Posts Tagged With: Christian

Including Children in Church Community

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Pieter Stok

There is a small but growing group of Christians who are eager to see the children of the church integrated into the life of the Church body and not just pandered to by programs. Although programs, in and of themselves can be quite useful, they can also stymie the discussions that churches and families need to have about faith formation in the life of their children. Programs by themselves often focus on knowledge (cognition) and what is missed is the beautiful mystery of faith and the excitement of disciple development. I have written on previous occasions about the importance of the child’s vocation in the church. (Here is just one example).

Last night I heard David Csinos, who describes himself as an author, speaker, practical theologian, husband, researcher of children’s spirituality, and former children’s pastor, speak in Geelong. This was encouraging for a variety of reasons. It reminded me that there are more voices and often more articulate voices speaking out on this issue and it also caused me to reflect that this is not “rocket science” but requires families, churches and church leaders to engage in a prayerful discussion of how faith is developed in the most vulnerable and important members of our church communities.

If you wish to explore this important notion I have included some websites and books to explore:

David’s blog: http://davecsinos.com/
The Journal of Family and Community Ministries (which is free to subscribe to): http://www.familyandcommunityministries.org/
A wonderful book is : Children’s Ministry in the way of Jesus by Ivy Beckwith and David Csinos. This is a good place to begin your reflections if you haven’t started already, or to continue your journey.
Is it a Lost Cause: Having the Heart of God for the Church’s Children by Marva Dawn.
And if you look under Child Theology you will encounter more of my thoughts/musings on the issue.
Another worthwhile approach is taken by the Child Theology Movement.

Categories: Child Theology, Children, christian, Christianity, Faith, Family | Tags: children, Christian, Christianity, Church, Devotion, Faith | 2 Comments

Telling Bible stories to young children

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Pieter Stok

Once again my wife reflects upon one of our passions – how to present gospel stories to children.

The story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. (John 13:1-17)

Traditionally, we concentrate on Jesus, the teacher, humbling himself to wash the feet of his disciples. However, to a young child, this would not seem unusual at all. Their experience is normally one of adults caring for them; teachers and childcare providers, parents, and grandparents. It would be strange to them if the disciples had washed Jesus’ feet!

So how could we tell this story?

Often Bible storytellers try to interpret the stories. We want to be sure the child understands the meaning and the lesson. In short, we tell the child what they should think.

I’m wary of this approach.

I believe that when we impart God’s Word to young people the Holy Spirit is present and active in their hearts and their heads.

We need to trust that He will guide them as they hear our stories.

Our aim should be to facilitate worship in children.

The lives of children are full of friends, family gatherings, travelling, food, and identity. This story has it all. Jesus plans a meal together with his friends. They all travel to an upstairs room in a house. They probably walked along dusty roads to get there. When they arrived there were probably hugs and kisses all around. The table had an array of food and drink, lovingly prepared by others in their circle of friends.

Most importantly, Jesus was with his friends: they identified themselves (and the community recognised them) as His followers.

So, as you tell this wonderful story, touch on these points of contact.

Children will also visualise the story as you tell it. They will “see” it using their own experiences. Therefore a table full of food will be their family’s dining table.

Enrich the story for them by telling them the colours, the smells, the icky ness of the dirty feet, the warmth of the water in the basin, the gentleness of Jesus hands, and the softness of the towel.

When we tell stories in this fashion we help a child take it into their heart. The story will resonate with them.

And finally, give the child a way to respond to what they have heard. Wonder with them, sit quietly and ponder, provide art materials, sing. Follow their lead as they follow the Holy Spirit.

Categories: Child Theology, Children, christian, Faith, Family, Hetty's Devotions | Tags: children, Christian, Devotion, Faith, family | 1 Comment

Greater Love

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Pieter Stok

Last night my Literature students and I went to a performance of Shakespeare’s cross dressing comedy, ‘As You Like It’. It explores love in many of its facets. How and why does it happen? What does it do to us – for good or bad? Is it different for men and women? What external influences are involved? What about our motives? … and there are more uncomfortable questions.

But underlying all of that is the idea that love, romantic and otherwise, is an essential part of the human character. We all want to love and be loved. A life without love is empty and possibly meaningless.

And then this morning at our College’s ANZAC service our Senior School Captains spoke on the verse John 15:13 ^“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This is paraphrased in the War Memorial in Melbourne – “Greater love hath no man”.

This verse must be seen in the context of Christ reflecting on his own sacrifice and then suggesting to his disciples that this sacrifice in turn become a model for their lives. Accepting Christ’s love becomes the foundation of our desire to love like he does. Love, here, is a giving of one’s self for others. It puts others first, which is no doubt the reason for its presence in the War Memorial it highlights the Aussie ideal of mateship.

There is nothing amiss with the Bard’s exploration of love. He raises excellent questions and challenges us. However, the answers are not found in his plays, but rather in the gospel. Christ’s love becomes a model for our relations – romantic and otherwise. Christ’s love doesn’t start with our own private swooning’s, or sexual desires but for the welfare and best outcomes for the other – friend and foe alike.

Shakespeare raises tough questions but Jesus gives us even tougher answers.

Categories: christian, Christianity, community, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Devotion, Marriage | Leave a comment

Confused World

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Pieter Stok

I have been watching with concern and bemusement the attempts of our government to halt the execution of two Australians in Indonesia. My hope and prayer is that they succeed even though this seems very unlikely. However, this situation highlights the inconsistency of our society. While huge efforts are being put into saving these two, thousands of unborn children are murdered every year without the legal challenges and TV and newspaper headlines. The moral outrage at killing two Australians doesn’t match our government’s efforts with asylum seekers in detention.

The 6th Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” is a declaration of the importance and value of life. It reminds us that humanity was created in God’s image. In the words of John Donne, “Any man’s death diminishes me.” Human life is precious but governments and corporations have devalued them to “economic units”. Movie producers and and game designers have made death a form of entertainment. Even religions murder others to advance and justify their beliefs. Worse still, we have come to believe many of the corrupted messages that swirl around us today. In my naive and simple way I believe it is time to reclaim two truths: 1. Humanity was made in the image of God (a huge discussion just by itself!) and because of that, 2. Human life is precious. If we believed that passionately it would change the tenor of our discussions and behaviours. Our view of others would begin to change and our view of ourselves would change.

As a Christian I understand that only the Holy Spirit changes hearts but we have a challenge and responsibility to remind ourselves and the world what a gift life is.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, community, Life, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Christianity, Church | 9 Comments

Uncertainty

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Pieter Stok

As I was sanding down an old cot this morning, in preparation for our first grandchild, my mind started to wander. Afterall, sanding is boring. I reflected on the fact that the older I have become, the less certain I am of many things.

Views that I had held solidly in the past, now, were not as concrete as I thought. I hasten to add that my faith, belief in God and Scripture are not among these uncertainties although interpretations of some key ideas are. Some of these uncertainties may include interpretations of Scripture, but others are social and environmental. I was very conservative when I was younger but now I realise that I am on the left of many of my friends. Subtly and imperceptibly I have shifted over time.

I can think of a host of examples where my thinking has changed or mellowed. Whereas once I was a staunch supporter of the 6 twentyfour hour day version of creation – now I see many more (Biblical) possibilities. The role of women in church, the environment, my political views are just some more examples of where my black and whiteness has morphed into something far less concrete and certain.

Being certain has a comfortableness about it. I miss that. In many areas of life I can no longer say with unwavering confidence, “This is the truth and if you don’t believe it, you must be wrong.” You may have a point after all (Michael).

As I was sanding down the frame I wondered why this had happened. Is it that the realities of life have washed over me? Is it that now I see some many more complexities though simple experience?

I came to another conclusion although the above might also be true. I think it is mainly that my God is far bigger and more majestic than I ever imagined 60 or even 30 years ago. The God of Scripture, the universe and life itself has a complexity and omnipotence that cowers my certainty. His Word has a depth in which I often feel out of my own depth! My brothers in the past said with utmost certainty and conviction that the world was flat and at the centre of the universe. What do I say now which must cause God to laugh at my puniness and ridiculousness?

That is why I am more uncertain than ever before – and in a way – I am content to be so.

Categories: christian, Christianity | Tags: Christian, Faith | 6 Comments

Water

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Pieter Stok

Whenever m 15561596102_7315309493_z y wife and I go camping it is very unusual if we don’t end up near water. We love camping near rivers, lakes and, especially,the ocean. Some of our most memorable camping experiences have been next to water of some sort. In a blog I did over a year ago – Our Top Ten Camping spots, the majority of them were next to water. Even in the arid country of the Grand Canyon the Colorado river still surged through the ravine.

Water has moods. Water is almost human in the way it moves from c 14940018184_cef81c9638_z almness to fury and back again. A raging angry river, a placid sea or an agitated lake all remind us of traits in ourselves. There are other aspects. Some watery places are secluded and intimate, others are large and expansive and still others are mischievous or treacherous. Recently walking along the beach I noted that the most dangerous part of the ocean wasn’t the foaming surf but the dark rip of water that could have taken an unsuspecting swimmer hundreds of terrifying metres out into the ocean.

But of all the watery places it is the sea that always gives me glimpses of the Creator. It is untameable and vast. The sea reminds me of my own smallness and vulnerability. And yet, when I am in ship or boat it holds me and takes me great distances. It brought me to Australia as a child, I paddle at its edges and I can ride its waves. Yet it is always the sea. It continues to have a mind of its own and nothing I do will change it.

Categories: Camping, christian, Uncategorized | Tags: Camping, Christian | 8 Comments

Amour

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Pieter Stok

Recently my wife and I watched the acclaimed french film “Amour.” The acting was stunning, the pace reflective and the themes challenging. The film introduces us to the twilight years of a loving couple, Anne and Georges, at about the time Anne has a stroke. We then see the struggles that this stage of life introduces them to and their attempts to deal with that.

I was amazed how much this film unsettled me. Films don’t normally eat at me so much and I began to ask why?

One reason that this film challenged me is that both my wife and I have lost our mothers in the last 5 or 6 years. It brought back painful memories. Helplessly watching people at the end of their lives is not a pleasant experience. Added to this was that it also brought back memories of difficult pastoral visits that I have made in the past. As a young (and when I reflect back, often clueless) pastor I assisted many people in these final years. Some people going with assurance and peace and others with fear and trepidation.

However, the most confronting aspect of the film was the reminder of my my own mortality. My wife and I maybe relatively healthy now but there is no guarantee as to how long this will last. One of us is going to look into a coffin to say goodbye to the other. So the questions arise, how will I react as the carer or the one being cared for? How gracious and patient and forgiving will I be? My track record hasn’t always been that good.

The saddest aspect of the film was that faith and hope were largely absent. There was love and dedication and certainly a hint of Christ-likeness in their attitude toward each other but there was no future or eternity in view. So as unsettled as the film made me, the biggest reminder for me is to continue to stay focussed on Christ. My life here is a pilgrimage and not the destination.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Uncategorized | Tags: age, Christian, Christianity, Marriage | 4 Comments

They Will Know …

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Pieter Stok

In my last blog I finished with the statement, “My consistency and that of the Christian community to a gospel life style should be the first line of defence against assaults on Christian values and principles.”

A number of people have responded to me with regard to that comment. It struck a chord. Christians are apt to accuse the world of persecuting them (and it does) but we often forget, particularly in the West, that our greatest witness is our life style, and in the last few decades that has been badly tarnished. We have had the disturbing litany of fallen televangelists, abuse of children in Christian institutions, corruption, unedifying bickering and … sadly, the list goes on. I haven’t even mentioned my own poor personal example to the neighbourhood in which I live.

Those of us who are old enough will remember the ’60s song “We are one in the Spirit“. It ends with the chorus, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” In John 13:34 Jesus gives his disciples a new command: “Love one another” and he adds in verse 35, ^“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Love, agape love – sacrificial, giving not expecting in return love, is to be the badge of the Christian.

Two thousands years later it is still a difficult task for us. We are good at making our views heard on a whole range of social and moral issues. But often these voices are strident, judgmental and graceless with no sense of the compassion that Christ showed a fallen world.

Maybe we, and I certainly include myself, need to go back to basics. We need to go back to the attitude of grace that God called his children to have and show. So when we are persecuted or martyred or pilloried in the media, we would hope that what the world sees is not the hissing of people like cornered snakes, but the face of a Christlike family of people who share the grief of their master for a fallen world.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, community, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith | 1 Comment

Is it that time again?

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Pieter Stok

It is that time of year again when I have to farewell another group of Year 12 students going out into the world. It never gets easier. In fact it gets harder. This made me think, why is becoming more difficult to say good-bye?

One reason maybe my age. I have now encountered many of the pains, frustrations and sorrows that life can throw at us and I know that these enthusiastic students will encounter them too – possibly worse – a lot worse.

However, I think it has more to do with my unease with our culture and the changes I have witnessed over the last 60 odd years. Not all the changes have been bad. The improved status of women and the greater openness about sexual assault are just two areas where we have learned somewhat. Yet the decline of Christianity in Western countries, the even greater commodification of sex, the loss of childhood and innocence, and the decline(in my view) of idealism are just some of the concerns I have.

They are some of the reasons for my “dis -ease”. But there are positives to this. It is becoming harder for Christians to sit on the fence and be nominal. To live a life of faith is requiring a greater sense of radical lifestyle. This in turn will mean that there will be more opportunities to make a difference.

So once again, I wish my students God’s richest blessing and urge them to hold on to Christ with a God inspired passion.

Categories: christian, christian education, Christianity, Faith | Tags: Christian, Christian Education | 4 Comments

Words Jesus Didn’t Say

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Pieter Stok

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

Jesus replied, “Send the children around the corner to a children’s program that one of my lesser disciples is running. She will look after them.”

Categories: Child Theology, Children, christian | Tags: children, Christian | 7 Comments