“Becoming Relevant to Children”

Dichotomy of Kids Ministry

The longer you minister to kids, the harder it can be to relate to what the kids in your class are experiencing.

The world our kids are growing up in today is quite different from the world we grew up in.

Children were a priority for Jesus

“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked

those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven

belongs to such as these."

- Matt 19:13-14

“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had

compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a

shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. “

- Mark 6:42

To relate to kids today, you have to understand what motivates them.

Think back to when you were a kid…

What motivated you as a youngster?

What motivates kids today? or

What gives kids a sense of enjoyment?

Accomplishment

Attention

Approval

Acceptance

Rewards

Success

These motivational factors can also be described as needs.

Motivational factors haven’t changed, but interests do.

By understanding what motivates the kids in your class, you are able to better minister to their needs.

Being relevant to the kids in your class is

understanding both their interests and needs.

Jesus met the needs of those he met.

How can you meet the needs of the kids

in your class?

How can you take advantage of your kids’

interests in your teaching?

“They won’t care what you know until they know that you

care.”- unknown

“Rules for Relating” – In Class

1. Spend time praying for the kids of your class each week.

• Take prayer requests during your class, and after praying, tell them you’re praying for them during the week.

2. Ask lots of questions• This lets the kids know that you really care.• Listen, and ask follow-up questions the next

week.• Take note of what interests the kids of your class,

and then ask them questions about the things that interest them.

You don’t have to be an expert in all the things

your students are interested in!

Just let the kids know that you care!!

“Rules for Relating” – Outside Class

1. Take note of your kids/grandkids interests

• You may be an expert in more interest-areas then you might think!

2. Watch a kids cartoon or movie3. View some kids websites4. Listen to some kids music5. Look on the shelves (good & bad)6. Observe kids before and after your class

• What are they talking about?

The bottom line…

• Show the kids that you care.

• Make your applications relevant to the kids.

• Know what’s going on in our kids’ world (but you don’t have to be an expert)