We know we want our Children's Ministry to teach the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe because we want the children we love to know and believe. Ever since Sunday school began we have been teaching children the "whats" and children have been learning the "whats". God promises His Word will not return empty to Him, so when children learn the "whats", God is able to use His Word to work in their lives. Yet, while many of the children we love hold on to the faith they began as a child, more and more of them are not.
Barna's studies show Gen Z is turning away from faith to atheism at double the rate of any previous generation - they expect this number to increase by 2030. The current Gallup poll shows only 20% of American adults believe the Bible is true - this is the smallest percentage since they began taking their poll. You likely have families in your church where this is happening and even someone in your family who once believed and no longer does. Even if you do not, you likely have friends who do.
Teaching the "whats" matter, but only teaching the "whats" is not enough. We must also teach the "whys" - why we are able to believe God is real, the Bible is true, God and science DO go together, and God is good - if we want to equip the children we love with a confident faith. God tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 He wants us (and certainly the children we love) to always be prepared to defend what we believe. In Colossians 4:6 we are told to speak carefully so we always know how to answer each person. Knowing the "whys" matters and is Biblical.
So, yes, absolutely teach the "whats", but yes, absolutely also teach the "whys". Anchored is designed to engage children ages four through fourteen in teaching, activities, and discussion which will equip them to know the "whys" - why they are able to believe God is real, the Bible is true, God and science DO go together, and God is good! It is written to equip churches to do this in their classes AND provides resources for families to use at home as well.
We are able to help the children in our ministries and families grow up so they are able to "hold firmly to the trustworthy Word as they have been taught" - but for this to happen, we must teach it. When we do, they will know the doctrine they have been taught is sound and will be able to stand firmly with a confident faith!
Check out Anchored. It provides the tools you need to teach the "whys"! You will find samples at this link and are able to order it in the bookstore at this link.
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