While Fowler gives us the different stages of faith, I think that as a form of communication children’s talks are often sermons in themselves. Contains some of the following elements.
Some kind of picture or piece of equipment, (like the large hammer or mallet which was used to crash boxes to pieces, or the secret bags of goodies).
The verbal honest replies of a child, to questions i.e., the child who proceeds to tell the bible story for you, or the one who asks difficult questions that require an answer in some way (keeps the presenter on their toes).
Stories or event that sticks in adults heads for ages afterwards. Whether it is the talk, or something a particular child has done, (the child who should know better biting the top of the runner bean that was presented or the older child who was asked to pick up suitcases to show the sin that we carry, when he had finished, he literally let them all fall in a pile and left them for someone else to pick up, an adult noted that this is what we should do leave sin at the cross.
It gives the adults a chance to reinforce behaviour or learning at home, i.e., on being helpful/showing kindness. Lets us as adults reflect on how we behave, especially in front of children.
Can connect adult sermons and children church drawing the whole faith community together whatever their stage of faith development.
PS: in writing this blog I have been sitting having a little giggle at all the things I remember happening and to whom both adult and child.
Especially in reference to your previous post, I feel that the children's talk is often enough to make a point and the "adult sermon" could be left out. The children's talks are much shorter, funnier, and with interaction.
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