I was sure that, with all I had learned with my vast experience as a parent, I should lead a parenting small group in our church. Surely these parents could learn a thing or two from my successes and failures. So, off I set on a new adventure with my Lord.
It didn't take long for the reality to set in!
If parents were expected to come, there would also be children. How were we to get over this hurdle? Since we were going to meet in a home, we couldn't ask the church's children's department to provide childcare. Could we expect each parent to pay a babysitter to come to a small group? That expense may keep them from committing to come. Our host family had four children of their own ranging from a newborn to a teenager. What were those kids going to be doing during our meeting time?
As I looked over the list of those who had signed up to come to the group, I noticed another parent who had a teen. Since I was the former Youth Director, I knew these two girls very well and I had great respect for both of them. Among other qualities, they were both mature Christians and a couple of the most responsible teens I had ever known.
Of course, the wheels in my head started turning. Could these two girls care for the other kids? How could they keep them from disturbing the adults? Even if they kept them in the basement, I was sure they would get too loud. How could they entertain them enough to keep them quiet?
What was I thinking? Why not let the Lord make the most of this opportunity? Why couldn't they have their own small group at the same time their parents were meeting in a group?
That was the start of our church's Karing Kids Small Groups. After three years and three subsequent trainings, we now have seven Karing Kids groups utilizing eleven teens. That's not bad for a church that has only fifteen adult small groups.
Teens really have a desire to be needed…to have a special identity. As we were going through the training the last time, our youth pastor made a profound statement. He pointed out to them that this was a ministry, not just something they were volunteering to do. We have to appeal to teens in that light. They have to feel that they are important. They have to know that they can make a difference.
Also, think of the analogy of the disciples telling the little children not to bother Jesus. That is like telling the kids of adults in small groups that they have to stay home with a babysitter. But with Karing Kids Small Groups, even the kids are invited to sit at the feet of Jesus.
The foreword of my manual states:
Every human needs a safe, caring place…
…A place where they are accepted for who they really are
…A place where they are loved unconditionally
…A place where they are listened to, really listened to
…A place where they can share the desires of their heart without criticism
…A place where they can share their fears without being made fun of
…A place where they can discuss the struggles of everyday life and receive guidance
…A place where they can confess without being judged
…A place where someone will celebrate their victories
…A place where they can pray and be prayed for
…A place where they can experience God
For kids, Karing Kids can be that place.
