Stewardship Goals for Children

VERY YOUNG CHILDREN WILL:

• Learn about the world in which we live in order to appreciate God's gift of the earth;
• Build appreciation of themselves as a foundation for understanding how they can care for (be stewards of) God's world and God's people;
• Learn to put their possessions away and care for them as God's stewards, and be called stewards when they act in this manner;
• Grow as we praise them for their positive stewardship actions.

CHILDREN AGES THREE TO SIX WILL:

• Enjoy songs, stories, and games about caring for the earth and for those around us;
• Hear the word "steward" used in reference to those who care for the world and all that is in it;
• Know persons who care for (are stewards of) various parts of our world;
• Develop group skills that lead to a sense of being stewards and caring for others;
• Grow in pride in the church family and recognize ways that the church acts as God's steward, caring for the world and helping the people of the world;
• Appreciate the talents and abilities that God has given them;
• Find simple ways to use their abilities to act as stewards, and be affirmed in those actions;
• Recognize that we come together to worship and study and then go out to be God's stewards.

CHILDREN IN GRADES ONE TO THREE WILL:

• Learn how their actions affect the earth and other people, and learn to accept responsibility for their own actions;
• Enjoy expanded experiences with songs, games, and stories about caring for the earth and the people;
• Learn to manage (be stewards of) their time;
• Learn that money is a gift from God and belongs to God;
• Recognize money as the product of ways we use our God-given talents;
• See different ways money functions in the church, learning how we need money for classroom supplies, cleaning materials, salaries, mission giving, etc.;
• Expand understanding of acts of stewardship toward the world and others outside the church, and develop ways to express those acts.

CHILDREN IN GRADES FOUR TO SIX CAN:

• Distinguish between independence and interdependence, recognizing that we are all dependent on the earth and interdependent among each other;
• Recognize our responsibilities as a church member to act as a steward through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness;
• Develop specific talents to use as stewards;
• Relate facts about the earth to the way we follow God's instructions to care for the earth and all that is in it;
• Research and initiate conversations in order to find out about stewardship themselves;
• Become aware of and carry out ways to practice stewardship, through special projects and in everyday life.

Delia Halverson is an author, retreat leader, and Christian Education consultant. Learn more about her work at www.deliahalverson.com

Source: Pages 10-12 of Let the Children Give: Time, Talents, Love, and Money by Delia Halverson. Used with permission.