Rewards & Bribes
Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:00
Let’s take a look at a couple of definitions first:
- Reward – something given or received in recompense for worthy behavior; Psychology The return for performance of a desired behavior; positive reinforcement.
- Bribe – money or any other valuable consideration given or promised with a view to corrupting the behavior of a person
I know this can be a controversial subject when we begin talking about Children’s Ministry – that’s what makes it worth discussing. First, let me say that I don’t believe I have the definitive answer, just one voice on the subject. Next, let me say that each individual needs to make their own decision and then let others decide what works for them concerning this one issue.
Now, let’s take a look at just one verse that mentions the idea of rewards:
Hebrews 11:6
”And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Yes, we are promised rewards in scripture yet that is not what motivates me to serve our Heavenly Father. Often the question is asked of me, “What if they are only doing it for the reward.” Well if you can help a child develop the habit of “Quiet Time” with a simple reward seems like a fair trade.
We use points in competition between teams too. We give points for bringing your Bible, knowing the memory verse, and completing Bible Study with your parents. Points are FREE and FUN. Kids love competition and competing for the right stuff is again something that’s hard to fault. Think about how many of your kids invest incredible amounts of time to win a football game, baseball game, soccer game, etc. They do it just for the joy of winning. Rewards and Points are just a couple of ways to help influence a generation to know God and His Word.
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Patrisha Murdock says:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I was just wondering how you differentiate competing by doing gods work, and doing it for the right reasons. If kids have to be motivated to pray, what is their continued motivation as the mature into young adults and beyond? Are you justifying this early motivation as a method for introducing these behaviors at an early age?
Keith says:
June 30th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Patrisha,
I’m really not trying to justify the technique: “each individual needs to make their own decision and then let others decide what works for them concerning this one issue.”
Having been in ministry for 18 years I’ve simply seen the benefits. Our goal is life-change. When a child is involved in reading and memorizing scripture at an early age the Holy Spirit will work in and through the Word. If a simple reward will encourage that I am all for it.
Karl Bastian says:
June 30th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Kudos for daring to touch a touchy topic! Lots of people get bent outta shape on this one, and the wise ones may avoid it. But I’m like you – if it is controversial, it is worth talking about. Here is my article on the topic:
http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=92
Enjoy! (don’t shoot me anyone!)
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