Caring for Children
Teaching children lays a foundation that will last a lifetime. As we compete in a world were the values are not necessarily enriching, we need to make a concerted effort to reach children with the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The time is now to renew our emphasis on caring for the children as whole persons (body, mind, and spirit). We as a church only get one opportunity to impact the life of a child and we need to give it the best we can offer.
Whether you are planning, teaching, mentoring, tutoring in the name of Jesus you are touching their souls. The methods and arenas for Christian Education to happen with, for, and by the children are multiple. Sunday School, mid-week opportunities, preschool ministries, after-school ministries, music, recreational ministries, Sprouts, as well as other Spirit led ministries, are all opportunities to make disciples. Through these avenues of learning and growing, our children will grow in their faith and will make the world a different place because of their love for Christ.
On the Links page under Children's Ministries, you will find resources and information to help you plan and prepare for your ministry with children. Invest in the here and now and watch the fruit of God's grace develop in the life of a child.
For General Board of Discipleship Children's Ministry resources, CLICK HERE.
Protection policy for children, youth and developmentally disabled adults
Camp counselors and adults who work with children, youth and vulnerable adults are required to complete Safe & Sacred Spaces Training to comply with the conference's Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth; and Developmentally Disabled Adults. CLICK HERE to read the conference's policy.
To schedule Safe & Sacred Spaces training for your local church, click on Lay Speaking Directories at http://www.kansaseast.org/people_directory.asp to contact one of the approved instructors listed.
Kansas Action for Children
This website gives updates concerning lives of Kansas children. An e-news is available for folks who care to subscribe and receive current information..
When Disasters Affect Children
Often disasters impact children in enormous ways. These may be international disasters or personal life disasters. For help working with children who have experienced traumas, this link is one helpful resource.
Ministry with Younger Children Blog
The General Board of Discipleship has started a blog for people who care for and care about young children. It offers a variety of topics that will be useful for individuals and church communities. The first post continues a conversation with people in children’s ministries who were looking for ideas for parents of newborns, so it is much longer than future posts.
Read the blog at http://blogs.gbod.org/younger_children.
