Assimilation—moving people (adults, young people and children) from larger groups to smaller groups.
This is a wake up call to the body of Christ to mobilize, through small groups, an army of the youngest generation, equipped, encouraged, and given the freedom to be all that God has called them to be.
- Every child in ministry
- Every child serving
- Every child being discipled
- Every child winning souls
- Every child receiving and giving
- Every child hearing and doing
- Every child having the small group as priority
How can this transformation take place?
There are three areas we can address in this article.
- The transformation of the hearts and minds of the adults in relation to children is an essential foundation.
As the Biblical responsibility of one generation for another is preached from the pulpit, so there will be a turning once again of the "hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers" Malachi 4:5-6. The result will be a generation of children raised within a community of believers which loves them unconditionally and will equip them "for such a time as this". (see also Psalm 145:4, Matthew 18:1-14, Judges 2:10) - The transformation of the children's ministry into children's small groups/cells gives the opportunity for every child to be mobilized.
This necessitates those working in children's to understand that they are no longer teachers, but facilitators of their small group of children, to whom they are totally committed. Each children's cell leader needs to be in a small group/cell themselves in order to experience the life they are bringing to the children. During the meeting the adult will take a full part sharing, ministering, receiving ministry, and praying with the children. Each week the format, generally known as the 4 W's will give each small group/cell a good balance in their time together. -
Welcome: Hearing each others news, while having a drink and a small snack, before moving into opening ice breaker question.
- Worship: A time to focus on Jesus, and through praise and worship. Children are the greatest worshippers, "out of the mouths of infants I have perfected praise" said Jesus and He delights to hear our children as they praise and worship Him, singing and speaking out their thanks and love.
During this time, children may also minister to each other. Each week, one of the following could be asked, "Does anyone need to be prayed for (give specific areas such as sickness, being upset)?", " Has anyone got a word they think Jesus may be saying to the group?", etc. - Word: This is a time when the children hear a short message that will personally challenge them. Ideally, this should be the same key Scripture and theme as the adults. If we believe that the senior Pastor is given a Word for the "whole" church then surely that must be for the children too! This time can include creativity to reinforce the application of that Word to the lives of the children.
After this the children can be encouraged to discuss some pre-determined questions that will help them to think about their own lives and situations. Always start with "Did you understand what we have just been speaking about / are there any questions you would like to ask?" Then move on to questions such as "What do you think Jesus was saying to you through what you just heard?", "How will this affect you at school / home?", "What do you think Jesus is asking you to change in your life after listening to what I told you?", etc. Having talked these things through, the children can pray for each other or for themselves in the areas they have been challenged. - Witness: this is when the children focus on their friends who do not know Jesus. This can be done in many creative, yet equally effective ways. For example each child could put the name of an unsaved friend on a piece of paper, put all the papers in the centre, each child take out one and pray for that person. They could go into pairs, talk about some one they are reaching for Jesus and then pray together. This is a time when outreaches can be planned, missions be bought into focus, letters written to missionaries, the police, schoolteachers etc after they have been prayed for.
And so the meeting is bought to a close as the children commit the week to their heavenly Father. - The integration of children into small groups / cells with their parents, thus leaving the family intact, parents empowered and children within a community of all ages (rather like an extended family.
In such settings it is usual for the children to participate fully with the adults during the Welcome when everyone is catching up with one another, often over a drink with a snack, and then to share in the Icebreaker just like the adults.
When it is time for Worship and ministry the children can participate fully. It is essential that the songs and general atmosphere does not become child centered but Jesus centered. Songs need to be familiar to adults and children with words that are easily understood. This is essential for new believers present also!
The adults can then pray for the children, and vice versa, asking that they will clearly hear the Holy Spirit speaking into their lives before the children go into another room with a cell member ( a different cell member each week) for what is generally called the Kids Slot .
At this time they have the Word and Witness when they can hear the same theme as the adults, but more simplified and with creativity to make it child friendly.
Finally the children return to the adults where they can share with one another something of what the Holy Spirit did in their separate groups, before finally closing the meeting.
Let me encourage you with a true story! A cell member was not at a cell meeting because of a migraine attack, so a child was asked to pray for that member. The child said, "Dear Lord Jesus please heal her headache, take away the pain and don't let her die" The cell proceeded to explain that one did not die from a migraine! The next day the cell leader phoned to see how the cell member was. "Haven't you heard? She has meningitis" … and she did not die!
Imagine a generation of children who are experienced active members of the body of Christ, know how to live in His presence, and experience His power. A mighty army can be mobilized now, we need them, they need us and together we can "make disciples of all nations"!
