In the past, we haven't done a whole lot of response time to our lessons, but I think it is vitally important that we do some! Kids should know that they have a responsibility to DO something when hearing the Word of God, and they NEED to respond in some way in their daily lives. The Team Leader can't always be the one to offer this response time in Kids Connect, because of other outside-the-classroom responsibilities, but I really need you to help me offer one of these options in some way, shape, or form for every lesson you teach. Please use simple words, easy to understand, and please end every lesson with prayer and response.
I have discovered that children don't need dim lights and soft music to respond to Jesus! When they want to, they aren't ashamed! And they almost always want to! We just need to give them the opportunity. I'd also like the names of the children you lead to the Lord. I will send their parents a letter or e-mail with information for them.
Below are listed some options for you to consider when asking the children for a response (taken from a book by Dick Gruber, called, Focus on Children: A Handbook for Teachers):
Altar Call
An altar call is the traditional approach. Have the children close their eyes and think about the theme of the day. Sometimes I just tell them to close their eyes and think about Jesus. Those that wish to respond to today's lesson raise a hand. After the hand is raised, encourage them to stand and step to the front of the room. When up front either lead the children in a prayer or urge them to pray in their own words or in their own way.
Altar Service
An altar service is more of a group activity. Invite the children to gather at one point in your classroom. Typically, the front of the room is used as an altar area. In the altar service, children are encouraged to worship and pray as a group. The class can kneel, stand, or even sit together. Children may even pray one for another.
Group Prayer
Divide your class into smaller groups. If you have four children, make two groups of two. In the larger class, groups of three or four is effective. Assign a location i nyour room for each group. children in each group should pray one for another. Sometimes they may even hold hands and pray.
Prayer At the Chair
When beginning the response time, ask the children to turn and kneel at their seats. Those wishing prayer for specific needs are asked to raise a hand. Circulate through oyur class praying for those with special needs.
Prayer Circle
The entire class stands and makes a circle around the room. Children may or may not hold hands in this circle. Take turns going around the circle with each person praying out loud. If a person does not know what to pray, they may pass to the next. Have them pass by speaking a key phrase such as, "I love you Jesus," or "Thank you God."
Prayer Partners
Have the children pair off with one or two friends. The prayer partners spend time sharing and praying for each other in the classroom. The children may then exchange phone numbers and call one another for special prayer throughout the week.
Written Requests
Children are given paper and pencil. Ask them to write down their specific needs. Papers may be collected and prayed over. In one church I visited, children pinned these requests on a cardboard cross in the front of the room. After requests are written out and prayed over, keep a record of the answers that God provides. You may want to begin a prayer notebook. Lists of prayers and answers can be kept and read occasionally as an encouragement to the children.
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