The Bible Discussion Group

14. Children in the Group

Welcome children to the meetings. They can be a blessing to the group. The kingdom of God belongs to children. Their faith is very simple. The Father takes pleasure in revealing His secrets to the children and adults who are trusting Him like little children.

Children are dependent and trusting by nature. They trust adults; they have faith in their parents. Earthly parents represent God to the children. They have strong faith in what God promised. It's a great responsibility to be around children because they learn from us. Even though the children are weak in the natural, they have a mighty defender in God. Jesus warned that parents, and adults who influence children, are held accountable for the way they affected these little ones' ability to trust.

There are different ways to care for children. There can be Bible discussion groups with: 1) very small children who can be blessed by being with adults during worship, but may not benefit by the lesson and discussion; 2) children 5-6 years and older can be included in worship, thanksgiving prayer, "icebreaker" questions, children's lessons discussion (when available) and prayer ministry; 3) mix of the above. Use discernment and wisdom to decide what is best for the children and adults in your group.

Possible decisions. 1)Ask volunteers to watch the children after the worship and thanksgiving prayer in another room. They can teach children separately using children's books. Children should be informed about the rules of the house (don't run or make noise, the parents' bedroom is off-limits etc.).

2) Before dismissing the children, bring them up to the front of the group and teach them yourself for 5-10 minutes. (Some of our lessons have a children's lesson that to go along with what we are teaching the adults.) You can teach on the same topic for tonight's meeting if it's a good topic for them. Speak to them in very simple phrases and use illustrations from their everyday life. The easiest way would be to use children's' Bible storybooks. Then let them go with a responsible adult to another room to play (color books [pictures are available with our lessons that include a children's lesson], create a skit about the lesson they just learned, watch a Bible video or other wholesome video, or play table games; older children can help to take care of the younger ones - read them books etc.).

3) Let older children stay for the lesson and discussion time if the topic can be beneficial for the children. You'll have to use discernment to decide if it will not hinder adults from being open about their problems. Try to adapt the lesson and rephrase the questions to help the children understand.

If children are important to God they should be important to our groups! We need to welcome and bless children, as we would welcome Jesus. We can involve them in praise and worship and prayer ministry and see how the Holy Spirit moves through them. Since they have great faith, God can use them mightily

Sometimes, with the agreement of the group have a special meeting, where the activities would be adjusted to the needs of the children. You can have snacks and take turns reading Bible stories. Then the children can sit on chairs in a circle facing out. Adults can sit on the floor facing a child, and tell them stories about their lives when they were the age of the child. The adults can ask the children questions like, "What's your favorite food" (game, animal, etc.). Be childlike, have fun!

Children have great faith and humility.

1. What were some of the ways children in the Bible ministered to God? (1 Sam, 3; John 6:1-15; Matt. 21-8-27)

2. How can we welcome Jesus? (Matt. 18:5)

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