|
Click on the links below for further details of each training session available
Training Session A: Valuing the spirituality of children
‘Jesus placed a child in their midst and said, “Unless you become as this little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.”’ Children have much to teach adults about the ways of God. They can also make a valuable contribution to the life of the church family; however, listening to their voice and valuing their presence takes time and sensitivity. This training session will begin to explore a theology of the child and childhood; the spirituality and faith development of children; children in the Bible; children’s gifts and also how to offer the gospel to children.
Training Session B: Exploring the Bible with children
All too often a child’s experience of the Bible in Church has been limited to the learning of a few particular and so-called child-friendly stories. In fact the Bible is a tremendous treasury of story, image and inspiration to feed children’s imaginations and creativity. All this is vital to give them the language and tools they need to make sense of their place in God’s world. This training session will begin to explore ways in which leaders can more confidently use the Bible in this way and help children to grow in their faith, understanding their story as part of God’s big story.
Training Session C: Worship with children present
For many ministers charged with organising a service where all ages are present, the task seems to be an impossible one! There are so many levels of age and ability. How can such worship be both ‘in spirit and in truth’ and also truly resource the spiritual journey of all present? How can it avoid either simply being a children’s ‘event’ with adults present or an adult service with children playing a bit part? This training session will begin to explore the theology as well as the practical considerations involved in such services, so as to enable true side-by-side learning and worship. It will look at the issues surrounding the inclusion of children in all aspects of worship, including children and communion.
Training Session D: Churches working with schools
The current requirements of the RE curriculum and guidelines for collective worship in schools are a great encouragement to local churches to make a thoughtful and sensitive contribution to the presentation of the Christian faith in schools. For the most part these are children who do not normally attend church. Here is an opportunity for churches to engage with the children of the local community beyond the church walls. This training session will begin to explore issues of building bridges with local schools; leading collective worship; taking RE lessons, and also how churches can successfully manage visits by schoolchildren to their own local place of worship.
Training Session E: Reaching children on the fringe
Church statistics make uncomfortable reading when it comes to those involving children and the church. An ever-increasing number of children have had limited or no contact with church and know very little of the Christian story. The biblical injunction to pass these things on ‘to our children and our children’s children’ is unequivocal and this training session will begin to explore the ways in which churches can adopt practical strategies for evangelism among children, share ideas of good practice, and look at ways in which the church can re-engage positively with the spiritual hunger of children today.
Training Session F: Supporting those working with children
The children’s worker often feels the last and least when it comes to the ministry of the local church. Despite public statements about the importance of working with children, this is sadly not often reflected in the budgeting, training programmes and the councils of the national or local church. This training session will begin to explore ways in which church leaders can address this issue within their local situation, looking into how they might affirm, value and develop the work done by their own church children’s leaders. It will cover in particular issues of their selection, in some cases their employment, training needs and continuing professional development.
Training Session G: Introducing Godly Play
Increasingly it is being recognised that children, as well as adults, are looking for guidance about ultimate questions in life. Many current programmes of faith development for children have perhaps been over-concerned with transmitting information and set goals, rather than allowing the children themselves to enter the heart of the sacred stories and parables of scripture and make their own discovery of God’s meaning and purpose for their lives. Developing work that has its roots in the Montessori tradition, Professor Jerome Berryman’s imaginative approach to religious education called Godly Play is receiving an enthusiastic response from children’s leaders everywhere. This training session will begin to explore the underlying principles behind Godly Play. The emphasis will be on a practical experience of its method, using 3D materials to present key Bible stories that allow for an exploration of faith through ‘wondering questions’ and an open-ended creative response.
Messy Fiesta
A Messy Fiesta is a day for those thinking about starting a
Messy Church and for those already involved in a Messy Church to help you do Messy Church - or do it even better!
The idea of Messy Fiesta is to have a messy time sharing stories, recipes, crafts and encouraging each other as we worship together. Don't expect to be sitting down listening to someone at the front! It's an opportunity for you to contribute and participate as much as possible.
More information about Messy Fiesta
Book your place at a Messy Fiesta!
Availability, Timing, Costs
Training for church-based children's work leaders:
Full day (up to 6 hours): £175 plus travel
Half day (up to 3 hours): £100 plus travel
Church-based events for children:
A charge of £100 per day/event plus travel
How do I book?
To book any of the training sessions above click here, or contact Lynda Ward,
Barnabas Team Administrator, on 01865 319704 or email
Lynda Ward to discuss your requirements.
|
Core Skills for Children's Work is written by the
Consultative
Group on
Ministry among
Children.