Meet Them Where They Are

Today’s  kids live in an ever changing and evolving world as it relates to technology and learning styles. We fully recognize that all kids learn in different ways through multiple forms of intelligences. Because of this fact, we find it very important to bring the Word to kids in many different forms, with the belief that one of those forms will meet each kid right where they are.

During any given weekend, we endeavor to reach out to many of the different senses and styles of learning. We have some use of humor to make a point; we use video as another way to share a story. Kids have the opportunity to engage in interactive games that can be connected back to the information we are trying to share. Praise and Worship songs are used during the weekend to point the focus both horizontally and vertically towards the Lord and to solidify the main topic of the weekend. Live action dramas show the story in another way so kids can see an entire story unfold. And of course we go straight to the Bible for direction by sharing what the Bible has to say about a topic and then having a kid relevant short sermon.

We fully recognize that kids learn in different ways and truly set out to give every child the same chance to get it!

Shon

Do What God's Dudes Do

Recently we hosted an event called Dude-A-Palooza. This event was designed for boys and their dads or other adult male role models to spend time together as men. We had a great time playing games and eating all things bacon. I also had the chance to share 3 things that God’s dudes do.

A.     Godly Dudes Honor their parents. Ephesians 6:2-3

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: ³ “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

B.      Godly Dudes Love God they are men after His own Heart. Matthew 22:37

 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Pray

Read the Bible

Defend the Word – Jude 1:3

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

Love Others  (God, family, friends, neighbors, enemies) Matthew 5:44

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

C.      Godly Dudes train their children. Ephesians 6:4,

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it



Shon

Kid's Ministry Through the Eyes of an EPIC Student

At Valley Family Church we have a school of ministry called EPIC. EPIC students are required to do a certain number of practicum in varies areas of the church. One area that the students must do practicum is in kid’s ministry. We recently had a student come in and serve in one of preschool classrooms and his observations were encouraging and spot on. I thought for today’s blog I would share how he saw preschool ministry.

My Observations by: Rex Shultz 

During my time today in the very busy and active pre-school children’s room (which may need to be called the 'Thank you for serving in here' room), I have special appreciation or the people who are serving in this child care ministry. The ladies and gentlemen here really have a loving heart for these preschoolers. They have immeasurable patience, understanding, joy, and love, and it shines so bright. The kids just love to be a part of all that is offered in this room.

I was amazed at the details of moving the kids throughout the room into different areas and doing different activities every 15-20 minutes which really seemed to keep the kids from being bored and possibly becoming a little restless. All the volunteers seem to have a special gift in communicating and showing their love to these young ones. I was probably more amazed of the attention given to the message and how Miss Aggie got the kids involved in the message.

The Lord showed me today the importance of sharing God’s Word to all, no matter how young they may be. I seen the kids participate and believe the message was able to be understood by nearly all the kids. It made me see that it is so important to start early sharing God’s love and showing our children what joy He brings to each one of us if we trust in Him. I truly feel that we must do all that we can, starting with kids early in their lives, and with as many people as we can, to share our testimonies and to be a reflection of Jesus, so that young and old can feel the love of our Lord.

As you can see, kid’s ministry volunteers are making a difference in the lives of young children and the families and volunteers all around them. I hope this encourages you to keep up the great work as kid’s ministry volunteers! God is keeping great records of your faithful and serving hearts! We love and appreciate all of our kid’s ministry volunteers at VFC!!!