LifeWay

Kids Ministry

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

Events, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Plugging Into National Grandparent’s Day

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vogel-150x150ANational Grandparents Day, September 11, 2016, is a day scheduled to celebrate grandparents throughout our country. Many families capitalize on this day in order to experience uplifting family times and to send greetings of love and appreciation to grandparents. Is it possible for your Kids Ministry to plug into this secular day of celebration? What might be the benefits? Consider these ideas that could enrich the lives of your kids in your church as well as the lives of their grandparents and grandparents in your community:

  • Plan for your kids to have a special time just prior to September 11, 2016, to create Grandparent’s Day cards expressing their love and the love of God for their grandparents. Show kids ways to include the Gospel as part of their cards in order to witness to “non-believing” grandparents. Be sure to include a plan to actually “mail” these cards.
  • Encourage each of your kids Bible study groups to plan a “Grandparent’s Day Party.” Invite local grandparents to a time of refreshments and fellowship time in their grandkids’ Bible study rooms. Consider putting together a brief presentation by the kids to help remind their grandparents how much God loves them and cares for them.
  • Challenge each of your kids Bible study groups to “adopt” a class of senior adults in your church. Devise a plan to take the members of these senior adult classes treats and notes of love and appreciation.
  • Invite grandparents in your church to visit some/all of your kids Bible study classes. Ask them to read to the kids or possibly even tell stories of how they came to be Christ followers. Some of your kids do not live close to grandparents and will greatly enjoy a time of “loving on” grandparents in your church who can share much wisdom and encouragement.

Even the smallest efforts on your part to plug into this day of celebration have the potential to love on potentially lonely grandparents. This generation often feels forgotten and separated from the families they love. Use your creativity to even add to this starter list of ways to share the love of Jesus with grandparents!

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorials Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Encouragement, Enlistment, Kids Ministry, Leadership

What Makes Your Kids Ministry Attractive to Volunteers

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Check out these seven reasons why your KidMin leaders stick with you.
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  1. They have bought in to your shared vision for Kids Ministry.  Share your vision for reaching kids for Christ often. Include your vision in KidMin meetings and via newsletters and personal notes.
  2. They feel like they are making a difference.  Celebrate accomplishments with your leaders. Remind them often of ways in which they are faithfully laying foundations in the lives of kids.
  3. They know you pray for them.  Solicit prayer requests from your leaders. Send notes and emails letting your leaders know that you prayed for them and their needs.
  4. They know you provide training.  As you observe your leaders in the classroom, make notes about needed training. Provide training using some of your veteran leaders.
  5. They appreciate your encouragement and appreciation.  Give verbal encouragement often. Write those handwritten notes of appreciation citing specific actions that you see as your leaders teach.
  6. They feel “in the know” due to your consistent communication.  Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Being “in the know” equips your leaders to feel part of the KidMin family.
  7. They see you every week and appreciate your ‘presence.’  Visit classrooms and make sure your teachers have all of the resources they need. From time to time help them out as you observe needs (just seeing you makes your leaders feel valued.)

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorials Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and teaches preschoolers there. He is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Special Needs

When ADHD Comes to Church

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vogel-150x150AToday, it is hard to imagine that every church does not have a least one child in each classroom that exhibits manifestations of ADHD. ADHD results from a subtle malfunction in the intricate transmission of neurochemical messages between brain cells. This condition seems to affect boys a little more than girls and is characterized by behavioral and learning disorders. A child with ADHD will have problems in two major areas: hyperactive-impulsive behavior and inattentiveness. These children are often judged by their behavior and often labeled as defiant or silly.

It is important that church Bible study leaders create a learning environment that enables all children (even those with ADHD) to learn about Jesus and feel accepted with unconditional love. As a grandparent with more than one grandchild diagnosed with ADHD, it is my heart’s desire that as a KidMin leader you take the time to understand the characteristics of these kids and be committed to developing strategies for a fun, safe time at church.

These amazing kids can exhibit any/all of these characteristics:

  • Lack of impulse control
  • Challenged with turn-taking
  • Difficulty in following directions
  • Has a tendency to not stay with the group
  • Will demonstrate times of fidgeting, tapping, and squirming

Suggested strategies include:

  • Start fresh with every session. Each child needs to feel that you are glad he has come to church.
  • Set clear expectations and limit your room to a few basic rules.
  • Post a visual schedule; placing times on elements in the session can frustrate children with ADHD and they become stressed when the group does not stay on schedule. They do like the consistency of knowing what order to expect.
  • Provide a merging time at the beginning of learning sessions. This gives them an opportunity to “ease into the environment.” Purpose to have a more structured group time later in the session.
  • Limit “sit still” time. Plan for “hands-on” activities.
  • Offer “fidget toys” during times of listening.
  • Keep transition times to a minimum.
  • Make sure you have the child’s attention. If necessary, have the child repeat a given direction.
  • When possible, include a video element. This can be captivating for kids with ADHD.
  • Enlist an additional helper to “shadow” a child with ADHD.
  • Provide encouragement for the child’s parent(s). They can often be exhausted and frustrated and so appreciate that you love their child and are excited to have him/her in your class.

Closing note: I teach four-year-olds on Sunday mornings. I find it very interesting that EVERY week my student with ADHD at some point in the session will say, “I love you, Mr. Jerry!” That, my fellow KidMin leaders, is one of life’s greatest rewards! It is, indeed, worth the time to understand ADHD and be willing to develop strategies so that all kids have the opportunity to learn about the Creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus.

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist in LifeWay Church Resources. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting, Preschoolers

Tips for Summer Travel

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rp_vogel-150x150.jpgFor parents of young children, days for vacation can easily “swerve into the wrong lane” during summer travel. Days of relaxation can easily turn into days of frustration. Through the years, I have learned these seven simple tips that have often rescued and redeemed a summer trip with kids:

  • Healthy snacks like cheese cubes, breadsticks, fruit, and bagels can help avoid “sugar highs” that often skyrocket into challenging behavior.
  • Books and games that are reserved for times of travel only … games that can be played as a family … trivia games, license plate lists, travel journals with drawings of places visited (pics on smart phones can be collected to place in the journal.) (Coloring books/pages on a cookie sheet with crayons can also be a big hit!)
  • Comfortable clothing is a must … and, bright colors are helpful when it comes to being able to spot and keep up with kids.
  • If possible, give kids opportunities to give input related to visits and stops. Insure the kid-friendly nature of at least some of your stops.
  • CDs with kid-friendly music that the whole family can “jam out” to and have fun singing as a group.
  • Family apps that can not only occupy a child’s time to help the trip go faster, but, also to enrich kids spiritually (i.e., Bible Studies for Life: Kids family app; Explore the Bible family app; The Gospel Project family app)
  • Your attitude! … remain positive … be happy!

Happy traveling!

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorial Kids Ministry Specialist. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Salvaging an Ineffective Leader

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vogel-150x150AEffective KidMin leaders is the key to a dynamic, culture-shaping ministry. As we all know, the foundation of that ministry is built upon meaningful relationships. So, our effectiveness begins to break down when there is a weak link in our staff of volunteers. Then, the question becomes “How do we deal with a weak link in our staff of leaders?”

If you’ve been in kids ministry very long, this challenge has probably arisen. How do we salvage that “ineffective leader?” Let’s begin by asking ourselves some simple questions:

  • Is the leader’s attitude that of Christ? Is yours?
  • Is any child’s safety at risk?
  • Is quality Bible-teaching taking place?

Rather than making a hasty decision in the midst of difficulty, consider traveling down one or more of these avenues:

  • Pray, pray, pray for the ineffective leader … by name. Ask how you can pray for him/her.
  • Pray, pray, pray for yourself that God would give you wisdom. Ask God to help you see the leader through His eyes.
  • Evaluate your own leadership … have you taken opportunities to love on and encourage the ineffective leader?
  • Have you communicated clearly and often your/and your church’s  expectations of KidMin leaders?
  • Have you tried to find an alternate place of leadership for this person to help him/her “save face” and to feel valued.

God wants you and your leaders to be successful. He WILL give you wisdom if you ask (James 1:5) and He WILL give you patience as you deal with an ineffective leader. Where would you be if God had not given you a “second chance?”

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist with LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parenting

Attracting Parents to your KidMin

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vogel-150x150AYoung families no longer choose churches according to denomination. Nor do today’s parents always choose churches according to family ties. They tend to choose churches according to the way the needs of their kids are being met! In recent days I have gathered the following list of parents’ “must haves” when it comes to deciding to be affiliated with a certain kids’ ministry. Take a look and evaluate where your kids ministry might rank in parents’ eyes. Today’s parents are “demanding consumers.” They want excellence.

  • Parents want you to genuinely love their child and desire the best for him/her. Do you kneel to speak to kids and show that you truly care about them and their lives? Do you remember names and encourage all of your leaders to be loving, kind, and caring?
  • Parents demand security and safety. These categories are no longer optional in kids ministry. Try to ensure that parents can see the evidence of security systems and plans for safety.
  • Parents desire a fun, inviting environment for their kids. Reception areas and hallways leading to classrooms speak volumes to today’s parents. A bright, cheery, clean, and inviting environment is definitely on a parent’s checklist. Remember, “If Momma and Daddy aren’t happy …” Well, you know the rest!”
  • Parents need to see evidence that the Bible is being taught. Make sure you have strong parent connections in the way of take home pieces, electronic communications, and “helps” for parents to do their job. They need help in understanding key spiritual milestones in their kids lives. Parents prosper when they feel the church is equipping them to do their job well.

Any of these parent’s concerns need a little help/work on your part? Commit today to making progress in one of these areas.

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Preschool, Preschoolers, Sunday School

Preschool Bible Learning Activity

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rp_vogel-150x150.jpgThe Importance of Movement with Preschoolers:

God has wired preschoolers to be “on the move.” They do not do well in learning environments where they are required to sit/be still for extended periods of time (no more than about one minute per year of age!) Try some of these movement techniques to help your Bible-learning activities with preschoolers be more effective:

  • Use lots of music. Provide background music for all preschool learning environments. In group time experiences, preschoolers love to move their bodies, sway to music, and sing very simple songs that help them learn Bible truths.
  • Preschoolers learn best in an environment that provides choices. This type of experience allows them to move from activity to activity depending on their interests and approaches to learning.
  • Play lots of games that require movement: detecting, exploring, investigating.
  • Let the kids find the Bible verses as they are able. Let them actually help you do things … make play-dough, help serve snacks, set up activities. Let them manipulate items (puzzles, blocks, art supplies, dramatic play) to help cement Bible truths into their hearts and lives.

Preschoolers “on the move” are “happy learners!”

Jerry Vogel serves as a Childhood Ministry Specialist in LifeWay Church Resources. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training

7 Deadly Mistakes in Kids MInistry

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rp_vogel-150x150.jpgWell, to be honest, these seven mistakes won’t take your life, but, they will definitely “kill” your relationships with KidMin leaders. Prayerfully consider each:

  1. Lead without a personal vision, purpose, mission. Don’t get caught up in every “cute” option that comes along in kids ministry. Know where God is leading you, stay the course, and provide consistency with your leaders and ultimately the kids in your ministry.
  2. Operate with a “top-down” approach. You have been called to ministry to serve your leaders … not hover in power over them. What have you done lately to “serve” them?
  3. Neglect personal Bible study and quiet times with God. This is non-negotiable. A leader not in the “Word” is not a leader at all. You need to lead your folks from your overflow of spending time with God.
  4. Assume your leaders don’t need training. You are their coach. Take this role seriously. Don’t just tell them what to do, but, walk alongside them with steady encouragement.
  5. Put paperwork before people work. Obviously, some clerical work needs to be done in ministry. However, your number one priority should be to invest in your leaders. Give them your love and your time.
  6. Forget the power of prayer. Pray regularly for your leaders by name. Let them know that you are praying for them. Even ask them often “how” you can pray for them.
  7. Assume that change is easy for all of your leaders. Some of your leaders are totally willing to make changes, but, just need a little help understanding the need for change and how it will affect them personally. Take the time to “ease” them into change.

Consider personally addressing one of these for each of the next seven weeks!

Jerry Vogel serves as a Kids Ministry Editorial Specialist with LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids. Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Preschoolers

Cooking with Preschoolers

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vogel-150x150AMost preschoolers love to help. They enjoy getting to help Mom, Dad, Nana, Papa, and so forth in the kitchen. Cooking gives them opportunities to learn new skills, apply math principles, and just spend time with folks they love.

Some cooking activities tend to be a little messy, but, remember … it’s all about the process! In addition … safety should always be a high priority. Always remember to protect the children from hot objects as well as sharp utensils. The most important aspect of cooking with preschoolers is to “make memories!”

You may want to start with simple, no-bake items and build your way up to something that actually needs to be cooked. Any cooking activity can be accompanied with Bible-story conversation spotlighting a story about food and God’s provisions.

Mega-simple ideas:

  1. Trail mix is easy and fun to make. Simply choose your ingredients (cereals, candy pieces, pretzels, dried fruit, etc.). Measure the amount desired of each into a bowl. Stir and serve in paper cups.
  2. Simple sandwiches are easy, yet fun to make and to enjoy. Provide your bread of choice. Consider cutting sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Provide items for spreading: peanut butter, jelly, butter, mayonnaise, lunch meats. Enjoy!

Cooking ideas:

  1. Consider store bought muffin mixes. It’s fun to measure and combine ingredients. Pour the batter into muffin papers in muffin tins. Let the adult bake and remove from oven. Decorate with your icing of choice and enjoy.
  2. Making homemade playdough is great fun. Mix ingredients in an electric skillet (be sure to share specific rules about not touching the skillet.) Heat and cook until dough forms. Add food coloring for excitement. Place on counter/flat surface to cool and enjoy molding and creating things that relate to a designated Bible story. An easy recipe: ½ cup salt; 1 cup plain flour; 2 T. cream of tartar; 1 cup water, 1 T. oil (cooking oil or baby oil); 3 drops of food coloring.

Never forget: Have fun with the process, include a Bible story when appropriate and the memories will make themselves!

Jerry Vogel serves as an editorial Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie, has four children, thirteen grand kids, and teaches preschoolers every Sunday at his church. He is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.

Kids Ministry, Leadership

Involving Men in KidMin

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vogel-150x150AFor years women have taken the lead responsibility in teaching kids at church. And for that I say, “Praise God.” However, God’s plan for influencing the lives of boys and girls has always been to include a balance in the gender of role models … MEN and WOMEN. In addition to the excellent work that women have done and will continue to do, children need the influence in their lives of real men who love God and Jesus.

So … don’t forget the MEN when enlisting leadership for your Kids Ministry. Strive for a balance and if possible make it a goal to have a man in every kids’ learning environment (unless the information to be covered is gender specific.)

Consider these five simple thoughts/considerations:

  1. In most cases there will be fewer discipline issues in a classroom that includes a male influence.
  2. Watch for dads and granddads who interact with their kids/grandkids in a positive way. Verbalize to them what you see in their behavior that kids need in the church classroom.
  3. Men like to be given a vision and a challenge. Most will not respond to a “y’all come” approach and will need to be asked individually and personally.
  4. Promise men training and then follow through. Invite them to observe in a classroom. They will need simple reminders: be on the level of the kids; talk with kids and really listen to them; reminders that to teach is to learn twice … once when you prepare and once when you teach.
  5. Observe men in the classroom and then give them verbal affirmation of what you see.

Jerry Vogel serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids. He is married to Janie and has four children and thirteen grand kids.  Jerry is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children. Jerry teaches preschoolers at his church each Sunday.

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