Response to Joel's #5

1) What are some ways we can welcome new kids better as a Sunday school class?

I feel like a lot of my responses are about things that we shouldn’t do rather than things that we can do. But I know for me personally, I learn through doing things that I shouldn’t do and realize it later. In this case, we shouldn’t point out new kids. I remember being a “new kid” in a youth group, and the youth pastor had us all stand up and be pointed out. Yeah, like that helped us feel welcome. I think one of the greatest things to make a new kid feel welcome is to treat him as if he wasn’t a new kid at all. Of course we need to acknowledge him. But make him feel welcome by welcoming him into the group as if he’d always been there. That is how I would want it.

2) How do you encourage a kid – especially a new kid – like Ricky to be involved/get him involved in the discussion?

Ask questions directly to the kid. If you put someone on the spot, they will usually feel uncomfortable, but will answer. Why not put him on the spot and ask him a question. You might be surprised to find that he has some amazing insight to give. As much as I fear being called on in some classes, when I do get called on without raising my hand, I am forced to focus and respond. All of a sudden, I am participating. It’s against my will, but I am participating. J