More Teaching Tips For Getting Kids To Listen

photo by lilivanili

Marty Schoenleber, the Senior Teaching Pastor at New Song Evangelical Free Church in Bolingbrook, IL, recently shared some teaching tips he and his wife used with their children to help them listen more attentively during sermon messages. It was in response to a Problem of the Week post entitled Boring Sermons.

Marty says,

1. Pick a key word from the message and ask your child to make a simple stick count of every time the pastor uses that word. Promise an ice cream if they hear it more than ten times.
2. Give them a note outline and ask them to draw a picture of what they think the message is about.
3. Preview the text [Scripture verse] for the message and have them write their own message based on the text. "Jesus is talking about ..."

Most pastors plan their preaching calendar well in advance. Ask the pastor if he can post the texts and titles of his messages on the church website or in the weekly program. Most, who are on top of their game, can do this. They may not have the outline, but they at least know of the text and many will have the title or a working title as well.

This is a very proactive and practical way of preparing your child for the upcoming Sunday’s message. It involves active engagement and opportunity for discussion as you preview what your pastor will talk about.

Thanks for sharing, Marty! And keep those ideas coming in, everyone. Your comment or suggestion may be answered prayer for someone. Email me at greatestmissiontrip@gmail.com with your ideas, concerns, questions and thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Helping Your Child Listen During Sermons

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