Kids' Ministries Workshop

Yesterday afternoon I went to a Kids' Ministries Workshop put on by the Upper Columbia Conference and two local churches. I appreciated what Troy Fitzgerald had to say about the stages of faith children pass through. Here are some of my notes:

Ages 1-5 "Borrowed Faith"
~their basic task is to learn how to trust
~adults are God to them at this stage
~they are like sponges, soaking in everything they hear and see
~they will parrot back whatever they hear

Ages 6-10 "Reflected Faith"
~they are becoming individuals more than 'copy-cats'
~they like to feel part of the church community/clubs
~church to them = family
~community service should be kept small-scale and concrete -- they want to see results
~this is when the senses are very aware and many memories are made

Ages 11-15 "Personalized Faith"
~they are becoming VERY self-aware ("what do I look like?" "what do I sound like?")
~they are developing a unique personality, making special friends, and looking at other people in a whole new way (critiquing)
~they notice hypocritical behavior
~they have sensitive spirits and take criticism very hard -- they are easily embarrassed or ashamed

BEST Ways to Reach Each Age Group:
Ages 1-5 -- MUSIC
Ages 6-10 -- STORIES
Ages 11-15 -- AFFIRMATION