A Prayer for Teachers & Helpers

Fall ministries are about to begin in churches across the country and there are few things we can do which are as essential as to pray for the teachers and helpers who will be serving the children and families at our churches. So, at my church I have a prayer for them which I thought I'd share with you today . . .

Baby Beginner's Bible Board Books - I'm Giving One Set Away

I was recently invited by Zonderkidz to review a new series of Baby Beginner's Bible Board book; I was curious about the set, so they sent them to me for review. I'm happy to share my opinions about these books with you today, and give  set away!

Children's Church Curriculum Review - Knights of God Academy - And a Give-Away!

For several years now I've been reviewing NextGen4Christ's VBS resources. Today I'm happy to share with you a new resource they have made available . . . and announce a special give-away! First, the resource . . . Knight's of God Academy . . . a twelve week children's church curriculum which focuses on the armor of God.

Stop Burnout - "Adopt" Your Volunteers!

We've been talking about burnout the last couple days; yesterday I said, "Life brings its challenges and difficulties to all of us . . . volunteers included. When they experience these challenges and difficulties, they may feel serving overloads them and they are burned out. But, if we have a support system in place, then we can come to their aid and be a source of encouragement to them." Today I want to think about another reason volunteers may feel burned out - if they lose their "connection" with their adult class.

For people to volunteer and serve in children's ministry, they typically "miss" the opportunity to be in adult classes. Some volunteers are able to serve and find ways to stay connected, but others serve and find themselves truly missing this adult interaction and connection. The ones who find they have a "void" from not being in an adult class, may end up feeling "burned out".

While this may seem like a "problem" which you are not able to "resolve" for your volunteers; after all, they can not physically be in two places at one time . . . there is actually an answer which is quite "doable". Find adults to "adopt" your volunteers! Yes, adopt them out!

Stop Burnout - Provide Support!

As we continue to look at burnout, yesterday I said, "When we are understaffed, the volunteers we have are in a situation where they may feel tired, worn out and decide they are burned out." If we want to avoid burnout, we need to be sure we are not understaffed. 

Today I want to think about another thing which may cause our volunteers to think they are burned out - if we do not have a support system in place. Life brings its challenges and difficulties to all of us . . . volunteers included. When they experience these challenges and difficulties, they may feel serving overloads them and they are burned out. But, if we have a support system in place, then we can come to their aid and be a source of encouragement to them. For example, if a volunteer experiences illness, we can arrange for meals, visits and rides to appointments. Most importantly, we can support them in prayer.

To provide this type of support, you have to . . . 

Stop Burnout - Don't Understaff!

As we continue to think about burnout, yesterday I said, "When a volunteer says they are quitting because they are, "burned out", it is an opportunity for us to identify a need and find a solution! I'll talk more about this tomorrow." Let's look at one of the main reasons teachers think they are "burned out" - they are serving on their own. When we are understaffed, the volunteers we have are in a situation where they may feel tired, worn out and decide they are burned out. 

Burnout - What is It & What Can We Do About It?

One word can bring feelings of frustration, fear and despair to people in children's ministry - especially those who recruit. This word is, "burnout". People leave children's ministry because of it and others do not join in because of it as well. So, what is "burnout", really? And what - if anything - can we do to prevent it?

I Have Two Winners!

I'm happy to announce Teresa Holmgren and Sherrie&#39 are the winners in my AWANA Cubbies Give-Away (you'll find the review at this link)! Thank you Teresa and Sherrie for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your addresses by September 2, 2013 so I ca send them to you) and thank you AWANA for sending these things for me to review and give away!

Minion Inspired Thoughts About Recruiting!

I love recruiting . . . yes, I know you may think I'm crazy, but I love it because it means I'm inviting people to experience the amazing joy which comes from serving and besides, children's ministry is great fun! We play games, sing songs, make crafts, do science experiments, have dramas and most importantly, learn how we can know and walk with Jesus! What could possibly be better?

Go on a Prayer Walk!

Last night I went on a Prayer Walk at my church. What is a "Prayer Walk", you ask? Well, it is an absolutely amazing opportunity to walk through the classrooms at your church and pray for the volunteers and children who will be serving and learning in those rooms throughout the coming year! Come along with me on my, "Prayer Walk"!

Why We are in Children's Ministry

My background is fairly conservative when it comes to church. I grew up in the church when children sat and listened to their teachers, wrote in their student books and memorized Scripture. In High School I participated on a quiz team and loved everything about it. I wanted my children to experience the same "church" as I did, so when they were little I had them involved in a mid-week program with lots of Bible memorizing. My children excelled at Bible memory and moved through their books quickly; they happily amassed their pins and badges. I was sure all of this was how it "should" be until something happened during one awards ceremony which began to completely change my opinion. All the little four year olds were waiting to receive their awards for the progress they made in their books . . . all except for one little boy. This boy had great difficulty memorizing. He did not receive an award that evening . . . and went home in tears. When I saw this I wondered what this little boy's "view" of God looked like. Did he see God as Someone Who would only be pleased with him if he were able to memorize Bible verses? Was this the view of God I wanted children to have? Of course it was not.

Back-to-Sunday-School-Prayer-Event

If you are looking for a way to start your new school year of ministry with a focus on supporting and encouraging your volunteers and under-girding your ministry with prayer from the "get-go", hold a "Back-to-Sunday-School-Prayer-Event"! The idea behind this is to provide an opportunity for parents and volunteers to meet and talk together before, or at the beginning of, the new Sunday school year and to involve your entire church in praying for your children's ministry . . . and you do have time to do this. My church is doing something very similar tomorrow evening - it is really simple to plan this - all you need to do is . . .