Jerry Vogel

January 18, 2017

Developing a Kids Ministry Prayer Team

I’ve probably never met another Kids Minister who said he did not believe in prayer. But, do we really? Do we truly practice biblical praying when it comes to our kids ministries? I must confess that as a kids minister I often rushed into action exerting my own efforts and then prayed, “Dear God, bless this mess!”

Lately, God has spoken to me and made me aware that every Kids Ministry should have a Prayer Team. It occurred to me that our churches will always have folks who do not feel led to teach kids on a weekly basis. But, they would agree to be part of a Kids Ministry Prayer Team. My vision would be to enlist a team of folks to your Kids Ministry Prayer Team. The goals of the group would be to:

Pray for you on a regular basis. Pray for your health, your wisdom, and your protection from the evil one. Receive from you “personal” prayer requests.
Pray for kids leaders on a rotating basis. Part of this assignment would also be to write notes of encouragement to leaders letting them know that they had been prayed for.
Participate in “prayer walks” throughout your kids ministry areas … asking God to reach boys and girls and for protection against evil in your ministry area. Some might be willing to prayer walk through your ministry area while teaching is occurring.
Pray for a dedicated classroom and leaders regularly.
Pray for leadership needs in the Kids Ministry area.
Pray specifically for physical and spiritual needs of the kids and families in your Kids Ministry.

I believe there are many folks who would be willing to be a part of your Kids Ministry Prayer Team. Why don’t you take this possibility to the Lord in “prayer” and see what develops?

Jerry Vogel is an Editorial Ministry Specialist in LifeWay Kids. He is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and has served over 40 years in Kids Ministry at the local church level as well as at LifeWay. Jerry currently teaches four-year-olds at his church.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

December 21, 2016

Why Kids Misbehave at Church

By Jerry Vogel

Contrary to popular belief (or suspicion!) kids do not wake up on Sunday morning and pray, “Lord, help me take my teacher(s) over the edge today!” When children show up at your classroom door at church, they bring with them all of the baggage that life brings. And often, these issues occurring in their lives, help precipitate unacceptable behavior. Let’s look at a few of these reasons. After each you’ll find a quick tip about how to reach these problematic kids:

Skills (the lack of) – If a child feels inadequate in certain areas of physical or mental growth, he will sometimes act out in order to cover up the deficiency. Don’t expect him to be a miniature adult and show him respect.
Unmet needs – When a child shows up hungry, rushed, or disheveled, she may need food, time, and attention. Pray for the child and his family by name. Ask God to let you see her through His eyes.
Lack of belonging – When children feel left out, they struggle with feelings of not being accepted/included. Be sure to provide a variety of learning approaches so that each child feels included.
Power – All kids need to know “who is in charge” in this classroom. Give yourself permission to say, “In Mr. Jerry’s room, these are the rules.” You can only control what goes on in your classroom.
Attention – Children learn very early if the only way to get attention is to misbehave. Purpose to give all children your attention.
Revenge – When children feel hurt or angry, they often lash out by hitting or hurting others. Remind them to use their “words” to help friends understand what they are feeling.
Setting – The teacher’s lack of preparation can immediately cause behavior issues. Make sure you have planned for and gathered enough resources to keep the children busy discovering truths about God and Jesus.
Medical issues – Some children are struggling with allergies and learning disabilities. Be sure to gather information on each child and understand better the handicap any of them have.
Unloved – Some children feel neglected by the male or female role model in their homes. Be sure to enlist men to teach in your ministry. God’s plan has always been to provide a balance of gender role models for children. Including men in your classroom will often have an immediate effect on the tone of the learning environment.

Advent, Christmas, Encouragement, Kids Ministry

December 14, 2016

What About the X in Christmas?

By Jerry Vogel

When I was growing up I often saw signs that read, “Merry Xmas” instead of “Merry Christmas.” As a child It hurt my heart to think that my Savior’s name had been taken out of Christmas! What I was not aware of at that time was that the practice of using the symbol “X” in place of Christ’s name has been going on amongst religious scholars for at least 1000 years. The “X” is actually indicating the Greek letter “Chi,” which is short for the Greek word meaning “Christ”. So “Xmas” and “Christmas” are equivalent in every way except their lettering. But, as a child I was confused.

Jump to 2016. In our current culture, as I watch my 13 grandchildren growing up, they are being encouraged to not use the words “Merry Christmas” as we we are told that it is politically incorrect … we should be saying “Happy Holidays” so that we don’t offend anyone. Once again, I have a feeling of sadness that all children of today will hear less and less that Christmas is all about Christ.

With that said … MY plan with MY family is to always keep CHRIST in Christmas. These seven simple suggestions will help communicate to all of my family that CHRIST is the real reason for Christmas:

Play Christmas music about Jesus in my car and in my home.
When writing handwritten notes at Christmas, I will be sure to write “Merry CHRISTmas” with Christ in all caps.
Have a family group time on Christmas day emphasizing that Christ should be the center of our Christmas celebrations.
Include a child-friendly Nativity Set as part of my home Christmas decorations.

Try to purchase religious Christmas stamps for my family’s Christmas cards.
Make sure that going to church is part of my family Christmas tradition.
Before exchanging family gifts on Christmas, talk with my family about God’s most precious Gift … Jesus!

What’s YOUR plan?

Crafts, Fun, Kids Ministry, Preschool

November 18, 2016

Preschool Christmas Crafts

By Jerry Vogel

All parents love Christmas tree ornaments made by their children. My wife and I still have treasured kid-made ornaments that are over 40 years old. And, we continue to place them on our Christmas tree each year!

Two of our favorites:

Wooden Drapery Ring Ornament:

Gather:

Wooden Drapery Ring
Acrylic Paint
Glitter/Sequins
Glue
Photo of your child (possibly posed in front of a stable scene)
Felt scrap
Ribbon
Black permanent marker

Create:

Lay drapery ring on top of kid’s photo and then on the scrap of felt and trace the ring.
Cut out the traced circle on the photo and on the felt.
Paint the drapery ring.
Glue the ring onto front of the photo with the metal circle of drapery ring on top.
Trace, cut out, and glue felt circle onto the back of the photo.
Decorate ring with glitter/sequins.
Tie a loop of ribbon onto the metal ring for placing the ornament onto your Christmas tree.
Print the child’s name and date on back of the ornament with a black permanent marker.
Enjoy for years!

Jesus and the Star Ornament

Gather:

Yellow star cut from poster board
Gold/metallic chenille stem
Small amount of hay
Glue and tape
Small, oval shape from white paper
Small circle shape from pink or tan paper
Silver sequins
Black permanent marker

Create:

Position the star with one of the points at the top.
In the two lowest star points glue a small amount of hay.
Glue the white oval onto the top of the hay for baby Jesus’ body.
Glue the pink or tan circle onto one end of the oval for baby Jesus’ head.
Encourage the child to draw a face on the baby Jesus with the black marker.
Make a loop with the chenille stem and tape it onto the top/back of the star.
Print the child’s name and the date on the back of the ornament.
Enjoy for years!

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

November 1, 2016

5 Tips for a More Thankful Thanksgiving

By Jerry Vogel

Have you noticed that for the last few years our nation and even ourselves have somewhat overlooked the real meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday? Christmas decorations are everywhere sometimes as early as late summer!

The Lord has convicted me recently that I need to be much more intentional in guiding myself and my family to make Thanksgiving a more meaningful and restful day on the calendar. I’ve come up with 5 very simple tips in having a more “thankful” Thanksgiving. Will you join me?

Each week between now and Thanksgiving, seek out a verse in Psalms that reminds us about the importance of being thankful to God for the many ways He has blessed me/my family. Read that verse every day of a given week.
Consider writing each person in your family a handwritten note expressing your thankfulness for them citing ways they are unique and a blessing.
Commit to not overlooking Thanksgiving in your Kids Ministry. Find ways to help kids be more thankful … projects (food for the needy, random acts of kindness, etc.), devotionals for them and their families, maybe writing a letter to God expressing thankfulness.
Invite someone/family to join you for your Thanksgiving meal. Model for your kids this act of service.
At Thanksgiving lunch, ask each family member to write on an index card something for which he/she is thankful. Place them in a bag or basket and let someone read them individually and let the group “guess” the author.

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

October 19, 2016

As a KidMin Leader … What’s Your Nickname?

By Jerry Vogel

One of each person’s most valuable possessions is his/her name! It speaks of your family, your story, your history. We all know as KidMin leaders that it is important to get kid’s names and parent’s names correct! Doing this well communicates, “I really do know you. You are important. I care about you.”

As I was thinking further about names in general, the thought occurred to me, “The name people call us to our face is indeed very important!” However, what about the names we get called behind our backs and in private? These “nicknames” usually get assigned to us as they address our track record in ministry. What about you? If given the opportunity, what names would your KidMin leaders give to you?

… Lazy?

… Selfish?

… Crazy?

… Messy?

… Confusing?

… Late?

… Untrustworthy?

How much better would some of these nicknames be:

Mr. Energy!

Ms. Always Thinking of Others!

Mr. Well-Planned!

Ms. Organized!

Mr. Communication!

Ms. Prompt!

Mr. Dependable!

Take just a few moments. Choose one of these negative “Nicknames” and make a commitment to ask God to help you become a more helpful, encouraging KidMin Leader!

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry, Uncategorized

September 26, 2016

The Importance of a KidMin Team: “Don’t go it alone!”

By Jerry Vogel

Okay … let’s make some observations about you and your ministry to kids and their families:

God has called you to your current position to serve as the leader of a Kids Ministry in a local church.
God has been preparing you to make an impact on kids and their families.
God never intended you to do all of the work involved in KidMin all by yourself!

Enter … key leaders to serve on your KidMin Team. A wise KidMin leader surrounds herself/himself with a ministry team. The purpose of the team will be to give you guidance, input, and help in making sure that boys and girls are impacted with the gospel and do so in a safe, loving environment. How do you go about choosing the members of your team?

First, spend much time in prayer asking God to help you wisely choose the members of your KidMin team.
Provide balance on the team … be sure to include parents and grandparents, Bible study teachers, both men and women, the key leaders of your Kid/Min touch points: VBS, weekday program, Sunday School, discipleship, other key ministries for kids.
Educate the members as to what you envision them to do: pray for you and with you; help plan your annual calendar; establish and review policies related to your church’s ministry to kids; serve as a sounding board for you related to issues and challenges involved in developing and maintaining a healthy ministry.
From time to time, communicate with your leaders who serves on your Kid/Min ministry team.
Establish a schedule for meetings. Don’t just meet to have a meeting … insure that you value and protect the time of your leaders.

Kids Ministry, Leadership

September 21, 2016

How Can a Town Meeting Help Your Kids Ministry?

By Jerry Vogel

What in the world is a “town meeting?”

A town meeting can be defined as a designated time for you to interact with the parents of kids in your ministry. Communicate an agenda for the meeting ahead of time. Provide light snacks. Create an environment where parents feel comfortable asking you questions about your church’s KidMin. Schedule a town meeting each quarter or at least twice a year. Make sure kids have activities to attend while you meet and be confident that you have something “important” to share with parents. Consider having parents submit topics for discussion ahead of time.

How Can a Town Meeting Help Your Kids Ministry?

It provides an opportunity for you to share with kids’ families your vision for kids ministry and how you plan to see the vision fulfilled.
It allows you to interact with kids parents via Q&A.
It gives you time to update for parents the year’s schedule of events, forthcoming changes, current issues/challenges in kids ministry, etc.
It insures you having face time with parents other than just passing them in the hallway.
It gives you time with parents to even provide “nuggets” of training helping them understand their role in guiding their kids spiritually.

Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting

August 31, 2016

6 Ways to Touch the Hearts of Parents

By Jerry Vogel

Second only to providing a rich environment where kids can fall in love with Jesus … is the importance of partnering with parents in this thing called Kids Ministry. Six simple observations that will help you achieve success in this category:

#1: Minister to parents/families in times of need.

Try to stay current on family health issues and emotional crises.
“Be there” for families when they just need your presence, not necessarily your sermons.

#2: Brag on their kid(s) to them.

Send written notes to parents congratulating them on their kids successes.

Show up at some of their kids activities.

#3: Keep in touch.

Text/call parents for no reason other than just to “check on them.”
Communicate/communicate/communicate about church activities/opportunities of service for their kids and families.

#4: Give them tools to help them be the spiritual leaders of their kids.

Provide training on what the Bible teaches about kids and conversion.
Make sure parents know about practical tools to help with daily discipleship opportunities with their kids.

#5: Find ways for them to serve in your church’s kids ministry.

Never assume that parents don’t want to teach kids. Ask them!
Some will never teach, but, they will pray, build, bake or chaperone.

#6: Provide ways for them to feel successful as a parent.

Once a week send a text with a brief/simple parenting tip.
Personally communicate with parents that you are praying for their child.

Kids Ministry, Parent Helps, Parenting

August 17, 2016

Calling All Dads

By Jerry Vogel

I am convinced that all dads want to make a strategic difference in the lives of their kids. With that in mind, many automatically aspire to make a “materialistic” difference with money and things. And, temporarily their kids will enjoy those “things” until they get tired of them and want “more things!”

Most children will never call out to their dads and say what they really need and want is love, time, and a positive role model. Let’s take a look at each of these:

LOVE –

Kids need to be around “real men who love Jesus!” Your behavior needs to match what you say about Jesus.
Children need to actually hear the words, “I love you” from their dads (at least once every day!).
Kids need appropriate touch from their dads … hugs, shoulder touches, back rubs, wrestling in the floor!

TIME –

Place times on your calendar to be “with” your kids.
Be relaxed when spending time with your kids. Make sure your child is at the center of your undivided attention.
Schedule “daddy dates.” Let your child have input on where to go, where to eat (individually without other brothers and sisters!)

POSITIVE ROLE MODELS –

Make sure your “walk” matches your “talk” in all aspects of life.
Volunteer to serve in your kids’ areas of ministry at church … this can include teaching, chaperoning, construction, and many other areas. This communicates to your kids.
Never discipline in anger. Make sure your emotions are under control when re-directing your child’s behavior.

Pray over this list and let the Lord lead you to needed areas of improvement. Share this list with the dads in your ministry.

Developing a Kids Ministry Prayer Team

Why Kids Misbehave at Church

What About the X in Christmas?

Preschool Christmas Crafts

5 Tips for a More Thankful Thanksgiving

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

As a KidMin Leader … What’s Your Nickname?

The Importance of a KidMin Team: “Don’t go it alone!”

How Can a Town Meeting Help Your Kids Ministry?

6 Ways to Touch the Hearts of Parents

Calling All Dads

All Ministry Sites

Digital Resources

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