Big Kids @ Evergreen
When Evergreen started, there was one kid sitting on his mother’s lap. Today, as more and more kids join our community – or begin to grow older – we are beginning to re-imagine what the spiritual formation of our children can look like. What would it look like for our kids to feel like full contributors in the gathering? What would it look like to reclaim the family as the center of a child’s spiritual formation? Big Kids (ages 6-10) is the next phase of this imagining.
Each week, our Big Kids engage in the gathering. Parents model what it means to be Christians and worship God in community on Sundays. Each week our Big Kids also have a unique time to learn and discuss the same Bible passage that the adults are – at an age appropriate level. Each week we talk about how the Bible passage speaks to the Three Big Things in the spiritual life: God, Kingdom, and Us. If you’re interested, ask one of our Big Kids about the passage from this Sunday.
The Three Big Things
These aren’t just for kids – these three things are essential subjects for us to explore as well. While these don’t “sum up” the spiritual life, we want to make sure that at the end of a gathering every kid can walk out knowing a little bit more about what it means to be a Christian. These are a great way to get the ball rolling, and a great way to frame more discussion at home! So, here they are “fleshed out”.
God – What is God like? What does He care about? What does He want for us and the world? What does He want to teach us?
There is a lot that can be said here about what God is like: He is loving, He is elbow deep in the process of redeeming the world and all of us, He is just, and He is holy – these truths are a great place to start. What else?
Kingdom – What does the Kingdom of God look like? What does that mean for us? What does that mean for the world? How does Evergreen participate in the Kingdom? How does God want us to participate in the Kingdom?
In short: we believe that God is busy redeeming the world and us to his original intention. That renewal that exists and that renewal which is yet to be is the Kingdom of God. As Christians we have the opportunity and invitation to participate in that taking place in our lives, homes, neighborhoods, Portland, and the world. We believe we are sent to the place we are – and that where we are is the best place to partner with God in the renewal of all things. What does that look like for you and your family?
Us – What does it mean to be a Christian? What do we believe? What should we do? What should we feel?
Being a Christian looks like a lot of things. We believe certain things about who God is and what He is doing – a great place to start thinking about this is our Core Values. We do certain things that lead us towards God and each other – a great place to start with this would be our Core Commitments. As Christians we feel the full range of emotions – toward God, ourselves, each other, and the world – as everyone else. How we frame these is what leads us closer to God’s desires for us and the world. A great place to start with this is our desires: how do your desires lead you towards God?
So, interested in volunteering? Check the forum for the sign up.
Volunteer Roles
Bible Teacher:
The Bible Teacher is responsible for planning an age appropriate Bible lesson on this week’s passage and/or the Three Big Things (God, Kingdom, and Us). Often, the passage provides clues to discussion of the Three Big Things – if you need any help with prompts, feel free to email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Helper:
The Helper is responsible for leading the game during the Big Kids time. If you don’t know what to play, the Big Kids will have plenty of ideas. They love Heads Up 7up. The helper is also to be a help to the Bible Teacher as necessary.
Sunday Evening Format
5:30ish – Church begins (Big Kids sit with parents)
5:45ish – Welcome ends (Big Kids go to classroom with volunteer)
5:50ish – Transition
5:55ish – Lesson on Bible passage and the Three Big Things
6:15ish – Game
6:30ish – Big Kids come back up stairs and participate with parents in the gathering