When other church leaders talk to me about our KIDS program or Family Discipleship Path, often the first question they ask is about what curriculum we use. While this is a good question, it’s not necessarily the first one that should be asked. There are actually several factors more important than curriculum. Kids and families will come to know Jesus through relationship, not curriculum. Curriculum is a means to an end…not the end in itself. Curriculum can help teach Biblical truths…discussion will help a student to learn how a Biblical truth applies to their life. Curriculum can point someone toward the Lord…a relationship with Jesus will draw them closer. I know for myself, it is a temptation to spend the majority of my time on curriculum and classrooms. These are both tools for guiding children to know and love Jesus more. They are important…but they are not the MOST important.
Here are a few things that I believe are more important than curriculum:
1.) Leaders- It is very important to have individuals serving in your classrooms who love God and love children and youth. I spend the majority of my time pouring into the people who are pouring into our kids and youth.
2.) Friendships- Helping students make a friend in the classroom will give them a security and openness to hearing the lesson that is being taught.
3.) Testimony- a student will grasp a concept if they hear how it really happened in the life of someone they know. A lesson on healing will be effective when accompanied by a testimony of one who was healed and an opportunity to ask for healing.
4.) Fun- when kids see church as a fun place to be, they will want to be a part of what is going on.
5.) Consistency
- Consistency of values within a church body from the kids to youth to adult ministries.
- Consistency of leaders to build relationships and connection.
There are just a few things that I believe are more important than curriculum. What do you think?
Family Discipleship Path 
Amen, totally agree! I think curriculum can be a starting point or a good reference point, but youth need someone who is real, conistant, and loving to show them and teach them about God. ITs an effort to help a child as a whole, not just one area! Good post 🙂
Thanks for sharing your heart, Jamie!! You do such a great job of keeping the most important things first!!