Greetings from Greyson July 19
Hello Pilgrims!
My favorite theologian is Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We often remember Bonhoeffer for his active stance against the reign of Nazi Germany or for his most famous work, Cost of Discipleship, which has moved and motivated Christians from across the spectrum of theological thought. For me, Bonhoeffer comes up most often when I think about work with children and youth.
I was surprised when I first learned that most of Bonhoeffer’s ministry was spent among children and youth. Based on his sermons and books, I assumed Bonhoeffer was a very serious theologian, not someone who had the energy or the whimsy required for children’s ministry. I have seen myself in that surprise. First, thinking that I was too stiff and serious for what children’s ministry required, and then discovering with surprise that it was something I deeply enjoyed and felt energized by.
Historian Andrew Root shares a story of Bonhoeffer coming to take over an out-of-control confirmation class from an overextended fellow pastor, who died shortly after abdicating the class. In his writings, Bonhoeffer shares that the children “had quite literally annoyed him to death.” Bonhoeffer came in and quieted the class by sharing stories of his life and ministry in a calm, even tone. The children were soon captivated, trust was built, and Bonhoeffer led them as they grew in their knowledge and experience of Church and of God.
The role of a spiritual teacher in children’s lives is not about whether you are creative enough, energetic enough, or good enough at teaching. So much more often, it is about coming alongside the lives of these kids, showing them they are heard and seen and loved just as they are. Telling them stories, and hearing theirs. Showing up first, and teaching something second. It is one part of how our congregation honors the commitment we made in each of these kids’ baptisms: that we will be participants in the cultivation of their growth.
Here at Pilgrim, we are searching for people to work in our nursery and to sign up to be Sunday School teachers for the church year. If you are one of those people who can show up with a safe, welcoming presence and would like to help our Pilgrim kids know that church will be a loving and encouraging place for them, please reach out to me to discuss these roles in further detail.
Greyson