Speak as a Child

1 Corinthians 13:11 – “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

• Speaking like a child and acting like a child are not the same
• To do the first does not require the second
• A sign of maturity is knowing the difference

Who are the kids we are communicating with? Generation Z

• Born 2005 to Present
• Experienced radical changes in technology and understanding of family, sexuality and gender
• They talk in images: emojis, symbols, pictures, videos
• They communicate more frequently in shorter bursts of “snackable content”
• They want to be talked to as adults
• They like to make stuff – they’re industrious
• They are collaborative
• They want the story told across multiple screens

6 Points for success when speaking with kids

• • Search for words and concepts that are difficult to understand or that have multiple meanings (slave)
    • Use multiple translations, paraphrases, and Bible storybooks
    • Write the passage in your own words
    • Research Bible dictionaries and reference books
    • Practice presentation, listening for words that need to be explained
  • Use a variety of illustrations, visuals, and teaching styles
    • Be real and transparent (but filtered)
    • Reference experiences familiar to kids
    • Connect to previous lessons and experiences
    • Expose the same concept/truth in a variety of ways
  • Don’t shy away from questions
    • Questions reveal a kids journey from concrete to abstract
  • Teach lessons in bite-sized chunks
    • It is better for a child to remember one point correctly than multiple points incorrectly
    • Serve lesson with the appropriate-sized spoon
  • Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
    • What’s your point?
    • Repetition is critical – especially for a generation that communicates in shorter bursts of “snackable content”
  • Beware of symbolism
    • Avoid explanations that create more questions than answers (Trinity – three-legged stool)
    • Admit you do not have all the answers or understand everything yourself (allow room for faith)

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

Jerry Wooley teaches children weekly and provides incredible leadership as an advocate for reaching families through Vacation Bible School.  He serves at LifeWay Christian Resources and is a great friend to Mr. Mark’s Classroom and many others.

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