Telling the Next Generation

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:4

Kairos’ mission is to encourage one another daily to follow in the way of Jesus. Our “one another” includes 130 children and teens (and more to come). We believe encouraging our children is a partnership between the church and parents.

But, what does it look like to encourage…

5-month-old Brooks? Feeding him a bottle, changing his diaper, singing songs and sharing stories about Jesus, and returning his toothless grin.

18-month-old Keith? Comforting him and wiping his tears when separating from mom and dad is really hard, belly laughing with him when he crawls through the play tunnel, introducing him to the Bible, and wiping the table after more color gets on the table than on the story craft.

almost-3-year-old Juniper? Opening your arms to her embrace as she runs into the classroom (remembering that not-so-long-ago she would begin crying when she and her family pulled into the parking lot), supporting her growing “me do it” independence as she eagerly colors and glues her craft and tells you repeatedly “baby Moses in the basket.”

4-year-old Austin? Celebrating when she says the memory verse on her own, listening attentively to her prayer request, enjoying tossing water balloon “stones” at a giant drawing of Goliath with her, and affirming her kindness toward a peer.

rising kindergartner Shealy? Inviting her to sit with you when she’s a little reluctant for mom to leave, praying with and for her as she moves to elementary school, celebrating her request to pass out the snack cups to the others in her small group, and getting on her level and looking her in the eye as you send her off with a blessing each Sunday.

rising 2^nd grader Vinny? Appreciating the humor and wisdom of 7-year-olds, taking seriously his many questions about and being amazed by his knowledge on a wide range of subjects, cheering with him when the Bible story video is a “Lego one,” listening expectantly as he shares the hard parts of his week and praying for him in the moment and during the next weeks.

rising 4^th grader Kayla? Celebrating her emerging leadership skills, guarding and encouraging her tender and compassionate heart, providing opportunities for her to serve others, encouraging her as she begins to have her own “quiet time with Jesus,” rejoicing with her over blossoming friendships and showing compassion when friendships are hard, and assuring her that even when we are in trouble, we are loved more than we can know.

rising 6^th grader Zachary? Understanding that being part of a team and having friends is super important and encouraging developing relationships, creating safe space for questions and doubts about faith and life, having fun, providing opportunities to learn about others and serve together, and encouraging awareness of and Jesus-like response to other’s feelings, opinions, and experiences.

(While these are real children in our community, the descriptions are not specific to them but representative of children of their age/grade.)

How are you called to encourage our “one another” children as they follow in the way of Jesus?

Maybe you are called to be upfront leading a large group time for preschoolers or elementary kids, teaching Biblical truth.

Maybe you are called to lead a small group of children, developing relationships with kids and helping kids develop relationships with each other, as you apply Biblical truths to everyday life.

Maybe you are called to welcome families or encourage volunteers.

Maybe you are called to prepare materials.

Maybe you are called to pray unceasingly for our kids and leaders.

Regardless of how, as a follower of Jesus and a member of this community, each of us is called to encourage our children as they follow in the way of Jesus. I invite you to click here to learn more about the opportunities and to let us know how you feel called to encourage our “one another” children in the coming year. There are many different ways to serve, including some that are not directly with the children. Don’t delay. Check it out today and begin discerning your commitment. Our new year of Kairos Kids begins on Sunday, August 18.

I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about any of the opportunities to serve or about Kairos Kids programming or leaders. You can contact me by phone at 404-234-1843 or email (jan@kairosatlanta.org).

– Jan