Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter-Presenting salvation to children-printer

March 2003

Dear Christian Leader,

Welcome to the latest edition of the Pioneer Clubs eNewsletter, where we provide resources to help you build your Pioneer Clubs ministry with:

• helpful ministry ideas, tips, and tools
• a deeper understanding of today’s kids

As Easter approaches, you may be looking for suggestions on presenting the true meaning of Easter and the Resurrection to children and youth. Thus, we have prepared some tips for you.

10 Tips for Presenting Salvation to Children

1. Recognize that it is Jesus who provides salvation. Leaders shouldn’t try to force or manipulate children into making a decision. The Holy Spirit provides conviction of sin and the desire to turn to Christ.

2. Show your love and care for children. The old axiom–“More is caught than taught”–is true. You must be an example of what you teach. Demonstrate unconditional love and acceptance, and pray for the children individually and regularly. Let them know you pray for them, and ask them for specific requests.

3. Find a place to talk privately. If you can find a place to talk with a seeking child where you won’t be interrupted, that would be best. That way you can both focus on the most important decision anyone can make. However, to avoid any suggestion of impropriety, make sure that another adult is nearby.

4. Use language children can understand. This is critical in a post-Christian culture. Many children would have no understanding or context if you use certain phrases or words. For example, say “become a member of God’s family” rather than “be washed in the blood of the Lamb.” Don’t assume prior Bible knowledge.

5. Use Scripture. Club members need to know some simple, basic facts in order to appreciate Jesus’ sacrificial death and accept him as their Savior and Lord. The booklet Becoming a Child of God (catalog #6794) explains John 3:16 simply and is an excellent tool to guide discussions. Be sure these points are clear: God loves me. I have done wrong, and this wrong–called sin–prevents a relationship with God, who is holy. Jesus died to pay the penalty for my sins. To receive God’s forgiveness, I must trust Jesus as my Savior. When I do this, I become God’s child. God gives me a new, fulfilling life.

6. Make the verses personal. Have children substitute their own name for words such as “whoever” or “world.” For example, “For God so loved the world” can become “For God so loved Danny” or “Jessica.”

7. Ask for a response. Sometimes adults and leaders may not think the child is ready to make a decision, but he or she might be. When presenting the plan of salvation, give children the option. Don’t pressure them. It may not be God’s timing. On the other hand, someone else may have planted a seed in their life, and it might be the appropriate time.

8. Let the child explain what is read in his or her own words.When explaining salvation, allow time for questions. Allow time for the child to rephrase what you have said. That way, you’ll know during every step of your presentation how much the child is comprehending.

9. Invite club members to say their own prayer. Have children who say they want to accept Jesus as their Savior pray a simple prayer in their own words. If needed, help them know what to say, or have them repeat after you.

10. Make sure club members understand what happened, and give assurance of salvation. Ask club members for their explanation. Review the Scriptures you covered. Be sure the child understands what has happened and that now he or she is a member of God’s family. Two follow-up brochures that explain the significance of a salvation decision and how to grow as a Christian are Belonging to God’s Family for grades 1-2 (catalog #6790) and Learning More About Jesus for grades 3-6 (catalog #6792).

Changed Lives
“Two new girls came to club one day. As they went home and talked about Jesus, both their mothers and one grandmother got saved. The grandmother is helping at club.”
–North Head Wesleyan Church, North Head, New Brunswick
Today’s Kids...
...are interested in knowing more about God. Be sensitive to each child, and avoid pressuring any who are not ready to make a decision for Christ. Take time to talk to kids individually about joining God’s family and avoid a public invitation because kids may respond just to please you or to follow peers.

Pioneer Clubs Announcements

For U.S. Pioneer Clubs-
How can we better serve you? We need your feedback. Please take a moment to fill out a brief online survey regarding Pioneer Clubs products. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=92673168423
- It’s Phonathon Time! Many thanks to all of you who responded generously to our Annual and Leader Phonathons. We appreciate your support!
  We are still in the process of calling leaders to say thanks and to invite them to make a personal financial gift to Pioneer Clubs. You may recall from the February eNewsletter that since we are calling nearly 6,000 of you—too many calls for our three-person development staff—we’ve recruited the help of a calling service which specializes in helping Christian organizations reach their donors by phone. We need your support. Please prayerfully consider a generous gift when we call.
For U.S. and Canadian Pioneer Clubs-
- Kids for Kids Hike Countdown.
- Things to do this month:
  - Prepare adult hiker packets (see Pioneer Clubs Web site) and give them to helpers
  - Arrange for someone to take photographs on Hike day.
  - Prepare a first aid kit to take along.

Reflections

“Today I believe the single remaining common interest or entrance point for non-churched people into the life of the church is children.” –Bill Hybels

Lighter Side

During the minister’s prayer, there was a loud whistle from the congregation. Gary’s mother was horrified. Later she asked, “Gary, whatever made you do that?” Gary answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle, and just then he did.”