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K is for Kidology
I have given myself a challenge for the next 26 days – post the complete A-Z of Ministry to Children.
K… kindness, kids, karate, King Kong…
K is for Kidology – Kidology is the study of kids! The Apostle Paul said he became all things to all men so that they might be reached. If you know the work of Karl Bastian, aka “The Kidologist” you know what I’m talking about. Karl founded Kidology.org and blogs at Kidologist.com and I am going to borrow his phrase for this entry.
Studying human behaviour is a fascinating insight for all pastors and leaders who want to understand just what makes people tick. What helps them to change and grow beyond their current circumstance. You don’t need to be a counsellor to use information like this to help others. A lot can be accomplished in a single conversation if you know what you’re doing.
You and I are immigrants into the world of kids. We are strangers in a foreign land seeking to understand the natives.
Have a sit down with your kids sometime and ask them about their world, find out what their interests are and what their accomplishments are… you will be surprised. When you bring toys to Church, bring your own. Buy a Nintendo DS for yourself, not your kids. Swap Wii games, trade football cards, give away your old stuffed toys. In short, kids love to see that you are interested in what they are interested in.
I am pretty comfortable conversing with a 7 year old, it no longer terrifies me, but there was a time where it seemed we spoke different languages. I needed to study this strange creature in its natural habitat, I needed to understand its strange ways and in time it grew to trust me.
Become a student of children and remember… you used to be one.
INteresting comments about today’s culture. I have been doing youth/children’s ministry for the past 6 years and find that right now it is very hard for kids to connect with religion and faith because of the rapid increase in electronic devices. Thoughts?
Hey Lighting Gal,
I don’t think its the devices. That’s like someone 600 years ago blaming it on pencils.
Technology is not the root of the problem.
Dave
I agree that having a conversation with a kid goes a long way. I have three younger cousins, aged 3, 4 , and 6. All it takes for them to listen and respect me is a conversation. It’s simple, I respect them, they respect me. They may be young, but they are really smaller versions of you and I. Once there is a mutual respect, it is a whole lot easier to get through to them.
PS-I appreciate your “no excuses” approach on the technology/ devices front.
Hi David
I’m enjoying reading your thoughts on kids, they are inspiring. Serving kids for the last number of years has been a wonderful journey of revelation and understanding for me. I’m becoming more convinced that the Lord will use our children to shape society and culture if we the church, teach and demonstrate the kingdom of God to them. It’s never been enough for them to know the great stories of the bible, they need to know God’s love and power working in and through them at home, school and the neighbourhood. To grow up in a culture of the kingdom where they pray for the sick, befriend the lonely, stand up for injustice, speak into others lives through divine revelation. I guess to take the words of Jesus in John 14: 12 – ‘.. anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater things..’ and apply them not only to our lives, but those young ones that also believe in him.
There, didn’t mean to rant on quite so much.
Keep up the wonderful work you and your team are doing. We love the BIG stuff
Much love and blessings
Dave
Thanks Dave!!! Great name.