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Kids Ministry

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Kids Ministry, Leadership

Does Children’s Ministry Matter? Part 3

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If you didn’t catch the first two parts of this series take the time to click back and read Part 1 and Part 2. Let’s finish up with points 4 & 5 today.

#4: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Families Matter.

God’s plan for spiritual leadership and faith development is parents. But they need our help. One of the coolest things about what we get to do as Kids Ministry leaders is our partnership with parents.

I may not be an expert in parenting, but I can be an expert in equipping, empowering, and encouraging families. I can equip parents with information that helps them to continue learning taught at church, at home. I can share apps that reinforce biblical content taught at church. I can send emails, post share squares, create facebook pages, and use other outlets to encourage parents. I can be their loudest fan, cheering them on to success.

Additionally, today’s parents insist on safe environments for their kids. We live in a nervous time heightened by a greater awareness of sexual abuse, shooters, and germs. Parents want to know that church is a safe place. Because families matter we provide clean, safe, attractive, and inviting space for kids.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because Families Matter!

#5: Children’s Ministry Matters Because the Future Matters.

Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Children aren’t just the church of the future, they are the church right now. We should be developing Great Commission, Great Commandment, Acts 1:8, missional kids who are given opportunities to be the church.

Yes, children are the church of today but they are also the church of the future. They are the future leaders of the Church. If the next pastors, missionaries, Bible study leaders, or seminary professors aren’t in our classrooms, where are they? The values we instill in kids today will equip them to lead the next generation. It’s imperative that we give kids a firm foundation so they can build the future on that foundation.

Because the future matters we:

  • Model behaviors and habits that we want kids to emulate for a future generation.
  • Equip boys and girls with spiritual habits that will lead them well grounded into the future.
  • Equip kids to not only know the gospel, but we equip and encourage them to share the gospel.
  • Don’t wait for kids to “grow up” to lead, we let them lead while they’re growing.
  • Give kids the opportunity to lead and be on mission, practicing the Great Commission in the safety of our ministries.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because the Future Matters!

Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). But, with every blessing comes responsibility. We have a responsibility to teach, equip, love, and lead.

YES!!! CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MATTERS!

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Kids Ministry, Leadership

Does Children’s Ministry Matter? Part 2

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If you didn’t catch Children’s Ministry Matters Because Children Matter, take the time to click back and read part 1 of this series. Let’s keep going.

#2: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Time Matters.

Researcher, George Barna brought to light the truth:

  • A person’s lifelong behaviors and views are generally developed when they are young—particularly before the age of 12. TIME MATTERS.
  • By the time a child is 9 years old their basic moral foundations have already been formed. That’s 3rd grade! TIME MATTERS.
  • By age 13, a person has formed their basic beliefs about things such as the nature of God, the reliability of the Bible, the existence of an afterlife and the everlasting love of Jesus. TIME MATTERS.
  • A person’s biblical worldview is in place before they go to 6th grade. TIME MATTERS.
  • Nearly ½ of all Americans who accept Jesus as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13 and 2/3 of born again Christians make their profession of faith before their 18th birthday. TIME MATTERS.

Because time matters we lay foundations of faith and foundations for conversions. Because time matters we make sure the gospel is a priority and shared appropriately and regularly. Because time matters we see each opportunity as a gift with a responsibility to “train up” the children we’ve been given to shepherd.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because TIME MATTERS!

#3: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Spiritual Growth Matters.

Here’s a question for you. When are we discipling kids to be more than “born again” but to be “born again, mature Kingdom building, culture-shaping followers of Jesus?”

We have a responsibility to not only share the gospel with kids but to lead boys and girls past the point of conversion to being growing disciples of Jesus Christ.

To some degree, evangelicals have done a good job of making the main thing the main thing. Evangelizing the nations is the command (Matthew 26:19-20) but what about the first part of the Great Commission? Making disciples? I’m concerned that in our attempt to simplify our programming we deprogrammed our ability to disciple and haven’t replaced that programming with other viable ways to move a child past the point of conversation.

Because spiritual growth matters we need to make sure we have adopted wise plans for discipling kids. Not some willy-nilly approach of “hit and miss” or “whatever looks good” or “whatever they’re doing” (whoever “they” are). We must assess our programming and build plans built on a philosophy of growing disciples.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because SPIRITUAL GROWTH Matters!

Join me tomorrow for the last two points in part 3 of this series.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

 

Kids Ministry, Leadership

Does Children’s Ministry Matter? Part 1

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The quick answer, YES!!!

Children’s ministry matters and, in case you’re wondering, children’s ministry is the most important ministry in your church!!! (Did you really expect me to say anything else?)

I’ve often been asked to give a defense for children’s ministry. The question sometimes comes as blunt as the title of this post. So, I want to take the opportunity to officially answer. For me, if I can focus on these five things and not be consumed with the noise that often gets my attention, I’m a better KidMin leader. I hope it’s helpful to you, too.

#1: Children’s Ministry Matters Because Children Matter.

Here’s the thing. KidMin leaders get this, but not everyone else gets this. And guess what, they find themselves in pretty good company because Jesus’ disciples didn’t get this either.

When parents brought their children to Jesus for him to bless, the disciples tried to prevent them from having that encounter. But what did Jesus do? The Bible says that He was indignant (pretty angry) with His disciples and said one of my favorite passages in all the Bible, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14).

Jesus made sure all of history knew His position on children. Jesus made time to minister to them and modeled for us that children matter.

Because children matter we need to advocate for them.

  • Do the kids in your church have the very best space or have they been relegated to the “leftover” space no one else wants?
  • Is Kids Ministry represented on your church’s calendar? Are there opportunities to love on and lean into kids?
  • Does your church’s budget reflect that the church cares about kids? I believe that God will pour out His blessings on a church that invests in reaching and discipling children.
  • What about worship? Is your church’s commitment to children reflected in congregational worship? Are their worship needs being met and cultivated?
  • Is your KidMin leadership the “cream of the crop” or the “bottom of the barrel?”

These are just a few questions that can answer the question, does children’s ministry matter at your church.

Children’s Ministry Matters Because CHILDREN MATTER!

Join me tomorrow for the next part of this series.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Teaching Kids

Tips for Teaching Gen Z

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Recently I was asked to teach a breakout session titled “Understanding and Teaching Gen Z.” Gen Z represents college kids (born after 1995) to older preschoolers (born before 2015ish). I use “ish” because there seems to be a debate regarding the exact years.

That’s a new topic for me, so I began to do the research on this youngest identified generation with hopes of educating myself and finding ways to share with others how to be successful with this new generation. I searched for, ordered, and read several books by authors I trust. Then I searched the internet and read many, many articles and blogs (some I trust and some I’m not so sure about). What I found was a lot of information about trends, practices, and characteristics of the older side of Gen Z but not so much on the younger kids; the ones we teach. The implications were there but I was looking for some practical tips.

Tim Elmore has always caught my attention. He not only shares statistics about the youngest generations, he genuinely loves and desires to help them be successful. His books and lectures offer hope and encouragement for those of us who lead and teach. Tim will soon release a new book (yet to be titled) on Gen Z but his last book, “Marching off the Map: Inspire Students to Navigate a Brand New World” was very helpful as I learned and prepared.

In chapter 3, “Who are Today’s New Natives?” Dr. Elmore shares tips for connecting with and leading Gen Z. I want to share six of his tips and expand on the implications for teaching in the older preschool and elementary classroom. The seventh tip wasn’t listed in this chapter but certainly is implied (and stated) throughout the book.

  1. Keep it Short. Today’s kids have short attention spans. That doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t able to concentrate because they can. However, within seconds kids decide if what you’ve got to say is worth their attention. If you miss that window you’ll have to work hard to regain their trust. Engage quickly and deliberately. Be ready the moment a child enters the room. This requires preparation and intentionality. Be on time (early). Be prepared.  Be engaging.
  2. Make it Visual. We know that kids are visual learners. They learn best when there are images that support the content you’re teaching. Use pictures, maps, and other visuals (even screens) to engage and maintain their interest.
  3. Feed their Curiosity. We also know that kids are naturally curious so as teachers, we should use that to our advantage. Whet their appetite then lead them to discover more as your session progresses.
  4. Give them Ownership. I’ve talked about this for years when I help teachers understand guiding behavior. It’s been my experience that when kids choose what they’re going to do, they tend to work harder to see that succeed. What choices do the kids in your class get to make or is the entire session prescribed to them? And then, once choices are made, allow them to have ownership. It can be our tendency to “do it for them” but we’d be better off to “help them do it.”
  5. Make it Interactive. This generation is more connected than any other generation in history, yet statistics tell us that loneliness is at epidemic proportions. The kids I know desperately need more face-to-face socialization but in our classrooms, we often tell them to sit down, listen, and don’t talk or interrupt. Allow groups to work together. Allow time for discussion and interaction. If you want retention, foster interaction.
  6. Gamify your Content. It’s no secret that kids today love gaming. Boys and girls alike are spending hours each day playing on their favorite gaming stations and online phone/tablet game apps. So, if you can’t beat ‘em (and we can’t) then join ‘em (at least at some level). I’m not talking about filling our classrooms with gaming stations and iPads. I’m talking about positioning kids in their natural habitat and using the familiar concepts of points, competition (in moderation), badges, and levels to engage them in learning. I think it would be fun to talk to your favorite kid and ask him/her about her favorite games and then see if application could be made to your Bible teaching sessions.
  7. Build Relationships. Nothing can (nor should) replace healthy, loving relationships with kids and their teachers. It’s an old adage but it’s still true today and maybe even more so with this generation than any before: “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Everything we do should be umbrellaed by love; a genuine love for them and our desire for them to know the genuine love of Jesus who gave himself so that they might have a right relationship with the Father and spend an eternity with Him in heaven. There is no greater love. There is no greater relationship. Model that for your students.

So, there you go. The first of what I’m sure will be many conversations in this blog on this subject. As we learn more, we’ll share more. I’d love to know your thoughts, your experiences, and your discoveries on teaching the youngest members of Gen Z.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Bible Study, Sunday School, Teaching Kids

Why Prepare? Is it really all that important?

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In 1 Corinthians 14:40 we read, “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” I’m convinced that the time we have with kids at church should be fitting and orderly. That certainly includes Bible study. After all, if it’s worth doing (and teaching kids the Bible is definitely worth doing) then it’s worth doing right! Preparation is the key. Here are five reasons why weekly preparation is important and vital to your success.

  1. Preparation allows you the opportunity to hear from God. I’ve often said that God wants to speak to the kids in your class from the overflow of what He’s teaching you in your heart. Spiritual and biblical preparation allows God to use your “comings and goings” to bring the biblical text you’re teaching to life. No prep equals no opportunity for God to teach you. You’ll teach better when you’ve prepared the biblical content and taken the time to pray and meditate on the passage you’re teaching. Then, you’ll be teaching from the overflow.
  2. Preparation ensures that you’ll accomplish your goals. It’s been said, (and I agree), “If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know if you get there.” Preparation helps you understand your session goals and gives you a path for which to teach toward and meet those goals.
  3. Preparation says, “This is important.” We give time (or make time) for what we believe is important. What could be more important than teaching kids God’s story for them? We all live busy lives but giving prep time for your weekly Bible teaching needs to be a priority. Kids will notice, parents will notice, and you will notice.
  4. Preparation cuts down on behavior problems. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” I would elaborate on that by saying a failure to plan almost always is a recipe for disaster. If you don’t have a plan, kids do… and it usually doesn’t include a biblical application.
  5. Preparation reduces stress and allows you to sense the work of the Holy Spirit and join Him during your session. When you adequately prepare and are ready for the kids the minute they enter the room, you’ll be open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit at work around you. Often times God is at work around us but we’re too distracted by our lack of preparation to notice. Don’t miss the “still small voice” because you failed to prepare.

The best session is a prepared session. The best teacher is a prepared teacher. Be the best you can be. Offer to your kids the best you can give and they deserve. Practice the gift of preparation.

Here’s a prayer I dare you to pray: “Lord, bless me according to my preparation.”

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Fourth Week of Advent:  LOVE

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Have you ever “re-gifted” a Christmas gift? I have … and I have to tell you it wasn’t a good experience for me.

As a Kids Minister, I was always getting “token” Christmas gifts. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated EVERY MUG I ever got … but there were just so many … (You’re laughing right now because you know exactly what I’m talking about). After three or four years the collection had gotten out of control and I decided to use these jewels as door prizes for my annual Kids Ministry leadership appreciation party. I put some fresh candy in the mugs, wrapped them in red and green cellophane and proudly issued them to teachers and leaders as they left my party.

The next Sunday morning I walked in my office to find one of the mugs I had distributed sitting in the center of my desk with a note underneath. The note read, “Bill, I thought you might want this mug back since it has your name on it. Thanks for the candy though!” Oh, the embarrassment. I never did figure out who re-gifted my re-gift (good manners on his part) … but I have thought a lot about re-gifting since then and I’ve come to the conclusion that re-gifting isn’t so bad if the gift you’ve been given is worth re-giving.

When I think of Christmas and “love” my mind immediately goes to what many call the most loved Bible verse of all, John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Today, on December 24 … Christmas Eve, I want to remind us of our obligation to re-gift the Greatest Gift ever given, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is worth re-gifting. There is no better gift, EVER!

As you go through the next couple of days of celebrating, don’t forget to share what God has done for you. Take the time to acknowledge that Gift and be intentional about “re-gifting” with your family, friends, and those who pass your way. Be careful about the mugs, but be really free with the Savior. There are folks out there who really need that gift this year!

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Third Week of Advent: JOY

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My favorite Christmas carol is “Joy to the World.” I think that hymn sums it all up for me and when we finally sing it at church, I know it’s Christmas time! Growing up someone once said that true joy can be found when one get’s his joy in order. A simple acrostic helps put your priorities in order and can really help you find joy this holiday season.

J – Jesus: I know it’s an old saying but it’s the truth and we should never tire of focusing on Jesus at Christmas. Get this one right and everything else usually falls into place. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with all the “stuff” that Christmastime brings but our challenge is to make sure that Jesus stays at the center of our Christmas celebrations and fun. For me, that takes some intentional planning and preparation. Scheduling time with friends and family to not only exchange gifts, eat awesome food, and enjoy each other’s fellowship, but to stop and purposefully focus of The Gift we’ve been given through Christ Jesus. The focus can’t stop with His birth but quickly move to His sacrifice, truly the greatest gift ever given.

O – Others: Don’t misunderstand me here. I am very aware that Kids Ministers are most ALWAYS focusing on someone other than themselves, but I’m talking about looking for folks who might not be expecting your kindness and share with them a bit of Christmas joy. Are there people in your community that you and your family could reach out to this season? What about the senior adults in your community who may be alone? What about those who’ve been severely affected by the ongoing recession? Perhaps you know someone who experienced death this year and is doing Christmas for the first time without their loved one. There are people all around us who are in need. Look for ways to express love to others.

Y – You:  Please note that YOU are on this list! Too many times we overlook ourselves and never get around to doing something nice for “me.” After you’ve got the “J” and the “O” straightened out, take some time for the “Y,” you! Carve out some time this season to take care of yourself. Read a book; watch a movie; take a nap. Sometimes, we can’t find our joy because we’re too tired to look. Over the holidays schedule some time to relax and refresh so you’ll be refueled for the New Year.

Joy to the world the Lord has come; Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love.

 

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry, Leadership

The Second Week of Advent: PEACE

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We’re well into the Advent season and I’m getting more and more excited about celebrating the birth of Jesus on December 25. I am thankful for the opportunity to be reminded of the Christ child and the gift He is to me.

In March of 2010, my father was given a diagnosis no one wants to hear. My dad was told that he had cancer and that left untreated, he would live about six weeks. Additionally, the doctor shared that because of the kind of cancer he had and because of his age, traditional therapies would not be available to him. It was a pretty tough diagnosis for him and for our family.

I remember visiting dad in the hospital after the diagnosis. I remember that we all had heavy hearts and we were all pretty shook up. I remember my dad telling me that day that he was going to be okay. I remember thinking, “no, dad … you’re really not okay this time.” As we talked he shared with me that for him, it was just a “moving on” from this life to his eternal life with Jesus. He was certain that his life wasn’t going to end; it was going to continue in heaven. He specifically said that he was at peace with God.

As I think about that example of peace I’m even more convinced that the only true peace comes from knowing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Jesus chose to come to earth and ultimately die for us so that we might have eternal life and a real peace.

My pastor shared it well when he said, “If you want to know the peace of God, you need to be AT peace WITH God!” And, the only way to be a peace with God is to know His Son, the Prince of Peace … Jesus, the baby we celebrate this holiday season.

As the weeks and what turned into months passed it wasn’t always good for dad … but I am thankful for the peace that was my dad’s that first day. I am thankful for the example he gave us as he testified to the knowledge that His Savior, Jesus Christ was enough for him.

Take time today to thank God for His gift, The Gift … Jesus … the Prince of Peace!

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Advent, Christmas, Kids Ministry

The First Week of Advent: HOPE

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I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent. We certainly prepared both our home and our hearts through the many traditions and celebrations, but we didn’t call it Advent. It wasn’t until later that I came to appreciate the value of this tradition of expectation and have since acknowledged and practiced the disciplines of Advent every December.

As kids ministers, we are now “knee-deep” in one of the busiest seasons of our ministry year. If we’re not leading various Christmas celebrations and traditions, we’re undergirding other ministries in the church with childcare as they celebrate. It is a very busy time and can quickly turn from a season of celebration to a season of stress and resentment. So, each Monday I’m going to share a quick devotional thought that I hope will help you focus on the true meaning and yes, the “reason for the season” as we approach Christmas day.

This week I want to challenge you to consider the Hope that is ours through the birth of Christ.

As a young child, I remember hoping for various gifts. When the Christmas catalogs began to arrive in our mailboxes my brothers and sister and I would take turns circling the items that we hoped we’d get for Christmas. As I got older those gifts became bigger and bigger.

I remember one Christmas when I learned a valuable lesson. I had asked for a particular gift that year and it was a really big gift. It wasn’t anything that could have been wrapped and it wasn’t anything that would have fit under our Christmas tree and to be honest, I wasn’t even sure if my parents were going to be able to pull this gift off … but I had a lot of hope that my special gift would be there on Christmas morning.

On Christmas morning I always woke up really early. Oftentimes I would wake up, check out the loot “santa” had left, play around a little and then go back to bed. My family would get up later and we’d all go to the living room together and enjoy watching each other see the awesome gifts that had appeared during the night. That particular year was not any different except when I got up in the middle of the night my hopes were dashed. That year my large gift was nowhere in sight. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it. I went back to bed and cried myself to sleep (okay, as I type this I realize what a spoiled brat I was).

Later (at a more respectable time on Christmas morning) my parents came to wake me so we could all go see what had been delivered. I didn’t want to get up. As a matter of fact, I refused. Finally, my dad came in my room and strongly encouraged me to get up and participate in the family traditions. I remember rudely (I’m really feeling bad about how poorly I acted) sharing that there was really no point in me getting up because what I had hoped for wasn’t there.

Most of the time, my dad was quick to remind me of my sinfulness through various acts of correction. But this time he must have seen the teachable moment that I had presented. I remember him saying to me, “sometimes the gifts we’re looking for aren’t always in the places we expect them.”

With his encouragement I got up and looked in our newly finished basement game room and found my gift, exactly what I had asked for, sitting there waiting for me. I was ecstatic.

I really did learn a lot that Christmas. I learned that my parents would do almost anything to see to it that we got what we wanted (even build a new game room to house those ridiculous requests). I learned that sometimes the best gifts don’t come all wrapped up and found under the tree. But I think the most important thing I learned that year is that “sometime the gifts we’re hoping for aren’t always in the places we expect.”

What do you hope for this Christmas? Jesus, THE HOPE, was not found where most were looking. Shepherds and kings would have to trust the star to lead them to The Hope, the King of the universe, delivered in the most humble means. The HOPE of the world was found in a poor manger stall yet that Gift was then, and still is today, the greatest gift you can ever receive.

This season take time to seek hope in the unexpected places. Challenge yourself to find hope as you acknowledge The Hope, Christ Jesus.

Remember this favorite “hope verse” as you reflect today on those things for which you’re hoping. “For I know the plan I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope!” Jeremiah 29:11

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training

What About Kids Ministry?

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I knew God called me to ministry. I knew He had placed a burden in my heart specifically for kids ministry, and I realized that He had gifted me with talents that would help me in the role I’d just been chosen to fill. But the truth was, I didn’t know what I was doing. I’d had formal education for which I’m thankful, but I needed quick answers to the everyday questions, issues, and ministry struggles that I now faced and for which I didn’t feel equipped.

I was immediately enrolled in the school of hard knocks and began seeking and reading and studying other ministries I thought could give me direction. I was blessed with ministry leaders in my community who had pity on me, perhaps saw potential, and jumped in to give direction and serve as mentors and friends. I will forever be grateful to Margaret Rogers, Susie Webb, Clara Mae Van Brink, Kim Harris, and Bill Young. The first year wasn’t easy. But with my calling secure, my support system in place, and the Holy Spirit empowering me, I made it through.

I’ve often wished there had been a resource that would have quickly answered my questions. I needed a one-stop resource that I could reference and trust. It is in the hopes of offering that resource to others that What About Kids Ministry? was created.

I couldn’t have been the only minister who needed help and answers, and I’m pretty sure there are still many today who are experiencing the same feelings of inadequacy and need for direction and assurance. So, I sat with ministry colleagues here at LifeWay and began to seek practical answers to questions relevant to today’s KidMin leaders.

I am thankful for the answer compiled in this book by ministry experts with vast and varied backgrounds. I’m thankful for their ministry to children and their families. I’m most thankful to God who loves kids, families, and those of us who are trying hard to honor Him as we minister. To God be the glory! Great things He has done and will do through each of you.

Our prayer is that What About Kids Ministry? will help to anchor your ministry, equip you in Kingdom work, empower you to lead kids to spiritual transformation, and encourage you to  disciple boys and girls to become culture shapers in our world today.

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

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