During the third Good News Club this semester, a grade shepherd overheard two fifth-grade girls talking. One girl asked the other, “Are you saved?”
The girl’s answer was, “I think so. How would I know?” Her friend, seeming very confident, responded, “You have to say a prayer. I said a prayer and now I am saved!”
Wanting to hear the rest of the conversation, the grade shepherd did not interrupt.
GRADE SHEPHERD (noun): An adult volunteer on the front lines of children's ministry who builds intentional relationships with children and their families; spends the opening moments of club listening, praying, and helping memorize Scripture; and guides children as they navigate Gospel truths.
The grade shepherd spent time during the first few minutes of club asking questions and sharing Gospel truths to clear up the misunderstanding that simply saying a prayer saves a person. The girls listened, asked questions, and remained engaged throughout the ten-minute conversation.
As it turned out, the first girl had actually been saved at age six, and the grade shepherd was able to assure her of her salvation. They also talked about how to share Jesus with her friends. The second girl made a salvation decision after hearing the Gospel shared by the grade shepherd.
Grade shepherds are a vital part of any Good News Club, as are our faithful prayer partners and donors.
Research shows that many kids grow up only to discover they were not truly saved at a young age. Research also shows that 85% of Christians make a decision to follow Jesus between the ages of 4 and 14. Our Good News Clubs serve children in kindergarten through fifth grade right in this vital window, and volunteers are heavily trained in what it means to guide a child to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
From Jean Ballew (Grade shepherd, club coordinator at Small Impressions, and volunteer staff person):
"I love being a grade shepherd because it gives me an opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the children. I get to know each child better, find out about their families, and learn what needs they have so I can pray for them—both practically and spiritually. Most of all, I have time to let them know that God loves them, and so do I!"
