The mission statement for the Elementary Ministry at Southeast Christian Church is “connecting kids to Jesus and one another.” Everything we do is filtered through this mission. As soon as the children enter our wing, we are striving to build a relationship, to help foster new friendships, and to connect them to Jesus. Our mission statement is tied into everything we do; it is our DNA.

To translate this mission and make it come to life, we have to help our volunteers develop the ability to communicate effectively with children. As adults, we become accustomed to, well… to talking and thinking like adults. This generational difference interferes with our ability to relate to children. Consider this; adults probably can speak with some knowledge about current events, the weather, or who is running for president. Most children could care less about these topics; it is comparable to the attitude we adults may have when asked to discuss who is more powerful: Pikachu, Bulbasur, or Charmander. All of those being Pokemon characters, in case you didn’t know. While some adults have no problem relating, there are many individuals who, whether by intimidation or a fear of rejection, are unable to connect or even relate to the kids in their ministry.

With this in mind, here are some steps to narrow the gap and breakdown the communication barriers.
1. Posture – To connect to kids we have to get on their level. Think about it like this, when was the last time you had a conversation while staring into someone’s belly button? Ok, I don’t really want to know the answer to that. When we talk to children, it helps to bend at the waist (or take a knee) so we can look them in the eyes during the conversation.
2. Vocabulary – Have you ever tried to read stereo instructions? Talking to kids often means we have to make an effort to use words they understand. If you are looking them in the face, see Posture above, you should be able to see the confusion in their faces when you are making no sense at all. If you are talking to them and they get that glazed over “what are you talking about look?” Try repeating your point in simpler terms. Instead of using words like “repent,” which most adults can’t define, ask them, “What does God want us to do when we sin?” “Should we keep sinning or stop?”
3. Names – Learn their names, memorize them, and use it when you greet them, speak to them, and when you pray for them.
4. Consistency – Nothing says you care like showing up. It communicates to them, in action and truth that you care. Jesus didn’t make disciples by spending one hour a month with them, how can we expect to?
5. Commonality – When we choose our friends it has a lot to do with the things we have in common. When you spend time with children, find something you have in common with them. Whether it is a passion for sports, a love for music, or a similar life experience (i.e. your parents are divorced) it will help you to relate to one another.

Finally, as those who are charged with ministering to the next generation of Christ followers, we must find a way to relate the gospel message to their world and be diligent in doing so. Don’t spend all of your time talking to the other adults you serve with. Make the most of each moment by connecting to the children. Communicate you care and let them know you are there to help. Get to know them and get on their level. Consider what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:21-23 (NIV) “To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Teach children; change the world…
Michael