Raising Up Younger Generations

“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.”  Isaiah 11:6

 

I’m not sure how my church family figured it out, but it typically does not take long for most people to uncover the secret to getting me to say yes. If you want Rev. Kim to do something, send a child to ask.

 

I have been the singing donkey in a Children’s Easter play, an angel (wings and all) in the Children & Youth Christmas play, just about every character in the live nativity, the “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” adult chaperone on the Youth ski trip, and the “give me a hammer and let’s get to work renovating this house” adult advisor on the youth mission trip. 

 

My “kids” know that I love and support them.  Red, brown, yellow, black, and white, all God’s children are precious in my sight.  Wherever I am serving, I go out of my way to find ways to identify and meet the needs of younger generations, to affirm them in God’s love, and to provide the instruction, open listening ear, and encouragement that will help our younger generations grow into the followers of Jesus Christ God desires them to be.

 

My involvement in church life always has included some aspect of facilitating the nurture and formation of our young people.  Whether I have been serving as a lay 3rd grade Sunday School teacher, the confirmation teacher for youth and young adults, or the liturgist for Youth Sunday worship services, I have done so with eyes open to where our young people can serve, and how they can be fed.

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At Trinity Church, for example, we have offered a Children’s Chapel Ministry, periodic Kids Time with God sermons during worship, a Children’s Choir, and special events for kids like our Advent Community Carol Sing, Chrismon Tree decorating event, participation in the annual National Cathedral Acolyte Festival, and special field trips to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Christian faith. To highlight their electronic media strengths, we asked our youth to produce a Trinity Church Welcomes You video that was used for many years with great success.

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We also involve young people in most all aspects of worship, including their service as acolytes, ushers, lectors, greeters, musicians and choir members.  With a little help from curriculum like Godly Play, Episcopal Children’s Curriculum, Lesson Plans that Work, Faith Lens, and the Children of God Storybook Bible we have been able to make a lasting impact.

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No child is too young to be introduced to the Jesus story and God’s enormous love of everyone. As the headmaster of Trinity’s preschool, the Trinity School of Early Learning (ages 2-5), I have experienced the benefit of extending our reach into the neighborhood and larger community.  I made one of my first aims as the newly called rector of Trinity to restore the Episcopal identity of the preschool and make certain all students, staff and families understood that the preschool and the church are one. 

 

We began collaborating with our preschool on kid friendly events like the Pancake Supper. We instituted a preschool graduation Baccalaureate Ceremony in the church followed by a picnic open to all.  We created a Chapel laboratory program where even students of different faiths could comfortably learn about Jesus.  It was not long before our students were going home and sharing their meal blessings and Chapel learnings with their families, and parents began claiming the church as their own.

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I credit my interaction with children and commitment to their discovery of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – with my resulting passion for building intentional spiritual relationships with those whom I engage. The receptiveness and curiosity children exhibit to God questions encourages me to believe in the possibilities when conversations and relationships are shaped by “What is God up to?” and/or “How do you see God working to bring about the inbreaking of God’s kingdom on earth?”

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Upon graduation from seminary, I began hosting seminarians at Trinity who wanted an opportunity to experience practical ministry through the lens of being a priest-in-the-making.  I delighted to have seminarians share new insights and perspectives I had not considered and enjoyed nurturing their ongoing formation as they grappled with priestly identity and the mechanics of ministry. 

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I also made room at Trinity for adjunct priests, deacons, priests who were passing through, lay preachers, and individuals exploring their gifts for ministry.  The most intriguing exchanges were always with seekers who did not understand “churchese” but wanted to understand the Church and to what God may have been calling them.

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I am convinced that the seeds we plant with our young people become the basis upon their continuing respect for the Church and willingness to follow Jesus. I strive to let all our young people know they are valued by God but also valued by the parish where they are members. When our children start young, we have a better chance of assuring them that they matter to us and to God.  

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Nearly eighteen years ago, one of our four-year old worshippers, while scampering across the nave, was overheard saying, “This is my church too.”  That youngster continues to serve our faith community beyond being confirmed, graduating from high school, beginning work and attending college. His story already is woven into the identity of Trinity Church.  I expect Trinity Church, and the God whom we serve, shall always remain woven in his heart as well.