Living Stepping STONES EXPLORING A SHARED JOURNEY IN FAITH THROUGH THE GENERATIONS ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263

Living Stepping STONES EXPLORING A SHARED JOURNEY IN FAITH THROUGH THE GENERATIONS ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 We asked a selection of people at this year’s Heart & Soul gathering in Edinburgh to tell us a little about their experiences of the growth of faith, in themselves and others, at different ages and stages of life.

Living Stepping STONES EXPLORING A SHARED JOURNEY IN FAITH THROUGH THE GENERATIONS ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Their comments encourage us to see God still at work in people of all ages, in the Church and beyond. They challenge us to recognise children as a central part of today’s Church, to give them opportunities to serve and let them have responsibility.

Living Stepping STONES EXPLORING A SHARED JOURNEY IN FAITH THROUGH THE GENERATIONS ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 They inspire us to step forward in faith ourselves, and to allow our lives to be stepping stones for others to develop their faith in the God who is faithful through the generations.

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “The most important aspect of our lives is to show genuine love and care.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My auntie Lizzie - not so much by what she said, but more by how she lived.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My maternal granny who only did what was necessary on Sundays.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My auntie always sang ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ while she showed us how to make drop scones and cakes.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “I used to live with my grandmother and we had to share the same bed. She spent many nights telling me about how God was always with me, and taught me to pray.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “Tim, who was enthusiastic about everything.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “A teacher and Girls’ Brigade leader for whom nothing was too much bother. She gave food, visited young folk in hospital, prayed and cared for many people in the community.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My mother showed me her faith in many ways.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My mother-in-law, the first Christian I ever met: she truly lived it.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My parents and school all encouraged me to attend church and youth fellowship, the choir - it all influenced my faith. I wasn’t alone!”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? My Girls’ Brigade officers had a big influence on me. I’d like to think I have the same sort of influence on the girls I work with.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My mother, by her day to day example.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My gran, who was the Sunday School teacher.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “Leaders at Scripture Union camp.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING OUT ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Where you you seen lives touched and influenced by others? “My family, my Guide leader - and my Minister!”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? ”See young people as the church today, not the church of the future.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Let’s introduce God’s love to schools where so many children have no knowledge of faith.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Find out the needs of children and young people right now.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Ask them: get them to tell you what they would like to do.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Talk to people to find out what would help them.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “We need more central resources.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Have more interaction rather than just talking.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Step outside the church buildings.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Give time to be, and time to think.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Get to know people where they are.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Use modern media.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “”Show we care: listen to others.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING THROUGH ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 How might we approach different ages and stages in changing times? “Ensure children and adults get to know each other in the church - introduce them. Invite adults to share stories of their faith with young people, to make it real.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “They look to us and see Jesus - so we need to show them what’s good about trusting Jesus.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “I’m sometimes not sure I know enough.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “We forget God is with our children and young people.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “We need to follow Jesus’ example - he did it.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “It’s our task to help children understand something of the meaning of the word of God.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “”We need to get out and get involved in our communities.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “Children quickly spot a fake - you’ve got to practise what you preach.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “Children are important, but we don’t always get that.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “We think children are the next generation of Christians and forget they are also this generation of Christians.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING UP ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Why are we reluctant to become involved in children’s ministry? “It can be hard to make contact when many children do not have church connections.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Not being too formal.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Playing games.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “”Singing songs and getting dressed up.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Sharing and having fun with others.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Recognising gifts and giving children responsibilities - encouraging them to take part in youth-led services, or children helping to plan, take part up front or in the background.” -

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Ask, listen - and then act.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Liturgy said by everyone, displayed on-screen.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Using Spill the Beans, the IF Project, Love Life Live Lent, or Messy Church.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Showing love and genuine care- with a lot of fun!”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Being inclusive. Saying clearly- ‘All are welcome!’”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Encouraging young people to take on roles at the holiday club.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Could we help Ministers learn how to teach young children better and make good connections with their parents?”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “Scratching where the children itch - listen to what they are saying.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING ALONG ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What have you found works well right now, right where you are? “”Listening to the young people and, where appropriate, working towards their goals.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “Young people who have just left the National Youth Assembly telling their children about it!”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “The simple privilege of learning from them.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “People making different decisions.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “”When children take home what they’ve learned about faith at school.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “When youngsters come to share important information with you, and you know you’ve earned their trust.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “”When children want to come back to holiday club.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “When young people trust you and open up to you.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “Parents who are keen for their children to learn about Jesus, even they don’t attend church themselves.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “The changes in children’s lives as you see them making different choices.”

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? Some of them are still around!

Living Stepping STONES STEPPING BACK ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 What signs help you see it has been worthwhile? “A smile and a ‘thank you’!”

Living Stepping STONES EXPLORING A SHARED JOURNEY IN FAITH THROUGH THE GENERATIONS ceas Christian Education Association Scotland Scottish Charity SCO11263 Christian Education Association Scotland promotes Christian Education in Scotland aming children and young people by encouraging everyone engaged in ministries with children across all Christian denominations. You can find out more about us, and contact us, through our website