What is Taught On the Farm?

Growth is a natural and expected part of childhood. In fact, growth is a part of all life. While children may be accustomed to thinking about their growth, they may not have thought about God’s role in their growing, and the ways God desires for them to grow.

The apostle Paul pointed to those qualities that encourage growth in Galatians 5:22-23. In those verses Paul describes the “fruit of the Spirit.” Love, kindness, patience, generosity and faithfulness are all necessary ingredients needed if children are to grow in healthy ways. We see these traits within healthy families, and we see them on growing farms.

The theme of On the Farm: Growing with God is based on the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5. Each day of On the Farm explores a Bible story that highlights or demonstrates one of the fruits of the Spirit.

On the Farm uses a family farm theme to help children see the natural way in which God helps them grow. Just as farm hands work together to help plants and animals grow, children can be active partners with God in nurturing growth in themselves and others. The theme also adds an element of fun and excitement to the focus-and may help attract children who might not otherwise attend. The farming theme helps celebrate the skills and efforts of church members who actually work on farms-and leads children to see their value. Enjoy the theme, and know that the fun the children have playing farm hands will help them be better partners in their lifelong journey of growth with God.

Program Overview

On the Farm is a church education resource in which children learn about Christian growth through a farming theme. The church is transformed into a family farm, in which children assume the role of farm hands and are gathered into groups by age.

Children are formed into groups which remain together during the week. These groups of children, usually assembled by age group, rotate from one area of the farm to another, learning about growing with God.

With each group of farm hands, there is at least one appointed adult who rotates with the children. This person is called a Farmer. Groups should include no more than 20 children.

Children begin each day in a central location for the Roundup. During this community time, the Bible story is presented by a storyteller. From here, children begin rotating between parts of the farm. These Farming areas include:

• Bible Activities-Farmers Almanac
• Story Time-Shade Tree
• Recreation and Refreshments-County Fair
• Project Arts/Crafts-Barn Raising

On the Farm is structured for a three-hour time period each day. It is suggested that farming areas last 35 minutes each, including a 5-minute transition time during which the groups rotate between areas. You can make On the Farm meet your church’s scheduling needs by variating the time spent in each farming area or eliminating certain farming areas.

Each of the teachers uses a teaching guide which includes the Bible study for teachers as well as instuctions for the daily activities in their area. (The Recreation & Refreshments leaders need a copy of the County Fair teaching guide).The activities are age-graded, as needed, within each book, so teachers can customize their approach for each group as it rotates into their area. Plenty of options are provided for each day’s activities.

To help create a farm setting, the VBS leadership is encouraged dress as farm wranglers. The promotion pak also includes patterns which can be used for making t-shirts for the week.

On the Farm makes enlistment of teachers easier. Because children rotate from area to area, Wranglers need to prepare in only one area (Bible activities, recreation, crafts, etc.).

Daily Scriptures and Themes

On the Farm: Growing with God

Purpose:

To help children experience the fruits of the Spirit

(Galatians 5:22-23)

Learning Motif:

A family farm

Day One

Love

(1 Sam 20:12ff)

Jonathan showed David the kind of love that is willing to sacrifice for a friend.

Day Two

Peace

(Philemon)

Paul sought peace in a situation that could have been destructive.

Day Three

Patience

(Luke 8:4-9, 15)

The parable of the seed and the sower teaches us about patience.

Day Four

Generosity

(Ruth 2)

Ruth was treated with generosity when she was in need.

Day Five

Faithfulness

(Daniel 3:1-30)

Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego’s faithfulness to God was greater than their loyalty to the king.