Articles about ministry situations or themes.
All of us who work with kids want the best for the kids in our care. They’re our babies and we love them. None of us would intentionally put a child at risk. We carefully staff the classrooms. We buy the latest Christian books. We paint the walls exciting colors. We plan our programs down to the smallest detail….building the … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Use this simple method to teach kids how to pray based on the Lord’s Prayer and using their own hand as a guide! Don’t miss our complete coloring book based on the Lord’s Prayer – it’s 100% free too. If you’re looking for a fun activity to teach your young elementary kids (ages 4-8) about prayer, then look no further … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Noise. It is everywhere, whether we like it or not, invading our senses and distracting focus. We are surrounded by media, technology, traffic, society…Noise is not always audible, though. Sometimes we create our own mental clutter and prevent ourselves from peace. Our minds become a volley of tasks, worries, and preoccupations, and our schedules add to the chaos. The idea … More Children’s Ministry Resources
This printable devotion for kids entitled “What is Love?” is the second of its kind. Click here to see the first devotional plan about hope. Children are given a scripture to read and a question to answer each day to practice studying God’s word. This particular topic is important because biblical love is one of the most misunderstood topics in … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I recently had an experience that reminded me again of the importance of infusing pride, presence, passion, and purpose in each and every action we undertake. I went to the Red Cross center to donate blood, and was rather disappointed by the nurse taking care of me…Her attitude was rather hurried and hassled as she ran through the motions of … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s church or big church? That is the question many parents are asking lately. When I began in ministry, back in 1997, (oh my!) children’s churches weren’t wildly popular in my area but over the years, the trend has caught on. Now I am happy to report we have some amazing ministries that reach children of all races and social situations. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I’ve struggled for quite some time to help the 5th and 6th graders in my Sunday school class understand the importance of daily bible reading and prayer. It can be challenging for anyone to start (and stick with) the habit of daily time with the Lord, but it’s even more true for today’s youth who are busier and face more … More Children’s Ministry Resources
My son was learning about parts of speech this year. We started with nouns: people, places, and things. Then we moved onto verbs: action. That’s what got me thinking about the Bible. Most people think that it’s a noun. Well, it’s a thing, right? Technically, yes. It’s a book made of paper and binding. But, I believe that the Bible … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Let’s face it: sometimes we grow weary of telling the same Bible stories…and if forced to admit it some of our students might even be tired of them as well. When we have a fresh audience it may help, but all too often we go through the same flannel graphs and picture books so many times that we forget how … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Most of us like to avoid hardship and difficulty. We do not seek out harsh conditions or frustrating periods. But God makes it clear that our faith grows stronger not in the beautiful mountaintop feelings of joy and elation, but in the dark valleys of struggle and doubt. As ministry workers it is important for us to remember this, particularly … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Last summer, I took my children to one of our public library’s special events. It was a storyteller. I didn’t think much of it, but thought it might be a fun thing for us to attend together. It turned out so much better than I had expected. He was great! He owned that room of teeny tots through parents. He … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Does the idea of hosting a team meeting with your volunteers make you less than enthusiastic? Do your team meetings have a history of being nonproductive? Even if you have never been to a John Maxwell Leadership Training Course you can hold a successful team meeting — one that will produce results for months to come. Today I’m sharing with … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Just like any other career stress is also present in children’s ministry. No matter what they say, stress can happen to anyone when put in the right situation. Now take a deep breath and forgive yourself for that. You are not superhuman and you are not a machine. You are real person, a Christian — that’s true, but you are … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Children’s pastors are like magical unicorns, strange creatures that are largely misunderstood — that is if you believe the myths about children’s pastors. Having been involved in children’s ministry for over 20 years I can assure you that I have heard just about everything. I am not offended by what I have heard just amused and slightly surprised. Perhaps you … More Children’s Ministry Resources
When a teacher quits or loses his or her position, it is difficult not just for the ministry but for the children in the class. If you happen to be an interim or the next teacher for the class or children’s church you may find it difficult talking to kids about what happened. How do you explain to children when … More Children’s Ministry Resources
We teach it and say it all the time…so much so that it can become only a trite closing to our daily prayer rituals. “In Jesus’s name…” “For thine is the kingdom and the glory forever and ever…” However we precede it, the word “Amen” is an important component of our blessings and communication with God. But what does it … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“Read me a story!” This child-driven request can be for adults an invitation to perform, music to the ears, or merely a bedtime stall tactic…but it is natural and wonderful for kids to enjoy listening to tales. In this age of instant satisfaction entertainment and screen-swiping technology, there is something to be said for a return to good “old-fashioned” literature. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Childlike Maturity… Cultivating an Attitude of Genuine Enthusiasm “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17) What, exactly, might this mean? Why would … More Children’s Ministry Resources
It’s your turn to teach, you have the lesson, now what? How do you take the lesson printed on paper and present it to a room full of kids? I regularly have new volunteers begin serving in children’s ministry and the top concern I hear from them is something along the lines of… I’m happy to help, but I’m not a teacher. … More Children’s Ministry Resources
I will never forget the day a relative commented, “Teaching isn’t difficult. You just get in front of people and tell them what you know.” Sure thing (I replied in my head), if you never want to have an impact on your students. There seems to be a misconception that teaching is a skill anyone can just pick up, but … More Children’s Ministry Resources
As the new year comes, it’s a great time to make sure all of the classrooms are set up. It’s important to have supplies for your teachers so that they feel like they can complete their lessons adequately and not have to spend a lot of money out-of-pocket. Though most teachers that I know buy things for their classes and … More Children’s Ministry Resources
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, … More Children’s Ministry Resources
New years is a great way to organize and clean out things. I like to work through the classroom to see what can be cleaned up, thrown away, or organized. That’s where the toys come in. I don’t know about you, but when I teach classes, we are way too busy to play with toys. Don’t get me wrong, I … More Children’s Ministry Resources
Getting older is fun, isn’t it? We’ve all heard the jokes. Your knees creak, memory fades, hair gets little lighter — or thinner. But the truth is with age comes wisdom and experience. Just because you seen a few more birthdays than perhaps your friends that doesn’t disqualify you from volunteering in children’s ministry. If you have a heart for … More Children’s Ministry Resources