How We Do It

On a typical Sunday morning, we devote the first 10 minutes of our assembly specifically to our children (ages 2 and up). The local preacher typically directs the Pew Packers class (although any Christian man could do it—if he is enthusiastic and willing to invest some time to prepare).

After inviting the children to come and sit together on the front pew(s), the director will begin with a song and then lead the children through some memory drill and character builders (as time permits).

The majority of each Pew Packers class is devoted to memory drill exercises. Most weeks the leader will introduce one new fact for the children to memorize. Specifically, the leader will state something to this effect: "When I say 'FAITH,' you say 'HEBREWS 11.'" And then the leader will guide the children in practicing this response several times.

Whenever he says, "FAITH," he expects the children to respond in unison, "HEBREWS 11." If he speaks quietly, he expects them to respond quietly. And, if he speaks loudly, he wants to really hear them raise their voices in reply. The leader, by varying the pitch and volume at which he speaks, is more likely to keep the children engaged and actively learning.

In addition to introducing new material, the old material is reviewed as much as possible. For example, the leader may say, "CREATION," and allow the children to respond, "GENESIS 1 & 2." And then he may immediately say, "SERMON ON THE MOUNT," and they will respond with, "MATTHEW 5, 6, & 7."

He may then go back to the new fact for that week or toss out another memory fact that was previously introduced. The leader will sometimes ask specific children to respond to certain facts or simply allow the entire group to respond to everything together. The pace is lively and fun. The leader generally recites the books of the Bible with the children each week also.

Before the class begins, the leader may select a character builder word from his list (e.g., patience, respect, humility, etc.). He will prompt the children to define the word (if they know it) and provide examples of what this word means to them.

Sometimes the leader will need to refine the definitions suggested, but often the children do a wonderful job explaining what a word means and citing examples. Ultimately, the leader should do his best to emphasize that this character word is something they need to demonstrate daily in their lives (whether they are at home, at school, or gathered with the church).

The leader can intersperse short songs throughout the Pew Packers class to break things up and help retain interest. Typically, the songs should be simple and easy to memorize.

We offer some awards when a child can attain certain milestones with the memory drill exercises. There are some example links found inside this document: pewpackers.com/pdf/general-memory-work

The above is merely one way in which a Pew Packers class could be conducted. If you have other ideas or suggestions, please contact us. If you decide to implement a Pew Packers class in your congregation, we would appreciate hearing from you.

Additionally, we would encourage you to conduct the class at a time when the adults are already assembled. One huge fringe benefit of working with the children when all of the adults are present is that they learn a lot, too! This benefit is minimized when Pew Packers classes are conducted at a special time when few adults are present or when people might be (noisily) entering the auditorium.