LifeWay

Kids Ministry

Dedicated to helping Kids Ministry leaders in their mission of making disciples

ETCH Family Ministry Conference, Family Ministry, Kids Ministry, Leadership

ETCH Spotlight: Meet Shelly Melia

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Meet my friend, Dr. Shelly Melia!

Dr. Melia is the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to serving at DBU, Shelly served in full-time children’s ministry for over 25 years. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience.

We are very excited that Dr. Melia will be joining our faculty again this year for ETCH 2018. Shelly will be leading these important sessions:

Generation Z: Who are they and how are they different from me?

This break-out will give an overview of the rising generation in our churches: Generation Z. Ministry myths and implications will be discussed in order to best position the church for reaching Gen Z.

Understanding Children and Salvation:

This conference will provide foundational information related to understanding children and salvation. Participants will learn key principles in sharing the gospel with children. In addition, follow-up methods for lifelong discipleship will be outlined.

Trendy or Transformational?

It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the new trends in children’s ministry. How do you know whether a method or curriculum is just trendy or truly transformational? This conference will emphasize three key essentials to creating a transformational children’s ministry.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Dr. Shelly Melia and many other great breakout presentations. Check out ETCHConference.com and register HERE.

 

ETCH Family Ministry Conference, Kids Ministry, Leadership

ETCH Spotlight: Meet Mark Jones!

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Meet my friend, Mark Jones!

Mark is the Children’s Pastor at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City where he loves and teaches preschoolers, children, and their parents. He enjoys speaking all around the nation to train children’s ministry leaders and parents. He is the founder of Mr. Mark’s Classroom, an online leadership development and teacher resource company. He helps overwhelmed children’s ministry leaders get clarity, confidence, and the resources they need to win at reaching kids for Jesus, equipping kids with Bible skills, and teaching kids to serve others.

We are very excited to welcome Mark back to our faculty for ETCH 2018. Mark will be leading these important sessions:

The Parent Training Blueprint:

What kind of training does Mark offer parents and when? This conference will map out a simple plan your church can use to educate and encourage parents regularly. As a bonus, Mark will throw in some Parent/ Child events that can be a huge success in ministry.

Building an Effective Children’s Ministry:

Do you wonder if your children’s ministry is really effective? Is there something you’re missing? This conference will explore how your teachers can provide for Bible literacy in fun and creative ways while intentionally providing evangelism, discipleship and serving others.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Mark and many other great breakout presentations. Check out ETCHConference.com and register HERE.

 

ETCH Family Ministry Conference

ETCH Spotlight: Meet Gregory Love

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Meet Gregory Love!

Gregory Love is a recognized expert in legal standards of care related to child sexual abuse, providing crisis response to ministries and churches nationwide.

Litigating sexual abuse cases across the United States, his unique perspective provides valuable counsel to ministry and secular consulting clients, including the United States Olympic Committee, Nazarene Global Ministries, Bob Jones University, Methodist conferences and Baptist Conventions and Associations. A shareholder and partner in the law firm of Love & Norris, Love serves as co-founder of MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems. Love has served as guest lecturer at Texas Wesleyan School of Law, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary.

We are very excited to welcome Gregory to our Pre-Convention (PreCon) faculty for ETCH 2018. Greg will be leading this important session:

Addressing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in Ministry

We cannot reduce a risk we don’t understand. This comprehensive training provides information regarding the risk of sexual abuse within ministry environments – the “Why”; elements of an effective safety system for church ministries – the “What”; and identifies tools and trainings available for the creation of the safety system – the “How”.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Greg and many other great breakout presentations. Check out ETCHConference.com and register HERE.

If you’ve already registered and want to add this (or any of the other PreCon) email Micheal Walley directly (micheal.walley@lifeway.com) to get your PreCon added on!

ETCH Family Ministry Conference, Kids Ministry, Leadership

ETCH Spotlight: Joshua Straub

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Meet Joshua Straub!

Joshua Straub, Ph.D. serves as Marriage and Family Strategist for LifeWay Christian Resources and leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. He is the author/coauthor of four books, and together with his wife Christi hosts the In This Together podcast and leads TwentyTwoSix Parenting.

We are very excited to welcome Joshua back to our breakout faculty for ETCH 2018. This year Joshua will be leading these breakouts:

5 Pillars of Emotionally Intelligent Kids: Everyday Strategies for Helping Your Child’s Spiritual Growth: We cannot be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. This seminar provides the five pillars of emotionally intelligent kids and how they relate to parenting styles, a child’s spiritual development, family discipleship, and the wellbeing of the parent. Practical strategies for helping leaders understand how mom and dad can “tune in” to their child’s world and build the five pillars for emotional and spiritual growth are offered.

Marriage in a Fish Bowl: Practical Ways Leaders Can be Teammates in Marriage: When you lead, many watch your marriage. Sometimes, the pressure can cause us to hide from the painful parts of our marriage—pretending things are good when they’re really not. Oftentimes, the fear of judgment, the chaos of kids, or the pressure of busyness divides our marriage. Yet, leaders lead best when their marriage is strong. This workshop is an honest look at the real pressures leaders face in their marriage and provides practical ways we can have a marriage we’d wish on our kids—and help others do the same.

Don’t miss your opportunity to hear Joshua and many other great breakout presentations. Check out ETCHConference.com and register HERE.

ETCH Family Ministry Conference, Family Ministry, Kids Ministry, Leadership

ETCH Spotlight: Diane Dokko Kim

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Meet Diane Dokko Kim.

Diane is a special needs ministry consultant, speaker, and author of Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special-Needs Parent. We are thrilled that Diane will be joining us this fall for LifeWay’s ETCH Family Ministry Conference, October 17-19.

This year Diane will be presenting these breakouts:

Special Needs Ministry At Any Size or State (It’s Not Just for Big Churches): Survey the unique assets and challenges of special needs ministry at different church sizes and stages of development. Whether you are praying about starting a new ministry or seeking fresh ideas for an existing one, receive encouragement and practical strategies for right where you are.

Autism and the Church: A Family and Ministry Practicum: How does autism impact individuals, families and ministry teams? Gain insight from an autism parent and special needs ministry leader. Learn common challenges, workarounds, teaching tools and strategies for the church to partner with families for inclusion.

360 Church: Ministering to Families Affected by Disability Beyond 90 minutes on Sunday: Special Needs Ministry requires a family-approach that extends beyond the individual with the diagnosis, and 90 minutes on Sunday. Understand the unique stresses families face in their faith, marriage, parenting, and church attendance. Learn practical ways churches can provide support, and facilitate engagement with church life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your understanding of Special-Needs Ministry and particularly to learn from Diane! Register now for ETCH 2018 HERE. We hope to see you in Music City this October.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as a Kid’s Minister. Bill currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study.

Discipleship, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Spiritual Disciplines

4 Disciplines for a Disciple-building Kids Ministry

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Over the years I have shared the “3 Ds” of a child’s spiritual journey, (Discover, Discern, Decide). As evangelical people, we’ve intentionally placed evangelism as the focus of our ministries but I’m concerned that in many of our churches we have dropped the ball with discipling past the point of conversion. It’s time we focus on a fourth D, DISCIPLESHIP.

One of my favorite books is Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline.” It’s where most of my thoughts regarding spiritual disciplines have originated and continue to contemplate and grow. I want to share four of these as we think about creating a Disciple-Growing Kids Ministry.

Solitude: Spending time alone with God, meditating and focusing on His nature and His character.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Being still in a busy world and allowing that silence to increase our awareness of God’s presence and guidance is not easy. Including prayer and meditation in our very busy lives is difficult but the Bible is clear:

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Children can pray (and should) and we must teach them how. Children can say their own prayers, pray when others are praying, know the Model Prayer, pray Scripture, participate in sentence prayers, and they can create a prayer journal.

Children can get quiet and think about and listen to God (and they should). Children can identify and think about the characteristics of God. It’s been said that children can be still for one minute for every year old they are. Start there.

Bible Study:  Intentionally reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible.

“If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Reading the Bible renews our minds so that we have the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes of Christ. But we must go beyond simply reading the Bible to studying, comprehending, and understanding the Scriptures.

A fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs is to memorize Scripture. The purpose of memorizing Bible verses should be to understand the verse in addition to reciting it. Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is the beginning of pure living.

“I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Children can read the Bible (and should). Children can study the Bible (and should). Children can memorize age-appropriate Bible verses and phrases (and should). Kids Ministry leaders must place priority on Bible reading, meditation, and memorization as we equip kids for a successful spiritual journey.

Worship: Responding to the overtures of love from the heart of God.

“Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things and by your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Be insistent that the Object of your worship is the One True God. Jesus said:

“You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” Matthew 4:10

Worship involves our whole being. When asked, Jesus told the scribes the greatest commandment was

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30

Children can worship (and should). Children can participate in different aspects of congregational worship. They can sing, they can pray, they can give, and they can listen and observe (and they should).

Jesus taught that if we don’t praise Him, “the very rocks will cry out” (Luke 19:40). As Kids Ministry leaders we need to be busy putting a few rocks out of business.

Service: Becoming a servant of others.

“Little Children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

“But be doers of the word, not hearers only deceiving yourself.” James 1:22

True service builds humility. In his book, Celebration of Discipline Richard Foster says, “Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness.”

In choosing to be a servant, we surrender the right to decide who and when we will serve. We become available, vulnerable, and Christlike! Christ was a servant. To be Christlike, we will strive to be servants, too.

“Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God. So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him.” John 13:3-5

Children can serve (and should). Children need to be less occupied with themselves and more interested in the needs of others. Children can be made aware of others needs and expected to show the love of God in their actions.

Kids ministry should be an equipping ministry, equipping kids and helping to equip families. If we’re not equipping kids with the skills to live as growing, loving, followers of Jesus Christ we’re just playing. Teaching kids spiritual practices, habits … yes, spiritual disciplines must become the core of who we are and undergird everything we do. If not, we’re just playing and not equipping.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as a Kid’s Minister. Bill currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study.

Discipleship, Evangelism, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Missions

Teaching Kids to Serve

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Teaching Kids to Serve – Emeott

I believe that the Bible is for all people, not just adults but kids, too. And while we need to be sensitive to age-appropriate opportunities, James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” Our role in Kids Ministry is not to simply teach but to help kids understand the importance of doing and becoming doers.

There are examples throughout Scripture of kids serving and ministering to others. First Samuel 16 tells of a shepherd boy ministering to a distraught king. Second Kings 5 documents a slave girl ministering to her skin diseased master. Second Kings 22 tells of the boy king who leads his people well and John 6 is a favorite Bible story about a boy who ministers to thousands of hungry people.

BIBLICAL MANDATE

The Great Commission tells believers (all believers) to be witnesses and go and minister. Consider ways kids can serve independently or with little supervision. Give assignments and let them serve. Other opportunities require supervision and lend best to service with peers and leaders. Don’t forget families. Families serving together create great opportunities for parents to teach missional living. Identify needs and share those needs with families.

Acts 1:8 gives some direction: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends  of the earth.” Most of you will realize the geography associated with this passage. Start where you are and move from there. Establish the three classifications mentioned above: Independent, Supervised Groups, and Families, and get started.

KIDS CAN MINISTER IN THEIR JERUSALEM (THE LOCAL COMMUNITY)

Pick up your local newspaper and you’ll be overwhelmed with ministry opportunities. From the front page through the sports section there are opportunities to show the love of God. Sympathy cards to the bereaved and congratulations to the newlywed and local heroes. From 5Ks and apple festivals to high school sports games and local first responders appreciation opportunities. Your church needs to be on mission in the mission field it’s been placed and your Kids Ministry needs to be a part.

KIDS CAN MINISTER IN THEIR JUDEA (THE REGION & STATE)
Move past your cities limits and the opportunities to lead kids to serve expands. How can kids be involved in ministering to Judea? How can kids be involved in taking God’s love to your state? What opportunities can you identify that gets outside the comfort zone of your community and ministers to those close-by but not next door? Check with your local association or your state convention of like-minded churches for ideas.

KIDS CAN MINISTER IN THEIR SAMARIA (NORTH AMERICA)

For those of us who live in the United States, opportunities for service across North America are advertised nightly on the evening news. Wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes just to mention a few. When you hear the nightly reports do you hear opportunities to involve your kids? What can they do individually? What could a Kids Bible Study class do? What might families join together to accomplish?

KIDS CAN MINISTER TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH (INTERNATIONALLY)

More and more our globe is getting smaller and smaller. Communicating with people halfway across the world is as easy as calling across town. Don’t limit your ministry reach to the US. Think globally and how you can lead kids to make a difference in Jesus’ name in Africa or Eastern Europe. What could kids do to share the love of Jesus in Asia? Start with international organizations like Operation Christmas Child, the International Mission Board, or other trusted agencies to find ways your Kids Ministry might serve.

If we want kids to grow up to serve and share the gospel we need to teach them how to serve and share. Lead kids to establish habits of service and sharing and we’ll see service and sharing as habits of the next generation of adult leaders. If you want to make a difference in 15 years? Start today with the kids in your ministry.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. A graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served as a Kid’s Minister and currently teaches 2nd Grade Bible study.

Kids Ministry, Leadership

Talking to Kids During Times of Crisis

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The devastating crisis that occurred in Las Vegas has evoked many emotions. At times it’s simply been overwhelming. As we step back from media coverage and begin to process how we, as ministry leaders, can help parents and children navigate these emotions, here are some things to keep in mind.

Most young kids probably aren’t even aware of the tragedy that happened Sunday, thankfully. In this situation, ignorance may be the best plan. I suspect they’ll hear things…and you should be ready to have meaningful conversations, but I would advise to be careful about the media exposure and adult conversations that you allow your kids to be exposed to over the next few days.

When dealing with older kids, you’ll need a plan. Below are some ideas that might help you and the parents you serve as they deal with their children during this crisis. 

Be Sensitive: I believe that God gives us a sense, a tug… the Holy Spirit… that leads us when we’re careful to listen.  Be especially sensitive to His guidance during tragedy and crisis. Beg Him to lead you as you offer advice and comfort. He wants you to be successful. He wants you to “say the right thing.” Start with prayer.

Be Talkative: Talk with your children. Include them, when appropriate, in family discussions regarding the crisis. Find opportunities to talk to your child about the situation (around the dinner table, when “tucking” in your child for bed, in the car while driving to school). Most children are talkative by nature. Take advantage of this time to share and talk.

Be Honest: Tell the truth. Don’t deny that something bad has happened. Be honest with yourself.  Recognize your own feelings. Understand that you have feelings regarding this crisis. Know how you feel and understand that your feelings play a part in shaping your child’s feelings.

Be Respectful: Ask your child how he/she feels about the crisis and be respectful of his/her feelings. Realize that their feelings are real and respect their feelings. Give your child permission to feel the feelings that they have.

Be Age-Appropriate: Each child develops at different rates. You know your child and their level of understanding. Some guidelines to follow might include the avoidance of euphemisms and complicated explanations. Answer questions asked but be careful not to overload your child with too much information. If they want to know and you’ve created an atmosphere of freedom to ask, they will!

Be Reassuring: Reassure your children that it’s going to be okay. Assure them that they are safe. Many children may begin to fear leaving your presence. Honestly assure them that their feelings are important and that you and those to whom you entrust them are considering their safety. If you’re visually frightened, your child is likely to assume your fears.

Be Hopeful:  Support your child as they work through the emotions of this crisis. Expect them to be concerned but offer them the hope that we have as Christians. Explain that God is in control. He can use this crisis for His good. We may not understand His ways but we can trust His heart. Pray with your child. Teach them to seek God for their strength, especially in crisis.  Allow this time to grow them as followers of Jesus.

If you are looking for additional resources, we recommend the following.

From the team at Kids Ministry 101:

Jana Magruder on talking to kids

https://www.kidsministry.lifeway.com/2014/09/02/4-ways-to-talk-to-kids-about-troubling-times/

Landry Holmes on teaching them about God’s help

https://www.kidsministry.lifeway.com/2016/04/02/help-kids-know-where-their-help-comes-from/

Guest blogger Linda Ranson Jacobs about grief and tragedy

https://www.kidsministry.lifeway.com/2013/04/10/grief-in-times-of-crisis/

From other trusted Christian counselors, pediatricians, and school counselors:

American Association of Christian Counselors

http://aacc.net/?s=kids+and+tragedy&submit=Search

American School Counselors Association

https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/professional-development/learn-more/shooting-resources

American Academy of Pediatrics Parent Site

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Talking-To-Children-About-Tragedies-and-Other-News-Events.aspx

We hope these resources will help equip you to answer questions and minister to your child in times of crisis. Allow this time to bring you closer to Him as your Deliverer and Savior. Allow God to use this time to bring you closer as a family.  Use these teachable moments to demonstrate that the faith we teach is real.

 

Kids Ministry, Kids Ministry Curriculum, Leadership

5 Pitfalls When Choosing Curriculum

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Children’s ministry comes with many challenges and privileges. While some might think it’s a challenge, I’ve always considered the option of choosing curriculum to be a privilege. For me, choosing curriculum (weekly Bible study, VBS, short-term discipleship, etc) is a privilege in that I get to be a part of determining a path of study that will ultimately help kids not only know about Jesus, but will help guide them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Unfortunately, there are some common pitfalls when it comes to making these important decisions. Being aware of these pitfalls (and avoiding them) will help prevent struggles and conflicts that may bog down your ministry.

Pitfall #1: Choosing from the Cover.

“I just love this theme.” “I think the art used on that curriculum is the best!” “That curriculum looks so inviting.” These are common statements heard often by children’s ministers when discussing curriculum options. Warning, pitfall ahead!

Yes, publishers have a responsibility to create resources that look nice but that can’t be the only deciding factor when choosing curriculum.

Avoiding this Pitfall: LOOK INSIDE! Open the cover and read through the resource. Yes, it’s going to take some time (of which we all need more) but schedule the time it takes to determine if the curriculum “lives up” to the cover.

Pitfall #2: “They” Chose It, It Must be Good!

If you’ve ever been around a group of children’s ministers then you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t take long for the conversation to move quickly to curriculum. We’re all very interested in what the “other guy” is doing but don’t allow that influence to determine what curriculum you use in your ministry.

Avoiding this Pitfall: While the recommendation of trusted friends can be valuable, understand that every ministry is unique and just because it works for them, doesn’t mean it will work for you.

Pitfall #3: Easy Equals Best.

One of the most common pitfalls when choosing curriculum is equating easy to best. Ease of use is important, after all, we don’t want to invest in resources that volunteers won’t or can’t use, but just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s good.

Avoiding this Pitfall: Train your teachers on best practices of teaching. Help leaders to understand characteristics of kids and how God created them to learn. Knowledge breeds understanding and understanding promotes good teaching.

Pitfall #4: Lone Ranger Choices.

A choice needs to be made; I’m the children’s minister, done! All, too often we fail to include others in decisions that affect many.

Avoiding this Pitfall: Gather a small group of trusted, seasoned, and influential leaders who can speak into this important decision. Recognizing that you ultimately make the decision, including representation from your leadership team can prove wise and beneficial.

Pitfall #5: Free is Fine Mentality!

Budgets are tight and curriculum can be costly but you might want to consider the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” Yes, there are some good resources out there that are free, but there are also some free options that are worth every cent you pay. If curriculum truly does have a big influence over your ministry, it’s worth the investment.

Avoiding this Pitfall: Don’t let cost be the only deciding factor. It’s an investment that pays off for eternity. Don’t rely on sampler packs to piece together curriculum. Develop a plan for ministry by choosing a curriculum with a plan.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. A graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served as a Kid’s Minister and currently teaches 2nd Grade Bible study.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry, Volunteers

8 Ways to Develop and Work with a Ministry Team

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Working together as a team is not the latest management fad, but springs from the heart of the biblical concept of leadership within the church. Check out Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; and 24:5-6 to see the wisdom of including a team.

Don’t forget the early church. In Acts we learn that the early church was founded under the leadership of TWELVE apostles. Acts 6 tell us about SEVEN deacons chosen to serve. Acts 13 teaches that the first missionary venture was a TEAM, Paul and Barnabas and Acts 14 talks about the appointment of MULTIPLE elders.

Paul writes to the Ephesians about the BODY with various parts closely fitting and firmly adhering to one another and in 1 Corinthians he talks about the diversity of gifts but the same Spirit.

So, how do you do it? Below are 8 tips for developing and working with a ministry team that I think will be helpful:

  1. Determine the Purpose of the Team. Ask yourself the “why” question. Why do we need THIS team? One of the reasons committees and teams get a bad rap is that  many aren’t needed. If your team isn’t needed, disband.
  2. Gather the Right Team! Start with prayer. God is more concerned with our success than we are, so PRAY and ask direction as you assemble your team. Consider different personalities of those invited and don’t pick a bunch of “mini-yous.” Seek diversity that compliments.
  3. Commit to the team. Be concerned for and acknowledge the whole person not just the team member. Ask, “How can this person best serve the team?” then ask yourself, “How can I best serve this person?” Look beyond the task at hand and make a more thoughtful, deeper commitment to those on the team. Pray for your team members. Ask for spiritual insights into their needs. Make the team your priority and make sure they can see your commitment.
  4. Cast a Vision for the Team. “Where there is no vision, the people will perish.” (Proverbs 29:18). Develop your vision and share the vision and mission of the team. Clearly define the purpose and work together to create and achieve goals.
  5. Equip and Facilitate the Team. Provide specific training for specific understandings. Resist the “I’ll just do it myself mentality” because team members might not yet be equipped. Take an “always wanting to learn—always wanting to improve” posture about the work, the team, and YOURSELF. Lead by example.
  6. Empower the Team. Give things away to your team members. Encourage various team members giftedness and skillsets. Trust you team.
  7. Recognize the Team. Show Appreciation. Don’t take the credit for the team. Recognize unique contributions and give both private and public recognition.
  8. Don’t Kill the Team. Failure to do #1-7 will kill your team. Be flexible, seek opinions, and be intentional about evaluation.

Over the years Ephesians 4:12 has become one of my favorite verses. Develop your team and equip them to do the work of ministry to build up the body of Christ. I hope this verse become part of your ministry philosophy, too.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. A graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served as a Kid’s Minister and currently teaches 2nd Grade Bible study.

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