AFFILIATIVE STAGE / AGES 7-11

• Reading and singing along with worship lyrics at church
• Drawing while listening to worship music
• Daily devotional such as “Jesus Calling : 365 Devotions for Kids”

• Bible reading as read-alone time. Purchase an “older kid” bible at this stage if you haven’t already
• Intergenerational Bible study and spiritual conversation - involve other adults in child’s spiritual life
• Ignatian Bible study – putting themselves in a Bible story. What do you see? What do you hear? What does it feel like?
• Near the end of this stage, some are ready for inductive Bible study with peers.

• Responding to and agreeing with compassionate and merciful instincts, even if it stretches us financially, makes us feel awkward, etc. Example: child wants to go to Haiti to rebuild homes after a hurricane. Not possible, but the instinct should be encouraged. What’s another way we can help? Let’s raise money and give sacrificially together. 
• Involve child in giving decisions as appropriate.
• Pray for disasters, tragedies, notable news events and consider responding as a family. 
• Invite friends from school who don’t know Jesus to church. “How do you think your friends who don’t know Jesus could hear about him? Any ideas?”

• Involve kids in corporate worship roles at church (serving communion, greeting, serving)
• Ask child to think of someone to intercede for at bedtime – whoever comes to mind – and tell that person the next day
• Share daily prayer requests at breakfast with the family. “What do you need Jesus’ help with today?” Everyone answer. Pray together. Then report at dinner time and give thanks.
• Youth group, youth events.
• Be intentional about identifying your child’s “5” (from Sticky Faith) - 5 adults who know Jesus who are intentionally involved in their life.
• Parents - share about YOUR relationship with Jesus, your personal growth and learning, even what YOU learned about in church today (instead of only asking about what THEY learned.)
• Father/son or mother/daughter events, Family Camp, and other annual experiences.

• Confession of sin to God vs. to parents. Modeled on apology “liturgy” from experiential stage. “I’m sorry God for X.” What do you think he says back to you? “I love you and I forgive you.” 
• Learning to identify thoughts that are from God vs. thoughts from “sneaky snake,” fiery darts.
• Growing self-awareness of inner life can lead to learning to identify temptation, manage anxiety, etc.

Many experiential practices still apply.