WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR MINISTRY TO CHILDREN

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR MINISTRY TO CHILDREN?

Goals ~ Purposes ~ Objectives ~ Intended Learning ~ Outcomes!

Just when I think I have these terms understood, the latest educational wisdom plays "bait and switch" with the definitions. However frustrated I might be with the distinctions between a goal, purpose, objective, or outcome, I know one thing. Each of these terms identifies something I want to achieve as a Sunday School teacher.

This raises an important question for us as CHRISTIAN educators. Exactly what do we want to achieve with the children we teach? What is our most important goal--meaning the most-desired end result--for our teaching interactions with the children?

Through the years, I've occasionally asked church teachers and leaders this question. Here are some of the responses I've received:

* I want the kids to enjoy Sunday School and have fun.

* I want them to feel loved.

* I want them to know about Jesus.

* I want them to love God.

Each of these goals has merit. However, none of them fully expresses the heart of what Christian education is about. The ultimate goal for spiritual nurture for children is to help them know God in a personal relationship and become increasingly like Christ. This is the most important result of all that Christian educators believe and do. It's what makes Christian education CHRISTIAN.

Take a few moments now to look at two biblical statements about this. You will find them in Ephesians 3:14-19 and 4:11-13. The ULTIMATE goal of Christian education is for persons TO KNOW GOD IN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP and BECOME LIKE CHRIST. Children are to reflect Christ in thought, word, and deed TO THE EXTENT THEY ARE CAPABLE, AS ENABLED BY GOD at any given point in their spiritual journey. All other "Christian education goals, purposes, objectives, or outcomes" are stepping-stones to this desired end.

"Formation in Christ's likeness" is a term often used today to express the idea of becoming more like Christ. But what does it mean? It includes several aspects of what theologians call "personal" and "social" holiness, such as--

* Responding to God's call to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9)

* Loving God with the whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)

* Loving one's neighbor as oneself (Gal. 5:14).

This includes:

* Being part of a community of other Christians (Heb. 10:25)

* Caring about others and helping to carry their burdens (Gal. 6:2)

* Trying to change social structures so all people receive justice and mercy (Hosea, Micah, James 1:27)

* Caring for the physical world and its people (Gen. 1:28)

* Wanting God's will rather than one's own way (Rom. 12:1- 2)

* Obedience to God's and Jesus' commands (John 15:14)

As we look at children, especially young children, these goals may seem rather daunting. Can children really love God with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength? How can children be involved in redeeming social structures?

Relationship with God and formation in Christ's likeness are ongoing PROCESSES. None of us, even as adults, ARRIVE at absolute, perfection in any of these areas. Everyone, children included, is on a spiritual journey that will take a lifetime. However, as Christian educators, it's important for us to keep the desired end result clearly in view no matter what age-group we work with. This shapes what we do with the children and the way in which we do it.

Consider, for example, how a teacher will teach if the goal is for children to have fun and enjoy Sunday School. Then compare this with the teacher whose goal is to help children enter a relationship with God and become like Christ. I encourage you to reflect on your ministry with children and consider these questions:

* Have you clearly identified your ultimate goal for ministry to children? What is it?

* Do your methods in working with children reflect the goal that they experience a personal relationship with God, through Christ, and become increasingly like Christ?

* If not, what is your expressed or unexpressed goal?

* Do any of your methods and interactions need to change in order to help children experience a relationship with God and become more like Christ? What? How?

God created us to have fellowship with Him and reflect His glory in the world around us. Children, in child-appropriate ways, can do this. Let's make these goals our goals in our ministry to children.

-- contributed by Donna Filmore