It’s been my joy as a senior pastor to teach the children and their parents on Wednesday nights for the past year at CrossPoint.
It’s been my joy as a senior pastor to teach the children and their parents on Wednesday nights for the past year at CrossPoint.
In our times together we focus on doctrine, memorizing Scripture, prayer for missionaries, worship, and fun. Our children have not only memorized the books of the Bible but their genres.
They could tell you what theopneustos means and that the Holy Spirit is Who confirms the Truth of Scripture to our hearts. Ask them what it means for God to be both transcendent and immanent and they will give you hand motions to show you the difference. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that children can handle Truth and its deepest doctrines.
During Christmas we did not just teach about the manger, we taught our children about Jesus’ Incarnation. We addressed His pre-existence and His taking on flesh. If you are waiting to teach deep Truth until students enter the youth group then you have missed the foundational years and your students will be behind.
In thinking on teaching children about Easter, I have a few recommendations. First, I would pick a passage such as 1 Cor. 15:3-8 to memorize as a family.
Live Deuteronomy 6 out in your home by talking about it and displaying it everywhere on little note cards. Second, I have found that “singing” is actually a great aid to memorizing.
The Scripture passages that I put to tune have been retained by the children (and their parents) more than those without rhythm or melody. Moses did the same thing in Deuteronomy 32 to help Israel memorize his parting words. Third, I would suggest as a family to read the crucifixion/resurrection stories from all four Gospels.
We worry about hiding some of the terminology from our children but I believe that this “sanitation” can ultimately be a detriment. Fourth, children also learn best what they “do,” so giving them a chance to do a hands-on activity with the story (such as drawing a picture of the empty tomb, constructing a Lego scene, etc.) could also aid retention.
Fifth, pick one or two of the main words associated with Easter such as atonement, propitiation, or resurrection and teach it to your children. Aim high! Learning these words from the earliest of ages will help children grow in their appreciation for and knowledge of Christ’s sacrifice (which is another key word). There’s nothing like hearing a five-year-old explain what propitiation means!
As far as the Easter bunny goes, I think we should know why we do what we do. For example, is it really the responsibility of the church to provide the largest Easter egg hunt ever?
The world will teach your child about the bunny, your primary responsibility is to teach them about Christ. Do not let the pagan aspects dominate the sacred.
On a personal note, I also struggle with the gravity of the crucifixion being wrapped up in a chocolate covered cross.
Landon Dowden