Klista Storts

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting

November 16, 2016

5 Things Parents Need to Know about Kids Ministers

#1 – They lie. They’ll tell you that they’re not tired, that they don’t need help, that they were “in the neighborhood” when they just dropped in to watch your child play soccer. It’s all a lie, I tell you!

Kids ministers will put their very lives on hold at times to show kids how much they care. Although they can’t be at everything, they’ll do their best to let kids know they matter!

#2 – They don’t believe everything your children tell them! (At least not about you!) Sure, sometimes there are big problems at home, but they know that sometimes it’s just a kid being a kid who either has a big imagination or is just mad at mom or dad.

They do believe you’re a good parent who’s trying everything you can to be the best parent you can be. But if you need help, they’re ready with open arms, open minds, and even some good biblical advice! They’re also praying that you don’t believe everything your kids say about them!

#3 – The act like it’s all fun and games! But, although it looks like they’re just having fun, they take their ministry seriously! Some of the things you might think are frivolous, silly, and even outrageous are the very things it may take to connect with a child.

Kids ministers will do whatever it takes to share the gospel—including a pie in the face if it comes down to it! They might even encourage you to join along if they think it will help you connect with your child!

#4 – They NEED to be told what to do! As much as kids ministers would like to know everything about each and every child, they just can’t. If your child did something that should be celebrated, let your kids minister know! If your child is struggling, let your kids minister know! They truly care, but they can’t know until someone tells them!

In the same light, they might need to tell you things about your kids you don’t want to hear and well, sometimes that’s hard to do. If your kids minister needs to share some news with you, know that he’s most likely agonized and prayed over it before coming to you.

#5 – They’re frustrating! But it’s because they love your kids. No, I mean they REALLY love your kids. And because they do, they make some decisions that might frustrate you—annoying things like having a security system that makes you spend a couple of extra minutes on a Sunday morning to sign in your child. It’s because they want your children to be safe–they really don’t enjoy making you late for small group or worship! Or, asking that you keep your kids home if they’re sick (even if you did give him acetaminophen this morning and he’s not running a fever anymore)! It’s because they love the other kids in the ministry as well as yours!

Every decision, policy, and standard put in place for your kids ministry is there for a reason—because your kids minister loves your kids. So, before you rant, ask yourself if there is truly a problem that needs to be addressed or is it just an inconvenience for you? Is it just a whim that your kids minister dreamed up or is it best for the kids? Then, go back and tell your kids minister how much you appreciate that he loves your child!

Most of all, parents need to know that kids ministers are worth their weight in gold! They work long and hard hours, often with little pay. Good ones are getting harder and harder to find, so consider yourself blessed if you have one in your church. Take care of them and let them know you love them before someone comes and takes them away!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parent Helps

October 24, 2016

5 Things Kids Ministers Need to Know About Parents

By Klista Storts

#1 – They worry. A Lot. I asked a few of my friends to share with me what they worry about as parents. Here are a few of things I heard:

Shame! It’s such an enemy and I know I can’t protect them from the world forever.
Am I giving him enough opportunities? How hard should I push him?
The election!
Bullying.
That they will get hurt … physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually.
Straying away from God and church as an older teenager and adult.
FEAR that is crippling my child.
Children soaking up all the uncertainty of our world.
The fact that many of our preschoolers and children always get things their way.
I have two boys 18 and 20. I think encouragement is a must with males; they will have down times. Prayer for how they walk through life! We must prepare the child for the road and stop trying to prepare the road for the child!
I’m not enough.
Worrying about them leaving for college; every little thing that I can help them with now! Who’s going to be there for them? What am I going to do with all this emptiness once they leave; what if they miss me as much as I miss them … What if they don’t … Ugh.
Fear that we are not protecting them enough … vs. protecting them too much.
Having a teenager old enough to drive. Scary!
Who they choose as friends. So very important to run with a good crowd. Especially in high school!

How you can help: Equip parents with Scripture after Scripture after Scripture that will help reassure them of God’s control of this world, of His help in time of need, and of His love for their kids. Remind parents of Scriptures they can share with their kids to help prepare and deal with the world around them.

Pray with and for families in your ministry. Call parents and ask for specific ways you can pray for them and for their kids. The more you ask, the more they’ll be willing to share with you.

#2 – They’re not sure about leading their own children to Christ. Many of the parents of kids in your ministry feel ill equipped when it comes to leading their own children to Christ. They, themselves, may be new Christians who weren’t brought up with parents who modeled and led the way. Although they’d love to do it, they’re just not sure how. They may be thinking: “What if I mess this up? What if I don’t say it right? How will I know if he’s ready? I don’t have all those Scriptures memorized!”

How you can help: Give parents the greatest gift you can ever give—the tools and the confidence they need to be the ones to lead their kids to Christ. Hold a class outlining tips, giving Scriptures, and time to practice sharing their own salvation story. (Don’t be surprised if a parent in your class actually accepts Christ while trying to find out how to share with his child!)

#3 – They’re way past busy. I tried to think of a better word to describe this, but really, there just isn’t one. Today’s parents (and their families) are way past just being busy. It’s more like busy to the 9th degree. Between work, sports, practice, other extracurricular activities, homework, housework, PTA, errands, etc., etc., they have little time left for true “family time.

How you can help: Don’t over schedule families in your church. Make sure that the programs you offer have a purpose and are in line with the mission of your church. As you plan, keep in mind school schedules as well as schedules from other ministries in your church.

#4 – They’d be happy to help. Sometimes people don’t know you really need them until you tell them. (I know, how could they NOT know you need them, right?) Even though they’re busy, they’d still like to be part of the church “experience” with their kids.

How you can help them help you: Don’t make blanket announcements in church or in the bulletin. They don’t work. Ask parents personally … face-to-face if possible. Many times, parents feel as though they have nothing to offer to your ministry. Help them know specifically how they can help. It may be by leading a small group, making food, writing cards, helping in VBS—any number of things. Just let them know what!

#5 – They put you on a pedestal and believe you’re the expert. Parents believe that you are in the position you’re in because you know what you’re doing. That’s why they go to you for all kinds of advice. That’s why they expect so much of you.

How you can help: Don’t take this wrong, but I hope that scares you a little—maybe even a lot. Because you’re held to such a high standard, not only by parents, but more importantly, by The One Who called you, make sure that you’re taking care of your own spiritual needs. Take time to equip yourself with God’s Word; place hedges of protection around yourself and your family; humble yourself and be real; surround yourself with godly people who will hold you accountable.

Lastly, parents want you to know they appreciate and love you. You may not realize it, and they may not think to tell you as often as they should. But they do! Thank you for all you do for kids and God’s Kingdom!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Kids Ministry, Leadership

September 28, 2016

Tips for a Successful Event

By Klista Storts

I still remember the year I had a birthday party and no one came–well, one friend did–after I called her and told her we were going to the pool. Pitiful, huh? Obviously scarred me for life. Looking back, I’m hopeful it wasn’t because no one liked me, but perhaps because we didn’t invite anyone until the day of my birthday (or maybe the day before)!

Another time I remember having a huge event at church with LOTS of friends! Great, huh? Sort of. While we had lots and lots of people who attended, we also had lots and lots of people who left–before everything was cleaned up–and a very few, very dear friends who hung around out of sympathy to help me clean up!

All that to say, DON’T LET THIS TO HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

Below are 5 tips to help you steer clear of the debacles that happened to me.

Make sure you even need to have the event. Does it serve a purpose? Is it in line with your church’s ministry statement and your vision for your ministry? If not – don’t do it! If so, carry on …
Look at calendars—your calendar, the church’s calendar, school calendars, sports calendars, local community calendars—you’re never going to have a day that’s perfect for everyone, but try to schedule a good date for as many people as possible.
Invite people ahead of time! Advertise the event any and every time you can, and in as many different ways as you can. People need to hear or read about an event at least 7 times before they are truly connected.
Don’t do it by yourself. Enlist people – for jobs from start to finish. You’ll have some people who can’t attend, but who are willing to help set up before or clean up afterward.
Enjoy the party! You’ve got enough help that you don’t need to be everywhere at all times. Take time to talk with kids and their families—church members as well as guests! (Remember to follow up with those guests to invite them to future activities at your church.)

And one bonus tip: be sure to evaluate afterward so that it can be even better next time!

Now, let’s get this party started!

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

August 26, 2016

5 Things Kids Ministers Wish Volunteers Knew About Them

By Klista Storts

A few weeks ago, I shared 5 things that kids ministers need to know about their volunteers. In turn, kids ministers around the world are dying for volunteers to see their hearts and understand them better. Below are a few things that will help you know and love your kids minister more (and how you can pray for him or her).

They’re busy. On the surface, it may appear that 99.9% of a kids minister’s job is on Sunday morning. That just means that your kids minister has been working 40+ hours during the week to make it appear that way! They’ve been in staff meetings, searching for substitute teachers, following up with visitors, organizing events, making hospital visits, planning training, nurturing volunteers, coordinating weekday and weeknight classes, playing interference for teachers while calming parents’ concerns, managing child care and all that involves, purchasing supplies, agonizing over curriculum choices, and so on, and so on, and so on!

So, when you wonder why your kids minister missed one of your kid’s extra-curricular activities, your kids minister longs for you to remember that he, too, has family issues to deal with (even if he’s single), a home to care for, laundry and cleaning to do, bills to pay, and more!

They need adult interaction. Because her ministry is primarily to kids, your kids minister may have very little adult interaction outside of talking with parents or with volunteers. She needs friends she can talk with, vent to, and relax with who are not wanting to discuss church issues. She also needs a place and a time where she can grow in her walk with the Lord.

So, be sure to invite her along when you have a group just going out for some fun—but be sure not to talk “church” the whole time! And, remember to invite her to join your group in a Bible study during a time that doesn’t interfere with her ministry.

Life happens. He really does have the best intentions. He planned for everything he could possibly foresee. But life happens. He didn’t know that the pastor was going to “feel led” to have Sunday morning worship go that extra hour. He didn’t know his entire family was going to come down with the flu and that he’d need to be home with them. He knows it’s raining during VBS rec time, but the weather forecast said there was 0% chance of rain. He didn’t know his parents were going to surprise him and show up unexpectedly on the day of the big event.

So, yes, he’s paid to be there every time the doors open. And he’s paid to think ahead. But when you see that his plate is overflowing and he could use some help, give him a break, step in and ask how you can help. He’ll say no—but do it anyway!

She tried to find a substitute—she really did. She didn’t know that the person scheduled to relieve you on Sunday morning was going to get sick—or he forgot to let her know he was going to be out of town.

So you know how hard it is for you to find ONE substitute? Remember that there are some weeks she has to find 10! When you can, do everything in your power to find your own substitute. She will rise up and call you blessed!

He’s not sure he’s important. Sometimes he feels unappreciated. Often he puts in longer hours and is paid far less than other ministers on staff. Don’t misunderstand. He’s not in it for the notoriety or the money, but it can be tough during “Pastor Appreciation Month,” when no one remembers him.

So, let your kids minister know how much he means to you, your family, and your church. Just a simple “thank you” can go a long way! A written note or card can go even further!

God has called kids ministers to join Him in ministry. He will equip them to carry out His plan. But they need you! Let your kids minister know that you’re excited to be part of her team as together you carry out God’s plan for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the kids in your church.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Volunteers

July 22, 2016

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Volunteers

By Klista Storts

Volunteers are the lifeblood of kids ministry. Without these precious souls who teach and give week after week, kids ministry might survive, but not without a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth. That being said, sometimes kids ministers get frustrated with these well-meaning souls. They don’t come to training; they’re sometimes in the corner talking to each other instead of interacting with the kids; they’re late; they call in sick at the last minute; they go on vacation and forget to get a sub—you get the picture.

These frustrations have been mine in the past. But now, being on the “other side” since I’m no longer serving on church staff, my eyes have been opened to why so many of these issues happen. I want to share with you 5 things that might help you better understand your volunteers’ points of view – things that you know down deep, but maybe have forgotten.

They’re busy. Being at church at least 5 days a week is your job – but it’s not theirs. I sometimes forgot that. A volunteer has a lot to do: at least one full time job; family issues to deal with; kids’ extra-curricular activities to attend or at least taxi kids back and forth to; cook dinner; check homework; get laundry and cleaning done (or at least under control); get everyone and everything in the household ready for the next day – just to name a few. Sometimes, unless you’ve told your volunteers how important training is and have made it essential and relevant to what they do at church, they physically might not be able to add another thing to their schedules or not understand the importance.

Suggestion: instead of adding another meeting for your volunteers to attend, consider alternative training options – such as online training, videos, and short e-mails with training tips and important announcements.

They need adult interaction. When I was on church staff, I would sometimes lose a volunteer mainly because she missed her adult Sunday school class.

Suggestion: intentionally provide times of relationship building with your volunteers: plan for time during training meetings for relaxed conversation; do a book study together; create an evening “Sunday school class” for kids leaders; meet for coffee; plan a cook-out and the like.

Life happens. Your volunteers have the best intentions. They plan for Sunday morning and have everything ready on Saturday night. But then, Sunday morning happens – alarm clocks don’t go off; last-minute diaper changes which lead to last-minute clothing changes; bad traffic; little Suzy has decided that she hates the cereal that she has insisted on having every day of her life until today; little Suzy threw up; everyone is tired and cranky – things you deal with, but you’re paid to be there and don’t have a choice!

Suggestion: Have a couple of volunteers on standby that can step in to a classroom until your tardy volunteer can get there. Extra insurance: have an easy activity or two available to begin teaching when that first child arrives.

They did try to find a substitute – really they did. You above all people know how hard it is to find a substitute teacher. Sometimes they really did try everyone they knew and still couldn’t find anyone

Suggestion: Warning! Hard to hear, but unfortunately the buck really does stop with you. You get paid. They don’t. So ultimately you will sometimes have to find a substitute teacher. Try to create a list of people whom you can count on in a crunch. Another idea is to have an ally in every adult class that you can call on to either teach or who will commit to find a substitute for you.

They’re not sure they’re important. Volunteers may feel they’re just babysitting and that it’s not a big deal if they don’t show up. They need to know the sacrifices they make are worth it. They need to know they’re making a difference. Sometimes we forget to let them know.

Suggestion: Find ways to tell your volunteers know how much they mean to you: a hand-written note (not an e-mail – not a text); a phone call to say, “hi, I was just thanking God for you today and wanted you to know;” a shout-out in the church newsletter highlighting a teacher; or something as simple as dropping by the classroom on Sunday morning.

You’re the key. Your volunteers take their cues from you. Share your vision. Try to understand their world. Help your volunteers know the important roles they play in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the children in your ministry. Tell your volunteers that, indeed, they are part of God’s plan and you couldn’t do it without them.

Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting, Preschool, Preschoolers, Technology

June 6, 2016

Preschoolers and Media

By Klista Storts

No question at all, media and preschoolers don’t always mix. But, because there are some redeeming qualities, here are a few tips to make the most of using TV and other media with preschoolers.

Insist on guided viewing where the parent or teacher watches the program with the preschooler. Guided viewing encourages interaction as questions arise in the child’s mind while watching. As the parent or teacher watches with the preschooler, she may notice elements of a program that need to be pointed out or further explained.
Use TV as an educational tool. Instead of just entertainment, watch construction or “how it’s made” videos. Educational shows are–well–educational; while other shows that are more for entertainment can decrease the ability of a child to have self-directed play and increase his need to be entertained by others.
Use media to introduce different cultures to preschoolers. As a young child begins to see similarities and differences between him and other people, a teacher or parent can take the time to discuss how God created all people.
Take virtual field trips to the zoo, to other countries, to a farm, and more! Through TV and video, preschoolers can have exposure to experiences that might not otherwise be available to them.
Set time limits and have a plan for what to do when not watching. Often times, even as adults, we watch TV out of boredom and lack for anything else to do. Plan for outside games, creative play, cooking together, and other activities that your child can do alone, with friends, or with you!

Parents are tired. Teachers are tired. We live crazy, hectic lives. But don’t use that excuse for using media as a babysitter! In the blink of an eye, it will rob you and your kids of precious time–something you can never get back.

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and has served in preschool ministry in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

May 25, 2016

Balancing Church and Family

By Klista Storts

The term “Family Ministry” is a buzz phrase hailed across denominations as THE area where we need to focus our efforts. But, are our attempts to help families in our churches actually damaging parents’ abilities to productively participate in the spiritual lives and education of their children?

Pause for a moment and think about the family ministry of your church. Are you fostering parents’ dependence on you for the spiritual leadership in the lives of their kids? Or are you equipping parents to step up to the roles they’ve been mandated by God for the spiritual development of their kids?

Here are a few key questions to keep in mind as you develop goals for your ministry.

Scheduling and Programming

Have I chosen a good time for this activity?
Does this activity interfere with quality family time that should be spent at home?
How is the program or activity building up families?
How much time do families spend together while at church?
Are we offering classes that will equip parents to take a spiritual lead at home–such as leading a child to Christ?

Below are a few suggestions to help your ministry truly become a “Family Friendly” church.

Offer family-friendly worship times (at least periodically, if not every week).
Encourage “God talks” at home by supplying resources for healthy family spiritual growth, such as discussion questions, prayer guides, books, and videos.
Plan family fellowships such as movie nights, gym nights, and game nights–but not so many that they become reliant on you for entertainment.
Help families develop a missional mindset by organizing service projects so that families can serve others together.

What a gift you can give to parents when they not only get to participate in, but actually take the reins for what can be a life-changing direction for their kids!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Crafts, Encouraging, Kids Ministry

April 15, 2016

Mother’s Day Craft

By Klista Storts

Mother’s Day is just a few short weeks away and teachers everywhere are scrambling to find the perfect craft for their classroom kids to make. But, unfortunately, too many of these teachers will be spending hours upon hours doing all the prep work for these perfect “handmade” gifts themselves.

Moms everywhere would tell you: “STOP THE MADNESS!” We’d much prefer to have something truly made by our kids. Give us the simple hand-drawn pictures; messy, but painstakingly, painted masterpieces; or even just a page of questions that capture the thoughts of our kids about life with mom.

To help make your life easier, here are links for a couple of easy-to-do treasures your kids will be proud to give their moms. A great book about mom (or even grandma!) that kids can make.

And how cute (and easy!) are these “pinecone flowers?”

And for fun, we’ve included a quick and easy page for you to copy and record those precious, funny, and sometimes too revealing answers kids share! All About Mom

Thank you for all you’re doing to make some tired moms feel very special!

Klista Storts serves as an Editorial Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. She has served as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Christmas

December 23, 2015

Christmas Fails

By Klista Storts

‘Tis the Season! The Season for feeling totally inadequate when it comes to wonderful “Hallmark” traditions and keeping up with the latest “Pinterest-perfect” house decorations and beautiful food. Maybe not true for you – but SO true for me.

As my gift to you this year, I thought I might take a few lines here to share my Christmas fails with you so that you can say to yourself: “Well, at least that didn’t happen at MY house!”

Let’s see … where do I start? How about the first Christmas of my married life? My new husband and I had moved several states away from my parents. We were scheduled to fly home for Christmas and my beloved came down with what we thought was a stomach bug. Turned out to be appendicitis! Did I become worried about my husband’s health? NO! Instead, I was beyond upset that I was not going to get to go home for Christmas! FAIL.

Or, how about when I tried to be the Pioneer Woman and make a scrumptious french toast casserole, baked to mouth-watering perfection, with an appetizing smell wafting up the stairs to wake my sleeping children. I watched with excited (ok – maybe a little smug) anticipation as my boys took their first bites of this grand breakfast! To my dismay, I then saw them pushing food around on their plates, trying desperately to be polite. I took my first bite and immediately said, “Yuck. You don’t have to eat this! I’ve got cereal.” To which my son replied: “Praise God!” FAIL.

One last one … last year around Thanksgiving, we discovered a leak under our dishwasher. However, it wasn’t discovered until it had completely ruined the floor not only in the kitchen but into the family room as well. Furniture had to be moved out, kitchen cabinets emptied, sanded and repainted, wood and tile flooring had to be removed, subfloor dried … you get the picture. I was tired, my house was a mess, and I did not feel like hauling out Christmas decorations! And besides that, where would I put them anyway? FAIL.

But, “It came to pass…” You know what? Christmas came anyway.

That first year, I hung Christmas ornaments on our “Christmas Ivy” and my husband and I sat on the couch and watched movies together.

That casserole? At least we were still all together around that breakfast table and enjoyed a good laugh. As a bonus, we now have the fun memory of “The Great French Toast Casserole Catastrophe of 2010.”

And our floor? Maybe the best Christmas ever! Instead of cooking a big Christmas dinner, we loaded everyone up, had a great dinner at a local restaurant (no anxiety for me or my kids!), drove around to see the Christmas lights and then painted a 9-foot Christmas tree on the subfloor and decorated it with our own hand-painted ornaments! We added scripture verses all over the floors – both Christmas verses as well as other favorites! (Wouldn’t you like to see the looks on the faces of the new owners of that house if the floor ever has to come back up?) Memories we will never forget.

As Dr. Seuss so eloquently put it, “It came without ribbons!… it came without tags!… it came without packages, boxes, or bags!” Indeed, I “hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming, it came! Somehow or other… it came just the same.”

Don’t think for a second that the celebration of Christ’s birth depend on you. It doesn’t. Instead, take the focus off of you, off the decorations, off of keeping up with the neighbors’ lights…and remember the reason.

Klista Storts is on the VBS team at Lifeway Christian Resources. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Training

May 22, 2014

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

By Klista Storts

That old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is so true. Or is it? Not that anyone reading this post is “old,” but sometimes we can get stuck in a rut in kids ministry by doing things the way we’ve always done them. While “tried and true” is good, it’s not bad to add some freshness to your ministry.

Here are a few tips to help you and your team climb out of that rut and get excited again about what God has called you to!

Change up the meeting place for your leader training. Could be a coffee house, your house, just something different that will spark the interest of your leaders,
Invite another kids minister to come in and train your leaders. They might have a new spin on something. Or, they may even tell your leaders the same thing you’ve been trying to for years, but sometimes hearing it from someone else can make a difference. Go figure. You’re in good company, though, even Jesus wasn’t respected in His own town!
Attend a conference. Being around other kids leaders can give you that boost of energy that you need and you’ll pick up some new ideas from people who share your passion for reaching kids for Christ. Are you coming to Lifeway’s Kids Ministy Conference?
Visit other churches in and out of your area. Take a look at their space, ask questions, observe. See what other kids leaders are doing.
Kill a program. Do you have a program that’s been going on since Moses but it’s not growing? One of the biggest challenges in ministry is to kill a program or at least let it die with dignity. Do it. Maybe it’s time to try something new! Consider ZIP for Kids and Explore the Bible: Kids.
Join a network of kids leaders in your area – or online. You’ll find that you’re not alone in some of your struggles and you’ll get some great ideas! If you can’t find one to join, start one!

What about you? Have you changed things up lately? Have you tried anything new? Share with us and help a sister or brother out!

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up (Galations 6:9).

Klista Storts is a Kids Ministry Specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources. Before coming to Lifeway, she served as the Weekday and Preschool Specialist at the Tennessee Baptist Convention and as Director of Preschool Ministries at churches in Oklahoma and Tennessee. Klista has a passion for equipping leaders to share the love of Christ and lay foundations for conversion in the lives of kids.

5 Things Parents Need to Know about Kids Ministers

5 Things Kids Ministers Need to Know About Parents

Tips for a Successful Event

5 Things Kids Ministers Wish Volunteers Knew About Them

5 Things You Need to Know About Your Volunteers

Preschoolers and Media

Balancing Church and Family

Mother’s Day Craft

Christmas Fails

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

All Ministry Sites

Digital Resources

Lifeway Network