Eastiew Community Church
Eastview Community Church

SHINE: An Interview

Philip Wiebe - 2009-01-25

Every year, various Eastview ministries put on dozens of programs, with new initiatives being added almost monthly.

One of the most exciting new programs to hit the radar screen is SHINE, a new arts program for kids. The Eastview Link had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Toews, Children’s Ministries Director, and Kathy Chandler, Jr. Kids Coordinator, about this new program.

Link: What is SHINE?
Kathy: SHINE (Serve Him IN Excellence) is a new midweek program happening every Wednesday evening from 7:00- 8:30 for children in grades 3-6. It will offer these children a chance to choose from three different art forms taught by qualified volunteers, in hopes that they will discover their spiritual gifts and use them for God.
Andrea: We believe that God gives each of us special abilities, for the purpose of serving him and each other. We have a responsibility to develop those skills within ourselves and encourage others in skill development, for the sake of shining God’s light in this world.
Kathy: We desire to provide a place where kids can try out artistic skills, in a safe, non-judgmental environment. At SHINE, kids will have the chance to strengthen their artistic skills, as well as their community-building skills, as they interact with each other, and with caring adults, who are passionate about sharing time and talent with children.

Link: What forms of art will you be exploring?
Andrea: In this first 10 week session, children will be able to choose between drama, creative movement as a worship style, or visual art, which includes painting, drawing, sculpting and collage.

Link: How and why did SHINE come to be?
Andrea: This is a big question. As we have observed and heard of children having the desire to contribute to the body of Christ, using their talents, we felt strongly convicted that this was something we should be encouraging. But we also believe that it is important for such opportunities to be offered within the context of a teaching relationship, where the child is being guided to understand how we have been created to worship and glorify God. For the past year or so, we have been talking about this and praying for guidance. Last spring, we invited parents to join in a discussion about some ideas we had. Although the group was small, the support was strong, and the information gained from that meeting was very beneficial for helping us take next steps.

Link: How is this different than the other artsy programs kids can get involved in these days?
Andrea: $20.00 is quite a lot more affordable than the programs offered in the community. (smiles)
Kathy: This program is different because our purpose is not to showcase talent, but to grow their gifts to be used for God.
Andrea: We are privileged as a church community to have teachers for these arts classes who are enthusiastic about donating their skill and time to help children grow in their understanding of how they have been uniquely created to “show off” God’s beauty and creativity with their own skills. But the more significant difference is that in SHINE, we have a goal to be very intentional about communicating that the abilities we have are given to us by God, to show others all about who he is.
One of the most important and affirming things parents can provide for their children is relationships with other adults who share the same faith.  Our aim is to provide a Christ-centred environment, where the children can build on and move ahead in their spiritual journey.

Link: What do you think “it” is about art that allows it to be a connecting point to God for people?
Kathy: Art is a form of worship, and people with this gift are worshiping as they create.
Andrea: God has created us, his people, in his image, so I believe that our spiritual DNA causes us to naturally identify with the Creator. So, when we experience art and beauty, we have the opportunity to experience an enhanced relationship with God. We are eagerly anticipating watching children grow in their understanding of who God us, and then seeing them move forward to open up with God.

Link: How does SHINE fit into the greater mission of children’s ministries and Eastview in general?
Andrea: In children’s ministries, our mission is to partner with families in communicating who God is, and in leading children into a growing relationship with Christ.
Kathy: And as part of our mission to creatively present the Word to children, we want this program to allow these children experience Serving Him In Excellence.
Andrea: Through SHINE, our hope is that the children’s impression of God will be enhanced, and that as they see him more clearly, that they will move forward in their walk with Christ.

Link: Can I come and participate too? It sounds like fun!
Andrea: Absolutely! We do welcome any form of assistance, including help with registration and snack preparation. Also, we are inviting people who are currently serving in the church by using their creative arts skills, to come and share their skill with the kids, and tell them a bit about the process of discovering their own particular gift.