It’s Time to Get Growing!
With a new school year already starting, attention turns to goals for learning and growing. To encourage academic improvement, many schools now emphasize what psychologist Carol Dweck calls the “growth mindset”—a belief that anyone can learn and grow with effort. Potential is unlocked when children believe they can learn from challenges and by working hard. By contrast, a “fixed mindset” is a belief that one’s basic abilities and talents are predetermined. These kids (and adults) aren’t interested in learning how to improve because they don’t believe they can.
Dweck’s approach is relevant beyond the classroom; in fact, it applies to faith growth, to some degree. People with a fixed mindset believe they’re bad and can’t change, that imperfections are shameful, and that if they face challenges, something must be wrong with their faith. Those with a growth mindset, however, realize it’s okay to share their sins and struggles with others. They know that Jesus loves and forgives them no matter what, and they believe they can grow closer to Jesus by trusting him during life’s inevitable challenges.
One thing we do want to be fixed in kids’ minds is their innate, God-given value. God made us in his image and wants to be in relationship with us despite our shortcomings. Because we don’t have to prove our worth to God, we can focus instead on growing closer to him.
Instilling a faith-growth mindset can be as simple as altering the praise and feedback you give your children. Follow these guidelines:
· Let kids know God already loves them—no matter what.
· Say the goal is to be best friends with God, not to appear good.
· Praise kids for the effort they put into resisting a temptation.
· Praise kids for getting to know God, not just knowing about him.
· Encourage kids to ask Jesus for help when they’re struggling.
Here are a few activities that you can do with your children to make practical these suggestions:
Growth Takes Time Fill clean baby food jars halfway with heavy cream. (You can add a marble, but use caution.) Secure the lids. Ask: “Does this look like butter? Do you think you can make it into butter?” Say: “Shake a jar while we talk.” Read Matthew 17:14-20. Ask: “How much faith does it take to do the impossible? What tough thing do you need God’s help with?” Shake jars a few more minutes, until butter forms. Enjoy some on bread. Then discuss how it can take time to see God’s miracles—and how we shouldn’t give up!
Forward in Faith Clear obstacles from a room that can be darkened. Have one person stand as a lighthouse who whispers “Trust in the Lord” repeatedly. Lead everyone else into the room—with eyes closed. Say: “You have one minute to reach the lighthouse. When you do, open your eyes, lock arms, and join in the whispering.” Play several rounds. Then ask: “How did it feel to find the lighthouse? How did it feel when time ran out?” Read aloud Proverbs 3:5-6. Say: “Let’s trust God as we walk and grow in faith.”
Ch-Ch-Changes Stand in a circle with hands behind backs. Have “It” stand in the center with eyes closed as you place a Bible in someone’s hands. Have It open his or her eyes as people pass the Bible behind their backs. Whoever holds the Bible must briefly change his or her facial expression. It guesses who has the Bible, and if correct, that person becomes the new It. Read aloud Mark 4:3-20. Discuss how the Bible changes us and makes us more like Jesus.
Pressing On Gather origami paper, Glue Dots, and scissors. Download craft instructions from childrensministry.com/origami-star and make a sample ahead of time. Show family members the star and have them make their own. Offer encouragement and help, as needed. Read Philippians 3:12-15 and say: “Paul loved Jesus but still messed up. He pressed on, just as you did with this craft.” Ask: “How can these verses help you press on, even when you mess up?”
*taken with permission from Children’s Ministry.com
Because Kids Matter to God,
Shari Coelho
Children’s Ministry Director