On a typical Sunday night, we devote the last 15 minutes of our assembly specifically to our children (ages 2 and up). The local preacher typically directs the Pew Packers class (although any Christian man could do it--if he is enthusiastic and willing to invest some time to properly prepare).
After inviting the children to come and sit together on the front pew, the director will lead the children through a series of activities each week (in no particular order):
- Character Builder
- Memory Drill
- Singing
Before the assembly begins, the leader will select a Character Builder word from his list (e.g., patience, respect, humility, etc.) to write on the chalkboard. During the Pew Packers class, the leader will ask one of the children to read the word out loud. Then, he will prompt the children to define the word (if they know it) and provide examples of what this word should mean to them.
Sometimes the leader will need to refine the definitions suggested, but often the children do a wonderful job explaining what a word means and citing examples. Ultimately, the leader should do his best to emphasize that this character word is something they need to demonstrate daily in their lives (whether they are at home, at school, or even at the church building).
The majority of the Pew Packers class is devoted to Memory Drill exercises. Each week the leader will introduce at least one new fact for the children to memorize. Click HERE for the general list that is used.
Specifically, the leader will state something to this effect: "When I say 'FAITH,' you say 'HEBREWS 11.'" And then the leader will guide the children in practicing this response several times. Whenever he says, "FAITH," he expects the children to respond in unison, "HEBREWS 11."
If he speaks quietly, he expects them to respond quietly. And, if he speaks loudly, he wants to really hear them raise their voices. The leader, by varying the pitch and volume at which he speaks, is more likely to keep the children engaged and actively learning.
In addition to introducing new material, the old material is reviewed as much as possible. For example, the leader may say, "CREATION," and allow the children to respond, "GENESIS 1 & 2." And then he will immediately say, "SERMON ON THE MOUNT," and they will respond with, "MATTHEW 5, 6, & 7." He may then go back to the new fact for that week or toss out another memory fact that was previously introduced.
The leader will sometimes ask specific children to respond to certain facts or simply allow the entire group to respond to everything together. The leader generally recites the books of the Bible with the children each week also.
The leader will also sing songs with the children throughout the Pew Packers class to break things up and help retain interest. Typically, the songs should be simple and easy to memorize.
Finally, the class should be closed with a prayer.
The above is merely one way in which a Pew Packers class could be conducted. If you have other ideas or suggestions, please CONTACT US. If you decide to implement a Pew Packers class in your congregation, we would appreciate hearing from you.
Additionally, we would encourage you to conduct the class at a time when the adults are already assembled. One huge fringe benefit of working with the children when all of the adults are present is that they learn a lot too! This benefit is minimized when Pew Packers classes are conducted at a special time when few adults are present or when people might be (noisily) entering into the auditorium.