Holistic Spiritual Formation With Children-Mimi Keel
Today, I am attending The Apprentice Gathering at Friends University in Wichita. During the day, I attended a workshop led by Mimi Keel.
Holistic Ministry
Below you will find notes from the workshop:
John Westerhoff in “Will our Children Have Faith?” writes,
In the formation of children we do four things:
- We tell and retell God’s story until it becomes our own personal story
- We participate in the Eucharist and the liturgy
- We listen and talk to each other about our relationship with God
- We practice acts of ministry together
Holistic-Relating to the whole, rather than dissection of the parts; whole is greater than the sum of its parts
The Whole Child
Multiple-Intelligence Theory
- Educational philosophy that is based on developing the whole child
- Creates environments for the whole child to explore
- Types of multiple intelligences-Bodily, Verbal, Musical, Naturalist, Interpersonal, Mathematical (Logical), Visual
- See Handout: Multiple Intelligences and Prayer
- Video-What intelligences are happening?
The Whole Community
ParentsPrimary influence in the life of a child-Deuteronomy 6It’s not one-sided—we form them and they form us.Conversation Starter QuestionChurch
Ivy Beckwith “The simple acts of holding, feeding, and changing babies in the nursery helps the children understand the church is a safe and loving place to be. These simple acts of love are putting building blocks in the foundations of trust these children will need to know the love of God.
The Whole ChurchNeed to feel a part of “big” church. Find ways for them to be a part of corporate worship. Find ways for them to serve.Robbie Castleman Quote-Parenting in the PewSchoolClassmates and school community and friendsCityWhat are the needs?Our head, heart, and hands are our superpowers.WorldGlobal awareness, Missionaries & Ministries that your church is involved with
What might God be up to with our kids in our community at this time?
We did not want propositional or moralizing teaching.
Introduced to Ivy Beckwith’s Postmodern Children’s Ministry
What do we need to develop a kids ministry what God is up to with our kids in our community at this time? Not copying big churches
Our PeopleThe Word of God and the Holy Spirit
Theology of the Ordinary by Julie Canlis quoteInspiration (books, art, multiple intelligences, sermon series)
Imaginative Prayer by Jared Patrick BoydVision, Mission, and the Values of Our Church-Avoid silos and disconnected ministries
Holistically Designed FormationMission: We are a community of people following Jesus and learning to live in his ways.Jacob’s Well Core Commitments: Worship, Hospitality, Creativity, Learning, JusticeJacob’s Well DNA-Present: God Shows Up, Generous: God Shares, Creative: We risk, Transformation: We are changed, Hope: We actPeople-Chemistry, Competency, CharacterHow about us? See noteBlessing: God made you, God loves you, God blesses you, God is with you
Outer Frame-Play
Inside Frame-Relationship, Story, Spiritual Practice
They write their own curriculum from birth to 5th grade
Relationship-It’s huge. Connect with ice breaker so kids feel known and seen. Kragen structure (education). Things to touch while talkingStory-Everyone is captivated by story. Trusting Holy Spirit is guiding them. Allow kids to process (questions). Figure out application. Captivate their imagination with the story of God-Ivy Beckwith. Godly play-YouTube, Steven James (Active Play)
Questions-Thin (Who, What, When, Where), Thick (How, I am wondering..., open ended, Why, What if, How would you feel)
Spiritual Practice-See handout. We model with kids.2 Questions for each story—Who is God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit? and Who am I?
Sacred Spaces
Phases by Orange“The best gift you can give to people you lead is a healthy, energized, fully surrendered, focused self. No one else can do that for you.”Life Balance WheelInvesting in your leadersBlessing for Adults and Children
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