B ringing the need for more intentional children's ministry into sharper focus, say the Meeks, themselves educators, is the increasing pressure on children to systematically plan their careers. We should be putting as much emphasis on 'spiritual preparation' as we do on college or career. A t an early age, the Passport program tests the student for possible career interests and then matches that with the results from an aptitude test. Students are asked to write a paper about a career they want to pursue and then explain, in another paper, how their aptitudes will serve that choice. Courses are then taken that support the direction the ICP points.
Many parents often look well into the future for their children.
Many children have shirts, jackets and jammies which reflect a college of choice. University gift shops sell baby bottles with the school logo. D ennis Meeks says he once heard of a woman who went to a psychologist and asked at what age she should start teaching her child the things that are important for life. You've already wasted the five most valuable years. T o that end, Patricia and Dennis Meeks are building a strong children's' ministry at Oakland, a program they see as a vital part of the growing church's outreach.