What do I mean by this? When we serve in children's ministry - especially in the younger ages - we are able to see God through a child's eye, and they typically have a very simple and pure view of God! For example, when my three year old grandson visited my church, on the way home he was talking about how God created all the colors . . . especially his favorite colors! We all know God created everything, but do we stop and marvel and praise HIm for the simple things He created; like all the colors?!!!
Friday, October 31, 2014
Share the Joy of Children's Ministry - a Simple and Pure View of God!
What do I mean by this? When we serve in children's ministry - especially in the younger ages - we are able to see God through a child's eye, and they typically have a very simple and pure view of God! For example, when my three year old grandson visited my church, on the way home he was talking about how God created all the colors . . . especially his favorite colors! We all know God created everything, but do we stop and marvel and praise HIm for the simple things He created; like all the colors?!!!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Children's Ministry Matters Because We Need God!
Do you remember a few years back when the nightly news asked, "Since chimps show compassion to one another is morality in our genes? If it is, why do we need religion?" It seems there has been a lot of attention given by the media to "knowledgeable" people who say we no longer need religion or God. As a parent, grandparent and someone who serves in children's ministry I find this disturbing.
I have noticed there is a strong move in education and the media towards eastern religions and the belief we all can choose any god we want because they are all the same. Schools teach extreme environmentalism with the idea of "Mother Earth" and there are no absolutes. Movies, TV shows, video games and books all constantly include messages about how "cool" it is to be a witch, or to have magic "powers". Our children are bombarded from the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed with these ideas in both subtle and very overt messages. They are told they do not need God and yet the truth is we all need God . . . more so now than ever. In spite of the messaging our children hear every day, we do need God and most wonderfully . . . we can know, love and serve Him because He loves us!
I have noticed there is a strong move in education and the media towards eastern religions and the belief we all can choose any god we want because they are all the same. Schools teach extreme environmentalism with the idea of "Mother Earth" and there are no absolutes. Movies, TV shows, video games and books all constantly include messages about how "cool" it is to be a witch, or to have magic "powers". Our children are bombarded from the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed with these ideas in both subtle and very overt messages. They are told they do not need God and yet the truth is we all need God . . . more so now than ever. In spite of the messaging our children hear every day, we do need God and most wonderfully . . . we can know, love and serve Him because He loves us!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Commit to be Someone Who Does What They Say They Will Do
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It may seem obvious why it matters for us to be sure we do what we say we will do; clearly God's Word tells us to be people who do what we say we will do. But beyond obeying God, it matters because when we do not do what we say we will do, it is extremely likely we will cause hurt to others.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
How Do I Help a Child Who . . . Has Parents Getting a Divorce?

I know of two excellent sources of information and help . . .
Monday, October 27, 2014
How Do I Help a Child Who . . . Won't Settle Down in Class?
Let me start this post by saying any child can have a bad day - just as any adult can. If a child stayed up too late Saturday night, or wasn't able to sleep well, or is not feeling well, or didn't get the cereal they wanted for breakfast, or couldn't find his/her shoes and had his/her parents unhappy with them, or for any reason they just are not their normal self, it can show in the way they behave . . . or misbehave in class. When I talk about a child who won't settle down in class, I'm not really talking about the child who typically behaves.
The one I'm talking about is the one who consistently, week after week, won't settle down. The child who won't sit still or stop talking. The child who doesn't follow directions and who seems to almost enjoy getting other children to follow his/her lead. So, what do we do; how do we help a child who won't settle down? Consider the following . . .
The one I'm talking about is the one who consistently, week after week, won't settle down. The child who won't sit still or stop talking. The child who doesn't follow directions and who seems to almost enjoy getting other children to follow his/her lead. So, what do we do; how do we help a child who won't settle down? Consider the following . . .
Sunday, October 26, 2014
How Do I Help a Child Who . . . Does NOT Want to Be Here?
Children's Ministry is a place where there are children. This is pretty much a "no-brainer", but because there are children in our children's ministries, while most of the time most of the children participate without any trouble, there are times when we will have to give focused care to specific children. So, for the next week, let's look at specific times when specific children will need focused care . . . starting with the child who does NOT want to be here.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
It's Christmas; a Christmas Family Experience - I'm Giving One Away!

Friday, October 24, 2014
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing - I'm Giving One Away!
On my other blog; grandma's cookie jar, I'm busy announcing all my 2014 Christmas give-
aways. (Every year throughout the month of November I have a lot of special give-aways for Christmas!) Yesterday, I shared my review for a lovely book by Sally Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Jago - yes, you may recognize them as the author and illustrator of, "The Jesus Storybook Bible".
Since I thought you might be interested in Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing as well, I'm sharing the link to my review and am encouraging you to check it out - you have time to enter the drawing for the book if you like! (It would make a lovely Christmas gift to a family on your list!)
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing will do exactly this; it will make your heart, and the hearts of the children and families in your ministry, sing as it reminds them of the truth of how very, very much God loves them!
aways. (Every year throughout the month of November I have a lot of special give-aways for Christmas!) Yesterday, I shared my review for a lovely book by Sally Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Jago - yes, you may recognize them as the author and illustrator of, "The Jesus Storybook Bible".
Since I thought you might be interested in Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing as well, I'm sharing the link to my review and am encouraging you to check it out - you have time to enter the drawing for the book if you like! (It would make a lovely Christmas gift to a family on your list!)
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing will do exactly this; it will make your heart, and the hearts of the children and families in your ministry, sing as it reminds them of the truth of how very, very much God loves them!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
What Are Your Questions?
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Please comment and ask me your children's ministry questions; if I do not know the answer, I'll find someone who does and share the answers with you!
So . . . what are your questions?
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Make a Real Difference - Save a Child from Ebola for Just $3!
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Great Christmas Book - Belfry's Christmas Gift - I'm Giving One Away!

I won't spoil the story for you, but you'll find my full review and the details for how you can be included in the give-away - which is on November 20, 2014 - at this link.
Belfry's Christmas Gift is a great book to add to your church library and to recommend for families as they will have much to talk about as they read this book together at Christmas . . . and all through the year!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Thank You . . . with a Little Fun and Creativity!
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Yesterday we handed out a "thank you" to the Sunday volunteers at my church (the Wednesday night volunteers will receive their "thank you" on Wednesday night). We ordered Lego 2x2 bricks (orange for Sunday morning volunteers and white for Wednesday night volunteers), glued pin tacks to the back of each one, put each pin through a card with Ephesians 4:16 printed on them, (From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.) along with a red "Thank You" design and a "Thank you" from us; "Thank you for doing 'your part' to help the children at Calvary trust and follow Christ for the rest of their lives!" Our volunteers all wear a photo id on a lanyard, so they will be able to pin their Lego pin to their lanyard.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Make The First Contact Memorable!
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Three Keys to Identifying a "Positive" "Wake"

It truly does matter what we do and say with and to those God sends to serve in our children's ministries, so to help us not only identify if we are leaving people who have been encouraged, supported and who are filled with joy in our "wake", but to also help us know what to do to have this type of impact, consider these three "keys" . . .
Friday, October 17, 2014
Candle Day by Day Bible - I'm Giving One Away!
I Have a Winner!


Thursday, October 16, 2014
Three Warning Signs for "Hurt" Left in Your "Wake"

We are truly responsible for the people serving in our children's ministries; responsible to help them serve with joy and to be sure we do not harm them. I have served in ministries where serving truly was a joy (and where I serve now it definitely is a joy), but sadly, I have also served in ministries where the ego of those in leadership caused pain and actually left me determined to never serve again anywhere. Thankfully, God had other plans for me!
So, what are some warning signs we may be harming and not encouraging those God has sent to us to serve in our ministries? Consider the following . . .
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
What Are You Leaving in Your "Wake"?
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So, the other day I was thinking about this and about the "wake" we leave in our ministries. Is our wake one where people are excited and enjoying the "ride", or is it one which "throws" them off and leaves them "wounded"?
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Support the Volunteers You Have!
It can be so easy to be so caught up in trying to be sure you have your "bases covered" by having enough volunteers, that you do not think you even have time to focus on supporting the volunteers you have. But, if you do not provide the support volunteers need, you will probably find you are always recruiting because you will not be able to keep the volunteers you have. Consider the following -
Monday, October 13, 2014
The Best, Easiest, and Most Fun Way to Recruit!
I've been talking off and on for the last month about recruiting and while I think everything about recruiting is fun, there is one way to recruit which is the best, the easiest, and the most fun ever . . . and the most effective. What could this be, you ask? Retention. Keeping the volunteers you already have! If you are successful at keeping your volunteers, then your recruiting demands will reduce significantly. I'm going to look at this for a few days - keeping the volunteers you already have, starting today with the benefits of retention!
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Take the Time - and Make the Time - to Know Your Volunteers!
Saturday, October 11, 2014
I'm Thankful for the Opportunity to Serve!
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Today I'm thankful for the many opportunities to serve at my church! Yes, I know most churches have no shortage of places for people to serve, but I have been at churches where some leaders did not trust others to serve and wanted to do everything themselves. When a leader does not let the people at their church serve with the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them, they are robbing them of the joy of serving. So, I'm very thankful for the opportunities to serve at my church!
So, what are you thankful for? Consider yourself asked!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Love Letters from God - I'm Giving One Away!

Each November I have a month of special Christmas reviews and give-aways; I begin posting the reviews in October and draw winners throughout the month of November. Today I posted my review of the new book, Love Letters from God, written by Glenys Nellis. In my review I said, "While there is no shortage of Bible storybooks on the market, Love Letters from God is truly unlike any other I've ever reviewed! God's Word is personal; truly God's love letter to us, but this is difficult for a Bible storybook to communicate to children; until Glenys' book! With the short, simple presentation of key Bible Adventures, Love Letters from God not only helps children learn these Bible accounts, but helps them understand how they are far, far more than "stories"; they truly are God's letters filled with love to them from Him! Look at the, "love letter" from the Adventure of the, "Sneaky Snake" . . . "Dear _________ (I LOVE how you can put your grandchildren's names here!!!) Do you ever do things you shouldn't, like Adam and Eve did? It makes me sad when my children' do something wrong. But, I want you to know if you say you're sorry and trust me, the most wonderful thing will happen - I will not remember your sins! I will only remember how much I love you . . . because you are my precious child, and nothing you can do will ever stop me from loving you. With a Heart Full of Love, God" Is this not how you want your grandchildren to view God?!!! I certainly want mine to see God like this! Love Letters from God will absolutely be a book my grandsons and I work through together! I would love to see, "More Love Letters from God" to help children work through God's Word in this personal and unique way!" Please take a moment to check my review at this link - and enter the drawing for this delightful book!
Thursday, October 9, 2014
I'm Thankful for the Leaders and Vision in our Children's Ministry!
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Today I'm thankful for the Children's MInistry leaders at my church and for the vision they have for the children's ministry. Our Children's Pastor not only has a wonderful vision for the children's ministry, but he is focused on seeing the vision carried through each area of the ministry! Plus, even my three year old grandson knows who Pastor Joel is and that he loves Jesus and the children in our church! They have also been impacted by Pastor Brian (and are sad to see him leave). The focus in our children's ministry is truly creating ministry which is exactly this - focused and intentional!
Definitely people and things I'm thankful for! So, what are you thankful for? Consider yourself asked!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
I'm Thankful for the Volunteers I Have!
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I'm thankful for the amazing volunteers I have! My volunteers love Jesus and the children in their classes! They have enthusiasm and come prepared for their class! Plus, they always have genuine smiles on their faces when they greet the children in their classes! God has truly blessed us with amazing volunteers and I am extremely thankful!
So, what are you thankful for? Consider yourself asked!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Thank You for Reading About the Children's Department!


Ministry Blogs for 2014 as rated by Sam Luce (see this link)!
I also found out we are one of the Top 100 Children's Ministry Blogs (we came in at #25!!) as rated by Tony Kummer at Ministry to Children (see this link)!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read About the Children's Department! I sincerely appreciate each of you - please follow these links and check out the wealth of resources, ideas, information, and help which you will find at both these sites!
Monday, October 6, 2014
EVERYONE Who Believes is Part of the Body & Has Something to Offer!
When it comes to volunteers in your ministry, most of them are probably people who you would describe with the word, "normal". By this I mean, they likely are people who have no serious illnesses or physical challenges. But, who might you be missing out on? Who might be able to serve even if they have an illness or physical challenge? When you think about recruiting, are there people who you "pass over" in your mind because they have an illness or physical challenge? If so, think about the following . . .
Sunday, October 5, 2014
I Thank God! What Do You Thank God For?
I've been writing about being thankful and expressing our thanks to God; intentionally. So,
today I want to ask you, what are you thankful for? When it comes to your ministry, what are you thankful for? When it comes to your life, what are you thankful for?
It is far too easy to become so focused on the day-in-day-out busyness of serving in our children's ministries that we do not even stop to think about, let alone express, our thanks to God. We do ask God for a lot of things, but do we make thanking Him a priority?
today I want to ask you, what are you thankful for? When it comes to your ministry, what are you thankful for? When it comes to your life, what are you thankful for?
It is far too easy to become so focused on the day-in-day-out busyness of serving in our children's ministries that we do not even stop to think about, let alone express, our thanks to God. We do ask God for a lot of things, but do we make thanking Him a priority?
Saturday, October 4, 2014
What Are You Afraid Of?
Friday, October 3, 2014
When You Recruit Remember Why You Serve!
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Book Reviews - Dare U 2 Open This Book & Just Sayin' - I'm Giving One Away!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Be Thankful - Involve Everyone in Saying Thank You!

While I think having a "Thankfulness Walk" is a great idea, it may be more than you can put together at this time. Another way you can focus on being thankful - a simpler way - would be to ask your volunteers to email you something they are personally thankful for. Then, each week in your weekly communication, you could include the thing one person is thankful for so everyone can thank God together! This is simpler and keeps your focus on being thankful all year!
This is just another way you can be intentional about thanking God for His many blessings. What do you do to intentionally thank God?
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