You want the kids in your world to grow in their faith, but how do you identify where a kid is at in their spiritual formation? How do you help them take the next step in their faith journey? Coaching can help you identify how kids are understanding God and help them grow closer to God.
The challenge with spiritual formation in kids
It can be challenging for young children to really know what they believe for themselves vs. what they absorb and assume from those around them… and that lack of clarity makes sense given their developmental stage of life. Many children express a belief in God at a very early age. Others may repeat what they are hearing but without a clear or thorough understanding of what it means. Yet others may challenge their parents for the very sake of challenging their parents. It’s a developmental journey that includes early stages of intellectual and emotional growth.
A reminder
Children are not blank slates. They are born with the image of God already within them. They can hear the voice of God, and he talks to them just as he talks to you. Work with that reality rather than against it. Ask them where they see God at work. Ask them what they think God is like. Listen to their answers without contradiction. That can be difficult, but often adults can learn a great deal from the impressions of children.
Coaching personalizes spiritual formation
Although taking a coaching approach with anyone is important, I believe it is especially essential with the spiritual formation of children. Avoid indoctrination and forced discipleship, which has the potential to be harmful. Listen, ask questions, be curious about their perspectives and ideas. Doing this allows you to provide suggestions for exploration that are in line with the interests of the individual child. Rather than giving every child the same assigned Bible reading and memory verses, you can customize the discipling relationship to the align with their interests and personalities. The child who is active can learn in a more hands-on way, while the child who is an auditory processor can learn through stories and conversation. The older child who leans toward an intellectual approach may want to do a survey of major world religions. The child interested in science may want to research. The child who leans toward the mystical may be more interested in learning about different types of prayer or spiritual practices. The child who leans practical may learn best by serving others.
Although taking a coaching approach with anyone is important, I believe it is especially essential with the spiritual formation of children. Click To TweetThe coaching skills that work
How will you know what will work best for each child? You must listen and get to know them first. That means taking a coaching approach and seeing how God is already at work within them. How is he shaping them? How is he leading them? Discover that alongside them. Let them sort it out. Their spiritual journey may very likely look different than your own, and that’s fine. Respect the work God is doing in their lives. Many children, young as they are, have begun their own spiritual journey of exploration. Our role is to come alongside, help, and then stand back and admire what God is doing.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dr. Bob Logan is conducting two in-person cluster consultation events in Southern California!
You and your team are looking to move into this next season with clear direction and confidence. As society is quickly reopening, it’s time to address YOUR most pressing questions as you enter into this next season. In a small group setting, Bob will lead your team in personalized discussions so that you leave with clarified priorities and the best steps for your ministry to move forward strategically and on mission!
We understand that the budget is tight this year. Bob is DONATING his time for these events! You and up to 4 members of your team can attend this event for only $100! And 100% of that fee will be given to Eden Reforestation Projects, an international nonprofit working to restore communities through the reforestation of their lands and fair wage employment.
When?
Glendora, CA — May 11, 2021 – SOLD OUT!
Chatsworth, CA — May 19, 2021 – ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT!
Both events will take place between 9am-2pm. Snacks and lunch will be generously provided by ViaCordis.
How to Register
Click HERE to contact Logan Leadership and reserve a spot for your team today!
Resources
Child-Centered Spirituality by Janet Logan- This book was written for parents, grandparents, or any adult who wants to learn where the kids in their lives are on their spiritual journey and to help them come alongside those kids to help them process through the big questions they are pondering.
Kids & God@Home- FREE downloadable resource with 52 fantastic conversation starters for spiritual formation in children.
Barnabas Ministry Training– Would you like to see less volunteer and pastor burnout? Your leaders fully supported and growing in their roles? Your community confident in their calling and working cooperatively within the body of Christ? How about a simple discipleship model that meets people where they are, and helps them take the next best step in their walk with Jesus? You want a Barnabas coaching ministry! Coaching is an invaluable tool to help your people and ministries flourish in their unique callings and functions within the church and the community. This downloadable turnkey kit is all you need to launch a solid coaching ministry!
Becoming Barnabas– This short book casts vision for coaching as a ministry. Barnabases are people who are instrumental in developing others, the people who are rarely in the spotlight themselves but make that spotlight a reality for others. By learning about the quiet but tremendous power of Barnabas ministry, you can make a difference for the Kingdom of God.