Basic training for those guiding children around the world to follow Jesus like the twelve disciples

Part of the 1 for 50 family of training resources

Table of Contents

CORE LESSON OPTIONS (1 hour each) 1-0 2-0 3-0 4-0 5-0 6-0 7-0 8-0 9-0 10-0 11-0 12-0

Jesus’ Heart for Children Jesus and the Children’s Leader Characteristics of Children Building Relationships with Children Preparing to Teach Children Building Bridges of Holistic Outreach to Children Presenting the Gospel to Children Talking with Children about Following Christ Helping Children Grow as Disciples Helping Children Experience God’s Word Engaging Families Building the Kingdom Together (networking/partnership)

ENRICHMENT/EXTRA LESSONS (30 minutes each) 3-1 Needs of A Child 3-2 Understanding Our Children’s World 3-3 Considering children in Crisis 4-1 Communicating with Children 4-2 Building Relationships with Children through Play 4-3 Conversation Starters 5-1 Managing Classroom Behavior 6-1 Outreach Ideas 6-2 Overcoming Outreach Obstacles 7-1 More Gospel Tools 8-1 Answering Children’s Difficult Questions 9-1 Prayer Experiences for Children 9-2 Worship Experiences for Children 9-3 Helping Children Share Jesus with others 9-4 Growing Attitudes of the Disciples 9-5 Involving Children in God’s Big Story 10-1 Object Lessons-Demonstrations 10-2 Preparing and Presenting a Bible Story 10-3 More Bible Verse Ideas 10-4 Drama Experiences 10-5 Classroom Games 11-1 Spiritual Growth for Families 11-2 Outreach Ideas for Families 12-1 Connecting with the Church in Your Community 12-2 Involving Children in the church

LESSON 1-0 Jesus’ Heart for Children What do people say about children? Read these proverbs about children from around the world:

“Children are to be seen and not heard”

“The child and one’s nose don’t feel the cold”

“Children ask questions that a wise man cannot answer”

“Don’t play with the child, he would stab you with the knife”

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”

”Boys will be boys”

“Spare the rod, spoil the child”

List some proverbs or sayings from your community about children:

How are these the same or different from the way people think about children in the Christian community or your church?

What did Jesus teach about children? What did Jesus say about children? Circle the important key words Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 about children:

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 1-0 Jesus’ Heart for Children What else did Jesus teach his disciples about children? Read Matthew 18:1-14 together. List several things that Jesus taught his disciples about children:

Consider the Lost Sheep In the story of the lost sheep, one sheep was lost; 99 were still safe in the fold.

Draw a picture that shows the number of “lost” sheep and “found sheep” that you believe are in your community.

If the Shepherd was willing to go looking for just ONE sheep, what might he be willing to do (and want us as his followers to do) about so many who need to be found?

Key verse: Your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 NIV

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 1-0 Jesus’ Heart for Children

What is God’s Heart for Children? Discover God’s heart for children – in scripture There are over 1700 references to children and childhood in the Bible. They reveal God’s priority and love for children. From what Jesus taught his disciples, and other stories and scriptures, we learn more about God’s heart for the spiritual nurture of children.

To ___________ God (2 Peter 3:9)  

To help children make a decision to follow Christ as their Savior. Story of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14; God is not willing that even one of these little ones should perish)

To ___________ God (Matthew 22:37-38)  

To help children grow a personal relationship with Christ, loving God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Story of David (a man after God’s own heart)

To _____________ together (Romans 12:5)  

To invite children to belong and function in the Body of Christ, especially to love one another. Story of Timothy (He grew in faith as if he were Paul’s son)

To ____________ God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:12)  

To teach children to live lives of obedience, making choices that honor God. Story of Daniel (he chose to follow God’s ways, even in an ungodly nation

To ___________ God (1 Peter 4:10)  

To help children learn how to serve and grow in gifts. Story of Joseph (he served faithfully at home, in captivity, in prison and finally in Pharoah’s palace)

All of these dreams, together, become a focus on ______________________________ Is this the vision and heart that you have for the children in your sphere of influence?

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 1-0 Jesus’ Heart for Children

How to we prepare for this work with children? What is important as we prepare to be an extension of God’s heart to children? The three stone fire reminds us of important principles in preparing to work with children. In some communities, food is cooked over a 3-stone fire. 3 fairly large stones are positioned around a fire making a triangle shape, with the fire in the center. These stones must be evenly matched, smooth and stable since they will hold the pot of food placed on them, over the fire.”

THE CIRCLE: Essentials of Ministry to Children

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 1-0 Jesus’ Heart for Children

The Great Commission & Children The Great Commission What does a focus on children have to do with the Great Commission? Read the verses below. Underline words that apply to the world of children’s leaders. Circle words that might apply to children.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

What impact can children’s leaders have on the fulfillment of the Great commission?

The Church is like a car Ministry to and with children is like one of the wheels on a car. It is not extra, like a spare tire. It is essential for helping the car move forward effectively. At this point in history, a focus on children can help local churches, and the Global church, grow faster and go farther than ever. This is Jesus’ heart for children. What is God asking you to do about this?

page 5 TWELVE Core Training

Car with spare tire

LESSON 2-0 Jesus and the Children’s Leader What’s inside? Examine the plastic bag Examine a plastic zipper bag. How is this like a child? List some of your observations here:

In what ways is this also like a children’s leader?

The character, attitudes and love for Christ that we have inside our hearts, is very important, if we desire to make a lasting spiritual influence in the lives of children.

The ministry of a children’s leader What does the Bible teach us about the ministry of a teacher or leader?

1. It is a ______________________ Ephesians 4:11-12 James 3:1

2. A leader guides and directs students ________________________ Deuteronomy 4:9 Proverbs 22:6

3. A leader is entrusted to _________________________________ 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Romans 10:14

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 2-0 Jesus and the Children’s Leader

4. A leader helps __________________________________________ Nehemiah 8:8 Matthew 3:52

5. A leader _______________________________________________ Mark 10:16 John 13:13-14, 34 Philippians 2:5-7 2 Timothy 2:24

6. A leader imparts ________________________________________ Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 29:18 Ephesians 3:17-18 Can you also think of other responsibilities and qualities required in a leader? These can feel overwhelming to us as we begin to prepare for work with children. Who will help us?

The Vine and the Branches Explore John 15 Read John 15:5 and 16. Circle key words and phrases describing the relationship and the reward of being connected to the vine.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16 NIV

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 2-0 Jesus and the Children’s Leader

How do we “remain in Christ?” List several ideas about how a leader might nurture a close relationship with Christ

What are the obstacles to staying close to Christ? Consider obstacles. Also consider how to overcome these obstacles.

What is your greatest obstacle? Spend some time in reflection about your own personal relationship with Christ. What is God asking you to do?

Lessons from the Teapot Our lives as children’s leaders are like a teapot List several ways in which children’s leaders are like a teapot:

While we might come to believe that our intelligence, preparation, or creative gifts are the things that are needed by God, we soon realize that these cannot be useful to God without the attitudes of dependence and humility.

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 3-0 Characteristics of Children Who created children? Consider what it would be like if we were to create a child. Could we do it? Who created children? Read Psalm 139:13-16. List what this teaches us about how God created children:

Four parts of a child How are children different from adults?

Read Luke 2:52 In what ways did Jesus grow? God created all people, including children, with these four “growing” parts: PHYSICAL

(we see it) (“strength”, body, “stature”) to move, to play, to serve BODIES HAVE FIVE SENSES: see hear smell taste feel (touch)

MENTAL

(we know mind is always at work) (wisdom, knowledge, understanding) to learn, to think, to choose

SOCIAL

(we see behavior, relationships) (social, relationships, “favor with man”) EMOTIONS - to feel, to love PERSONALITY - to share, to belong, to relate to others

SPIRITUAL

(only God sees it) (the “heart”) to respond to God, to experience him

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 3-0 Characteristics of Children

Connecting with a child’s spirit Consider the parts of a child All parts of a child need to be involved for best learning to take place. Which are easiest for you to involve in a classroom setting? Which are easiest to “measure” or “see”?

God commands us to love him with ALL our parts A child’s spirit, is often the most difficult to see or to measure.

What kinds of activities can be done in a spiritual teaching setting that will help you connect a child’s spirit to God?

Children of different ages Can we expect children to behave the same at different ages? Briefly, list some of the biggest differences you can think of for children in these age groups: Very Young Children (2 to 5 years)

School Age Children (6-9 years)

Older School Age children (10-12 years)

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 3-0 Characteristics of Children

Characteristics of Children at Different Ages Physical

Mental

Very Young  They love to touch,  They don’t know feel, move. how to read. Children  They get tired easily.  They can only (2-4 years remember short  They cannot play old) phrases. most kid’s games

Social-Emotional

Spiritual

 They do not understand winning/losing.  Play best side-byside. They may not be good at sharing.  Parents are the most important people in their lives.  They express intense emotions

 They can understand basic truth about God’s love for them.  They can understand the difference between right and wrong.  They can recognize their need for forgiveness and respond to Christ as Savior.

well yet.  They are growing rapidly.  They have limited muscle control

 They need us to use simple words.  They have a short attention span.  They are curious and love to learn new things  Literal minded.

 Learning to play typical childhood games.  They love to be active.  They are growing good muscle control

 They are learning to read. Some may not be good at it yet.  They have lots of questions.  They are eager to learn.

 They enjoy friends.  They are still tender about winning and losing.  They are growing to enjoy group play more.

 They are more ready to understand a their personal decision for Christ.  They begin recognizing the truth and authority of the Bible.

 Some are awkward, growing quickly as adolescence approaches.  They love physical activity.  They love food and are often hungry.

 They have great memories.  They are ready to think relationally about different subjects.  They come up with challenging questions.

 Competitive.  Friends are important.  Big differences between boys and girls, socially.  Everyone concerned about fairness.

 They may need assurance of their personal decision to receive Christ.  They can begin praying on their own, reading the Bible on their own.  They want heroes, like JESUS!

Other ideas? Young School Age Children (5-8 years old)

Other ideas?

Older School Age Children (9-12 years old)

Other ideas?

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 3-0 Characteristics of Children Making Adjustments Consider each age group and their characteristics. What might you need to change or adapt while teaching each age group? 

What might you do in a class with young preschool children?



What might you do in a class with younger school-age children?



What might you do in a class with older school-age children?



What is God speaking to your heart as you consider the children you serve?

Wrap Up Read Mark 12:30. Underline the words that have to do with the four parts of a child.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 NIV

Our aim in ministry with children is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. To do that we must be aware that children grow in every way, just as Jesus grew. If we help our children to grow in holistic ways, they will learn to respond in love to God with every part of who they are. This is the greatest gift they could ever give to God. Is there an area of development you need to more carefully as your work with children? What is God saying to you about the children in your ministry?

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 4-0 Building Relationships with Children Preparing for an important guest What would you do to prepare for an important guest to visit your home?

If that guest were Jesus himself, what else might you do?

Read Matthew 18:5 Circle the important action word in this verse.

And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 NIV

What is “decomai” (dekh'-om-ahee) What does it mean to “receive” a child? The word “receive” in Matthew 18 is the Greek word “decomai”. Look up and read the following verses and note how “decomai” is translated in each passage. (NOTE: These verses do not always mention children or ministry.) Matthew 10:14 Luke 9:53 John 4:45 Acts 7:38 Galatians 4:14

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 4-0 Building Relationships with Children

How can we welcome children? Read Matthew 18:5 again. What can you do to “receive” children in this way in your church or children’s program?

Showing love in the classroom Ideas for showing personal attention Though we want to communicate welcome to children each week, we often work with large groups of children. We don’t even know all their names. How can we communicate personal attention and acceptance to children on a weekly basis, even with such large groups? Work together to create a list. Can you think of 12 ways? As a group, can you think of 100?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 4-0 Building Relationships with Children

Wrap up Read Mark Mark 10:13-16 Circle the words that show us how Jesus welcomed and valued children.

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Jesus was our best example in showing love and welcome to children. These are the first steps in building positive relationships with children that will enable us to help them grow as followers of Christ. How will you better build and strengthen relationships with children in the coming week?

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 5-0 Preparing to Teach Children Teacher 1 or Teacher 2 What differences might you notice in the classroom of a ‘good teacher’ and a ‘not-sogood’ teacher?

Not-so-good Teacher

Good Teacher

Why is this important? Read Psalm 78:1-7 Why is it so important that we learn to create an environment where children can learn?

What creates an environment for generations to grow?

Creating a learning environment How can we create a learning environment to help children grow?

1) ___________________________ 2) ___________________________ 3) ___________________________ 4) ___________________________ 5) ___________________________ 6) ___________________________ 7) ___________________________ Which of these is easiest for you? Which of these is a challenge? page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 5-0 Preparing to Teach Children In what ways did Jesus demonstrate these principles? Work with others to think of examples for each.

Show Love

Structure

(value, acceptance, personal attention, time)

(order, a plan)

Meaningful Information (relevance)

Repetition

Dialogue

(review, review, review)

(discussion, questions, relationship, reflection, feedback)

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Variety (different types of learning activities)

Permission to be themselves (to explore, to be children)

Participant Notes LESSON 5-0 Preparing to Teach Children

The Learning Process How do people learn? Learn a new creative activity to help us explore this question. There are three main parts to the process

_______________

 ________________

 _________________

The Learning Process (explained) Present

TEACHER

STUDENT

What will the teacher do at each stage? I PRESENT Teacher is most involved at this stage

What will the student do at each stage? I RECEIVE See, hear, touch, taste, smell (involves the five senses). Student’s mind should ask, “What is the information?”

Show your students the new information you want them to learn using objects, pictures, stories, charts, diagrams, films, recordings, drama, real experiences, etc.

Discuss

WE DISCUSS (Process) Teacher and student both participate here. Students need activities to help them process the information. Invite them to think, talk, ask questions, discuss, review, recall, compare, analyze, give examples, explore feelings, consider various points of view, etc.

Apply

Have we learned yet? (not yet)

As this stage, students are simply getting new information. I THINK Students will consider and talk about the information the teacher has presented. Student’s mind should ask, “What does it mean?” (Why is it important?)

(not yet)

At this stage, students begin to understand the importance of the information being discussed.

YOU APPLY I TRY Teacher leads student to personally Respond, act, move, pray, do apply or respond to the lesson. something! Challenge your students to apply by Student’s mind should ask, “What does giving assignments, planning in-class it mean to me?” activities for students to try, challenging students to carry out At this stage, students begin to want to specific projects outside of class, do something in response to the lesson. follow-up to ensure good results, etc. (Work for application that gives positive results; avoid tasks and application that are beyond students’ abilities)

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

NOW we have learned

Participant Notes LESSON 5-0 Preparing to Teach Children

A lesson in the learning process A lesson in the learning process Now it’s time to try applying what we have learned about the learning process. Consider one of these important discipleship issues:  Praying Daily  Worship in Church  Caring for others Consider what you might do at each stage of the process to help children learn to do this on their own. Write your ideas here. PRESENT the information (in a creative way)

DISCUSS the information (with questions, activities)

APPLY the information (invite them to respond or try something)

Wrap up Can you think of examples from Jesus ministry of this learning process ? When did he PRESENT information? When did he DISCUSS? How did he encourage his disciples to APPLY? Read Mark 4:33-34 Jesus spent much time in relationship with his disciples, helping them understand what he was teaching. Out of this time and relationship, the learning process took place. What is God speaking to you about the learning environment and process?

Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 3He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. Mark 4:33-34 NIV

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 6-0 Building Bridges of Outreach The World in a Minibus If we condense the world and it’s children down to 10 people (imagine they fit in a minibus), what would those ten people be like? 3 are under the age of 15 7 are older 1 lives in Africa 1 lives in South America 1 lives in North America 1 lives in Europe And 6 live in … Asia! 5 are able to read 6 have mobile phones. 4 do not have mobile phones 2 have access to the internet 1 receives 40% of all income 9 share the remaining income 7 do not know Jesus 3 do know Jesus All 10 would be loved by Jesus and invited to know him. Does this describe children in your community? How are they the same? How are they different?

Why is this important? Read Matthew 24:14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14 NIV

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 6-0 Building Bridges of Outreach

Community Outreach Mapping To prepare for effective outreach use available research from various groups to answer each question for your own community, neighborhood, or area of ministry. (Using what you know and have observed, draw your answers to questions 1, 2 and 3, creating a “map” of a child’s world. It may require more research and thought.) Then use this to begin to answering Question 4 and considering outreach possibilities for your area. 1) Who are these people? Where do children naturally gather? What do children like to do? How do children groups themselves by age? By gender? What are their family situations? 2) What are their holistic needs?  PHYSICAL: Do they have basic physical needs? (clothes, food, shelter) Are there health or medical needs? (Vision, hearing, diet, equipment, dental, vulnerability due to poverty, medical)  SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL: Are there obvious or unseen emotional needs? (Social, family, trauma, security)  MENTAL: Do they have needs for education, practical information? (schools, literacy, tutoring, life skills, English, technology)  SPIRITUAL: What is their spiritual condition? (Confusion, sterile, cult, pluralistic, seeking) 3) What are the barriers to consider? Culture-Attitudes? Families? Time & Process? Other?

Language? Other religions-beliefs? How to work with other groups?

4) How can they be reached (bridges of relationship) What methods could be used? What kind of outreach will be best for the children you hope to reach? Pre-evangelism? Evangelism? Growth-Relationship? What resources do you have? What can you do within these limits? What needs to be considered for lasting impact with children? How will you connect with families? How will this be linked to the ministry of the local church? Who should be invited to be partners in this? What are the challenges that will require prayer? Who will pray?

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 6-0 Building Bridges of Outreach

What is Outreach? Take this quiz with the group. What do you think is true about outreach? T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F T or F

1. Sunday School and outreach are the same. 2. You can do outreach even if you have very little money. 3. Non-Christian children are just like Christian children. 4. If we present the gospel, children will always listen and understand. 5. Children do not need words. They will best understand the gospel if we simply show them love. 6. Children are too young to make a serious commitment to follow Jesus. 7. The bigger the outreach event, the better it is. 8. What works in one place will work everywhere to reach children. 9. Children can lead other children to Christ. 10. If children do not receive Christ at an outreach, it is a failure. 11. It is okay to have humor or games at an outreach. 12. Parents should not watch an outreach event

Which of these statements is the most challenging to you? Who can you talk to and pray with about this?

Outreach Brainstorm Ideas Brainstorm Activity List as many ideas as possible for outreach to the children in your community (or for the map your drew at the beginning).

Which of these is seems like the best idea? What is the first step in planning for this outreach?

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 6-0 Building Bridges of Outreach

Impossibilities Can you balance one nail on the head of another nail? Can you balance six on the head of just one nail? Some say it is impossible, just like they might believe it is impossible for children to come to Christ in your community. What did Jesus say about this? Circle the important key words Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 about impossibilities:

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

Wrap Up The Joshua Principle In mission and in evangelism, we need to remember the story of Joshua. The battle of Jericho was won with a unique strategy. Each time Israelites listened to God, they won the battles. When they didn’t they experienced defeat or confusion. We must have faith. And we must listen for God’s strategies to reach children and families for Christ. What is God saying to you? What are the impossibilities in your community? What is God leading you to do to reach the children of your community?

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 7-0 Presenting the Gospel to Children When can a child receive Christ?

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12

1) Historical Theological View How do different church traditions answer this question?

2) Psychological-Spiritual Development View How does a child’s age and development influence their response?

3) Practical View George Barna, researcher discover that when the gospel is presented to people, children between 5 to 12 are 5-8 times more likely to respond than teens or adults. The likelihood of a person responding to gospel is: 32% between ages of 5-12 4% between ages of 13-18 6% at age 19 or older At what age did you receive Christ? Do you know children who have received Christ at a young age? What is their story of coming to Christ?

THE BIGGER QUESTIONS: Can children begin to follow Christ at a young age? When should we start to share the story and invitation of the gospel with children? page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 7-0 Presenting the Gospel to Children

What is the Gospel? In 1-2 sentences, can you define the gospel?

What does a child need to know?  There is a right and wrong (comes from Bible)  God loves them (though he is invisible)  They are sinful (and responsible)  Jesus was special and paid the price for their sin  They can ask for forgiveness and receive it through Christ

The Gospel colors YELLOW (Gold): (John 14:2-3) Reminds us of heaven, where God lives. He wants us to live with him there, too. DARK: (Romans 6:23) Reminds us of sin. There can be no sin in heaven. All people have sin. They cannot get rid of sin on their own. RED: (Romans 5:8) Reminds us of God’s love, shown when he sent Jesus to die and shed his blood on the cross for us. WHITE/CLEAR: (1 John 1:9) Reminds us of forgiveness. When we ask him to forgive us, Jesus will clean our hearts of sin. We can begin a relationship with him. GREEN: (Ephesians 2:10) Our friendship with Jesus will grow as we read the Bible, pray to God, meet with others who love Jesus (Sunday School?) and tell others about him.

Look around you. Where can you find these colors “ready” for the story to be told?

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 7-0 Presenting the Gospel to Children

Gospel Bible Verses for Children Simple, clear gospel verses for children John 3:16 Romans 6:23 Acts 16:31 Romans 10:13 Ephesians 2:8-9 1 John 4:9 Choose verses that have a clear PROBLEM (sin, the consequences), and a clear SOLUTION (God’s gift, eternal life, salvation, etc. Personalize John 3:16 to share the gospel with a child: For God so loved _________ that he gave his one and only Son, that (if)__________believes in him, ________shall not perish but ______ (will) have eternal life. John 3:16 (personalized)

What’s so special about Jesus? 1) HE CAME (Luke 2:11) as promised from heaven as God’s Son 2) HE LIVED (John 1:14) with God’s love God’s power God’s truth God’s holiness 3) HE DIED (1 Peter 3:18) on the cross on purpose for your sin 4) HE ROSE (Acts 10:40) with power over death with power over sin with power to share 5) HE RULES (Philippians 2:9-11) In heaven with God forever in your life? page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 7-0 Presenting the Gospel to Children

What will you do about Jesus?

Practice sharing the gospel with children Practice sharing the gospel Choose one of the gospel models. Use this to share one-on-one with another person, as if they are a child. How does this feel? What do you need to practice before doing this with children?

Wrap up The process The Bible uses the natural process of birth, as one way to describe people coming into the Kingdom of Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus (John 3) he must be born again. Birth is a natural process. This is the work of God’s Holy Spirit in a child’s lives. Our role as leaders is to simply help them to get a healthy, loving start in the family of God, much as a midwife helps a newborn. Pray for children Pray for children you know who need Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them to himself.

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 8-0 Talking with Children about Following Jesus The Process of following Christ Think of yourself coming to know and follow Christ. What was the process? Was there a moment of prayer or decision? What happened before a prayer of confession? What happened after? What kinds of things will impact the process of a child coming to Christ?

Varied beliefs about “the process”

Illustration created by Dr. Denise Muir-Kjesbo of Bethel Seminary. Used with permission.

Regardless of whether there is a tendency toward “the point” or “the process” in your church group, all children will have questions and need help to understand more about Jesus and what it means to follow him.

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 8-0 Talking with Children about Following Jesus

When is a child ready? How do you know a child is ready to make a decision?     

Questions Responsiveness to your questions, invitations Facial expressions Emotional behavior (tenderness, changes) Other:

How can we be sure we are not forcing or manipulating children in their spiritual journey to choose Christ?

Guidelines for conversations with children? What do we need to ask children as we talk with them?

What should we avoid doing as we speak with them?

What guidelines should be followed as we pray with children to receive Christ?

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 8-0 Talking with Children about Following Jesus

Practice talking with a child Now it’s time to practice. Find a partner. Role play a time of conversation with a child who has questions about following Christ. Begin with one or more of the questions listed below. Or, if you have a tract, use it as a guide for your conversation. Remember, some will not be ready, even if responding to an invitation given in a group or class. Why did you come? What did you want to talk with me about? What are you thinking about your life with Jesus? Or, where is Jesus in your life right now? Do you have questions about what it means to follow Jesus? Who is Jesus? What did he do on the cross for you? Why is Jesus the only one who has the power to forgive sin? Have you ever sinned? Would you like to receive Jesus as your Savior now? (pray together)

First steps of follow up What do new believers need first? Most need to be reassured in their faith. What questions might they have?

Scriptures to help with their biggest questions. 1 John 1:9 (forgiveness of sin) Hebrews 13:5b (security that they belong to Christ) Romans 8:35-39 (affirmation of God’s love) 1 John 5:11-13 (confirmation of eternal life) Encourage children to grow in their relationships with Christ: What do they need to learn in each area so they can begin to grow in Christ? What kind of help might they need in each area to get started? PRAYER GOD’S WORD FELLOWSHIP OBEY LOVE OTHERS: TELL OTHERS: page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 8-0 Talking with Children about Following Jesus

Wrap Up Parable of the Sower Read the Parable of the sower Matthew 13:18-23

Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

22

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

23

But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Which of the “soils” is most common in your sphere of work with children?

How can you help to soften the soil and remove the obstacles to growth in Christ?

Pray for those who have heard the gospel, but still need help to grow strong in Christ. page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 9-0 Helping Children Grow as Disciples What is a disciple? Define “a disciple”:

A disciple is ________________________________

A disciple is not:

What does a discipled child look like? How do we know a child is following Jesus? What kind of fruit will we see growing in their life? INNER QUALITIES

OUTWARD QUALITIES

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 9-0 Children as Disciples

Remember God’s heart for the child Know God

Love God

Fellowship Together

Honor God

Serve God

Tools to help faith grow Just as tools are needed in the garden, tools are needed to help children grow. The tools are not the fruit. They simply help to facilitate the growth.  PRAYER  GOD’S WORD  FELLOWSHIP  OBEY

As children learn habits related to these tools for growth, how can we help children grow in grace, and avoid legalism?

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NIV page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 9-0 Children as Disciples

Who helps children grow? Who is responsible to help children grow as disciples?

CHOOSE ONE ELEMENT OF GOD’S HEART FOR CHILDREN: ________________________ What can families do in the home to help children grow in this area of discipleship?

What can the Body of Christ do to help children grow in this area of discipleship?

Wrap Up Who are you influencing right now? What is God asking you to do to help them grow as followers of Christ?

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 10-0 Helping Children Experience God’s Word Why God’s Word? What are the benefits of engaging children with God’s Word? Look up these scriptures and write a one-phrase summary for each: Psalm 1:1-3 Psalm 119:105 Hebrews 4:12 Psalm 119:11 Matthew 4:4 Luke 6:47-48 Psalm 19:7-9

_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________

How can children “grasp” God’s Word? How can children really experience scripture in such a way that they not only KNOW what it says, but joyfully OBEY what it says?

Which of these can children already do? Which will they need help to learn? How can you help them? Write some ideas below for each category. HEAR: READ: MEMORIZE: STUDY: OBEY:

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 10-0 Helping Children Experience God’s Word

HEAR: Involving children in the Bible Story Good storytellers involve students in the story through their imaginations. How can we really involve children’s bodies as well as their minds in the story? IDEAS FOR INVOLVING A CHILD’S BODY: Mouth-Voice Face Eyes Hands-fingers Feet-toes Knees-legs Whole body How can these activities help children better “hear” the word of God? OBEY: “What is God asking you to do now?”

READ: Helping children learn to read God’s Word Learning to read and THINK about God’s Word As children learn to READ God’s Word on their own, they need to THINK about what they read. This is also the first step in helping children learn to STUDY God’s Word. Three Steps-Three Questions for learning from God’s Word

Observe

Interpret

Apply

(I receive)

(I think)

(I try)

QUESTION 1: What does this teach me? (about God, Jesus, people)

QUESTION 2: What does it mean? (Why is this important?)

QUESTION 3: What does God want me to do? (Obey)

Practice this process, asking these questions as you reflect on Psalm 23:1-2 Write down notes on what you observe, interpret, apply. OBEY: “What is God asking you to do now?” page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 10-0 Helping Children Experience God’s Word

MEMORIZE: Memorizing Scripture What is the goal of a Bible verse lesson? P _______________ (MEMORIZE)

Students learn what it SAYS

D ________________ (UNDERSTAND)

Students learn what it MEANS

A ________________ (APPLY)

Students learn what it MEANS TO THEM

This is the same process for all learning and all thinking about God’s Word. Preparing Memory verse lessons for children How can we help children be more successful in memorizing God’s Word?

How will you help students understand the verse and its importance to them?

How will you help children remember the verse? Consider several classroom games to use with verse words Erase or remove words one at a time Put words in order (written on cards, objects) Toss a ball or balloon and say one word with each toss Use music or a song Actions or sign language Rebus (replace words with pictures and symbols) Dramatize it (loud voice, soft voice, while jumping, etc.) Verse puzzle pieces Games (teams or two person, like “Pass the Ball Race ...”) Find the wrong word

OBEY: “What is God asking you to do now?”

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 10-0 Helping Children Experience God’s Word

Wrap Up God’s Word is like Water In what ways is water beneficial?

In what ways can water cause damage or destruction?

Read Psalm 19:7-8 According to this passage, what are the benefits of God’s Word to children? Circle words that show a reward or benefit of God’s Word. 7

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Pray for God’s help to guide children to experience his Word in such a way that they receive these benefits and grow strong as followers of Christ.

OBEY: “What is God asking you to do now?”

page 4 TWELVE Core Training

LESSON 11-0 Engaging Families What are families like in your community? What is daily life like? What practical issues consume them? How are the marriages? How are parents doing with their children? How are financial/economic issues for the families? What other community issues are impacting families?

What is God’s heart for families? Families are created by God

Genesis 2:24-25

Families responsible to teach

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Families train their children with love

Ephesians 6:1-4 Proverbs 22:6

Families are God’s tools to make himself known throughout generations

Psalm 78:3-7

What role can strong, devoted families have on reaching our world with the love of Jesus?

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 11-0 Engaging Families

How can families disciple their children at home? FOUR PRACTICAL IDEAS TO BEGIN

Experience daily servings of relationship  Talk  Listen  Laugh  Pray  Work  Speak God’s Word  Express your love

Make the most of teachable moments Deuteronomy 6:4-9 While talking, walking, sitting, eating Make it natural and genuine

Discipline for Growth 

Ephesians 6:1-4 Sprinkle equal parts of love and instruction/firmness ; like salt, keep these in balance

  

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Serve God together Matthew 5:16 Invite other families your home Help those in need Bring people to church Shine for Jesus as you work, learn and play

Participant Notes LESSON 11-0 Engaging Families

Connecting with families How can children’s leaders support/encourage families?

What special consideration do we need to have for children from families that are not believers?

Praying for families (In-Out-Beyond) Read the verses below. What do you see is God’s heart for families? To be key instruments in the Great Commission – for generations (the 1000 year plan) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off— for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 NIV

What urgent prayer requests do you have for families: IN –

OUT –

BEYOND –

Pray together about these needs and requests.

page 3 TWELVE Core Training

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

LESSON 12-0 Building the Kingdom Together The turnip story Observations from the turnip story?

Principles about working together: • • • • •

The ________________________________ requires __________________ ______________________________________ of the body has everything God is _____________________ when _____________________________

Why is working together so important for believers? We shine brighter together

God’s design is that we work together

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16 NIV

page 1 TWELVE Core Training

Jesus prayed for our unity

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21 NIV

Participant Notes LESSON 12-0 Building the Kingdom

A working together quiz: If one group of prizewinning mules can pull 9000 pounds, how many pounds could two groups of 9 prizewinning mules pull? a. 18,000lbs b. 30,000lbs c. 15,000lbs If one Canadian goose can fly 300 kilometers in one day, how many kilometers could a flock of Canadian geese fly in one day? a. 300 kilometers b. Less than 250 kilometers c. More than 500 kilometers If one ministry can accomplish great things for God, how much could a group of organizations working together accomplish? a. The same as if they all worked individually. b. More than if they all worked individually. c. Less than if they all worked individually. Find ANSWERS on last page What are the obstacles to working together?

Who might you need to work with in your sphere of influence?

Body Challenge What is involved in working together? With others, list at least 12 important words or phrases.

1 ________________________________

7 ____________________________________

2 ________________________________

8 ____________________________________

3 ________________________________

9 ____________________________________

4 ________________________________

10 ____________________________________

5 ________________________________

11 ____________________________________

6 ________________________________

12 ____________________________________

page 2 TWELVE Core Training

Participant Notes LESSON 12-0 Building the Kingdom

What do God’s people have to offer? What do we have that no one else has?

If we are really being “Jesus” in the community, what will people see us doing?

“The Church is God’s Plan A. There is no Plan B”

Idea Contest How can children’s leaders work together in the community? Fill this space with ideas and possibilities.

Puzzle Piece: What is your part? Read Romans 12:3-5 What does this teach us about the Body of Christ? What gifts, talents, skills do you have to share?

What is your part to play in reaching children for Christ?

Answers to Working Together Quiz  In the case of mules…two groups combining their efforts could pull more than 50% more weight than if they had pulled individually!  In the case of geese…a flock of geese can fly 70% farther in a day than a single goose!  In the case of training organizations…it depends!

page 3 TWELVE Core Training