T(r)oy's Marbles
follow this link
Hey, everyone. I am not one who is into simply directing you to other links in my posts, but I just couldn't help to point you to a powerful quote shared on a blog called Ruminations of a Global Wanderer (also called Meyerblog). It's about children's spiritual development. It's a short post so won't take much of your time. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for in power.
Here is the link: http://meyerblog.com/?p=337
Feel free to share any reactions you have here in my comments section. And, of course, feel free to comment on the Ruminations space too. My guess is it would be encouraging to the Global Wanderer.
T
journal | Comments (2) | February 16, 2007
Comments
The quote is from Ivy Beckwith's book, 'Postmodern Children's Ministry': http://www.amazon.com/Postmodern-Childrens-Ministry-Children-Emergent/dp/0310257549
Although the context is primarily that of the USA - i.e. rich in facilities, high-powered resources, high tech, etc. - much of what Beckwith says is certainly true of children's ministry in the tiny Protestant community of, say, Spain! An example is the 'schooling model' inherited from the Sunday school tradition, with its heavy emphasis on teaching outcomes, contents, explaining, 'us' & 'them', vertical relationships, together with a sock-it-to-them approach borrowed from today's entertainment culture.
And we follow the One whose ministry with children included just about everything else -welcoming, embracing, blessing, healing, advocacy... - except teaching THEM! He certainly taught his adult disciples through his ministry with children, but I can find no record of Jesus actually teaching children as a distinct and separate group. Hmm!
By the way, Troy, I love it when you share with us in your other posts what YOU have learnt from your own children.
David
Posted by: David Pritchard at February 16, 2007 12:10 PM
I agree that it is important for children to be part of a family and a community, but, because of their spontaneity and insight I think it is good to permit them to discover God together with other children - lets spare them the strutting and waffling of adults talking to or about God.
Posted by: Sarah at February 16, 2007 10:39 PM