Family Ministry Resource . . . everyday talk!

As I've been saying, if we are serious about equipping, encouraging and supporting the parents and grandparents in our church and community, we also need to be serious about finding, and getting the word out about, excellent resources to help them be more effective in passing on a legacy of faith to their children and grandchildren. I am happy to review one such excellent resource . . . 

Expand "Faith Talks" and Equip Parents and Grandparents to Leave a Spiritual Legacy!

In my last post I shared an amazing free resource . . . "Faith Talks" and I encouraged everyone to implement this as a core part of your ministry to children and families. Consider taking the idea of "Faith Talks" and expand them to include the following . . . 

Equip Parents and Strengthen Families with "Faith Talk"

Yesterday I shared about celebrating milestones with you and today I want to encourage you to take a serious look at a resource . . . "Faith Talk". "The biblical reason for having Faith Talks is found in Deuteronomy 6. As primary faith trainers, we as parents and grandparents are commanded to impress these commands upon our children, talk to our children about them, as well as show them how to live them out in the ordinary tasks of life. 

In Proverbs 22:6, spiritual training takes place one step at a time in the context of everyday life. Relationship is your priority, the Bible is your handbook and life is your classroom. Teach your children about God, the Bible salvation and how to live by having family night devotions."

Be a Milestone Celebrator!

When I think of celebrating milestones in a child's and family's lives I think of two things. First of all I think about the idea a child has made a decision, or done something, or grown to a point where a milestone in their life has been reached. These are truly important moments and worthy of being celebrated, but in far too many instances we are all too busy to stop and notice and celebrate. 

The second thing I think about is the family. A milestone in a child's life is also a milestone in a family's life as well. Often the family had a big part to "play"  in the child reaching their milestone so the celebration is one not only for the child, but also for the family as well. 

Resources for Families - Snuggle Time Prayers - I'm Giving One Away!

As someone who serves in Children's Ministry, you are likely asked by parents - and grandparents - about resources they can use at home with the children they love. I'm very happy to let you know about a new book you can recommend with confidence for the little ones . . . ages two to four . . . the Snuggle Time Prayers book.

I reviewed it on my other blog - grandma's cookie jar - and invite you to follow this link to see the review - and details for a drawing where I'm giving one away! 

Snuggle Time Prayers is an adorable book which will give parents/grandparents lots to talk about and share with their little ones as they snuggle and pray together - at bed-time, or any time!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Breakouts - Part 3

For the past week I have been sharing with you about the Legacy Grandparent Conference and want to invite you to consider attending this opportunity in May, because if you are able to engage, equip, and encourage the grandparents in your ministry to focus on passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren, this will benefit the children and families in your ministry, which means your Children's Ministry will become much stronger! Just think for a moment about how engaged grandparents could benefit your ministry!

So, for two days I've been sharing about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen . . . and today I'm happy to let you know about two more Breakout options . . .

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Breakouts - Part 2

I have no doubt you are invited to attend quite a number of conferences and workshops each and every year, and since time and budgets are not unlimited for any of us, we have to choose which opportunities are most applicable, most useful, and then choose based on these things. 

For the past week I have been sharing with you about the Legacy Grandparent Conference and want to invite you to consider attending this opportunity in May, because if you are able to engage, equip, and encourage the grandparents in your ministry to focus on passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren, this will benefit the children and families in your ministry and your Children's Ministry will become much stronger! Just think for a moment about how engaged grandparents could benefit your ministry!

So, yesterday I began sharing about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen . . . and today I'm happy to let you know about three more Breakout options . . .

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Look at These Breakouts . . . Part One

Yes, if you have been reading About the Children's Department for the past week, you will have been able to see how I truly believe Grandparenting Ministry matters. You will have been able to see how I truly believe Grandparenting Ministry benefits and strengthens the Children's and Family Ministry in your church. You will have been able to learn about an up-coming opportunity to learn more about Grandparenting Ministry and how you can engage, equip, and encourage the grandparents in your church by attending the first-ever Grandparent Conference on May 9th and 10th in Eden Prairie, MN, at Grace Church.

I have shared the details, introduced the speakers, and talked about the General Sessions. Today - and for the following few days, I'm going to let you know about the Breakout Sessions . . . this conference will provide you with multiple opportunities to learn, engage, and be encouraged and the Breakouts are one way these things will happen!

So, let's take a look at some of the Breakouts which will be available to you . . . 

Little Love Letters from God - I'm Giving One Away!

A little over a year ago on my other blog, I shared a review of a book written by a friend - "Love Letters from God". I said, "I love the unique feature of the "love letters" from God to children; it makes this book, "personal". 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!"

Recently Glenys let me know about her new book, Little Love Letters from God, and I am very happy for the opportunity to share my review and a giveaway with you. Check grandma's cookie jar (my other blog) for the review and all the details about how you can win a copy of this unique and excellent book!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - General Session Topics

I have been writing about the Legacy Grandparent Conference for the past several days - first I shared the details . . . it is on May 9th & 10th at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN . . . and introduced you to the speakers. Just a quick look at the speakers confirms they are people who care very much about passing a heritage of faith to their grandchildren/children and want to help grandparents do the same, and aid churches in equipping their grandparents as well.

I've talked about why the Legacy Grandparent Conference benefits your Children's, Youth and Family Ministries . . . and your entire church as well. So, today I'm going to share with you the topics the speakers will be talking about in the General Sessions . . .

Check Out the New Cover on, It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren . . .

Last year my book; It Is Impossible to Spoil Grandchildren: and Other Important Facts for Grandparents and Parents, too! was released. Today I'm happy to show you the new cover for this book!

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Check Out the Speakers - Part 2!

Yesterday I introduced five of the speakers at the up-coming Legacy Grandparent Conference May 9th & 10th in Eden Prairie, MN; today I'm delighted to introduce the remaining five speakers. As you will see, the line up of speakers makes this a conference you will want to attend, send staff to attend from your church, and take grandparents with you, so you will all be able to learn and be encouraged!

Catherine Jacobs is from the South Carolina low Country and has lived there for 30 years. She has served on the staff of he church, St. Pauls, Summerville, for 14 years as the Director of Children's and Family Ministry. When she became a grandmother, her passion for increasing the impact of a parent and grandparent's influence on their child's heart led to the creation of Pass the Legacy Ministry and to record a DVD/CD small group study, Seven Keys for "Salty" Grand Parents. These keys touch the hearts of loved ones, so a legacy of faith in Christ is passed to the next generations. She is a charter member of the Legacy Coalition and has four grown children and four grandchildren.  

Legacy Grandparent Conference - Check Out the Speakers!

For the past few days I've been writing about the Legacy Grandparent Conference - yesterday I wrote about the specifics . . . date, location, cost. Today I want to share with you information about the speakers!

Wayne Rice is serving as Master of Ceremonies and speaker for one of the Breakout Sessions. He and his wife Marci have three children and five grandchildren. Wayne is the Co-founder of Youth Specialties, Director of Conferences for the Legacy Coalition, & Author of hundreds of books/resources for Youth Ministry, as well as the book, Generation to Generations.

Legacy Grandparenting Conference - It Benefits Your Church!

A couple days ago I wrote about the first-ever grandparenting conference; today I want to share more with you about this opportunity to strengthen your family ministry by attending a conference which will help you understand how to better engage, equip, and encourage grandparents to pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren!

First of all, a review of reasons why it benefits your Children's/Family Ministries to have a strong and effective Grandparenting Ministry . . . engaged grandparents help build stronger families - clearly this benefits the families and children in your church! Engaged grandparents can result in families and children who are engaged and growing in their walk with God - again, clearly this benefits the families and children in your church! Engaged grandparents are more likely to become involved in your Children's Ministry - and it is obvious how this benefits the families and children in your church!

Most importantly, engaged grandparents are people who are following the Biblical role God has designed . . . one where grandparents are passing their faith on to their children's children, and this absolutely benefits the families and children in your church!

So, since it clearly benefits your Children's and Family Ministries to have strong and effective ministry to/with grandparents, this conference is an excellent opportunity for you to see how to either build upon what you are already doing with the grandparents in your church, or to become more focused and intentional in how to engage, equip, and encourage them!

Keep Our Focus on the Truth

When we are serving in ministry, it can become all too easy to begin focusing on what we think, on what we have done, and on what we are currently doing. For example, when a parent or grandparent asks us how they can pass faith to their children/grandchildren, it is all too easy to give our own opinions, or to tell about things we have done or are doing. When a child asks us for help with a situation they are facing, once again, it can be all too easy for us to talk about what we think or have done.

Now, don't get me wrong. It is not bad to share about things we have done or to tell what we think, but, God's Word is the Truth; it is where we need to turn for answers in our lives and for answers to those who ask us for help. We need to turn first of all to God's Word for answers, because we want our answers to be sound and there is nothing more sound than God's Word.

So, what does God's Word say? Of course it tells us many things, but a few verses which I have found to be extremely helpful are . . . 

Legacy Grandparenting Conference - Please Join Us!

With all my talk about engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents to

pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren, you may be wondering exactly how do you do this in your church? Well, I'm delighted today to let you know about a place where you will find the answers to your questions . . . the first ever Grandparenting Conference!

Your Invitation . . . Please Join the Coalition!

I have been writing a lot about the need for the church to engage, equip, and encourage grandparents to help them pass on a legacy of faith to their grandchildren; well, today I'm very happy to invite you to check out the new Legacy Coalition - Grandparenting Matters Facebook page! Our new webpage will be up and running shortly, but our Facebook page is available as a place where you will find information, ideas and resources to help you with the equipping of grandparents in your church!

I Have Two Winners!

I am happy to say Janet Hilsmier is the winner of one Barnyard Round-up VBS starter kit from Concordia Publishing House. (You'll find my review for Barnyard Roundup  VBS  at this link.) and Karen is the winner of one Ocean Commotion VBS from Answers in Genesis - (You'll find my review at this link.)

Do You Really Depend on Prayer?

When we think and talk about prayer, we of course are quick to identify ourselves as people who pray, but, are we really? Is prayer something we spend serious time doing, or do we just do it to, "get it out of the way"? Do we really believe the strength and success of our ministry depends on prayer, or, do we really believe the strength and success of our ministry depends on us and what we do?

I think it is all too easy for us to become distracted from where the real power and strength of our ministry lies - with God - and believe it really depends upon us. This is actually a very narcissistic view of ministry, but if we are honest, we are probably leaning towards believing - and acting - like it depends on us, more than we do in believing and acting like it depends on God.

So, how can you tell if you are serious about prayer and depending on God or are actually depending upon yourself? Consider the following questions . . .

Two Free Resources for Parents - and Grandparents!

If we are serious about equipping parents and grandparents, so they are able to be the primary teachers, leaders and disciplers of their children, then we need to be "sharers of resources"! Let your parents - and grandparents - know of resources which provide information, ideas and tools which they might take advantage of as they strive to lead their children/grandchildren. So, today I have two free resources you could let the parents and grandparents in your ministry know about!

Continuity . . . Connect the Children's, Parent's and Family Ministries With Your Church!

If you have paid attention to be sure all areas of your Children's Ministry connect, so the Sunday, Midweek, Summer and other ministries have continuity and are taking the time to connect the Children's Ministry with the Parent's and Grandparent's ministries, the last area to connect with is the other areas of your church! If your church is going to have a strong and healthy Children's, Parent's, Grandparent's, and Family ministries, it is important for the entire church to know what is happening in these ministries. 

Consider the following . . . 

Two Second Chance Giveaways for VBS Starter Kits!

I recently had drawings for winners for two VBS kits, but neither of the winners got their addresses to me, so their kits could be sent to them. So, today I'm announcing two second-chance giveaways . . .

Continuity . . . Connect the Children's and Parent's Ministries!

So . . . you have a vision and purpose for your Children's Ministry and you are watching to be sure each part of your ministry connects to the others, but have you collaborated with the leaders of your Parent's and Grandparent's Ministries to be sure the they connect and have continuity? Consider the following . . . 

Continuity . . . No "Islands Unto Themselves"

Stop and think for a moment . . . do the various parts of your Children's Ministry "connect"? Do they compliment and reinforce one another or does each area "do their own thing" and are actually, "islands unto themselves"? If we are truly serious about being effective, then not only do we have to have a vision/plan for our Children's Ministry as a whole, but we have to be sure each area is connected to the other things we do in Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . . 

Continuity . . .

As we think about Family Ministry, I want to talk about an important topic . . . continuity. So, what is continuity and why does it matter when we talk about Family Ministry? What does it look like in Children's Ministry and how do we have it? How do we know if we do not have it? These are important questions to think about . . . and find answers to. Consider the following . . . 

VBS 2016 - Pets Unleashed from Group Publishing

I'm delighted for the opportunity to once again share Group's weekend VBS with you . . . Pets Unleashed. The idea with this resource is to provide two affordable 2 1/2 hour sessions, plus a one hour celebration which churches could use over one weekend . . . or over three weekends . . . or they might be able to spread it out for one Saturday a month for a Summer of fun! And, if you do not mind repeating games and focusing more on the same Bible Adventure, you could stretch it for a week of VBS.

Children's Ministry and Parent's/Grandparenting Ministry = Family Ministry!

If you are serving in a Children's Ministry, then you have to care about the ministry to the parents and grandparents in your church as well. Deuteronomy 6 makes it pretty clear the primary responsibility for pointing children to God lies with parents and grandparents. "4Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! 5So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. 6Memorize his laws 7and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. 8Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. 9Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates." (CEV) Obviously, the parents are the ones who are with children at home, at bedtime and in the morning, and the grandparents have a role assigned by God to pass faith on as well, so clearly, this call to disciple children is for parents and grandparents.

Make Intentional Prayer the Cornerstone of Your Family/Children's Ministry

Okay, I'm all for praying for one another, but how often when we pray for others do we pray "generic prayers" opposed to prayers specifically for someone? Even when we know someone has things we can pray about, how often do we actually talk to them to find out what they would most appreciate being remembered in prayer on their behalf? 

Yes, it takes time to sit down and actually talk to someone, but if we are serious about praying intentionally for those in our church and ministry, how can we do so if we do not first talk with the person we are praying for?

Don't Miss It!!! Mark Your Calendar for February 15th!!!

Yes, this Monday is February 15th! Why should you mark your calendar for it, you ask? Because it is the day after Valentine's Day. What is significant about the day after Valentine's Day, you ask?  Because . . . it is the day all the heart-shaped candies go on clearance!!!! If you haven't already, make plans to head for your local store first thing and pick up some for use in your ministry! Just think of all the things you could do with heart-shaped candies . . . if you have them . . .

Get Intentional!

As I've shared with you a few times so far this year, I believe firmly we in ministry - whether it is Children's Ministry, Family Ministry or some other area of ministry in the church, must get serious about engaging, equipping and encouraging grandparents to pass on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. Most of our churches do not really have anything beyond get-togethers and Bible studies for grandparents, but grandparents have so much to offer their grandchildren and the relationship to build upon which allows them to connect in far deeper and more meaningful ways than any volunteer at church can do. We need to be intentional about engaging, equipping and encouraging the grandparents in our churches.

Yesterday on my other blog - grandma's cookie jar - I wrote about one of the things I am doing to pass on a heritage of faith to my grandsons; so I decided to share with you today what I'm doing to give you an idea of how you could encourage the grandparents in your church. 

What Encourages You in Ministry?

Yesterday I asked, "What discourages you in ministry?" and wrote, "Discouragement can so easily lead to doubt; did God really call us to serve in Children's Ministry? Are we really 'cut out out' for this? Can we continue on? Discouragement is difficult and can take a high price on our ministry. Anyone can be discouraged by the things which happen in ministry, but if we remain discouraged, not only will we be discouraged but our ministry will be damaged, or even come to a stop. It is so important; especially when we feel discouraged, to tell ourselves the truth." Then I shared several truths from God's Word! 

We can - and likely will - experience discouragement in ministry, but thankfully, ministry also has many things which encourage us so, today, I want to ask you, "What encourages you in ministry?" What is it about children's ministry which fills your heart with joy?

The things which encourage me are . . . 

What Discourages You in Ministry? Be Encouraged!

There are so many things about Children's Ministry which brings us joy - seeing children come to know Jesus, watching volunteers enjoy serving, seeing how God answers prayer . . . and so many more! But, there are also things which can be discouraging. Not having the volunteers you need, budget issues, conflict . . . and so many more.

Discouragement can so easily lead to doubt; did God really call us to serve in children's ministry? Are we really "cut out" for this? Can we continue on? Discouragement is difficult and can take a high toll on our ministry. Anyone can be discouraged by things which happen in ministry, but if we remain discouraged, not only will we be discouraged, but our ministry will be damaged or even come to a stop.

It is important; especially when we feel discouraged, to tell ourselves the truth. The truth is . . . 

Doubt - It Does NOT Stop God!

One of my all-time favorite books is, One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World by Tullian Tchividjian. When it came out a couple years ago, I reviewed it and said, this "is a book which I will enthusiastically recommend; even to the point of saying if you only read one book this year, make it One Way Love!" 

The pastor at my church has said many times, "Every Christian experiences doubt." This is so true. At some point in all of our lives we experience doubt. We doubt if God really called us. We may doubt if God is really with us. We may doubt if God is going to answer our prayers. Even in our ministries we experience doubt - will God send the volunteers? Does God want to use me in ministry? 

Whatever the doubt, we all experience it. Often when doubt comes, fear comes with it, we lose our focus, and are distracted from God's Grace. God wants us to experience, power, joy and peace, but doubt makes us afraid. However, our doubt does not prevent God from saving us! Just as Jesus was not going to let Peter drown and rescued him from the waves; Jesus rescues us, too, because doubt does not stop God from doing what He was planning on doing!

Five ways to Get, "Out of the Box" in Your Children's Ministry - #1 - Connect with Your Pastor

I've been writing all week about whether your Children's Ministry is, "in the box" or, "out of the box" when it comes to interacting with other areas of your church, and we have looked at some specific ways you can do exactly this . . . get out of the box, and stop being "compartmentalized" in your ministry by connecting with the Youth Ministry, ministry to/with parents and grandparents, and by engaging your pastor. Today I want to talk about what I think is the number one way to, "get out of the box" . . . evaluate your attitude and be serious about making the changes you need to make.

Five ways to Get, "Out of the Box" in Your Children's Ministry - #2 - Connect with Your Pastor

I've been writing about whether your Children's Ministry is, "in the box" or, "out of the box" when it comes to interacting with other areas of your church, and we have looked at some specific ways you can do exactly this . . . get out of the box, and stop being "compartmentalized" in your ministry by connecting with the Youth Ministry and ministry to/with parents and grandparents. Today I want to look at getting out of the box by engaging your pastor.