My church is transitioning from a popular children's program to the Kids4Truth program this fall. If you are frustrated with what you're using now, consider getting your hands on some samples right away. K4T is no magic bullet. Programs are not the solution; effective teaching about the God of the Word just might be. The truth is, it will probably take more commitment from your volunteer staff to run K4T effectively than some of the popular stuff that's out there. And since this is the first year of broad availablility, there are bound to be some bugs to work out.
What's so great about it? The K4T program isn't about fun and games, or a prize store, or a cram-it-in-your-brain-for-23.6 seconds Scripture memory program, or a 1-2-3-pray-after-me watered-down evangelistic strategy. It takes kids seriously. Kids are bright, and they're hungry for a challenge. Kids can learn doctrine. Serious doctrine. Kids can develop a hunger for God. K4T isn't easy for the kids or the adults. Many of your volunteers will probably learn some doctrine themselves (perish the thought). And did I mention it teaches doctrine?
I feel as though I should tell you a couple things. Bob, the founder and president, is a great friend from a good long while back. God saved us about a month apart from each other while we were serving as counselors in a camp. I've had a very, very minor role in the K4T ministry, but I have nothing to gain from this promotion. I'm sharing this because I'm convinced that many/most of our churches' children's ministries are in shambles, and K4T is one great step in the right direction.
Here's a great article by John Piper on children's ministries, by the way.
1 comment:
Right-o, Ben. Though I disagree with you on one point. You do have something to gain from promoting it -- [no more than the rest of us to be sure, materially speaking, anyway] -- but we do all gain when parents and pastors pause to consider the direction and effectiveness of their children's curriculum. I have also been involved to a small extent with the K4T efforts, and it is thrilling to work with likeminded folks who are genuinely passionate about theocentric education, about helping to disciple genuine Christians, about creating within them a desire to know our God who truly "is a God great above all gods."
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