Tell the Children

[Resource Manager]

 

TELL THE CHILDREN

 

God's Family

 

God has a Son of His own, whom He loves. And He has a large family of adopted sons and daughters, whom He loves and cares for. He has made us in His own image, and given us families to love and care for too.

 

The Israelites were part of God's family. Whether they were travelling in the wilderness, or settling in the land, their 'little ones' were always part of the scene, and are mentioned many times. Our children are part of our scene, when we try to live as servants of God.

 

God looks to the family, in the first place, to pass on the knowledge of His ways. So He says of Abraham, "I know him, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord" (Gen 18:19).

 

Questions and Answers

 

Most children, if they are growing up in a home where they feel happy and secure, will be for ever asking questions.

 

God Himself uses this natural interest as a way of teaching. So we read in Exodus 12:26, concerning the passover, "It shall be when your children shall say to you, What mean ye by this service?, that ye shall say". The child asks the question; the answer increases his understanding of God's ways.

 

In Exodus 13:14, speaking about the law on the redeeming of the first-born, God says, "And it shall be, when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this?, that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt" Again, it is in response to the child's question that a great story is told.

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Making the Occasion

 

You may say, "That is all very well in theory; but my youngster never asks the right questions!"

 

Notice how, in both instances quoted above, the child has been put into the situation which led him to ask the question. The small boy or girl who never sees his parents reading their Bibles, and is never taken to a meeting, is hardly likely to ask questions about these things.

 

This is where the family that gets together for the daily readings —or the junior readings when the children are young —is blessed indeed. The precious habit of daily Bible reading, formed in many a young mind —though not always appreciated at the time —by this family custom, has stood many a brother and sister in good stead in later years. And what an opportunity it can provide to provoke and answer questions which trouble young minds.

 

And there are other things that we can do. There are always times, on wet days and holidays when children are at a loss for something to do. "How about drawing a picture of the ark that Noah made... the den of lions, where they put Daniel", will answer the problem, and provide a talking point. Scrap-books and modelling clay can be used in the same way.

 

A lot of 'telling' can come spontaneously, in this way. "How about making a tent like the one Abraham slept in?" or, "Why don't we make some clothes for your doll like those Jesus' friends wore?" The possibilities are endless and, given enthusiasm and a willingness to make time, the rewards can be rich.

[Resource Manager]

Listening In

 

Not to the radio, but to parents' conversation. All children do it. And whether we like it or not, they learn by it.

 

One small boy, when asked what he liked best about camping holidays, said without hesitation, "Listening to Mum and Dad talking when we're in bed." And when Mum and Dad, no doubt, thought he was asleep.

 

Our daughter once said, "Should Christadelphians marry Christadelphians?" I answered that it was better that they should; she was too young for me to go into detail. Or so I thought!

 

"Yes", she said, "If one of you was a Christadelphian and the other was a Catholic, I wouldn't know what to believe". And she added, for full measure, "Even if you can't take your eyes off a man, you have to let him go!"

 

We had never discussed the subject with her; quite obviously she had heard grown-ups talking, and had taken the point. What we tell each other, when the children are there, we are telling them. Which means we should be careful at times when the family is together—at mealtimes, for instance —how we talk and what we talk about.

 

The Sunday School

 

This is where the great work of 'telling the children' is carried out patiently and systematically, week in, week out. Here the teachers must work together as a team under the wise leadership of the Superintendant.

 

The first task of the Sunday School Superintendant is to make sure that each session runs smoothly, with well-chosen hymns which appeal to the children; prayers that are short and relevant, and Bible reading which leads into the lesson without spoiling its impact.

 

There are problems to be dealt with, such as unpunctuality, the occasional disruptive child, and any individual problems of the teachers. Regular meetings for teachers are a 'must', and free discussion here will help to promote the smooth running and effectiveness of the school.

 

Our Sunday Schools are always needing more teachers, especially if branch schools are to be started. There is a great chance here for some of us to get over our feeling that we 'cannot teach; and to volunteer to help.

 

It's probably true to say that anyone can teach anything if they feel strongly enough about it. Teachers who have experienced themselves the thrill of Bible stories and Bible study, and are willing to spend time in preparation, will find no difficulty in holding the attention of the children. With little ones it is largely a question of preparing visual aids, and of practical work. The teacher who, when talking about the drought in the story of the prodigal son, brought some dried up peas which she had forgotten to water was on the right lines! With older children time must be spent in thinking out the best way of presenting the lesson so that the children themselves can take part, by discussion, in its unfolding, and can feel that it is relevant for them today.

 

The work can be exacting, but the rewards are great; Sunday School teaching is a wonderful way of preaching the truth.

 

Where children are isolated, and cannot join others in an ecclesial Sunday School, the Isolation League Sunday School provides an excellent medium of Bible Teaching. It can give the isolated children the feeling that they belong to a community.

[Resource Manager]

The Youth Group

 

It is an undeniable fact that as children get older, they will drift away from Sunday School unless there is a strong sense of community, and to build this needs more than one hour a week. This is where the Youth Group must play its part, with Youth Leaders and Sunday School teachers working together towards the end in view.

 

Parents Can Help

 

Parents, particularly, have a duty to back up the work of Sunday School teaching. Misunderstandings can sometimes arise between the teacher and the parents; and if they do, the child will suffer.

 

It is not just a question of making sure that young Peter goes to Sunday School regularly, and is punctual, although that is important.

 

"What did you do in Sunday School today"? is a bad question if it is asked to check up on whether Sister so-and-so has been doing her job properly. And it does happen! The child will sense the motive behind the question; children are very shrewd over such things.

 

But if Mum and Dad are genuinely interested, they can help to make the lesson more real and effective; the teacher has only about half an hour to get the lesson over; parents have all the week. They can follow up the work of Sunday, making sure that any homework set is done in good time, and suggesting other activities-picture making, models, and so on, which will help to make the story live.

 

Children in the Ecclesia

 

Paul tells us that our children are holy (1 Cor 7:14). Even when only one parent is "in the truth" through this one the children are counted as holy. It is a sad ecclesia where there are no children growing up.

 

Small children differ so greatly in their ability to sit still, that the question of when to bring them to the meeting must be left to their parents' judgment.

 

But when they come, we have somehow to turn the necessary discipline of sitting still for what must seem an endless time for active young minds and bodies, into a joyous occasion.

 

It's sometimes said, "I feel sorry for our children. While others go off to the sea with their parents, ours have to come to the meeting, and sit still" But our children are the heirs of the greatest treasure life can offer; we have no need to feel sorry for them, nor to apologise for our way of life —it is indeed a way of LIFE.

 

One Sunday I watched a small boy who had been away for a week or two on holiday. He went solemnly round to each brother and sister, greeting them with "Hallo, Auntie!" or "Hallo, Uncle. How are you today?" It was amusing to see him unconsciously imitating his father. But really his whole manner said, "I'm glad to be here again. These are my friends, and I feel at home"

 

Every member of the ecclesia can help the children, if only by a smile and a cheerful word, and most of us can do much more than that!

[Resource Manager]

Prayer

 

Many parents find it hard to talk to their children about prayer. Maybe we don't start young enough. Questions such as, "What shall we say 'Thank-you' to God for tonight?" may be the first teaching of the young child about evening prayer. Repeating a verse of a simple hymn, or using one of the very attractive books of prayers for little children, may also help.

 

We have to remember, though, that young children can have very little conception of the meaning of prayer.

 

One thing we must show them is that our own prayers are an important part of our lives. As they grow older, they will begin to feel their own need to seek the Father in prayer.

 

The giving of thanks for food is a wonderful opportunity for the family to join together in prayer. But even here there is a danger. I know a small boy who was terribly indignant when his father, having forgotten that he had already given thanks, did it a second time! Our thanks, when children are listening, must always be kept very short and very simple.

 

The Power of Example

 

One fact must be squarely faced. We tell our children far more by what we are and what we do, than by anything we actually say to them. Though they may not be able to put it into words, they will soon sense any inconsistency or hypocrisy in our own lives. Our example can be a powerful influence upon them.

 

And yet, at times, even the good example may not have the desired effect. We must remember, however, that every child becomes a young person in his own right. And when we have done and said all we can, it is that person who accepts or rejects God's offer of life. We can only do our best. Good fathers sometimes have bad sons, (as Hezekiah and Manasseh) through no fault of their own.

 

The responsibilities of parenthood have weighed heavily on many a young mother and father; and on some not so young! But let us take heart. If our children know that the truth is the most important thing in our lives, then by God's grace it may well come to be the most important thing for them, too.

[Resource Manager]

APPENDIX OF ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS ABOUT OUR WITNESS TO THE CHILDREN

 

It has long been recognised that more brethren and sisters come into the truth from our Sunday Schools than by any other means, under God's blessing. Thus we must seek for ways of extending our work amongst the young. The following are a few suggestions which could easily be multiplied.

 

A... Sowing the Seed

 

We could make a start in our own home. If we have children, we can invite their friends to join in some Bible story time or to play Bible games or to join in some hymn singing. Children themselves are good at making invitations and many a new Sunday School scholar can be gained by that means. Why not suggest to our children that they try?

 

Our homes too could be places for little Sunday Schools, especially if there is no ecclesial Sunday School already established. We don't need to confine our efforts to a Sunday either! Any day or evening would be just as good for having a little group of children together around the Bible. They'll love it and such small beginnings can lead on to parents being interested too and a new ecclesia springing up.

 

If we have made contact with children who have shown some interest in places further afield, we can keep up the contact by letter. Simple lessons sent through the post with parents' permission may usefully sow the seed. Those children who maintain the interest could later be enrolled with the Isolation League Sunday School, if there is no established school near.

 

Why not volunteer yourself to teach in Sunday School or in the Isolation League, or write to children that you know or to children in Sunday Schools in other lands?

 

B... Tending the Young Plants

 

Helps to Sunday School work are available within the brotherhood. Lesson notes, teaching aids, examination papers, proof books, magazines, etc, are the sort of things that can be obtained and occasional conferences exist to share ideas and renew enthusiasm.

 

Other things to consider are Bible reading calendars, proofs, project work, visual aids, displaying the children's work, models, drama, music, singing, prayers, and above all, keen dedicated teachers and a well-organised programme.

 

C... Finding Fresh Fields

 

We can seek for ways to promote and uphold the use of the Bible in the state schools. There are schemes of work for teachers of religious education, project cards for pupils, or small exhibitions for use in schools being prepared by the C. A. L. S.

 

Competitions, essays, quiz papers, visits to Bible exhibitions or special slide or film shows can be arranged for local schools followed by a prize distribution of other event at the ecclesial hall.

 

Those who are teachers by profession can make it clear to their pupils that the Bible is a great book, more wonderful than anything else in the world. Such enthusiasm will not be forgotten.

 

Some brethren and sisters may be able to give talks on the Bible or our beliefs perhaps to a sixth form group. Many schools are glad of the offer and the pupils seem to respect cur honest approach to their questions which others don't seem to answer.

 

THE COMMITTEE

DEDICATION 75 - WITNESS 76

 

Tell the Children.pdf