Big Picture Children's ministry.

From my own experience and shortcomings in children's ministry I have begun to compile a list of what I've called, "Important but neglected dimensions of Children's ministry." I've included things like, 'developing leaders' and 'prayer.'
However one topic has come to stand out over the rest. I call it, "Working from a bigger picture of Children's ministry."
What I mean is, most of us would rightly feel affronted if people said we were merely babysitting. We would retort, "It's much more than that!" But then just what is it? We often describe it in terms of teaching. Yet this answer too is far from satisfying because it is too narrow. We do more than impart information and our role must include much more if it is to reach what God intends.
A more complete answer sees us as those who help shape young lives as disciples of Christ and to develop children to become mature in Christ with all that that entails. What Paul says metaphorically, we say literally,

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." (Gal.4:19)

Another way of describing this is to say our aim is to develop truly wise children. Wisdom means applying God's ways in every aspect of life. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov.9:10). Wisdom enables a person to effectively navigate life (Prov.2:6-11). It has high values, is deeply satisfying and brings rich rewards (Prov.3:3 - 6.) In Proverbs 4:7 the child is told,

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

If we are to do this well it is not enough to have a series of 'lessons' on proverbs. The challenge is to imbed, promote and practice the principles of wise living in the very fabric of our ministry. For example; a wise person is proactive and works hard. Where in our program are children given the opportunity, expected or rewarded for taking initiative? How do we encourage them to do so? On the contrary, we as adults often prepare everything and simply 'spoon feed' the children week after week. At an age appropriate level could we give children responsibility for aspects of the program? Could we take time to reward those who make an effort "while no one is watching?"

If we are to do this well we need to have in mind some of the fundamental practices of wise living which we will aim to incorporate into our ministry. What would you include in such a list? The list should not comprise so much of christian virtues (such as 'being kind') but of habits of wise living. This is because we can all think of various christian virtues, but the goal is to develop children who are committed to choosing the good, whatever that good may be. Perhaps that is one of the habits: 'Chooses the high road.' Your list should include personal habits, as well as 'communal' habits, that is, how they work with others in community. I'd be interested in what you would include in your list. More next time.