TEST We are sometimes saddened because children seem not to be interested in the teaching that is given to them. One could then deduce that they are not thirsty for God’s things. I would say that they are very thirsty, but children do not know that it is god’s things that they are thirsty for.

• First of all, our lesson should not be an imprecise discourse, in which we drop biblical truths or verses, relying on the power of the Lord to accomplish the intended work in the hearts of children. Our lesson should be particularly thoughtful, and organized as an argument (see pedagogical sheet). It must have three steps:

1. arouse the interest of the child
2.

appeal to his reason
3.

Touch your heart

• Second, its content, shape and presentation must be adapted to the child’s abilities according to age (see characteristics of the child). It is not an option, it is an absolute necessity. The child cannot get to our level; it is up to us to know its limits, its capabilities, its needs and to put our teaching within its reach.

• Finally, as structured as it is, the lesson must be engaging, illustrated and conveying enthusiasm and joy.

How can we explain that crowds of people, mostly uneducated, could listen to the teaching of the Lord Jesus for hours? The Lord knew how to arouse the interest of his listeners by sticking to their experiences, he knew how to put himself within their reach by using their language, by illustrating by means of parables, examples, and he also knew how to transmit his fervor and joy.

 

When I started teaching children, I quickly encountered an unexpected difficulty: how do I clearly state what I believed? Although I was born into a Christian family, having heard the Word of God from a young age, I found it very difficult to explain my faith and justify what I had believed for years.

In fact, I knew by heart (or almost) all biblical stories, but I was ignorant of the concepts, teachings, doctrines contained in the Bible.
These biblical truths are the solid supports on which the Christian, adult or child, builds his faith. Failing to receive these foundations, he advances to the sandstone of his sensations, his impressions, what he hears from one or the other: he remains fragile.
This is why the Monitor Workshop takes special care to identify a teaching, an application to the child, during each lesson, regardless of the age level.

 

A marker: if, when you prepare a lesson, you do not find application to the child (what he can put into practice in his life following your teaching), it is that the subject is too high or too complicated for him. This theme represents a “steak”, while the child is still on milk…

 

One idea: children can be helped to assimilate biblical doctrines by asking them, from time to time, to explain, for example, why they are certain to be saved, why they will never be condemned for their sins, etc.
Not only will they be strengthened in their faith, but when the opportunity to testify comes to them, they will find the right words.
Moreover, knowing their Lord, what he has done for them and what he continues to do day after day will give them many reasons to praise him and encourage them in worship.

 

© Monitor Workshop