A new model for children’s faith formation
Honoring the many learning styles God has given young people
This fall Central will join with other congregations around the church in offering a new model for children’s Christian education on Sunday mornings. Last year Central began to use a new curriculum by Augsburg Fortress Publishers called SPARK, which was “really enjoyed by students and teachers alike,” said Pastor Kristen Jacobson. This year SPARK has introduced a new curriculum to create a “rotational model” for children’s education—quite simply where children rotate to a different learning station each week. In the rotations children learn the Bible stories through a variety of experiences, including story telling, art and even science projects.
“The rotational process honors the many learning styles that God has given our young people,” said Pastor Kristen. “It allows our children to experience the Gospel through many ways of hearing, seeing and feeling God’s stories for their lives.”
Greer Cherney, Central’s Coordinator for Youth and Family Ministries, reports that congregations that beta- tested the new curriculum have shared that their children are eager to come to Sunday School each week because they look forward to the next rotation. She also reports that the rotational model is becoming commonplace in children’s Christian education, as it has been in mainstream education for years.
“With the rotation model our kids will get to have multiple learning experiences which will therefore allow them to learn the Bible story in many ways. This will help foster faith further into life and equip children with Biblical knowledge to use as they grow up,” said Greer.”
“The founders of Central said that we must provide ‘the faith of our fathers in the language of our children.’ This is an opportunity to do just that,” she said.
Seeking fun, kid-friendly, energetic people for teachers and shepherds
The Children’s Ministry Team is looking for fun, kid-friendly, energetic individuals who are interested in teaching children, ages 4 through fifth grade. There are opportunities to teach through storytelling, arts and crafts, music, science and more. Teachers can commit for as little as one month during the school year.
The Team is also recruiting “shepherds,” who accompany the same group of children to the various rotations as a consistent adult mentor. This position is set up to help parents feel confident that their child is being accounted for and cared for during Sunday School. This is a year-long commitment.
“Your unique gifts and talents may be just the element missing for a special boy or girl who view the world and think about God the way you do,” said Pastor Kristen. “Your insight and voice may make all the difference in the life of a young person.”
“We have a great opportunity to support children and make this a place that values children as Christ does—raising up children of faith, who can in turn carry their faith to a troubled world,” said Greer.
Honoring the many learning styles God has given young people
July 16, 2010
This fall Central will join with other congregations around the church in offering a new model for children’s Christian education on Sunday mornings. Last year Central began to use a new curriculum by Augsburg Fortress Publishers called SPARK, which was “really enjoyed by students and teachers alike,” said Pastor Kristen Jacobson. This year SPARK has introduced a new curriculum to create a “rotational model” for children’s education—quite simply where children rotate to a different learning station each week. In the rotations children learn the Bible stories through a variety of experiences, including story telling, art and even science projects.
“The rotational process honors the many learning styles that God has given our young people,” said Pastor Kristen. “It allows our children to experience the Gospel through many ways of hearing, seeing and feeling God’s stories for their lives.”
Greer Cherney, Central’s Coordinator for Youth and Family Ministries, reports that congregations that beta- tested the new curriculum have shared that their children are eager to come to Sunday School each week because they look forward to the next rotation. She also reports that the rotational model is becoming commonplace in children’s Christian education, as it has been in mainstream education for years.
“With the rotation model our kids will get to have multiple learning experiences which will therefore allow them to learn the Bible story in many ways. This will help foster faith further into life and equip children with Biblical knowledge to use as they grow up,” said Greer.”
“The founders of Central said that we must provide ‘the faith of our fathers in the language of our children.’ This is an opportunity to do just that,” she said.
Seeking fun, kid-friendly, energetic people for teachers and shepherds
The Children’s Ministry Team is looking for fun, kid-friendly, energetic individuals who are interested in teaching children, ages 4 through fifth grade. There are opportunities to teach through storytelling, arts and crafts, music, science and more. Teachers can commit for as little as one month during the school year.
The Team is also recruiting “shepherds,” who accompany the same group of children to the various rotations as a consistent adult mentor. This position is set up to help parents feel confident that their child is being accounted for and cared for during Sunday School. This is a year-long commitment.
“Your unique gifts and talents may be just the element missing for a special boy or girl who view the world and think about God the way you do,” said Pastor Kristen. “Your insight and voice may make all the difference in the life of a young person.”
“We have a great opportunity to support children and make this a place that values children as Christ does—raising up children of faith, who can in turn carry their faith to a troubled world,” said Greer.
If you have an interest in serving, contact Greer Cherney at gcherney@centralmpls.org or 612-767-9206.
333 South Twelfth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-870-4416