THE ROLE OF THE LEADER IN THE WAY OF THE CHILD

The Role of the Leader in The Way of the Child
by Wynn McGregor
An Excerpt from The Way of the Child: Leader's Guide

As you enter into this experience of leading children in The Way of the Child, think of yourself not as a teacher with the answers but as a pilgrim on a journey with this group of children. Maybe you have experienced places of silence, meditation, journaling, contemplation, or prayer and can share what these places mean to you. If you have not experienced these, open yourself to exploring and discovering them with your fellow pilgrims, the children.

Participation in a Companions in Christ group is one of the best ways to prepare yourself as a leader for this journey with children. It will help you understand the rhythm, process, accountability, and unfolding journey of spiritual formation. As you continue on your journey, engage in the daily practices for leaders included with each session. These Daily Exercises will support you on your personal journey and help you prepare for the upcoming session.

Just as in all the other Companions in Christ resources, The Way of the Child Leader's Guide notes the difference between leading a formational group and teaching a class. In teaching a class, you have particular information you want to convey. You may gauge your success at the end of the class by whether students demonstrate some grasp of the information. In a group for spiritual formation like the one described in this resource, the goal is to enable spiritual growth in each person -- children and adult leaders alike. You work in partnership with the Holy Spirit, who alone can transform the human heart. In a spiritual formation group, growing in a deepening relationship with God and developing habits that enhance receptivity to God are more important than gaining knowledge. Success, if it has any meaning in this context, will become evident over months and even years in the changed lives of the children.

A group for spiritual formation focuses on the faith experience of each person. Each one seeks to be open to God's grace and personal guidance, including the leader. Engaging in the Daily Exercises of preparation and in the practice of spiritual disciplines will help you lead by offering who you are and by opening yourself to the experiences of the children. Affirm them, and let the love of God flow through you to them.

Two Helpful Images for Leaders

When working with children, you will be wise to keep in mind two images. The first is that of a shepherd. Jesus used this image to describe himself: "I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11). Jesus was a complete and open vessel for God, demonstrating God's love, care, and way of living. As we seek to imitate Jesus' way, we also are called to be vessels of God's love, care, forgiveness, mercy, and hope -- always pointing to God as the source. The shepherd has a mission, a role, and work to do. As a leader, your mission is to be God's vessel; your role is to help children develop a deeper relationship with God by reflecting on life in God's presence and walking the path of discipleship. Your work is to prepare yourself and the environment and to gather necessary supplies.

The second image -- that of a servant -- is one Jesus used extensively. Instructing his disciples, Jesus said, "'Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.' Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me'" (Mark 9:35-37).

Ponder these two images, shepherd and servant, as you prepare to enter into this journey with children. Hopefully, this time together will help both leaders and children recognize that we are spiritual beings on a human journey.

Team Leadership
At least two leaders are needed for each group of six to fifteen children. You will note in the session plans that two leaders are needed for the functions of each session, particularly at the beginning and end. Two leaders also need to be accessible to help children at reflection stations and to engage them in personal conversations.
A helpful practice is to divide preparation for each session among leaders. One may choose to prepare the reflection stations, gathering supplies and preparing instructions (or downloading them from here), while the other leader prepares to present the content of the Conversation and Regathering and Closing. The responsibilities may be divided in other ways according to the flow of the session.

Setting aside time to do Daily Exercises helps leaders prepare for each session and guides them on their own spiritual journey. Leaders should take care not to get so consumed with task preparations that they fail to set aside time to prepare spiritually.

Special Privilege
Sharing this pilgrimage or journey with children is a privilege. Children may be closer to God because they have not lived so many years at a distance. They may make discoveries that adults have forgotten or lost and discoveries that are completely new. For that reason, their sharing can be deeply meaningful for you. Remain open to their journey and to your own. May you know the blessing of God's presence through leading The Way of the Child.

Excerpted from The Way of the Child Leader's Guide, Chapter 4, "The Role of the Leader." Copyright © 2006 by The Upper Room. Used with permission.