Who cares about kids?

The major 1/3 that needs to be nurtured or cared for in children is their human spirituality. All human beings consist of three parts. All children have bodies, minds and spirits. Most parents will do all they can to care for the physical needs of their children as well as their minds.

We feed them the best foods, we take care of their eyesight and teeth, we do all that we can to stimulate their minds through whatever means is at our disposal.

We have them exercise through participation in sports, we expose them to the out of doors to have them develop an awareness for the preservation and conservation of their habitat, but there is one area that is almost completely ignored or taken care of,  that is, their spirituality.

While the  number of child-rearing books and resources often address the emotional mental and physical needs of children, few discuss the importance of spiritual development. Parents, especially those who do not activiely participate in a faith community, may overlook this aspect of their children's development. But spiritual pratices, even secular ones, can enhance family life and help children develop into healthy individuals who are able to cope with life's difficulties and reach an understanding about important issues.

Christianity, however, learns from Jesus the importance of bringing up children as spiritual creatures of God. They are to be trained, taught and treasured most highly. When in the Bible we read:  Mark 10:14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. We are led torealize that little ones are very special to Jesus and those who would neglect them and their spiritual training are doing the children a disservice.

Rev. J. VerBurg says: "If we don't treat the whole child and don't allow him or her to develop spiritually, we're doing them a great disservice down the road." When children have to deal with the deaths of their grand parents, pets, relationships and dreams and the many diseases that afflict them they are ill prepared and do not have the coping skills nor the God intended understanding of the way things are, why things happen the way they do, and what purpose they serve in our lives.

We at Emmanuel recognize the importance of training children of all ages about the realities of their human spirituality and their relationship to the almighty Creator God who instilled in them this wonderful part of their makeup.

We encourage parents to care for the spiritual needs of their children and we provide many ways that can help them to do so. Please give us a call if you have questions, send us a comment and come to our services, bibe classes or youth education programs.

 

 

Comments

[Ann Winkler]

Thankfully, John Beck (a member of Emmanuel and former teacher) had the vision of starting a Christ-centered preschool at Emmanuel in 2000. Joyful Noise Preschool has its foundation in God's Word. Our preschool, supported and operated by Emmanuel congregation, helps parents of all faiths fill the spiritual needs of children. Our teachers are trained in both using God's Word and secular techniques to guide young children during their early development.