1. Get a copy of SPROUTS: Covenant Discipleship With Children (Discipleship Resources, www.discipleshipresources.org, 800-972-0433; or Cokesbury, www.cokesbury.com).

Shirley Ramsey and I adapted Sprouts from the adult model of Covenant Discipleship groups. When the first book was written, we had run two "semesters" of Sprouts; and eight churches had tested the concept based on our original work. Since then we have learned a lot; many more churches now have Sprouts ministries and have shared their insights, new ideas, and activities. Many new print and electronic resources are now available to you. The new book really is worth the price, even if you have been doing Sprouts based on the original edition. Included in the new book are step-by-step instructions for starting a group as well as pages for you to photocopy, lots of ideas, and lists of recommended resources.

2. Here are a number of thoughts and ideas (in no particular order) that might be helpful.

• It is important for every Sprouts leader to read the entire book, even the background stuff. Yes, sometimes it is repetitive; but no matter how many times we say it, there will be those who won't read it all. We reiterated some things to be sure they were communicated. If you don't have actual training sessions, you and your leaders should read (and even do) all the training pages.
• Personally talking with kids and their parents is the best recruiting method. If you are confident and enthusiastic, your enthusiasm will "rub off."
• Make sure that Sprouts is fun and enjoyable. Kids will begin to generate their own enthusiasm as they get into it. The first weeks may move slowly as you teach about Covenant Discipleship and write your covenant. Make sure you provide good snacks and plan some fun things for the kids to do during the meetings.
• Don't ever plan or schedule Sprouts in such a way that children are forced to attend and participate. For example, Spouts should never be the Sunday school class for that age group unless there are other options. The child must want to participate.
• You don't need to have every book or resource listed in the Sprouts manual. Every leader needs to have access to a copy. You will need to decide which areas are your forte and in which areas you need additional help. The Internet has become an invaluable tool. Check out www.sproutsnet.org for Sprouts articles from the Covenant Discipleship Quarterly. The "Justice Resources and More" article lists helpful websites as well as many other helpful resources, links, and hints.
• Networking can be helpful. Let the Director of Accountable Discipleship at the General Board of Discipleship (smanskar@gbod.org, 877-899-2780, ext. 1765) know where you are. We might know about other Sprouts groups in your area. Be sure to send in the card from the inside back cover of Sprouts, so we can begin to work together.
• One of the most challenging issues is helping the children distinguish between Acts of Justice and Acts of Kindness. Even though there is a fine line between the two, the important thing is to make a start. Don't be intimidated by trying to define them. Start doing something. The important thing is teach about and practice Acts of Kindness and Acts of Justice. The thing to remember is that Acts of Kindness are how we help a person in need, and Acts of Justice are things we do to address why the person is in need.
• Choose a noncontroversial and fairly simple justice issue for your first time. One of the reasons individuals and churches choose not to do Acts of Justice is that it can be controversial and long-term. If your church is already involved in a justice project, find a way the children participating in Sprouts can help.
• Know your children. They may be well grounded in using a Bible but need practice in prayer. You'll need to determine how much education your group requires to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

3. Feel free to contact the General Board of Discipleship with specific questions. Contact Steve Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org, toll-free 877-899-2780, ext. 1765) or Edie Harris (321-723-0966, sproutsedie@juno.com). Use the discussion room at www.sproutsnet.org to ask questions and exchange ideas. We love to talk about Sprouts.

I pray that you will be able to water the seeds that have been planted and that God will grow many strong and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in your garden (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).

Edie Genung Harris is a layperson in the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and co-author (with Shirley Ramsey) of Sprouts.