� a Bible text � the passage of scripture that you are teaching from
� a theme or message � the instruction that you are giving
A great devotion has four distinct qualities - it is
� short � a devotion should take just three or four minutes to deliver
� sharp � have an interesting and compelling �hook� (usually the object)
� simple � pitch it low, don�t use long words, or deep theology
� singular � there should only ever be one point to your devotion
Try to make your devotions Inspirational and Motivational. You want the children to be inspired to be more like Jesus and motivated to do something about it.
Object Lessons
The best devotions are object lessons � that is the message or truth you are teaching is tied to an everyday object. Use objects to form an anchor in the minds of the children to tie your message with something that is physically real and easily remembered.
Object lessons are very powerful and have been used by children�s speakers the world over for many, many years. Jesus told object lessons.
Practice delivering the devotion with the object. Think about where you will put the objects before, during and after using them in your talk
When you speak � speak with passion and enthusiasm. Don�t be afraid to dramatise or to ham up the delivery of the devotion where appropriateYour aim is to tie the message to the object in the mind of the child
Delivering devotions
Each devotion has a title, and aim, a text and usually an object. I usually begin with a phrase like �Tonight I want to talk about doing things well� if �Doing Things Well� was the title of tonight�s devotion. Then I would move to introduce the object and set the scene for the Bible text. I make sure I get good eye contact with leaders and children when speaking.
Dealing with disturbances
Sometimes kids fidget or muck around during the devotion. You can handle this effectively in two ways. Primarily it is the responsibility of the patrol leaders to control the behaviour of their patrol. You should expect them to step in and fix anything that needs fixing.
Every now and then they become so engrossed in the devotion that they tune out to distractions � and then you can get their attention by staring at them or pointing to them and the disturbance � so they will step in and fix it.
If that is not working, you might like to try including the child who is mucking up in your devotion by getting them to come out and hold something, asking them a question, or catching their eye and raising an eyebrow�
Whatever you do, don't yield to the temptation to chastise from the front. It spoils the tone of the devotion and it causes problems down the track.
Prayer
It is important to finish every devotion in prayer. As well asking the Holy Spirit to help each child do or be what you've been talking about, it also models prayer for the kids.
Make your prayer simple, to the point and short. Remember the purpose of the prayer is to have the kids [and leaders] do or be what you've been speaking about.
Resources for you
Check out Leadership and the Perfect Outpost for a range of easy to deliver devotions.
[extracted from Devotions for the Perfect Outpost by Victor Zalakos]
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I see a Ranger program in every town in this country. An
outpost in every
suburb. I see a program so pervasive that every child in this
nation will
either be a Ranger or know someone who is a Ranger.
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Ps. Victor Zalakos
State Commander, NSW Australia
Contact information:
Post: PO Box 498 Casino NSW 2470
Australia
Create the "Perfect" outpost - find out how at
This posting is copyright (c) 1997-2003 Victor Zalakos. You may not distribute, republish, post, or otherwise disseminate without prior written (emailed) permission. You may however, use it in your own outpost.
