5Keys Cafe
Exploring these themes together over a coffee*
When ever 5Keys have been explored using a WorldCafe style of learning, the results are collated here.
The World Cafe method is more than adequately described here>
The beauty of the method is it’s story sharing, community building processes. Creating the environment for the discussions on the questions that matter is an important part of all this and is explored under design principles
* beverage of your choice[/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Organisation” rel=”intro-highlander” tag=h4] The following points outline the minimum setup in a cafe-style discussion of the topics. A welcoming and inviting space is important. If a small group gathers at a coffee shop then adapt the following to that context.
[ul style=”2″] [li]Facilitators for each table need to be appointed and well briefed before hand..[/li] [li]Gather participants in groups at tables.[/li] [li]Preliminaries: Each person needs the relevant handouts for each table they will participate in. These can be left on each table for the next group.[/li] [li]Each table needs: Table & chairs; Paper & pens; Light refreshments (e.g. paper wrapped lollies); Table notice including title and code.[/li] [li]Roles are delegated for each round as follows: Facilitator (if not pre-appointed); Time keeper; Scribe; Encourager; Decorator; A prayer writer[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”][/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Introduction & explanation” rel=”intro-highlander” tag=h4] For larger groups, it is worth introducing this cafe-style approach with the following points.[ul style=”2″] [li]A brief introduction to 5 Keys for ministry with children and families may be achieved with either a handout or a powerpoint/keynote presentation. [/li] [li]Purpose … In each area we look at in the time we have we want to: 1. affirm what is good and working; 2. grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not working; 3. consider improvements or a change in something; 4. design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it![/li] [li]It is important to note that there is some overlap between the keys e.g. connecting as one participates is an overlap. Each group can make a call as to which one it bests suits, probably ‘connect’ in this example.[/li] [li]Just program, pure curriculum or education on its own is not producing faith-filled disciples. Just ‘family’ on its own is struggling. An across the board household and faith community approach is needed, particularly in 5 key areas.[/li] [li]The topic explored here is one such key and has many applications to a wide variety of contexts.[/li] [li]Different contexts may include: households, classrooms, small groups, camps, one to one mentoring, cafe conversations, holiday programs, Sunday morning programs for children, celebrations of worship, family or bedtime prayer times, conversation in the car, meal times and more.[/li] [li]Participants are free to speak generally or specifically into their context. Time will not permit much sharing of the specific detail of any one context. Save that for the breaks.[/li] [li]Each question provides different ways to ask the same question. Not all need to be used at once.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [/expand] [spacer height=”30″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Connect
Celebrate & foster the ways we CONNECT with children
Listening to God and one another as we work through the issues we purpose to; affirm what is good and working; grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not; consider improvements or a change in something; design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it!
[ul style=”10″] [li]Share the contexts when you felt/perceived/sensed an high degree of CONNECTION with a group.[/li] [li]What was the situation? What was the group?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]my small group ~ prayer group ~ [/li] [li]music group ~ drama group ~ china painting group ~ craft ~ [/li] [li]exploreres club ~ making school packs[/li] [li]bible study group[/li] [li]street parties ~ [/li] [li]best friends ~ catching up with old friends[/li] [li]special times with family ~ family Christmas Eve ~ welcome strangers ~ fun ~ reconnect with people ~ parents/children together ~ [/li] [li]beach mission ~ friendships have lasted the distance, decades[/li] [li]school council ~ common focus ~ for good of child[/li] [li]girl guides ~ nat. and int. tradition ~[/li] [li]military forces[/li] [li]mission trip[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Why connect?” rel=”connect-highlander” tag=h4] Dark Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]In addition to the above ideas, what can you add here that highlights some of the advantages of CONNECTING?[/li] [li]Explore great reasons, purposes, desired outcomes we would love to see through helping people, especially children, to CONNECT.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]being a part of an organisation ~ people in the family ~ get a job ~ noun a home group ~ welcome others – none stands alone![/li] [li]support ~ guidance ~ belonging ~ freedom to be yourself ~ stickability ~ tolerance required[/li] [li]maining oppoortunities to build relationships[/li] [li]meeting practical needs[/li] [li]connecting with God through each other ~ spiritual people ~ led by God ~ build trust[/li] [li]build common purpose ~ unity of purpose ~ doing something together ~ sharing life together ~ time & trust[/li]
[li]providing space for connection ~ getting to know one another ~ learning how to do that ~[/li] [li]freedom through humility[/li] [li]empowerment ~ experience –> inspiration[/li] [li]what did you like? who was interested?[/li] [li]build vulnerability in a safe place[/li] [li]feeling of belonging/ownership ~ confidence/safety because of belonging ~ relying on each other[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What works?” rel=”connect-highlander” tag=h4] Green Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What works to help people CONNECT?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate a healthy sense of growing RELATIONSHIP?[/li] [li]What ideas have been effective?[/li] [li]Where is God already at work in this area?[/li] [li]What resources help?[/li] [li]What activities help?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]school friend invited to a program ~ spread to family[/li] [li]Operation Christmas ~ helping roles ~ specific jobs ~ role descriptions connect you to the job[/li] [li]actually turning up! ~ doing what we say we will do ~ building trust adult <=> child[/li] [li]every life has a purpose ~ telling your story ~ listening to someone’s story ~ show and tell ~ without motive/agenda ~ non-judgemental [/li] [li]using names ~ eye contact ~ greet warmly ~ showing respect ~ demonstrating care ~ [/li] [li]create connecting activities to suit different learning types ~ learning from each other[/li] [li]connect with kids and develop connection with those important to those kids e.g. parents[/li] [li]feeding people helps to connect [/li] [li]messy church ~ youth group ~ homework club ~ SS ~ family lunches ~ KUCA ~ chaplains in schools[/li] [li]being interested ~ keeping abreast of changes in a child’s life ~ get to know them ~ show interest in what is important to them[/li] [li]provide a healthy and safe connecting environment in the home and church ~ ensure safety ~ [/li] [li]it takes time ~ make time ~ be a role model ~ understand different ages ~ unconditional love ~ be a good listener ~ encourage and support[/li]
[li]work on 5 or 6 significant relationships around each person ~ around yourself[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”What can go wrong sometimes? And what are the results if they do?” rel=”connect-highlander” tag=h4]
Pink Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What are the dangers of not helping children to CONNECT?[/li]
[li]What stops or hinders children from CONNECTING? In what ways do we directly or unintentionally discourage children’s CONNECTIONS?[/li]
[li]Of the dangers and barriers to PARTICIPATION you have listed, rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the worst. Discuss why you have chosen these ratings.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]poor communication ~ disconnection ~ even at different age levels[/li]
[li]incorrect/uninformed judgement of others ~ misunderstandings[/li]
[li]legal fears 7/10[/li]
[li]lnot feeling loved/welcome/accepted ~ ongoing effects of their experience not being one of a God who is loving 9/10[/li]
[li]saying inappropriate things because we don’t know what’s going on in their lives 8/10[/li]
[li]unintentionality 10/10[/li]
[li]children not being safe 10/10[/li]
[li]children not wanting to come back 6/10[/li]
[li]non-engagement in the connecting process 7/10[/li]
[li]name changes ~ structural changes ~ cause disconnections 5/10[/li]
[li]false information 9/10[/li]
[li]disruptivelness[/li]
[li]time poor[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”What more can we do?” rel=”connect-highlander” tag=h4]
Purple Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What have you seen or heard of or could imagine that will specifically address some of the issues raised previously.[/li]
[li]Here we are looking for fresh ideas not already covered in ‘the green pen’ discussion. Do some ‘blue sky’ (no obstacles and plenty of $$) thinking about what could be helpful.[/li]
[li]Could any of this work for you in your context. Would they address some of the negatives? Would they help address some of the things that hinder the opportunities for children to CONNECT? [/li]
[li]We don’t expect this discussion to address all our concerns or find answers to all our questions. If you are dissatisfied with children’s levels of CONNECTION in your patch, we hope you will be encouraged to do the necessary work to affect change.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]listening ~ knowing names ~ engaged ~ eye contact[/li]
[li]listening ~ directing to God ~ communicate with God ~ connecting with God ~ journalling ~ learning to hear God’s voice[/li]
[li]recall/remember from week to week[/li]
[li]include[/li]
[li]connect with a simple message ~ KISS ~ Keep It Simple Sweetheart! ~ good materials allowing for differences ~ captivating/engaging [/li]
[li]model our faith ~ practical faith ~ God works through relationships[/li]
[li]be age appropriate[/li]
[li]be real[/li]
[li]laugh[/li]
[li]be genuine[/li]
[li]take the time for relationships ~ active listening ~ key points ~ reflection ~ freedom ~ time[/li]
[li]time/encouragement ~ support for community/admin/teachers[/li]
[li]interacting ~ interconnecting ~ relationship relating[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”Responses” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4]
Light Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]Individual or group responses.[/li]
[li]Not all are able to be recorded here.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]I’m going to work on connecting with 2 younger people well at our church … each week I’m going to ask them for their highs/lows of the week. I’ll get the OK from their parents. It will be fine, the parents are already in my small group.[/li]
[li]I’m classroom helper and I have a hard time remembering names. I like the idea that came up about asking God for help to remember the names of the 5 or 6 kids God want’s me to have an even more caring connection with. [/li]
[li]xx[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Participate
Children need to PARTICPATE
Listening to God and one another as we work through the issues we purpose to; affirm what is good and working; grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not; consider improvements or a change in something; design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it!
[ul style=”10″] [li]Share the contexts when you felt/perceived/sensed an high degree of PARTICIPATION with a group.[/li] [li]What was the situation? What was the group? What was your role?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]girl guides ~ girls driven ~ girls decide[/li] [li]holiday program ~ leaders & children all participate[/li] [li]levels of participation? ~ sliding scale 1–>100[/li] [li]maths day yrs6&7 ~ washing up after events ~ kitchen work ~ doing cuppas[/li] [li]technology ~ projectors ~ laptops[/li] [li]messy church[/li] [li]leaders participate and model by their example[/li] [li]the expectation is that we participate ~ it’s not a spectator activity[/li] [li]the worship band ~ I get to play/participate in the music[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Why participate?” rel=”participation-highlander” tag=h4] Dark Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]In addition to the above ideas, what can you add here that highlights some of the advantages of PARTICIPATION?[/li] [li]Explore great reasons, purposes, desired outcomes we would love to see through helping people, especially children, to PARTICIPATE.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]everyone is included ~ valued ~ empowered[/li] [li]it’s about everyone feeling wanted[/li] [li]inclusion ~ relevance ~ belonging ~ valued ~ validating ~ interesting ~ integrate[/li] [li]encouragement, no matter if it is right or wrong[/li] [li]leadership[/li] [li]participation can focus on all different learning styles[/li] [li]pray continually, God is in control[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What works?” rel=”participation-highlander” tag=h4] Green Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What works to help people PARTICIPATE?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate the healthy and helpful PARTICIPATION of children?[/li] [li]What ideas have been effective?[/li] [li]Where is God already at work in this area?[/li] [li]What resources help?[/li] [li]What activities help?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]being a part of the drama, bible story[/li] [li]actively reading out loud ~ as long as the child can read ~ care to match participation with skills/gifts[/li] [li]ask for a child’s help to do something is a way for them to participate[/li] [li]washing dishes ~ being part of a normal roster ~ needs coaching/moderation[/li] [li]letting children help with decisions[/li] [li]ask families to provide readings ~ lead parts of worship ~ be on rosters together[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What can go wrong sometimes? And what are the results if they do?” rel=”participation-highlander” tag=h4] Pink Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What are the dangers of not facilitating PARTICIPATION by children?[/li] [li]What stops or hinders children from PARTICIPATING? In what ways do we directly or unintentionally discourage children’s PARTICIPATION?[/li] [li]Of the dangers and barriers to PARTICIPATION you have listed, rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the worst. Discuss why you have chosen these ratings.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]roles not suited to participants[/li] [li]lack of knowledge base of the individual or group[/li] [li]not knowing who you are ministering to[/li] [li]behaviour handling ~ things get out of hand ~ easier just to do it yourself[/li] [li]not understanding where behaviours are coming from that limit a person’s participation[/li] [li]leaders not in appropriate roles ~ not able to identify the help they need ~ not able to ask for it [/li] [li]leaders not empowered to know how to get people to participate[/li] [li]chidlren not wanting to be there therefore reluctant to participate[/li] [li]lack of support ~ people may leave community if not participating/engaged[/li] [li]physical environment doesn’t allow for participation[/li] [li]people with disabilities not included/catered for[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What more can we do?” rel=”participation-highlander” tag=h4]
Purple Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What have you seen or heard of or could imagine that will specifically address some of the issues raised previously.[/li]
[li]Here we are looking for fresh ideas not already covered in ‘the green pen’ discussion. Do some ‘blue sky’ (no obstacles and plenty of $$) thinking about what could be helpful.[/li]
[li]Could any of this work for you in your context. Would they address some of the negatives? Would they help address some of the things that hinder the opportunities for children to PARTICIPTATE? [/li]
[li]We don’t expect this discussion to address all our concerns or find answers to all our questions. If you are dissatisfied with children’s levels of PARTICIPATION in your patch, we hope you will be encouraged to do the necessary work to affect change.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]hearing from God & using a journal as a tool to increase their participation[/li]
[li]encourage SRI [/li]
[li]we need more time in a day to maximise!![/li]
[li]other’s experience maximises participation. God looks at us all with love[/li]
[li]must not believe the lies about ourselves that limit our participation[/li]
[li]use what we have ~ be flexible[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”Responses” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4]
Light Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]Individual or group responses.[/li]
[li]Not all are able to be recorded here.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]Lord, help us as a church work out a way children can be mentored into the different roles on the roster … and to do it in a fun way.[/li]
[li]I can see chains of people together with their arms linked but at the same time using their hands to work together. I know that doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s my prayer for our family’s involvement at least.[/li]
[li]xx[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Engage
We need to ENGAGE children.
Listening to God and one another as we work through the issues we purpose to; affirm what is good and working; grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not; consider improvements or a change in something; design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it!
[ul style=”10″] [li]Share the contexts when you felt/perceived/sensed a high degree of being ENGAGED by the Word of God.[/li] [li]What was the situation? What was the situation? A church service? A Song? Storytelling? Bible study? Personal devotions? A theology subject?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]camps[/li] [li]youth activities[/li] [li]beach missions[/li] [li]holiday programs[/li] [li]through songs, acting, props[/li] [li]through arts ~ drama ~ technology ~ music ~ fun ~ puppets[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Why engage?” rel=”engage-highlander” tag=h4] Dark Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]In addition to the above ideas, what can you add here that highlights some of the advantages of being ENGAGED by the Word of God?[/li] [li]Explore great reasons, purposes, desired outcomes we would love to see through helping people, especially children, of being ENGAGED by the Word of God.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]we are sowing seeds ~ introducing them to ‘hope’ for the future[/li] [li]postivie memories ~ through our example to see it is true[/li] [li]God loves them[/li] [li]early faith discipleship encourages long term faith commitment[/li] [li]we are adding value to other aspects of curriculum/context (learning)[/li] [li]engagement leads to increased desire to participate ~ opens up creative possibilities ~ connects with child’s world/culture/context[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What works?” rel=”engage-highlander” tag=h4] Green Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What works to help people ENGAGE?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate a healthy sense of growing ENGAGEMENT with the Word of God?[/li] [li]What ideas have been effective?[/li] [li]Where is God already at work in this area?[/li] [li]What resources help?[/li] [li]What activities help?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]drama ~ puppetry ~ acting out the story[/li] [li]opportunities for intergenerational connection[/li] [li]reading from the Bible ~ kids reading it out[/li] [li]engage the kids in discussion ~ go away and have a chance to reflect/listen to God[/li] [li]important kids understand they can hear God and the Bible is God speaking to them ~ different ways of hearing God[/li] [li]give kids room to express their response ~ ask for their responses[/li] [li]Bible resources e.g. Beth Barnett [/li] [li]music resources e.g. Colin Buchanan, Snack Music, Find Out, Ultimate Series[/li] [li]kids read out the Bible in church[/li] [li]don’t cut out too much ~ don’t dilute[/li] [li]engagement happens through the lives of people of integrity ~ people who model a life of engaged faith ~ investing in long term connections ~ need genuine people[/li] [li]balance between fun, relevance, belonging, genuine faith, acceptance[/li] [li] xx[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What can go wrong sometimes? And what are the results if they do?” rel=”engage-highlander” tag=h4] Pink Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What are the dangers of not facilitating a process for children to ENGAGE in the Bible and the activities of the faith community?[/li] [li]What stops or hinders ENGAGEMENT by children? In what ways do we directly or unintentionally discourage children’s ENGAGEMENT?[/li] [li]Of the dangers and barriers to ENGAGEMENT you have listed, rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the worst. Discuss why you have chosen these ratings.[/li] [li]not engaging kids by not connecting with them by name is a problem[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]DIS-engagement ~ kids isolote themselves ~ misbehaviour ~ distracting ~ not wanting to go ~ negative (stupid answers)[/li] [li]lack of genuine people ~ modelling faith 10/10[/li] [li]no engagement with God/God’s Word = missing out on a relationship with God 10/10[/li] [li]boredom ~ perceived irrelevance [/li] [li]lack of effective preparation[/li] [li]dismissive of answers[/li] [li]pressures of teaching: times with kids to formal !~ to time pressured ~ not knowing names ~ teaching all day ~ waning strength/passion [/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What more can we do?” rel=”engage-highlander” tag=h4]
Purple Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What have you seen or heard of or could imagine that will specifically address some of the issues raised previously.[/li]
[li]Here we are looking for fresh ideas not already covered in ‘the green pen’ discussion. Do some ‘blue sky’ (no obstacles and plenty of $$) thinking about what could be helpful.[/li]
[li]Could any of this work for you in your context. Would they address some of the negatives? Would they help address some of the things that hinder the opportunities for children to CONNECT? [/li]
[li]We don’t expect this discussion to address all our concerns or find answers to all our questions. If you are dissatisfied with children’s levels of ENGAGEMENT in your patch, we hope you will be encouraged to do the necessary work to affect change.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]what more can we do? ~ more trained leaders who are skilled/gifted, called ~ balance between fun/content/deeper faith development[/li]
[li]spend more time identifying strengths of kids ~ spend more time observing[/li]
[li]draw from other cultures, especially Aboriginal culture[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”Responses” rel=”engage-highlander” tag=h4]
Light Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]Individual or group responses.[/li]
[li]Not all are able to be recorded here.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]help us to engage children the way you want us to! forgive us for our inattention.[/li]
[li]failure to really engage children at both a surface and deeper level may result in them not having a life changing relationship with Jesus … so … we need to be intentional in creating an environment where kids can truly discover faith.[/li]
[li]be still and know that I am God ~ help us to hear your still small voice Lord that we will be guided by you in all we do .[/li]
[li]Our Kids Club program finished yesterday, and we had a great session! They made pipe cleaner ‘Jonah’s’ and drew a scene from the story … sound familiar??!! Our church computer guy (on holidays from work) came and made a power point presentation that the kids were very proud to show their parents at the end of the session. This idea of engaging children was a highlight for me, especially as it turned out to be successful! [/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Belong
Children need to experience that they BELONG
Listening to God and one another as we work through the issues we purpose to; affirm what is good and working; grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not; consider improvements or a change in something; design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it!
[ul style=”10″] [li]Share the contexts where you sensed you BELONGED.[/li] [li]What was the situation? What was the group?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]Family[/li] [li]sports team ~ netball ~ roles, each important ~ attack/defence[/li] [li]committee ~ school ~ president, secretary, treasurer[/li] [li]with my regional leaders group ~ common challenges, goals, support, team[/li] [li]girl guides[/li] [li]school ~ challenging ~ really loved the school ~ staff – sense of family ~ care for kids important[/li] [li]church ~ support for family ~ especially for daughter going on a mission trip ~ support/financial/prayer ~ encouragement[/li] [li]relationships & friendships where we have something in common[/li] [li]non-judgemental contexts ~ acceptance ~ including kids with disability e.g. child with down syndrome on drums ~ visitors ~spending extra time and attention. [/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Why belong?” rel=”belong-highlander” tag=h4] Dark Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]In addition to the above ideas, what can you add here that highlights some of the advantages of helping children BELONG?[/li] [li]Explore great reasons, purposes, desired outcomes we would love to see through helping people, especially children, to BELONG.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]support[/li] [li]encouragment[/li] [li]accountability[/li] [li]valued ~ inclusion ~ comfortable[/li] [li]worthiness ~ you are worth it![/li] [li]friendship ~ deeper/ connect/ belong[/li] [li]ownership ~ feel empowered[/li] [li]trust ~ feeling of safety [/li] [li]makes reunions worthwhile ~ reason for going out of a sense of belonging[/li] [li]I’m needed[/li] [li]task/goals ~ shared goals ~ owned goals ~ share/work through common challenges[/li] [li]joined/signed up[/li] [li]when we belong we feel safe to be vulnerable and open[/li] [li]we are created to belong ~ it’s how we are wired[/li] [li]we need to belong to ~ thrive ~ be fulfilled ~ find purpose ~ for mental safety & wellbeing[/li] [li]to experience God[/li] [li]to know Christ and our identity in Christ[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What works?” rel=”belong-highlander” tag=h4] Green Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What works to help people BELONG?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate a healthy sense of BELONGING?[/li] [li]What ideas have been effective?[/li] [li]Where is God already at work in this area?[/li] [li]What resources help?[/li] [li]What activities help?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]ownership! ~end of year Christmas celebration ~ gave talks to boys ~ took ownership of the role ~ took responsibility for the play ~ to read/or write ~ opportunity to control/manage it themselves[/li] [li]ask, “how would you do it?” ~ survey ~ seek opinion[/li] [li]a welcoming program says, “You matter to us!” ~ reaching out with sensitivity ! warm, inclusive, accepting (see connecting above)[/li] [li]important they were involved and included ~ their opinions matter ~ felt they’d been heard ~ they had my undivided attention[/li] [li]having a friend[/li] [li]involving and including kids ~ asking questions & for feedback ~ listing to them ~ asking them to act out stories[/li] [li]gives them ownership[/li] [li]the Invitation ~ especially when new, being invited is important ~ feeling wanted & comfortable ~ giving the invitation reinforces your own belonging as the inviter[/li] [li]focussing/the value of the individual ~ one to one lets them know they are important ~ gives a sense of God’s love for them[/li] [li]using name cards/ tags ~ knowing names[/li] [li]remembering details of their life and following up[/li] [li]offering different groups to belong to ~ playgroup ~ youth group ~ family BBQues[/li] [li]imprtant to spend time explaining guidelines and boundaries[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What can go wrong sometimes? And what are the results if they do?” rel=”belong-highlander” tag=h4] Pink Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What are the dangers of not facilitate a sense of BELONGING?[/li] [li]What stops or hinders BELONGING? In what ways do we directly or unintentionally discourage children’s sense of BELONGING?[/li] [li]Of the dangers and barriers to BELONGING you have listed, rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the worst. Discuss why you have chosen these ratings.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]overlooked ~ ignored ~ rejected ~ not being liked 6.4/10[/li] [li]gossip ~ exclusion ~ bullying ~ 9/10[/li] [li]presumption ~ judged ~ assumptions[/li] [li]people’s personalities clash 6/10[/li] [li]belittled/ideas poohoo’d/laughter 6/10[/li] [li]not being allowed to finish the sentence 5/10[/li] [li]when a life crisis happens for someone and no one is there for them 8/10[/li] [li]no sense of connection ~ stop attending 7/10[/li] [li]too much structure in some programs ~ unfamiliar words/songs ~ without enough time for relational time[/li] [li]task focussed stucture ~ have to get through the program ~ rush kids to fit everything in[/li] [li]the ‘lies’ they believe about themselves and their lives keep them from belonging ~ need truth and grace to break the lies[/li] [li]belionging leads to and allows ‘belief’ ~ alls speaking ‘life’ over people[/li] [li]failing to find out what they care about ~ every year level & life stage is different[/li] [li]when people are alone/lonely ~ this is not God’s will to be rejected by God’s community[/li] [li]crisis ~ young people not connected ~ with denomination ~ with foundations of Christianity/Christian belief[/li] [li]diversity of belief can go too far when it doesn’t help belonging to some central beliefs[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What more can we do?” rel=”belong-highlander” tag=h4]
Purple Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What have you seen or heard of or could imagine that will specifically address some of the issues raised previously.[/li]
[li]Here we are looking for fresh ideas not already covered in ‘the green pen’ discussion. Do some ‘blue sky’ (no obstacles and plenty of $$) thinking about what could be helpful.[/li]
[li]Could any of this work for you in your context. Would they address some of the negatives? Would they help address some of the things that hinder the opportunities for children to BELONG? [/li]
[li]We don’t expect this discussion to address all our concerns or find answers to all our questions. If you are dissatisfied with children’s levels of BELONGING in your patch, we hope you will be encouraged to do the necessary work to affect change.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]explain the guidelines ~ in our group we … respect one another … listen[/li]
[li]use a ‘time-out’ method to help children remember the guidelines … not in trouble, just need to reflect on guidelines[/li]
[li]’personality types’ training[/li]
[li]acceptance of people as different ~ not allowing differences to exclude[/li]
[li]understandings that people learn differently[/li]
[li]value people and their contributions, “What would we do without you?!”[/li]
[li]encourage ‘left-field’ thoughts ~ encourage fun/play with ideas[/li]
[li]encourage respect for one another[/li]
[li]have we diluted the ‘truth’ and teaching in order to keep our kids/youth engaged/entertained? current generation ~ balance ~ need truth to be engaged ~ hungry for truth ~ faith needs to be authentic and modelled to both kids and parents ~ equip, empower & support families to do this.[/li]
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[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”Responses” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4]
Light Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]Individual or group responses.[/li]
[li]Not all are able to be recorded here.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]My next project will be to come up with a little informal survey, maybe 5 questions, to see what our children like about our church and ways to improve what they don’t like. I’m not going to promise change though, just asking’! But I will say we’ll be having a careful think about how to be church a little differently with all that in mind.[/li]
[li]xxx[/li]
[li]xx[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Respond
Help children to RESPOND to God
Listening to God and one another as we work through the issues we purpose to; affirm what is good and working; grow a healthy dissatisfaction with what’s not; consider improvements or a change in something; design a first, small step towards change that is right for our context … let’s do it!
[ul style=”10″] [li]Very quickly brainstorm a list of different faith RESPONSES made as part of our faith journeys. All sorts! Different types! What contexts were they made in? What different sorts are there?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]asking questions[/li] [li]saying, “Thank you” to God even before I really believed God was true[/li] [li]following the right way even before I had given my life to God[/li] [li]listening to God ~ hearing from God ~ being obedient[/li] [li]praying is a response to God[/li] [li]asking God/Jesus into my life[/li] [li]confirmation classes[/li] [li]helping others, following Jesus’ example[/li] [li]feeling bad in my heart and stopping doing the wrong thing ~ turning back/away[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”Why respond?” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4] Dark Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]In addition to the above ideas, what can you add here that highlights some of the advantages of faith responses with children?[/li] [li]Explore great reasons, purposes, desired outcomes we would love to see through helping people, especially children, to make a variety of faith RESPONSES.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]affirmation ~ belonging ~ we can belong to God[/li] [li]we can understand God’s love for us[/li] [li]we can listen to children ~ help children listen to God[/li] [li]safe place to respond ~ no right or wrong answer[/li] [li]answers to open ended questions ~ listening for responses[/li] [li]helping to develop their values[/li] [li]children enjoy involvement in outreach experiences ~ working as a team ~ putting faith into practice (participation)[/li] [li]needing to develop at different stages[/li] [li]connections build responses ~ relationships to leaders ~ youth group feeling of belonging ~ role models keep you coming[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What works?” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4] Green Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What works to help people understand how faith works and to make faith RESPONSES?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate healthy and helpful RESPONSES?[/li] [li]What are we already doing well to encourage and facilitate a healthy sense of growing RELATIONSHIP?[/li] [li]What ideas have been effective?[/li] [li]Where is God already at work in this area?[/li] [li]What resources help?[/li] [li]What activities help?[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]open ended questions help facilitate relationships ~ communication ~ encourages opening up[/li] [li]physical games/activities with children ~ effective basis for relationships/responses[/li] [li]creativity ~ ways of communication ~ need to be open to different interests, ways of connecting/communictating[/li] [li]Resources: play ~ sports equipment ~ art supplies ~ musical instruments ~ access to open areas ~ all ways of encouraging responses through/using these[/li] [li]Activites: art ~ play ~ games ~ all ways of encouraging responses through/using these[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What can go wrong sometimes? And what are the results if they do?” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4] Pink Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″] [li]What are the dangers of not facilitating RESPONSES by children?[/li] [li]What stops or hinders children making faith RESPONSES? In what ways do we directly or unintentionally discourage children’s faith RESPONSES?[/li] [li]Of the dangers and barriers you have listed, rate each one on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the worst. Discuss why you have chosen these ratings.[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [ul style=”2″] [li]disinterenst ~ 10/10[/li] [li]peer pressure ~ real response ~ not because of peer pressure 6/10[/li] [li]personal inhibitions 9/10[/li] [li]ignorance 4/10[/li] [li]disengagement 10/10[/li] [/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”] [/expandsub2] [expandsub2 title=”What more can we do?” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4]
Purple Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]What have you seen or heard of or could imagine that will specifically address some of the issues raised previously.[/li]
[li]Here we are looking for fresh ideas not already covered in ‘the green pen’ discussion. Do some ‘blue sky’ (no obstacles and plenty of $$) thinking about what could be helpful.[/li]
[li]Could any of this work for you in your context. Would they address some of the negatives? Would they help address some of the things that hinder the opportunities for children to CONNECT? [/li]
[li]We don’t expect this discussion to address all our concerns or find answers to all our questions. If you are dissatisfied with children’s levels of CONNECTION in your patch, we hope you will be encouraged to do the necessary work to affect change.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[ul style=”2″]
[li]new regulations in some contexts means less freedom but causes us to look at things in different ways ~ what are the other ways of reaching children[/li]
[li]paid/funded holiday camps for school kids[/li]
[li]increase in willing, like minded workers to help or be available please God[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
[/expandsub2]
[expandsub2 title=”Responses” rel=”respond-highlander” tag=h4]
Light Blue Pen Question:
[ul style=”10″]
[li]Individual or group responses.[/li]
[li]Not all are able to be recorded here.[/li]
[/ul][spacer height=”10″ mobile_hide=”true”]
Dear God,
[ul style=”2″]
[li]thank you that you know each of our names, and everything about us. Eand and every child, young and old. [/li]
[li]may we be a reflection of you.[/li]
[li]thank you that we still have the freedom to share and show your love[/li]
[li]give us the things we need to facilitate and provide these programs[/li]
[li]allow space for you to work[/li]
[li]amen![/li]
[li]we will continue to show God’s love[/li]
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