Generosity in Education

In today’s consumer-driven society, it is crucial to instill the values of responsibility, generosity, and unselfishness in our children. This is especially important for the church, as it aims to shape the next generation of faithful givers. Ann Michel, a staff member at the Lewis Center, shares five principles that can help foster the joy of giving in the younger generation.

Nurturing the Joy of Giving

Children are naturally generous as they reflect the generosity of their Creator. Teaching them the joy of giving is more effective than emphasizing the obligation to give. This is particularly true for children, as they respond well to the idea of sharing, caring, and giving as expressions of God’s love. It is essential to nurture this spontaneous and joyful generosity that is intrinsic to their nature.

Teaching Giving in Age-Appropriate Ways

When it comes to teaching children about giving, it is crucial to use age-appropriate methods. The concepts of stewardship and tithing, commonly used in church conversations about giving, may be too complex for young children. Instead, focus on teaching them about caring, sharing, and giving. A “three jar system” can be employed to help children understand the importance of prioritizing spending, saving, and giving. For older children and teenagers, allowing them to take responsibility for raising funds for projects they care about can be highly beneficial.

Motivating and Equipping Parents

Parents play a significant role in shaping their children’s values, including their understanding of stewardship and generosity. It is essential to motivate and equip parents to teach these values effectively. Many parents want to raise socially responsible children with strong moral values and look to the church for guidance. Offering sermon series, workshops, or classes on parenting that include the subject of generosity can be helpful. Practical tips on using everyday activities as teachable moments, such as mealtime blessings, bedtime stories, and holiday gift-giving, can also be beneficial. Additionally, making parents aware of published resources on teaching stewardship in the context of family life can further support their efforts.

Making Stewardship a Holistic Aspect of Children’s Ministry

Congregations often view giving and stewardship as a once-a-year focus, but it is crucial to integrate these themes throughout every aspect of children’s ministry. Just as adults need to hear messages about generosity throughout the year, children should also be exposed to these teachings regularly. This can be achieved by incorporating themes of stewardship and generosity into children’s programming, including worship, Sunday school lessons, Vacation Bible School, music, and mission and service activities. It is important to motivate and equip children’s ministry leaders and teachers to give appropriate emphasis to stewardship. In-service training days or mini-retreats can be organized to help them feel comfortable with the subject. Providing creative resources and approaches that suit their classroom needs and teaching styles can further enhance their ability to teach stewardship effectively.

Encouraging Children’s Participation in Congregational Stewardship

When considering how children in the church can participate in stewardship, it is important to evaluate how they are invited to contribute during the offering. Encourage parents to set a powerful example for their children by putting their own gifts in the offering plate. Additionally, parents can help their children give their own gifts, whether in worship, during a children’s time, or in the Sunday school classroom. Some churches provide age-appropriate offering envelopes for children and include them in children’s worship bags, bulletins, or Sunday school materials. If the church conducts an annual stewardship drive, it is essential to provide a simple and age-appropriate way for children to participate. For example, children can create greeting cards instead of commitment cards, as they already associate cards with gifts. Parents can engage their children in discussions about pledging as part of their family’s commitment process.

In conclusion, fostering generosity in children is critical for both the church and families in today’s consumeristic culture. By nurturing the joy of giving, teaching in age-appropriate ways, motivating and equipping parents, making stewardship a holistic aspect of children’s ministry, and encouraging children’s participation in congregational stewardship, we can help shape the next generation of responsible, generous, and unselfish individuals. Generosity in education is essential for building a better future where giving back is valued and practiced by all.