Resource: Messengers of Love: Involving Children in Mission.
Published by: PC(USA).
What is the title of the resource and who publishes it?
The title of the resource is Messengers of Love: Involving Children in Mission. It is
published by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Stewardship and Communication
Unit, Mission Interpretation and Promotion.
What do you know about the publisher?
The publisher, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a
denominational publisher of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
What are the main aims/goals/objectives of this resource?
As stated in the resource, its purpose is to give groups,
committees, and individuals mission ideas, stories, and activities for use in
churches. It is the hope that the materials in this resource make it easier for
churches to plan and carry out mission events.
As this resource defines it (explicitly or implicitly)
what is mission or service?
This resource defines mission as this:
“The emphasis now is on helping
all Christians develop the understandings, skills, and attitudes that will make
them effective representatives of Christ in mission – his people continuing
his work.”
What is the theology of mission or service in this
resource?
This resource states that through our baptism, God’s grace
is offered to all people. Baptism
calls us to repentance, to faithfulness and to discipleship.
Baptism gives the Church its identity and commissions the Church for
ministry to the world. As faithful disciples, we are to spread the good news of
God’s grace to all people. This resource book specifically states that mission
means “being messengers to the whole world and to the communities in which we
live. As Christians we can be
agents of peace, reconciliation and healing to the earth.” This can be done in
the home as well as at church.
Why is mission or service important for the church to do?
The Biblical understanding of mission for the church, in this
resource, is to understand the term messenger in the Bible. In the New
Testament, the term “messenger” is a translation of the word “apostle”
meaning “one who is sent.” It
states that the supreme mission mandate, the Great Commission, commands us all
to be messengers; “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…..”
(Matthew 28:19,20 NRSV).
What is the central content/subject matter of this
resource?
The content of this resource focuses on mission and various
activities in the areas of evangelism, hunger, peacemaking, environmental
stewardship, international mission and communication that can be used alone or
in conjunction with other curriculum.
Who are the intended learners?
This resource is intended for use by all children regardless
of age, race, culture and socio-economic status. It states that “Children form biases very early, some by
the time they reach the age of two. So
it is important to begin very early in helping children develop a bias-free
attitude that is the basis for a global worldview. They will then begin to
understand the concept of “one church, one world.”
There are suggested age levels for some of the activities as well as
broadly graded sessions (i.e. pre-school through grade five).
The resource also states that children as young as 18 months have been
observed to show compassion which needs to be actively nurtured by significant
adults in that child’s life.
What do you get in this resource?
This resource provides:
How to Use This Resource – This section states the purpose
of this resource and ways it can be used to empower children in mission.
Introduction – Explains the role of mission in today’s
world and ways to carry it out. It
also includes an annual calendar of involving children in mission throughout the
year.
Mission Stories – Mission stories with questions for
discussion are provided.
Mission Activities – “Hands-on” activities are
suggested to help children explore what they can do to serve others.
Choral Readings and Prayers – This section includes
supplemental readings and prayers that can be used to enhance mission
activities.
Music – This music section is a supplement to the stories
and activities.
Resources – Provides a list of resources for further study
and exploration.
What kinds of activities do the participants actually DO
in this resource?
Participants…
Listen to mission stories.
Participate in hands-on activities (craft projects) for
themselves and for those in the local community.
Learn different languages.
Study the Bible through various learning activities.
Do the participants engage in any Bible study or
theological discussion using this resource?
Bible study is limited.
Each lesson has a scripture passage that is either read and followed up
by questions which are age-level appropriate or a hands-on activity relating to
the passage and message taught.
The theology behind each story and activity is one of
“caring for our world and creation.” The biblical basis for mission is bound
up in the two interconnected concepts of evangelism and justice with reference
made to Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you…”
What kinds of materials, equipment, facilities or other
resources do you need?
Materials and equipment needed for each session are listed as
well as a suggestion for the appropriate setting for each session (i.e.
classroom, fellowship hall, church grounds, park, church kitchen, etc.). As far
as materials and equipment necessary, little is needed but more can be used.
What time-frame(s) do these activities require?
The time-frame required for each activity varies depending on
activities selected, age of children being taught and setting being used.
What kind of leadership do you need to do the activities?
Lay leadership is used to carry out the various activities.
People leading these activities/stories should be familiar with the
philosophy of mission and its programs. This
resource is the leader’s guide. It
is easy to understand and instructions are straightforward.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this resource?
Strengths:
The resource meets its purpose and goals – this is
reflected in the stories and activities suggested.
Resource is flexible and offers many choices of activities to
plan and carry out mission events for children.
Activities may be used on their own or in conjunction with
other materials and programs in the church.
Different learning styles are addressed in this resource.
Each lesson provides guidance for developmentally
age-appropriate activities.
Scripture is woven into all aspects of the resource (stories,
activities, music).
The resource looks at mission broadly giving suggestions on
how to respond locally and globally.
The Introduction information regarding mission and how
children develop concern and compassion for others is clear and concise.
There is an excellent resource list in the back of the book
for further exploration and study.
Weaknesses:
Options are given for each activity but it is up to the
leader to make the selection.
There is no set session or lesson plan.
There is no estimate of time given for each activity.
Because this is a Presbyterian resource, people of other
denominations may find it helpful but may need to modify materials and select
activities, which fit their particular needs and theology.
In what situations might you recommend this resource?
We would recommend this resource for any time when children
are talking about care and concern for others and the environment (i.e. church
school, Sunday night study or midweek programming, short-term focus on mission,
Vacation Bible School, worship).
This resource could be used when relating to a catastrophic
situation such as just occurred on September 11, 2001.
A church that is focused on helping children connect with
their goals of mission and outreach would benefit from this resource.
