The Malmesbury Abbey Children's Charter
1. As a family we should take every opportunity to share christian life together.
- we should love the children in our church and not be afraid to show it.
- there is a need for adults and children to know one another better
as part of the family to truly live our message to non-christians
"see how these christians love one another!
2. There is a need for regular prayer for the whole family of the church.
- we should teach children how to pray - not just give them the words
- children and adults need to pray together as often as possible
3. The discovery and developments of gifts in adults and children is a key function of the church.
- children need the church but the church also needs the enthusiasm and excitement
inherent in children
4. Learning is for the whole church, adults and children
- everyone in the church is a teacher and a learner
- adults have a responsibility, as role models, to display the importance
of Christ's teaching in their lives.
5. Children need to be taught why go to church.
- ie to remember the big story, that God created the world and sent his Son,
as well as to remember the little stories - our lives
6. Principles of communion and confirmation need to be taught from the early years.
- this is fundamental to a living faith in Jesus Christ
- children are most receptive from 4 to 8 years
7. The full diet of christian worship is for children as well as adults.
- we all need someone to teach us the elementary truths of God's word all over again
(Hebrews 5).
8. Fellowship is for all - each belonging meaningfully to the rest.
- children are sent to us by God to enrich us not to distract us
9. Service is for children to give, as well as adults.
- children need to know and take part in all aspects of church life as part of their heritage
- they should not be marginalised by excluding them from service or responsibilities
within the church
10. Children are equal partners with adults in the life of the church.
- there is no difference between a child's spirituality and an adult:
spiritual development of an adult is just more mature
- if young people are only taught 'outside' the church, they are another church
Children need to experience church life if they are to stay in our church
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