Vision for young people at the Tab
Our children and young people are important to us. They play a crucial role in our church family. Their enthusiasm, joy, imagination and vitality continue to benefit us and we learn lots from them, as Jesus showed when he said we should accept the kingdom of heaven like a little child. We would love to see the children within our church family grow and develop in their knowledge and love of God. We want to behave in a way that allows children and young people to be as part of the church as possible. We also long for more families to join us.
In that regard there are some key Biblical principles that shape our vision. We want to be about:
The gospel - because it’s the power of God for salvation (Romans 1.16). This means we teach the Bible in all our groups.
Sharing life – because we love our young people and want them to know it (1 Thessalonians 2.8). This means we work at fun in church, in leaders getting to really know young people, and seeking to get families together outside of church.
Prayer – because salvation is God’s work (Jonah 2.10). This means we pray regularly as leaders for our young people and at dedications call the whole church to regular prayer.
Partnership - because parents (Ephesians 6.5) and the rest of the church (Psalm 145.4) have key roles to play. This means we provide parenting classes, Sunday preaching for parents, and have a lending library to resource families to pray and read at home.
Integration – because the activities of church (prayer, praise, learning, serving) are privileges open to children. We want to help them be as involved as possible. This means having children in our services, prayer meetings, and general church life in a way that engages them at their level whilst not dumbing down church. We know this is hard and messy but are willing to bear that.
Discipleship – because children can commit to and seriously follow Jesus at any age (Matthew 28.19, 2 Tim 3.14, Luke 1.41). We don’t assume our young people are believers but we’re keen never to pour cold water on their professions and steps forward. We long for them to be joyful in God’s love, brave to stand out, confident in God’s word, and ready to serve at home, school and church.