Blaze (9-12yrs)
Blaze is where our 9-12ish kids hang out. At this wonderful age they are developing more social and intellectual skills while retaining their boundless energy and enthusiasm for play. They talk hard, work hard and love to play hard. Here we can start to wrestle with some of the trickier aspects of our faith, some of the more difficult Biblical accounts and some of the why questions. It’s a place to go a bit deeper and reflect on what the word says and means in our lives, rather than just “telling the Bible stories”.
Our craft projects are a little more complex, and involve more group interaction and co-operation. We do quizzes and questionnaires, bible memory verses, and Scripture Searches. Dramatization is an excellent tool for this group, and is thoroughly enjoyed. Our worship can involve their whole beings as they can do so many more things and love to move.
Because it is important that they go into their teens equipped to use their Bible as their rock, we use adult Bibles where practical and encourage the kids to find the books, chapters and verses on their own. We discuss historical context and customs and focus on the day-to-day application of the word in their families and schools. We encourage them to pray about relevant issues and try to gradually draw their attention to the world around them that Jesus wants to reach.
We aim to send them up on into secondary school with a solid Scriptural foundation and a understanding of the Holy Spirit and his every day workings in our lives. We want them to know a real Jesus so they can be real in the real world.
See also: Moving from group to group
