A few weeks back, I had a chance to hang out with my two middle children – aged 7 and 9.  We’ve had a few new leaders join our children’s ministry in the last several weeks, so during the course of that weekend, I asked them this question:

What do you wish your leaders in children’s ministry knew?  In other words, if you could tell new leaders one thing you wish they understood, what would it be?

These were their answers along with my thoughts.  I’ve taken the liberty of expressing their thoughts a little more concisely than they did, but here is what kids want you to know:

1. We like to have fun. Kids like to have fun.  That shouldn’t come as any surprise. So, why should children’s ministry feel more like a chore than an adventure.  Fun is not the means towards every end, and the gospel is not dependent on fun, but remember that kids will more apt to pay attention when they are having fun doing it.

2 . We wish you would focus on us. Kids want your undivided attention.  Don’t spend all your time talking to other leaders about your weekend or with the student helpers in the room.  They come there, in part, to see you, and they want you to pay attention to them.  Stop and listen when they’re talking, and whatever you do, leave your cell phone in your pocket.

3. We need you to explain things to us even when we don’t ask.  Kids will not always tell you when they don’t understand – especially in a group setting.  Explain things to them even when they say they understand.  Walk them through the instructions, and never assume that they know how to do something.  Some kids would rather hear you say the same thing ten times than ask for help once.

4. We want to like you. Kids want to like adults.  They really do.  So, you need to give them a chance to like you.  Be social with them.  Ask questions about their lives and share things from your own life.  Have fun with them and open.

5. We want you to be prepared. When you aren’t prepared, you convey a message to the kids you are influencing that what you are doing is not important.  Know what you’re going to do, and do it.  Don’t have down time where the kids are doing nothing.  They are giving you their time, and the least you can do is be prepared.

6. We like it when you mix things up. Kids do not like the same thing over and over and over.  Mix it up.  Don’t teach them the same way every week.  Ask oddball questions to get them talking.  Be goofy.  Mix things up.  A little variety goes a long way with kids.

7. Be careful with us.  My kids didn’t actually add this one, but from my work with kids I know it to be true.  Kids are very impressionable and they soak up things like sponges.  Make sure that what you are teaching them is grounded in Christ and grounded in Biblical truth.  In all the you do, make sure that you do not lead a little one astray.  If you need further confirmation of that, check out Matthew 18:6.

For more information on working with kids, check out my article on Dad in the Middle called 30 Ways to Get Connected with Your Kids.

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2. “Dad really believes the things that are in this book.”
3. Two Things Every Child Needs To Know About God
4. 10 Tips for VBS Directors & Leaders

The spirit of fear plays upon the deepest parts of a child’s being. A child’s natural tendency is to fear the great big world he finds himself in. Children’s workers are familiar with the common but serious fears of children. The most popular are fear of the dark, what is under the bed and anything unfamiliar in his life. This vulnerability makes him a potential candidate for the fear factor. This spirit is a negative motivator that peaks children’s curiosities and tempts them to step into the realm of the mystical in order to ‘take control’ of their own lives. The Bible very plainly says that this spirit is not from God and in fact, His perfect love drives fear away. You can turn off the television and keep kids from seeing spooky films but you can’t hide them away from a world that loves Halloween and all things scary. So how do we as children’s pastors help kids overcome the fear factor?

Talk About It

Fear loves the dark. Let’s face it. How often do you get prayer requests about being afraid of the bright morning sunshine? Address kids’ fear factors. This season is the perfect time to unveil what fear really is and what God thinks about it. Kids should be allowed to express how they feel and what they are afraid of in a safe, non-judgmental environment. A small class setting or smaller ‘informal’ parties are perfect for sitting down and shooting the breeze with kids. Talk about your own childhood fears and how you overcame them. Don’t knock down a child’s fears but help them to see past to them to the God who loves them and protects them.

Hand Out Ammunition

Children’s workers should hand out the appropriate ammunition for kids to fight off the fiery darts of the enemy. Give kids scripture to use when faced with real fearful situations. Teach them in skits, puppet shows and any kind of role playing activities, how to use the Word of God. Jesus overcame the devil by using the Word. We should teach children to do the same. Teach kids scripture songs they can sing when they are facing a dark room by themselves. With the right tools, they’ll be victorious champions for Him.

Prayer

Surround your children with prayer. Pray for them, targeting specifically a fearful spirit. Teach children how to pray with faith and understanding. Show them by example how to pray and how to pray for each other. Including children in the labor of praying for one another will pay huge spiritual dividends all their lives. Build a fear factor proof prayer net around your children’s ministry and watch kids soar in God’s perfect love. If you sense fear is a real problem amongst your children, bring your prayer request to your church prayer ministry or support staff.

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Are you looking for a great craft idea for your children’s Sunday school class? Then check out these websites. They list many great kid’s Christmas crafts, ideas and projects. Arts and crafts are not my strong point. So I’m thankful for all the easy and free Christmas craft ideas for kids. Try these for your Sunday school lesson, children’s church, or at home with your children.

New for Christmas 2010, Mandy is creating an Advent coloring book. Each page will have a different coloring sheet to help children think about the meaning of Christmas. When all put together, kids will have a Gospel-centered art project in to celebrate the season.

Click above to see more craft ideas on Pinterest

Free Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids

Christmas Time Together is the best place to find free, easy and clear craft projects for children. Your kids will love these art projects. Some craft ideas include: Advent Mural, Angel Tree Ornament, Bead Wreath & Candy Cane, Bell Ornament, Candy Basket, Cookie Cutter Ornament, Christmas Card Ornaments, Christmas Cornucopia, Christmas Cracker, Christmas Piñata, Christmas Place Mats, Clothes Pin Angel and many more. These crafts are free and easy to print off instructions.

Cullen’s Christmas Crafts are free to watch on YouTube. She always does a great job explaining the craft and making it simple to repeat.

Craft Central Station Christmas Idea page offers more great Christmas projects for kids. They offer a wide range of craft, gift, art, and card projects for children.

Danielle’s Place has dozens of free and easy Christmas crafts for children. Some crafts include:Craft Stick Christmas Star Ornament Craft for Kids, Peppermint Candy Frame, Coffee Filter Angel Craft, Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree Craft, Poinsettia Flower Angel Craft, Picture Frame Christmas Ornament Craft, Lace Angel Craft, Angel Hershey’s Kiss Party Favor Craft, Communion Cup Reindeer, Christmas Candle with Base Craft, Gift Bags with gift tags Craft, CD Christmas Ornament Craft, Nativity Craft, Baby Jesus Envelop Craft, and many printable card crafts in her members area.

The Christmas Zone at Kidology.org is a great place to find crafts and Sunday school lessons about Christmas. They offer many free items, but you’ll need to buy a membership to get full access. I usually look here first when I’m planning a craft for kid’s church.

Related posts:

1. Free Christmas Lesson Plans for Kids Sunday School
2. Bible Verses About Christmas
3. Birth of John The Baptist: Christmas Lesson for Children