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A SEAN special training course for
preparing those who work in children's ministry
Feed My Lambs is highly recommended as a realistic tool for preparation for
children's ministry. It is useful for those leading and/or teaching in
Children's Church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible Schools and any other ongoing
situation seeking to bring children to the Lord and subsequently to disciple
them.
This course is designed for those
preparing for, or already involved in, ministry with children. It provides tools
that enable the student to communicate the good news to youngsters in a way they
can relate to, understand and apply.
It helps the students in deepening
their own relationship with the Lord, and also in demonstrating his love and
concern for all children, everywhere.
Activities and projects enhance this
very practical course, which can also be extremely useful in making contact with
the children's non-church-going parents and friends. It can be used to draw
these, in a non-threatening way, into Christian activities and, hopefully,
eventually into God's kingdom.
The studies give guidance on how to
teach the Bible effectively and how to help the children to put the teaching
into practice in real-life situations.
Above all, the course shows how to
bring the children to the point where they receive Jesus into their own lives as
Saviour, Lord and Friend.
It is particularly suited for those
situations where resources of all kinds are limited.
This new SEAN course consists of two
texts for the student: Study Book (A), Resource Book (B), and the Tutor's Manual
(C), for the group leader.
Course contents:
Study Book (A)
>>> The Christian teacher's
greatest aim
>>> Why children need Bible teaching
>>> How children become Christ's disciples
>>> Understanding children
>>> How to prepare a Bible lesson
>>> The four steps of a Bible lesson... Introduction (+ practical work);
Bible story step (+ practical work); Bible story review (+ practical work);
Application (+ practical work)
>>> Teaching aids
>>> Managing the group
>>> Christian teacher's relationships
>>> How to plan and run a children's camp
>>> Possible further projects
Resource Book (B)
>>> Aims of the course
>>> Drama and mime outlines
>>> Children's questionnaire
>>> Characteristics of different age groups
>>> Model lesson outline
>>> Model lesson
>>> Presenting visual aids
>>> How to make models and puppets
>>> How to make musical instruments
>>> Ideas for teaching memory verses
>>> How to organise games
>>> Designing a curriculum
>>> Flannelgraph figures
>>> Children's evangelistic leaflet: 'Through the Gap'
Tutor's manual (C)
This contains guidance on how to lead the group meetings to maximum effect;
Bible study material; questions for discussion; evaluation of the students'
performance in their practical assignments, etc. It also includes a copy of the
evangelistic leaflet for adults: 'How can I get to know God?'
For those working with children in
the developing world, or in deprived areas of the so-called 'first' world, there
is another SEAN course which may also be suitable. This takes the children onto
following and serving Jesus in working out the application of their faith and
love for the benefit of the society in which they live. 'Training Children in
Community Health' is presented as a reasonable and effective alternative to
ignorance of health issues in the community. It is hoped that the motivation and
involvement of children in preventative (and on-going) measures will result in
an obvious improvement in health, hygiene and safety in the local community as a
whole. If the course leads to the bettering of life for many disadvantaged
people in the world today, its objective will have been fulfilled!
Note
Although there is no direct spiritual biblical content in the 'Community
Health' course (unlike all other SEAN materials), indirectly the parallels are
obvious with the biblical concern for the sick and needy and, above all with the
matchless example of the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ as he tirelessly
sought to alleviate their suffering. This example should be used where
appropriate, and of course the trainer needs to pray for God's guidance as s/he
prepares and leads each training session.
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