Children's Ministry Around the World - Nicaragua

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" once again to Latin America with a "stop" in Nicaragua.

VBS 2018 - Another Kit Has Arrived!

Look what arrived at my house the other day . . . another VBS kit for 2018; this one from Concordia. Looks like fun! Stay tuned for my review in January.

And, since both Concordia and Cokesbury have a river rafting theme this year, consider buying both - yes, both. Just think, both kits would let you keep your decorations/setting for ten - or twenty weeks! The Bible adventures in Concordia are mostly Old Testament and in Cokesbury they are all on the life of Jesus - no overlap. If you used each lesson one time - you would have a great setting and solid Bible content for the summer - ten weeks!

Children's Ministry Around the World - Mexico

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" once again to Latin America with a "stop" in Mexico.

VBS 2018 - Another Kit Has Arrived!

Look what arrived at my house the other day . . . another VBS kit for 2018; this one from Cokesbury. Looks like fun! Stay tuned for my review in January.

Have you ever tried a VBS with a river rafting adventure for the setting? If so, what did you like about it?

Merry Christmas!

FOR unto us a Son is GIVEN - and we are able to be FORGIVEN! The message of Christmas - from About the Children's Department and Grandmas with Heart to you - Merry Christmas!

The Reason Jesus Came

On this Christmas Eve day, take time to remember the 

reason we celebrate. Make remembering part of how you and your family celebrates. Jesus came to this earth as a tiny baby for a reason - so we are able to receive His grace and be forgiven! The best gift ever!

(This photo is from Grandmas with Heart - please check them out at this link and share them with the people you know.)

Children's Ministry Around the World - Honduras

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Latin America again with a "stop" in Honduras.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Guatemala

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Latin America again with a "stop" in Guatemala.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year . . .

Yes, it is that time of year . . . the time when the UPS guy makes lots of visits to my house bearing packages. No, I'm not talking about Christmas . . . I'm talking about VBS!

Last night my first VBS kit for 2017 arrived - Regular Baptist Press' Camp Moose on the Loose. Looks like a lot of fun and solid Bible learning for the children. I will be writing about it next month, so stay tuned.

Have you ever tried a VBS with a camp theme? What did you like best about it?

Children's Ministry Around the World - Colombia

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Latin America with our first "stop" in Colombia.

What VBS Setting Would You Choose?

VBS for 2018 offers a variety of settings for you to create in your church - time travel, white water rafting, shipwreck and more! If you were able to choose any setting for your VBS, what would you choose?

Children's Ministry Around the World - Zimbabwe, Africa

Today, as we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Zimbabwe, Africa, on our final "trip" to a country in Africa. 

VBS Themes???

If you could have a publisher write a VBS just for you, what Bible theme would you want them to use? What would you want it to help children to learn about God and His Word? What Bible adventures would you want them to use?

Children's Ministry Around the World - South Africa, Africa

You may be wondering why it matters for us here in the USA (primarily) to

take a "look" at what Children's Ministry looks like in other places around the world. Since we do not live in those places, doesn't it matter most what Children's Ministry looks like here where we live?

Yes, it matters what Children's Ministry looks like here where we live, but God put us in this world - not just in the place where we live. God told us to go into all the world - not just our own neighborhood - and share the Good News. It matters for us to know what Children's Ministry looks like around the world, so we are able to pray - and we, and the children in our ministries should be praying for children in these other places. So we are able to help - find a ministry (such as CM Connect) which is going and serving . . . maybe you will go with them to serve on a short-term trip, or maybe a child in your ministry will become a missionary because your and their eyes were open to children in these other places. So we are able to support those who serve in these other places - maybe you will involve the children in service projects to help those who live in and serve in these other places. It matters.

So, as we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to South Africa, Africa. 

VBS 2018 - What Kits are You Most Interested in Learning About?

In case you are wondering, yes, I will be writing about VBS throughout January and then keeping a focus upon VBS and Summer ministry opportunities throughout the Spring.

It looks like there are some interesting kits for 2018 . . . which kits are you most interested in learning about?

Children's Ministry Around the World - Chad, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Chad, Africa.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Mozambique, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Mozambique, Africa.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Liberia, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Liberia, Africa.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Kenya, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Kenya, Africa.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Ghana, Africa

As we continue to look at Children's Ministry and the lives of children from around the world, today we "journey" to Ghana.

Children's Ministry Around the World - DRC, Africa

Today on our little "trip" to see what Children's Ministry - and life - is like in other places around the world, we will "visit" the DRC in Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, also called DR Congo, DRC or the DROC, is located in Central Africa. It's the second largest country in Africa in terms of size and the 11th largest in the world. The Congo has a population of about 69.4 million, ranking it 19th in the world (World Population Review). The DRC is considered one of the two “lungs of the world”; second only to the Amazon, because of its large area of forests. The DRC is home to many types of animals including the rare and endangered Okapi, Bonobo and White Rhinos (Wiki). While it is one of the richest countries in the world for the resources it has, it is one of the poorest in regards to the poverty experienced by the people of the DRC.

Children's Ministry Around the World - Côte d’Ivoire, Africa

With Christmas drawing near, I thought it might be helpful to take a look at what Children's Ministry looks like around the world. It is so easy for us to focus upon our families and our ministries and not stop to see how blessed we are and how we need to pray for and help as we are able, those around the world.

So today - and each day until I work through my list of countries - I will take you with me on a little "visit" to see what Children's Ministry - and life - is like in a different place around the world - beginning today in Côte d’Ivoire,  Africa.

Equip the Parents & Grandparents So They Tell This Important Message

There are many important messages for you to equip the parents and grandparents in your church so they are able to hand them down to the children they love, but one of them definitely is the truth of how God is good, His love lasts forever and He is always faithful; He was faithful yesterday, He is faithful today and He will absolutely be faithful tomorrow.

Why Grandparents Matter - Engage Them in Your Children's Ministry!

I sincerely believe grandparents need to focus on passing on a heritage of faith to their grandchildren. I believe with all my heart it matters for us to be intentional when it comes to handing down our faith to the grandchildren given to us by God. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Be a Seed Planter!

Something incredibly fabulous happened in my family on June 11, 2012. . . I received a phone call I’ll never forget which let me know about this amazing thing which happened. My three year old grandson, Josiah got on the phone and said, “I’m part of God’s family now, grandma!” I can assure you it was the best news I could ever receive! The angels in Heaven were certainly celebrating, but I can guarantee you they could not have possibly celebrated more than this grandma! :^)

Well, all this got me to thinking . . . what could possibly be a more wonderful thing than for a parent to lead their child to Jesus? I can’t think of anything more wonderful! My daughter-in-law was talking with Josiah and he said he wanted to be part of God’s family, so she had the great privilege and joy of leading her sweet son to Jesus!

HomeFront Magazine & Kindness Rocks!

I recently "met" (on-line) and became friends with Debbie Kinne Guinn - the editor of HomeFront magazine. (I was invited to write an article for the November issue.) 

HomeFront magazine is a wonderful resource for the parents and grandparents in your ministry - they describe themselves as; "HomeFront is a monthly magazine and parenting curriculum combined into one – based on the 10 Environments highlighted in the book Spiritual Parenting by Dr. Michelle Anthony. It is filled with recipes, craft ideas, stories, and more to inspire, equip, and support you on your parenting journey. Each magazine is divided into two sections: Family Time and Inspire, Equip, Support.

One Reason Why You Should be a Strong Supporter of Grandparenting Ministry

There are many reasons why pastors and church leaders  should be strong supporters of Grandparenting Ministry, but let's just look at one reason today. This reason is because 60% of grandparents in the USA are baby boomers and the average age people become a first-time grandparent is age 48 (according to grandparents.com).

This means you have the potential for a large portion of the adults in your church to be grandparents - and young grandparents. These younger grandparents do not consider themselves to be "Senior Saints" and most of them have probably not retired yet. They are working adults, often with "empty nests" and they tend to have income and energy. Do you know who these grandparents are? What are you doing to support and encourage them?

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Believe Your Own "PR"

It is far too easy to get in a situation in Children's Ministry where we believe our own "PR" and think it is up to us to "save" it, because we know what to do and the best way to do it. If we stop listening to others and ignore or belittle things and ideas which are important to others we are "blowing" our Children's Ministry.

This one is really pretty self-explanatory, but I'll give a few examples . . .

Grandparents Strengthen Your Children's Ministry - Celebrate Grandparent's Day

Grandparents are a key to the success of your Children's Ministry for several reasons . . . 

1. They love their grandchildren with a strong and powerful love.
2. They care very much if their grandchildren choose to know, love and follow God.
3. They are the second most influential people in the lives of the children in your ministry - second only to parents.
4. They care if your Children's Ministry is effective.

So, with these things in mind, if you are not already planning to celebrate Grandparent's Day, reconsider and plan to do something - it is September 10th, so you have time to do something! Consider the following idea from the Legacy Coalition . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Use Negative Labels & Show Favoritism

It is easy, far too easy, to label others. We label some kids as "good" kids and others as . . . "not so good". We label some volunteers as "amazing" and others as . . . "not so amazing". We label some parents as "great" and others as . . . "not so great". We label some church leaders as ones who "get it" and others as . . . "ones who don't". Any way we use labels we are "blowing" our Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Manipulate People

Of course we all are quick to agree manipulating others is wrong, but how often do we actually do this? Far more often than we might want to admit, but whenever we manipulate others we are absolutely "blowing" our Children's Ministry. So, how and when might we manipulate others? Consider the following . . .

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Having Fun

I completely believe if our Children's Ministries are going to accurately reflect Jesus, they have to be places which are fun . . . fun places to be, fun things to do and filled with "fun" people. 

I believe this because I absolutely believe Jesus was a "fun" person. He certainly wasn't boring, stuffy or cranky. How do I know this? Because children wanted to be with Him and children do not tend to want to be around boring, stuffy or cranky adults. 

Boring, stuffy and cranky adults tried to send children away from Jesus, but He would have none of that! Jesus stopped what He was doing with adults to make time for children! They are precious to Him! If we are accurately reflecting Jesus to children, then our ministries need to attract children and should be fun! If our ministries are not "fun", then we are "blowing" our Children's Ministry. Consider the following ways we are able to reflect "fun" in our ministries . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Showing Love

If we are in Children's Ministry, we love others; right? After all, we wouldn't be in ministry if we didn't, right? Well . . . while we likely do actually love others, and may be quite proficient at "saying" we love others, do we actually show our "love" for others? There is a significant and very real difference between "saying" we love others and actually "showing" we love them. If you are actually only talking about love, you are "blowing" your Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Encourage Each Other to Skip the Hard Things

Okay, you may not out-and-out "encourage" each other to "skip" the hard things, but you also may not encourage each other to do the hard things either. If you do either of these two things, you will be "blowing" your Children's Ministry. So, what does it look like for you to "encourage" each other to "skip" the hard things? Consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Argue . . . or at Least Have Lack of Unity

Arguing. It is easy to do . . . sometimes we often argue without even realizing it. How often do you argue in your Children's Ministry?  Arguing with anyone in your Children's Ministry is a way you can be sure of "blowing" your Children's Ministry. Think about the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be "Stingy"

It is so, so very easy to say one thing and do another. We tell children to share, be kind, if they do not have something nice to say, don't say anything and on and on we tell them what to do. But, as adults we do not necessarily share, we are not always the nicest people, we do not do the things we say we will do, we disappoint others without even a thought about how it will make them feel and gossip among church adults runs at epic proportions. Basically it all boils down to being "stingy" . . . stingy not just with our money, but with our time, our kind words and our love. When we are "stingy" we absolutely will "blow" our Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . .

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Label People

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  38 This is the greatest and most important command.  39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39 HCSB) Of course we all want to believe this is what we do; love our neighbors as ourselves. But do we really? If we do not, then we are absolutely, "blowing" our Children's Ministries.

In the article I've been "tweeking" from an article about marriage to one about Children's Ministry, the author said if we call our spouse names, we are "blowing" our marriage. He is right. The same is true in Children's Ministry. If we call names . . . or "label" people, we are "blowing" our Children's Ministry. So, how and when might you "label" people? Consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Be Lazy

As we look at another way to "blow" our Children's Ministries today, lets think for a minute about how being lazy will damage, or "blow", our Children's Ministry.

In the article on marriage, the author said to stop "yelling". He said this wasn't the type of yelling which is angry or abusive, but the yelling when you "yell" from one room to another, because you are too lazy to get up and go get or find out something for yourself. So, how are we "lazy" in our Children's Ministry? Consider these ways . . .

Help Wanted!

For a few months now I've been working on a new writing project; it's title is, "The DNA of a Praying Grandparent". In this book I will be sharing the "Prayer Histories" of people in the Bible who prayed, people through time who prayed and people from today who prayed and talk about how to develop a life of prayer, live as a person who prays and reproduce this life of prayer in the children and grandchildren who come behind us.

I would love to be able to include the true, "Prayer Histories" of real people and how God answered their prayers - or the prayers of their grandparents. If you have a "Prayer History" of your own or your family's - or know someone who does - and would be willing to share it, please email me - lyndagcj@gmail.com

I shared about how God answered my grandparent's prayer a few weeks ago - you will find it at this link taken from a book about my grandparents, Clarence and Faye Fullmer, written by my sister (Clarence & Faye - copyright 2016 by Loretta Baughan). 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Doing the Little Things

As we continue to think about things we do - or do not do - which result in us "blowing" our ministry, this one is a big thing . . . even though it is about the little things.

In the post about ways to "blow" a marriage, the writer said when he stopped cooking for his wife he was blowing his marriage. In marriage, little things can easily become big things. 

This is absolutely true in Children's Ministry, too. When we stop doing the little things it is definitely a way to "blow" our Children's Ministry. So, to keep your focus on the "little things", consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be Negative

As we continue to look at ways "we can keep from 'blowing' our Children's Ministry" today let's think about, "Being Negative".

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Stop Making Your Ministry "Attractive"

As I said the other day, there are ways we can keep from "blowing" our Children's Ministry, so today let's think about, "Stop Making Your Ministry 'Attractive'".

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Lose Focus on the Personal "Touch"

Last year my daughter-in-law posted an article on her fb entitled; "16 Ways I Blew My Marriage". It gave married couples a lot to think about in regards to keeping their marriage strong. 

As I read through and thought about it, it occurred to me, some of these might apply to how we can keep from "blowing" our Children's Ministry, so I adapted the article and came up with 14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry, which I shared with you or two weeks. I'm going to share them with you again for the next 14 days, because I think it is helpful to remind ourselves of these 14 things . . . starting today with, "Lose Focus on the Personal 'Touch'".

Love is More Important than Anything Else

There are many things to love about church, but one which we do not love is church politics, which often show up in the way we treat each other. 

Today I want to spend a little time in Colossians 3:10-17 and see what God's Word tells us to do . . . if we do these things, church politics will not be a problem in our children's ministries.

God's Grace Requires Us to Show Grace

I read something from UpWords with Max Lucado. He said, "So, how often do you sin, hmm… in an hour?  For the sake of discussion, let’s say ten times an hour.  Ten sins an hour, times sixteen waking hours, times 365 days a year, times the average life span of 74 years.  I’m rounding the total off to 4,300,000 sins per person!  How do you plan to pay God for your 4.3 million sin increments?  You’re swimming in an ocean of debt. But God pardons the zillion sins of selfish humanity.  He forgives sixty million sin-filled days.  He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where He always wanted us to be.  And He did it by the grace of Jesus Christ."

If we are Christians, then we have been the recipients of God's incredible grace, pardon and forgiveness. Do we freely offer this grace, pardon and forgiveness we have received to those who hurt, offend, upset or wound us? Are our lives marked by grace - not only receiving it, but in generously giving it to others? Consider the following -

A Danger to Beware Of . . .

I'm all for striving for excellence in ministry. We want our children's and family ministries to be excellent, but as we strive for this "excellence" there is something we have to beware of. Something which can cause great damage. This "something" is our own ego.

Have you ever heard a church leader say they do not want someone else to do something in the ministry unless they can prove they can do it as well - or better - than they can? This is ego talking. It certainly is not the Spirit of God talking. This kind of "ego" often leads to "hogging" ministry to yourself or micro-managing and both of these things lead to discouragement and pain among those who God sent to serve in your ministry.

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July filled with children, grandchildren, cookouts and a reflection on the freedom we enjoy in this country and through Christ! 

This is from the Legacy Coalition facebook page and I thought I'd share it with you today! Feel free to share it with the people you know!www.LegacyGrandparentingSummit.com

One More Thought about Church Politics

I've been writing about church politics, how to spot it and how to eliminate it. We've looked at Colossians 3 to see how God's Word tells us to "stop it" and gives us the remedy for it, "love is more important than anything else." Today I want to take one more look at Colossians 3 and a challenge to us to see how church politics harms children.

Stop and think about it. When we have a situation in our churches where "politics" influences what we do, this has an impact on the children. Consider the following -

Stop It!

So, yesterday I wrote about church politics and the damage it causes in churches and to people; today I want to write about how to identify church politics. Look at Colossians 3:8. 9, " 8 But now you must stop doing such things. You must quit being angry, hateful, and evil. You must no longer say insulting or cruel things about others. 9 And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits."

Don't Betray Others

The title of this post may have gotten your attention, and while I did want to get your attention, I also want you to stop and think about the following questions -

• Why is it in children's ministry - and in the church - we are often so quick to betray, marginalize and wound those who serve alongside us?
• Why do we use "shame" to further our own agendas and church politics to move people out of our way?
• Why do so many people end up deeply hurt in our churches?

I've served in churches where it was an absolute delight to do so! I've also served in churches where church politics and using people as "pawns" resulted in people feeling betrayed, wounded, feeling alone and marginalized. While the sad potential certainly exists for church politics to "rear it's ugly head" in any area in the church, I've noticed it shows up often in children's ministry. I've wondered why this happens, and think it may be for some of the following reasons -