The Biggest Dangers to Your Children's Ministry - Danger #1

Yesterday I wrote about what I consider to be the second biggest danger to our Children's Ministry: the trap of "gossip". I said; "Falling into the trap of, "gossip" will stop your Children's Ministry from being effective . . . it is a big danger; so be on guard, call it out, and pray, because there is no room in any Children's Ministry for gossip as it stifles and/or stunts our ministry and causes real harm to others."

The Biggest Dangers to Your Children's Ministry - Danger #2

Yesterday I wrote about what I consider to be the third biggest danger to our Children's  Ministry: the trap of "comfort". I said; "Falling into the trap of, "comfort" will stop your Children's Ministry from being effective . . . it is a big danger; so be on guard, call it out, and pray because there is no room in any Children's Ministry for comfort when it stifles and/or stunts our ministry."

The Biggest Dangers to Your Children's Ministry - Danger #3

Yesterday I wrote about what I consider to be the fourth biggest danger to our Children's Ministry: having too big a view of ourselves, what we know, and what we can do. I said, "Having too big a view of ourselves, what we know, and what we can do will stop your Children's Ministry from being effective . . . it is a big danger; so be on guard, call it out, and pray, because there is no room in any Children's Ministry for having too big a view of ourselves, what we know, and what we can do."

Today I'm writing about Danger #3 . . . 

The Biggest Dangers to Your Children's Ministry - Danger #4

Yesterday I wrote about what I consider to be the fifth biggest danger in your Children's Ministry: selfishness. I said, "Selfishness will stop your  Children's Ministry from being effective . . . it is a big danger; so be on guard, call it out and pray, because there is no room in any Children's Ministry for selfishness."

The Biggest Dangers to Your Children's Ministry - Danger #5

Over the years I've served in Children's Ministry, I've had the opportunity to serve in churches where the Children's Ministry - and the church - were effective! Ministries where it was a blessing and joy to serve! Sadly, I've also served in churches where this was not the case. 

Some Things to Think - and Most Importantly Pray About for Sure

Over the years I have been writing this blog - and the website before it - I have had much to say about the things we could and should do when it comes to Children's Ministry. Today I want to write about some things we need to be careful we do Not do.

Lay the Foundation AND Teach the "Whys" - It Matters

More and more often we hear and read about leaders in the church around the world who are renouncing their faith. And not just leaders in the church around the world, but many of us have children, grandchildren, siblings who have turned from a walk with God. What is happening?

So How Can You Tell if Your Church Has a Vision, Passion and Plan For Your Children's Ministry . . . or Not?

We all want to think, and believe, the leaders in our churches understand how vital Children's Ministry is to the overall health of the church; but sadly in far too many churches this is not the case. You can clearly see this when churches add music staff while their Children's Ministries flounder without vision, passion, and a plan. Don't get me wrong; I believe music ministry can be a very effective way for people to use the gifts God has given them and certainly has a role to fill in leading people in praising God, but when 43% of people get saved before the age of 13 and less than 23% get saved after the age of 21 it is obvious how much it matters if our Children's Ministries are one of the primary focuses of the church.

Children Must Know and Walk with God Themselves!

I was reading in Judges 2 where there are some of the saddest verses in the Bible. It said; "After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord  nor what he had done for Israel. Then the  Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them." 

Take Time to Listen . . . To Children, Grandparents/Parents & Volunteers

Your school year ministries are likely winding down, hopefully you are getting ready to engage children/families in your Summer ministry opportunities, and it is time to begin planning for the Fall and back-to-school as well; as you prepare, do not forget to take time to listen . . . to the children, grandparents /parents, and volunteers. It can be all too easy to just "pay attention" to what we think and then do the things we want to do, but ministry is about far more than our own opinions. We need to listen to others - and act upon what we learn. When we do, our ministries will be far more effective. Consider the following . . . 

Make Your Children's Ministry "More"

What does Children's Ministry look like in a typical church here in the USA? Well, it likely involves classes for children on Sundays and Wednesdays where they teach the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe - at least throughout the school year. Some churches still hold a yearly VBS for four or five days/evenings in the Summer. Some churches plan special events throughout the year - typically opportunities for children and families to get together and do something fun together. For many, even most churches, this is what their Children's Ministry looks like - but it can be more.

Do All You Are Able To Do

I write often asking churches to do all they are able to do (which is often more than they are currently doing in all honesty) to connect with children who do not come to church with their parents. These are neighborhood children who may come on their own, or children who come with a friend or neighbor, or children who come with their grandparents. However they get to your church, they are there because they chose to come - and continue to do so only IF they continue to want to be there. These children matter. It matters if your church makes your Children's Ministry a place where they want to be.

2023 Great Cycle Challenge

My son loves riding his bike and he uses this activity to help others. One way he does this is by participating in the Great Cycle Challenge to Kick Cancer's Butt and fight children's cancer. Today I'm asking you to consider giving money to help him reach his goal - even a small amount is helpful - especially today as every gift is doubled today! This is what my son has to say about it - 

Why Should the Youth Pastor Care About the Children's Ministry?

Who cares about your Children's Ministry? Of course you do, your volunteers do, parents and grandparents of children care . . . today I'm sharing some reasons for the Youth Pastor to care about the Children's Ministry. Consider the following -

Some Facts About Grandparents and How They Impact Your Children's Ministry

I sincerely believe all churches should focus on engaging, equipping, and encouraging grandparents to pass on a heritage of confident faith to their grandchildren. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Why Another Curriculum? Why Deeper In for Children? - Make it Your Choice

Yes, I agree there are a number of excellent curriculum resources currently available for churches to use in their Children's Ministries, so why did I release Deeper In for Children? There are several reasons, but the biggest one is because  Deeper In for Children  does several unique things -

Children Are Leaving - What Are You Doing?

More and more families in your church are leaving the church, and their faith. This means more and more children are leaving your ministry. Now, some of these children are able to continue to go to church with their grandparents IF the children want to go. This is a big IF. Sadly, more and more children are deciding they do not want to be part of a church's Children's Ministry, so they do not go any longer. What do you do when this happens?

What Are You Doing About It?

I have written about Barna's study which shows Gen Z is turning away from their faith to atheism at double the rate of any previous generation - and Barna expects it to be triple the rate by 2030 - just over six years away. You are likely seeing this in your church as older children, teens, young adults, and young families stop coming to church. You are likely hearing it from some grandparents - but not all as there is a large sense of shame and failure a grandparent experiences when their grown children/ grandchildren turn away from the faith. So, what are you doing about this?

Trust . . . Takes Seconds to Break, Forever to Repair

Yesterday I posted about trust . . . it takes years to build . . . and shared ideas on how to build trust with the children, parents, grandparents, and volunteers in your ministry. Today I want to think about how to repair broken trust.

Trust . . . Takes Years to Build . . .

Trust is an essential part of Children’s Ministry . . .

• parents and grandparents need to be able to trust us
• children need to be able to trust us
• our volunteers need to be able to trust us
• we need to be able to trust our volunteers

So . . . today and tomorrow let’s take a look at trust. Trust takes years to build . . .

How do we build trust with parents and grandparents?

Make a Difference This Fall with Bible Maze Journey Events

Fall ministry is upon us and if you are looking for a way to do something which will engage the entire family, consider getting a Bible Maze Journey book.

It is essential to engage children in our ministries and whenever we are able to also engage the whole family, it is something which is well worth our time. We are losing our families - check an article in Christianity Today  which said; "Before COVID-19 shut things down in March 2020, the independent evangelical church averaged about 220 people a week. Almost two years after the church briefly suspended in-person services because of COVID-19, he says they are averaging about 150 people a week." We need to make our churches the center of community life and engagement once again. These books will help.

Are You Ready?

Fall ministries are about to begin and you may very well be working this week to be certain you have dotted all your "i's" and crossed all your "t's". You may be connecting with your volunteers to thank them for serving this year, let them know where/when you need them to be, and to answer any questions they may have. You may be double-checking your curriculum to be certain you have everything you need. There are so many things to do, but have you made certain you are ready for one very important group of children in your ministry? The children who come only "IF" they choose to come. These are likely the children who come with their grandparents because their parents no longer go to church. Are you ready for these children?

Make That First Contact Memorable!

As your Fall ministries begin it is so very important what you do to make the first contact with a visitor to your church and Children's Ministry a positive one, because first impressions are so important! Did you know the first ten seconds . . . yes, seconds . . . you meet and greet someone can, and usually does, impact the relationship you end up having with the person! I learned this, and five top tips for making a great impression from Maralee McKee's blog - Manners Mentor! I especially love tip three . . . 

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, you end up thinking you do not 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 -

The Things You Might Forget

Your Fall ministries are about to begin and along with the things you have in store for the children, you likely have evaluated the curriculum you plan to use and have already trained your volunteers. You may have planned out the special events you want to hold throughout the year . . . or at least have an idea of what you want to do. But, have you planned a specific time for meeting with the parents and grandparents? If we really believe they are supposed to be the primary spiritual teachers of their children, then we need to be sure they are "on board" with the things we are teaching and trying to do in the Children's Ministry. Consider the following -

Treasure Your Volunteers . . . Plan A Special Event!

There are so many ways to show your volunteers you appreciate and treasure them, but one of my favorite things to do for volunteers has always been my Holiday Open House at my home! Today I'll share a few things to think about if you are planning one for your volunteers -

Teach the "Whys" with Anchored

 

Over the many, many years where churches have had intentional Children's Ministries, we have done a good job when it comes to teaching the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe. But for some reason we never focused on teaching the "whys" - why we are able to believe what we believe. While we absolutely must teach the "whats" we also must teach the "whys" - when we do not, we end up with the results we are seeing in families throughout our churches - where young people are turning away from their faith and many of them are turning to atheism (as Barna's research shows), and growing numbers of people are saying they do not believe the Bible is true (as Gallup's research shows.) If we are going to stop these trends, we must start teaching the "whys" with as much intentionality as we show when we teach the "whats".

Take the Time - and Make the Time - to Know Your Volunteers!

There are many things to think about when it comes to recruiting volunteers for your Children's Ministry, so today I want to write about one way to do this . . . take the time - and make the time - to know your volunteers.

Treasure Your Volunteers . . . "Notice"!

Do you treasure your volunteers? Volunteers are a gift from the hand of God . . . it is completely appropriate for us to appreciate these "gifts". Today I want to focus on some things we might do to "notice" our volunteers so they know - beyond a shadow of a doubt - they are most sincerely appreciated! Consider the following ideas -

Treasure Your Volunteers . . . Do They Really Feel Treasured?

We may think we "treasure our volunteers", but our volunteers may not actually "feel" very treasured. Consider the following situations where a volunteer might not feel treasured . . . 

Cherish Your Volunteers!

In just a few weeks our Fall ministries will be starting . . . while there are a number of things which are crucial to the success of your Fall ministries, none are more essential than your volunteer staff . . . it would be very difficult to accomplish the things you want to do this year without them. So, as your new year of ministry begins, make the commitment to truly cherish your volunteers! Consider the following ways to help them feel like the most cherished people on earth -

Hand Down Confident Faith with the little answer book for children

 

As you have likely noticed, from time to time I write about Barna's and Gallup's recent polls - for a very important reason . . . because we must stand up and take action to stop the loss of the ones we love. If someone does not speak up and ask others to join them, how will grandparents, parents, and church leaders know there is a way to stop what is happening? 

Why Are You Afraid?

When it comes to recruiting volunteers, what is making you afraid? Yes, I said, "afraid". So often people in Children's Ministry seem to almost "hate" recruiting or at least strongly dread and dislike it. Which leads me to my question; what is making you afraid? Are you  afraid people will say, "no" when you ask them to serve? Are you afraid you will feel "awkward" if people say "no"? Are you afraid you won't have the volunteers you need and then worry about how to "cover" the "bases"? What is making you afraid?

No Cookie-Cutter Children's Ministries Now Available

I am very happy to let you know about my book - "No Cookie-Cutter Children's Ministries" - it is available in our bookstore at this link and on Amazon at this link today!

Do NOT Gossip

I have written about this before, but sadly it is something which needs to be said often. Do NOT gossip about the people in your church and especially about those who serve in your Children's Ministry. It is NOT part of your "job description" to do "research" on those in your church. You, as a leader, do not "get a pass" on gossip. Do NOT gossip. Ever.

How Do You Measure the "Success" of Your Children's Ministry?

Is your Children's Ministry successful? Are you sure? Do you really know for sure how your Children's Ministry impacts the children and families in your church and community? How do you know?    

"Anchored Helps Kids Uncover 'Why' We Believe, Not Just 'What' We Believe"

  

I have been sharing with you about the new supplemental curriculum - Anchored. Today I want to share with you what Joani Schultz (from Group Publishing) says about it . . . 

“Anchored takes a boatload of faith questions deep for kids. This curriculum lets children we love (By the way, I love this leadership reference to kids!) wonder, explore, and discover key faith foundations. By exploring unique animals, engaging in science experiments, and delving into fun family activities, Anchored helps uncover 'why' we believe—not just 'what' we believe. The curriculum welcomes discovery so kids can own and solidify their Christian faith."

Results from Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research Show People Do Not Believe the Bible - Use Anchored to Help Children & Families have a Confident Faith

  

I often refer to the study from Barna which shows Gen Z is turning away from their faith to atheism at double the rate of any previous generation - you will find it at this link and a couple months ago I shared the new Gallup Poll which shows fewer people in the USA now see the Bible as the literal Word of God as only 20% of people believe the Bible is the literal Word of God - you will find it at this link.

illustrate my own Books ARE for You!

 

Please share with the grandparents and parents in your ministry - If you are not an artist, or artistic person, when you see a book which you need to provide the illustrations for, you may think it is not the book for you. But, in this case with the illustrate my own Known Bible Hero, illustrate my own Unknown Bible Hero, and the new illustrate my own Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books, nothing could be farther from the truth!

Take the Blinders Off!

Okay - today I'm writing about something I care so very much about . . . Children's Ministry. Some of you who read this need to know, what I'm writing doesn't really apply to your Children's Ministry . . . but before you read a bit further and decide your ministry isn't the ministry I'm talking about, read the whole post and ask God to remove your "blinders" and help you honestly evaluate to see if there might be at least some of what I say which applies to your ministry.

Make Your Children's Ministry "More"

What does Children's Ministry look like in a typical church here in the USA? Well, it likely involves classes for children on Sundays and Wednesdays where they teach the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe - at least throughout the school year. Some churches still hold a yearly VBS for four or five days/evenings in the Summer. Some churches plan special events throughout the year - typically opportunities for children and families to get together and do something fun together. For many, even most churches, this is what their Children's Ministry looks like - but it can be more.

illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah, and Ruth

Please share this with the grandparents and parents in your ministry - You are likely familiar with the three Bible people I am highlighting today from my illustrate my own - Known Bible Hero book series - Noah, Hananiah, Mishael & Azariah (otherwise known as Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego), and Ruth, so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you would be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

Notice the Children Who Are Only There IF They Want to Be There

I recently wrote about how to know if you are actually really effective in your ministry to children - by keeping track of the children who are part of your ministry - only IF they choose to be there. Today I want to share why it matters so much for us to have a ministry which pays attention to the children who are only part of your ministry IF they choose to be there.

illustrate my own - Known Bible Heroes - Jonah, Elijah, & Joseph

Please share this with the grandparents and parents in your ministry - The Bible is filled with true accounts of real people - when we learn about them, and the things which happened to and with them, we are better able to see how God works in our lives - just as He worked in their lives. This is certainly true with Jonah, Elijah, and Joseph!

Take Time to Listen . . . To Children, Grandparents/Parents & Volunteers

Your school year ministries are likely about to begin - hopefully you engaged children/families in your Summer ministry opportunities, and it is time to focus on Fall and back-to-school; as you prepare to do this, do not forget to take time to listen . . . to the children, grandparents/ parents, and volunteers. It can be all too easy to just "pay attention" to what we think and then do the things we want to do, but ministry is about far more than our own opinions. We need to listen to others - and act upon what we learn. When we do, our ministries will be far more effective. Consider the following . . . 

Some Facts About Grandparents and How They Impact Your Children's Ministry

I sincerely believe all churches should focus on engaging, equipping, and encouraging grandparents to pass on a heritage of confident faith to their grandchildren. There are reasons I believe this - some of them are . . . 

Don't Give Up on the Children Who Are There Only IF They Choose to Be There

It is essential for us to measure whether we are successful in our Children's Ministry by the children who attend IF they choose to do so and not by the children who are there because their parents say they have to be there (basically the "church kids".) Today I want to remind you why this matters and encourage you to reach out to those children in your ministry - and those who used to be in your ministry - who only attend IF they choose to do so.

illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Heroes - Enoch, Jehoshaphat, and Moses

Please share this with the parents and grandparents in your ministry - Today I want to share with you some information about three of the illustrate my own - Unknown Bible Hero books . . . Enoch, Jehoshaphat, and Moses. Each of these books shares the true account of how God worked in the lives of these real people - and will help readers learn how God will work in their real lives, too!

What Message are You Sending?

When it comes to your Children's Ministry, do you believe your Sunday school is an important part of what you do? Would you firmly say it is worth the time of the children and families for children to be there on Sundays? If so, what message are you sending if you stop offering Sunday school in the Summer? If it is something you are able to cancel for the Summer - or some part of the Summer, and it is acceptable for children to not participate in Sunday school during those times, why is not not acceptable for them to just write it off and stay in bed the rest of the year?

illustrate my own - Check Out this New Series

Please share with the parents and grandparents in your ministry - Quite a few years ago I wrote a series of books for children about Bible people. I was motivated to do so because when you see books about Bible people, they are usually about just a few Bible people and there are so many more people in the Bible with fantastic accounts of how they were able to know and walk with God. I enjoyed writing the Bible stories, but am not an artist, so I thought maybe it would be fun to write a series of books with an "illustrate my own" "twist" - the children - and/or families - could illustrate their own books!