Jesus is and what he has done for us is relevant and real .This truth stands and is certain. Sure and steadfast it holds out its hand and with it God saves the lost.
Churchs have shifted too.
Media has become part of church including bible apps on smart phones etc.
Churches face huge questions around keeping church relevant and up to date BUT never compromising on Gods Word.
One of the basic arms of the gospel that has not changed and still has a massive impact is
being RELATIONAL.
There is nothing worse than impersonal, boring , crowd control Sunday school classes. Thankfully many churches in our local neighbourhood have really stepped up to the modern plate and there are such fun things happening with kids of all ages. Firstly this draws kids who do not go to church regularly and secondly it keeps kids who do.
Gone are the old worksheet blues and in the place are relevant gospel centred fun. Children do not school at church. They have enough real , long , hard slogg. Boys especially do not want to colour in ( in fact who actually does). The wonder of fun and building things and discovering Gods word and finding him to be real is robbed when we make childrens work boring. Our eldest son is part of a great youth where the leaders are engaging and the issues of life real. The youth find each other and are building some good relathionships. He loves youth and would not miss it. Sadly, there are not many other grade 8 boys who regularly attend. :( Opportunities to invite !!
Our second son is part of a Friday night , local church evening. It is the absolute highlight of his week. The young people play cricket and football and a whole host of fun, crazy games. In the midst of this children are loved, engaged with and the gospel becomes real. The leaders come out to the car park and greet the parents and introduce themselves. They know the kids by name and engage with them on a very meaningful level.
The bible teaching slot is short and punchy and never repeated. Interesting questions are encouraged and the young kids engage with the answers. Children want a safe place to ask the questions they have about God and the universe. They have marvelous questions!!
We are so thankful for this Friday night fun.
I am blessed to be part of a school community with lots of Christians from many different churches in Cape Town. I love this. My bible studies are also made up of women who worship at different churches. We share life together. I love seeing what the different churches get up . Keeping kids engaged is very tricky in the modern, fast, technological world. God is at work. People are being very creative. It is hard work!
I think the key feature that stands out with all is being relational with the children and parents on a very real level. Getting to know the child and having fun with them . Hikes and squash - sharing real life with them. Showing love and sharing life with them helps them to know that Jesus loves them.
Church is a place where people love and care deeply and so it should be with children's church too.
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