CHILDREN IN ACTION
Christ s Command-Missions Matthew 28:19-20 God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.
WMU s Vision Statement Woman s Missionary Union challenges Christian believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God.
WMU Organizations Mission Friends CHILDREN IN ACTION Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth on Mission Acteens Challengers mymission Adults on Mission Women on Mission
What is Children in Action? Children in Action is a dynamic WMU missions organization for boys and girls in grades 1-6. Children in Action allows children to explore missions and participate in planned ministry projects. In Children in Action, children learn: A Biblical worldview Ways to demonstrate Christ's love to others How God is working around the world Their part in God s plan
Missions Discipleship- The WMU Objectives Children in Action members will be challenged to: Pray for Missions Engage in Mission Action and Witnessing Learn about Missions Support Missions Develop Spiritually toward a Missions Lifestyle Participate in the Work of the Church and Denomination
Children in Action Scripture Verse, Motto and Song: I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13 NIrV) Send me! (Isa. 6:8 NIrV) The words to Children in Action can be found at wmu.com/children. The sheet music is available for download at www.wmustore.com.
Children in Action Pledge: As a member of Children in Action, I will pray for missions, give to missions, learn about missions, and do missions through the power of Christ.
How to Start a Children in Action group Pray for guidance and direction Go to www.wmu.com and get information on starting Children in Action Meet with your WMU director and/or pastor Enlist leaders Order and study the materials Schedule a meeting Personally invite all children in grades 1-6 and parents Publicize the meeting, plan your meeting & enjoy!
Primary Resources
What happens at meetings? Opening Welcome each child and guide them to participate in the activity together. Story time Tell the story using lots of expression and eye contact. Ask open ended questions. Special Projects Children may complete activities in one large group, in several small groups, or individually. Closing Guide children to participate in the activity together. Prayertime Conclude each session with prayer, including the featured missionaries and MKs.
When and Where? One individual and two leaders can start Children in Action Determine meetings at times and locations convenient to the members, prospects and leaders When and Where? Wednesday night at church Saturday mornings After school Sunday afternoon or evening Whenever and wherever you can get together.
Children in Action (CA) Leader Responsibilities: Working with assistant leader(s) to set goals and action plans Leading missions experiences for members Incorporating the plan of salvation into learning experiences Providing for children s safety and security Involving members in inviting other children and contacting absentees Work with assistants to plan, make assignments for missions experiences, maintain contact with parents, caregivers, prospects and absentees, and provide resources Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the CA planning team or WMU leadership team
Who Leads WMU? WMU Leadership Team (example) WMU Director Assistant WMU Director Women on Mission Facilitator Adults on Mission Leader Youth on Mission Leader CHILDREN IN ACTION LEADER Mission Friends Leader
Each group needs leadership, and if there is more than one group you need a Children in Action Coordinator.
Children in Action Coordinators Job: Leading planning team to set goals and action plans Enlisting leaders and assistants following church guidelines Training and nurturing leaders and assistants Providing for children's safety and security Coordinating enlistment activities Coordinating CA work with other church organizations and ministries Providing resources Preparing and maintaining a budget for CA Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the WMU leadership team
When there is more than one group, the leaders serve with the Coordinator on the Children in Action Planning Team. The Coordinator represents Children in Action on the WMU Leadership Team.
Children in Action Planning Team Coordinator Leader Leader
Steps to Planning for the Year 1. Pray 2. Gather information and resources 3. Set a date and time for planning 4. Plan for the year, suggested agenda: a) Devotional & prayer b) Review WMU vision statement & objectives c) Set goals for the year: SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) d) Decide on action plans e) Plan calendar f) Keep written records & give out copies of the information
Extra Options Missions Expedition: Individual Achievement Plan Earn awards & recognition for each grade level
Children s Ministry Day Imagine the children of your church serving your community through acts of compassion. Multiply this by thousands of children, and you see the scope of Children's Ministry Day. It is held on a Saturday in February. Visit www.wmu.com/cmd to learn more and plan for Children s Ministry Day.
Children s Badges A few examples of badges children can earn
Children in Action Camp & Mini-Camp
Christmas in August Every year in August, children s missions groups collect gifts for a select group of North American missionaries. These items help missionaries replenish ministry supplies, purchase items for ministry centers, and minister to people who need to hear about Jesus.
Additional Resources www.wmustore.com 1.800.968.7301 (WMU) www.wmu.com www.worldcrafts.com www.imb.org www.namb.net
Questions? Contact: Cindy Skelton at SC WMU cindyskelton@scbaptist.org 803.227.6208 800.723.7242, ext. 8521 www.scwmu.org