Winds of Change pt. 2

Though a researcher, it appears (much to her credit) that Ms. Nye sees her work observing and learning from children as more than data and statistics.

One of the unexpected findings that came as the result of Ms. Nye's research was the profound sense of disappointment and grief the children felt when they discovered that their series of interviews with her was drawing to a close. (CS p. 104) The best of children's ministers, Christian educators, camp counselors, teachers, coaches, adult friends listen to children. But despite her role as researcher, Ms. Nye became someone unlike other adults in their lives. She became someone that the children could trust to listen to and help them articulate their spiritual experiences. I'm not just talking about the "salvation experience". When she suggested other people the children knew that she thought could fill that role as well as she, the children scoffed.

Even if parents are given the tools to be primary spiritual mentors in a child's life (after Deuteronomy) and take that role seriously, will they naturally become the much needed confidants that children need, someone who will listen without judgements and take that child's experiences seriously, or will a child still need to look for someone else? Will a child look? There are probably people who can provide these opportunities to children but it isn't a job or an assignment, it will always be relational. If it happens, it's more apt to happen with someone trusted, available. and willing to listen.

What about children who aren't already part of a faith community?

How do you engage a child in this kind of dialogue? Most of what Ms. Nye learned seemed to be a result of just listening not just to talk about "spiritual" experiences and answering pre-determined questions but also listening to the everyday "chatter". (C.S. p. 93)

One child rejected the concept of God as an "easy answer" because in her mind an "easy answer" made the answer suspect. Another child found religious "church" language too weak to capture his experiences. "...it left no room for mystery and the unknown." (CS p. 95)

There is so much in this chapter. Maybe the things these conference presenters are saying can somehow be shaped to fit the existing paradigm of children's ministry but I'm guessing they'll be better used as tools to craft something new.