Using a Balanced Approach to Ministry with Children
To be effective with kids, a ministry must address the whole child
Church leaders spend a great deal of time looking for the ministry model and resources that will be most effective with their children…and there is never a lack of alternatives for them to consider. Exciting activities and colorful, engaging materials certainly attract attention while comprehensive Bible study materials seem to guarantee the opportunity for learning. In their pursuit of just the right approach for their ministry work with kids, leaders can be easily pulled in many directions while worrying if any is the “right” one for their church.
At LOGOS, we believe that an effective ministry approach with children (or with any age group, for that matter) must be balanced in its ability to challenge the whole child en route to a saving relationship with God through Jesus. The mind must be stimulated by learning, the body must be involved in doing, and the soul must be nourished through worship. In fact, the traditional LOGOS four-part ministry program design has successfully supported this balanced approach to the benefit of tens of thousands of children during the course of the last 43 years.
We have seen that when a balanced ministry approach is applied, and the involvement of dedicated Christian adults leads to solid inter-generational relationships…kids grow as young disciples.
Is your approach to ministry with children adequately balanced?
November 27, 2006 at 2:06 pm
Everyone learns and develops a little differently. When we use a multi-dimensional, balanced approach we are more likely to be effective with each child.
Whole-child learning is also more engaging and fun…it holds the kids’ attention over a longer period of time - increasing the chances of learning.
November 29, 2006 at 2:06 pm
I like the idea of balanced ministry. It’s not only easy for many chilrdren to accept, but it is also a timeless approach, which is rare in a world that changes so rapidly. A balanced ministry is one that not only has the ability to fit into a changing world, but listens and adapts based on the needs of those involved.
January 22, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Many of our parents thought that if it didn’t include an elephant on parade, complete with balloons and marching band, the kids “wouldn’t care.” Our “no-bells and a few whistles ministry” is built on relationships: with the leaders, with each other, within our community, and mostly, with God. Our kids are stimulated right down to their souls and are learning and growing together. It’s great.