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ANALYSIS

God's plan for children

In the first of an eight-part excerpt from Dave Roberts' new book God's Plan for Children (Children's Ministry/Kingsway) the church leader, writer and speaker outlines his manifesto on the Church and children

A Declaration of Intent

There are seven practical ways that the church can seek to ensure that the good news of Jesus reaches a new generation of children. As we begin this exploration of hope, here are some defining statements that could guide us towards the re-evangelisation of our nation and the transformation of society.

We recognise that the privilege of calling a generation to Jesus is part of our life task, and a role of all involved in the Church.

We therefore commit to:

Making our work with children a priority

We recognise that there will be many ways of reaching children and nurturing them in the Christian faith. We commit to helping provide significant finance, resources and a call for people to carry out the tasks.

Equipping Christian parents to affirm, discipline and nurture their children

Knowing that many will feel helpless in the face of contemporary culture and beliefs, we will offer both biblical insight and practical ideas to help parents tell the story of Jesus, celebrate their relationship with God, introduce children to prayer, and offer wise words in the everyday conversations that help plant the seeds of truth.

Being deliberate in our plans and strategies to reach children outside of church life

We believe that we can bless children by providing opportunities for relaxation, challenge and social interaction. Using many different formats and styles, we will seek in our words and our deeds to 'build a bridge' for truth into their lives.

Grasping the opportunity to participate in the education of children

Just as Jesus and his contemporaries learnt practical knowledge and eternal truth at the synagogue school in Nazareth, we understand that we have an opportunity to tell the Christian story and speak of Christian values through the school system. Through our own resources, and in coalition with other like-minded churches, we commit to helping every child, in every school in our locality, to hear the Good News of Jesus several times during their formal education.

Calling the Church to action

Committed as we are to our neighbourhood we will use our influence to promote the vital task of reaching children to the wider church. Where our church influences a denomination, a Bible College, or any other group that seeks to give direction to church life, we will - with a mixture of boldness and grace - call for an adoption of the central tenets of this declaration as a key part of the strategy and curriculum that they offer.

Providing culture that uplifts

We will intentionally seek out and promote to our children, (via home and church) music, reading and other cultural expressions of a Biblical faith. We will by this means impart a sense of wonder; a God centred way of seeing and a joy in believing. We do this as a response to the theft of their innocence by some aspects of mass media culture. We will also seek to help our children discern popular culture, recognising and responding to that which seeks for truth, and rejecting that which celebrates evil or deception.

Being world Christians with a heart for children

We will affirm and encourage those people who call out for justice, compassion and protection of children in need around the world.

Imagine what a tenderhearted generation could do!

Next update: Why the Church must make children a priority

Dave Roberts is a writer and speaker. He helped found the Children's Ministry conferences which attract over 3,000 people a year. He is working on further books on parenting and particularly fatherhood. He can be contacted at Tahilla Communications, 70 Milton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex Tel No 01323 735496 e-mail info@tahilla.com

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		ANALYSIS God's plan for children In the first of an eight-part excerpt from Dave Roberts' new book God's Plan for Children (Children's Ministry/Kingsway) the church leader, writer and speaker outlines his manifesto on the Church and children A Declaration of Intent There are seven practical ways that the church can seek to ensure that the good news of Jesus reaches a new generation of children. As we begin this exploration of hope, here are some defining statements that could guide us towards the re-evangelisation of our nation and the transformation of society. We recognise that the privilege of calling a generation to Jesus is part of our life task, and a role of all involved in the Church. We therefore commit to: Making our work with children a priority We recognise that there will be many ways of reaching children and nurturing them in the Christian faith. We commit to helping provide significant finance, resources and a call for people to carry out the tasks. Equipping Christian parents to affirm, discipline and nurture their children Knowing that many will feel helpless in the face of contemporary culture and beliefs, we will offer both biblical insight and practical ideas to help parents tell the story of Jesus, celebrate their relationship with God, introduce children to prayer, and offer wise words in the everyday conversations that help plant the seeds of truth. Being deliberate in our plans and strategies to reach children outside of church life We believe that we can bless children by providing opportunities for relaxation, challenge and social interaction. Using many different formats and styles, we will seek in our words and our deeds to 'build a bridge' for truth into their lives. Grasping the opportunity to participate in the education of children Just as Jesus and his contemporaries learnt practical knowledge and eternal truth at the synagogue school in Nazareth, we understand that we have an opportunity to tell the Christian story and speak of Christian values through the school system. Through our own resources, and in coalition with other like-minded churches, we commit to helping every child, in every school in our locality, to hear the Good News of Jesus several times during their formal education. Calling the Church to action Committed as we are to our neighbourhood we will use our influence to promote the vital task of reaching children to the wider church. Where our church influences a denomination, a Bible College, or any other group that seeks to give direction to church life, we will - with a mixture of boldness and grace - call for an adoption of the central tenets of this declaration as a key part of the strategy and curriculum that they offer. Providing culture that uplifts We will intentionally seek out and promote to our children, (via home and church) music, reading and other cultural expressions of a Biblical faith. We will by this means impart a sense of wonder; a God centred way of seeing and a joy in believing. We do this as a response to the theft of their innocence by some aspects of mass media culture. We will also seek to help our children discern popular culture, recognising and responding to that which seeks for truth, and rejecting that which celebrates evil or deception. Being world Christians with a heart for children We will affirm and encourage those people who call out for justice, compassion and protection of children in need around the world. Imagine what a tenderhearted generation could do! Next update: Why the Church must make children a priority Dave Roberts is a writer and speaker. He helped found the Children's Ministry conferences which attract over 3,000 people a year. He is working on further books on parenting and particularly fatherhood. He can be contacted at Tahilla Communications, 70 Milton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex Tel No 01323 735496 e-mail info@tahilla.com © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.