
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Nicaragua

Friday, December 29, 2017
VBS 2018 - Another Kit Has Arrived!

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!
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Mexico
VBS 2018 - Another Kit Has Arrived!
Monday, December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 24, 2017
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.)
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.)
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Guatemala
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year . . .

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?
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Colombia
What VBS Setting Would You Choose?
Monday, December 18, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Zimbabwe, Africa
VBS Themes???
Sunday, December 17, 2017
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.
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.
Friday, December 15, 2017
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?
It looks like there are some interesting kits for 2018 . . . which kits are you most interested in learning about?
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Chad, Africa
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Mozambique, Africa
Friday, December 1, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Liberia, Africa
Thursday, November 30, 2017
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.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Ghana, Africa
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - DRC, 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.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Children's Ministry Around the World - Côte d’Ivoire, Africa

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.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Equip the Parents & Grandparents So They Tell This Important Message

Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Why Grandparents Matter - Engage Them in Your Children's Ministry!

Monday, October 23, 2017
Be a Seed Planter!

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!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
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.
Friday, September 15, 2017
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?
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Believe Your Own "PR"

This one is really pretty self-explanatory, but I'll give a few examples . . .
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Grandparents Strengthen Your Children's Ministry - Celebrate Grandparent's Day

- They love their grandchildren with a strong and powerful love.
- They care very much if their grandchildren choose to know, love and follow God.
- They are the second most influential people in the lives of the children in your ministry - second only to parents.
- 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 . . .
Monday, August 28, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Use Negative Labels & Show Favoritism

Tuesday, August 22, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Manipulate People

Friday, August 18, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Having Fun

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 . . .
Monday, August 14, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Showing Love

Monday, August 7, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Encourage Each Other to Skip the Hard Things

Friday, August 4, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Argue . . . or at Least Have Lack of Unity
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be "Stingy"

Monday, July 31, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Label People

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 . . .
Friday, July 28, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Be Lazy

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 . . .
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Help Wanted!

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).
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Doing 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 . . .
Monday, July 24, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be Negative
Monday, July 17, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Stop Making Your Ministry "Attractive"
Friday, July 14, 2017
14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Lose Focus on the Personal "Touch"

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'".
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Love is More Important than Anything Else
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.
Monday, July 10, 2017
God's Grace Requires Us to Show Grace
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 -
Thursday, July 6, 2017
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Happy 4th of July!

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
Sunday, July 2, 2017
One More Thought about Church Politics
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 -
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Stop It!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
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 -
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