I teach kindergartners, a wonderful opportunity to help kids hear, know, and begin to do what the Bible says. But the time I spend with kids is minimal in light of their entire week. I may be able to introduce or reinforce biblical truths and spiritual growth, but I recognize that parents are the primary spiritual teachers of their children. When the Bible is taught and lived out at home, a child’s life is greatly impacted by its truths. And, if we can connect teaching at home and teaching at church, the impact is multiplied.
If your church uses Lifeway Kids resources for Sunday School, we can help through KISS (Kids in Sunday School) Connection. Parents can sign up for this free e-mail resource. Each week a message is sent that includes the Big Idea (teaching emphasis), the Bible story/passage, and some helpful connecting points for parents to use with their kids. The e-mail includes connections for both Bible Teaching for Kids and Worship KidStyle. (Also included are connections for Life Focus and KNOWN, resources for teenagers.)
Encourage parents to sign up for KISS Connection. Or sign up yourself and forward the message to your parents. View the archive and sign up on the Parent2Parent community.
If your church uses other resources for Sunday School, look for ways to help parents connect with their kids. Offer questions that parents can ask. Suggest ways for parents to talk about biblical truths during times that families are together–in the car, at meal time, before bedtime. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach spiritual things to their children. How can you help them through your kids ministry?
Links to resources to help parents and kids–
ParentLife (magazine for parents of kids from birth to age 12)
More (devotional magazine for grades 1-2)
Adventure (devotional magazine for grades 3-4)
Bible Express (devotional magazine for preteens)
