Kids Ministry

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

Sunday School

Try This, Not That

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klistaWe’ve all done things in our ministry when we’d like to have a “do-over!” Here’s one of mine that you can learn from! This is my version of Try This, Not That!

As the newly called preschool minister for a church, I came in SO excited because VBS was due to start that very next week! Along with the excitement though, came some trepidation because I noticed that nothing, and I mean nothing, had been decorated yet! So, I left my husband and two young boys home on Saturday, and ran up to the church to get things done by myself.  (And, I might add, wondering what I was thinking when I agreed to come to this church!) I spent the entire afternoon taping blue butcher paper up and down the halls creating an underwater world.  I added fish, shells, waves and whatever I could think of to get those hallways ready!

The next morning, one of the preschool coordinators came in quite surprised! She didn’t show nearly as much appreciation for all my hard work as I thought she should have. Nor did the building supervisor who was quite upset with me for putting tape (and it was a lot) all over the walls.  What I didn’t know and hadn’t taken the time to find out, was that the coordinators had a plan in place for the TEAM to come in that afternoon to decorate! This was something they had done on the Sunday afternoon prior to VBS for years and I had just stomped all over that plan.

try-this-not-that

I discovered at least two things that day:

  1. If you’re new and there is a team in place, be sure to check with them before diving in to something.  They know what’s gone right and wrong in the past and can steer you away from hitting some of those rocks below as you dive! You’ll show respect for them and gain their trust as well.
  2. Always, ALWAYS check with the building supervisor before hanging anything on the walls.  I found that if I went to Mr. Ken and asked his advice on how best to hang something, he’d usually tell me, “I don’t want you to hang anything on the walls, but if you’re going to, here’s the best way!” We ended up having a fantastic relationship.  It always got just a little tense around Fall Festival, VBS and Christmas, but as long as I showed him that I valued what he did, we made it through the event!

So, let me encourage you to employ the gifts of those that God has placed around you and don’t try to do it alone.  Show respect and gratitude for experience and don’t be afraid to ask advice.  Not only will your job be easier, but you’ll allow them to be a blessing in God’s kingdom as well.

 

 

 

Leadership, Sunday School, Training

5 Things to Think About When Someone Walks in Your Door

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klistaAfter serving in full-time ministry at two churches and as an interim at a couple others, I had the opportunity to search for a church home with my family as we moved to a new job in a new city. Wow! What an eye-opener.

It’s been a struggle for us in so many ways. I’ve discovered how it feels to walk into a church and not know where anything is, what time anything starts, or what those clever titles of classes really mean. I’ve discovered how it feels to be lonely in the middle of a crowd. And while I know in my heart that no church ever intends for this to happen, it does. Weekly.

Let me share with you five things that your church needs to think about when someone walks in the door.

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  1. Greeters to meet them! In fact, outside in the parking lot BEFORE they even walk in the door! And I’m talking greeters who are called to greet! Enthusiastic, people persons who’ve been taught the when and where about every class and service in your church!
  2. Do you have great signs? Can someone who is new find where they need to go?  Take a walk around your church.  When you hit a hallway where you have to make a decision which way to turn — that’s where you need a sign!  (But really, great greeters trump signs!)
  3. Are they alone? If so, pair them up with a member or family that will help them feel welcomed throughout the morning, go to worship with them, attend a small group, and maybe even invite them to lunch!
  4. Is the church, and especially the kids ministry area clean and inviting? If not…make it so! First impressions make a difference.  And they’re right – you only get once to make a first impression.  Also, is your kids area safe?  Be sure to have a system in place and let your guests know that safety is a priority.
  5. Do you have a plan for follow up that afternoon or at least in a couple of days? Make sure someone from each age group represented in the family follows up. Make your guests feel important.

It’s not a lot, but if you’ll start with just a few things, you’ll be well on your way to making someone feel welcomed and loved at your church. And they may even come back!

Does your church do a good job of welcoming guests? Share your thoughts!

Encouragement, Leadership, Networking, Special Needs, Sunday School, Training, Vacation Bible School

You’re Never Finished!

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klistaEnlistment can be a four letter word – H.A.R.D. It’s kind of like that bunny that just keeps going and going and going and going. It’s one of those projects that never gets finished. In fact, truth be known, it’s probably the top reason that kid ministers leave the ministry.

Sadly, I remember a time when I couldn’t even share the joy of one of my teachers who excitedly told me she was expecting. All I could think was that in about nine months, I was going need to find a new teacher! Now, that’s bad.

So what do you do? Here are a few suggestions that might help.

• Ask someone in person.Klista
• Ask someone face-to-face.
• Ask someone eye-to-eye.
• Ask someone toe-to-toe.
• Ask…

Hmmm. See a pattern? While there are tons of different ways to bring the need to light through bulletin inserts, pleas from the pulpit, bulletin boards, flyers in the bathroom, etc., that’s just advertising.  (Shout out to Kim Harris for that statement!) THE number one way to get the teachers you need is to ask personally. Otherwise, people assume that they’re not capable, not called, or not needed. They’re waiting for you to ask! Invite them to join your exciting team of leaders that get to impact a child’s life forever! Let them know that you don’t accept just anybody.  You’re asking them for a reason! You know they love kids; they’d be a great example; they’re energetic; they’re ___________! (You fill in the blank!) Be picky and make sure they know it. Make them feel blessed just knowing you believe they’re worthy to teach!

And, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Put together a team and break the task into smaller chunks. The whole pyramid idea works in this case. You ask two people, then they ask two people and so on and so on and so on. A great part of sharing the blessing of enlistment is that you have a larger pool of people to ask!

Remember to think outside the box:

  • Senior adults (missing their grandchildren!)
  • Empty nesters
  • College students
  • Men
  • VBS leaders
  • And, outside your circle of friends!

So, pray about it. Ask God specifically for the people you need. Go and find those people — take them to coffee, maybe even lunch! Then…ASK!

Events, Resources, Uncategorized

Baby Dedication Resources

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klistaThis Sunday is Mother’s Day.  I know – not a newsflash. But I want to talk about another big event that often takes place on this important day — Baby Dedication.  Or, as I really like to call it – Parent-Child Dedication.

I prefer that title because this service can be so much more than an opportunity to announce the birth of a child! I worry sometimes that parents participate in a dedication service because they get caught up in the excitement of showing off their new little one. What my hope for that young family is that this will be a celebration of life but also a time of solemn commitment where the parents pledge to be and do all they can to raise that child and help her to be all God wants her to be.

This day can also be a great reminder to your church congregation of their responsibility of surrounding that new family. A time, where we as church members realize that we’re to come alongside and mentor, support, and advise when we can and assist in teaching and guiding their children.

There are so many great ways to celebrate this commitment.  I’ve seen:

  • Services where all families with babies born during the past year were committed on one day;
  • Services where each child is celebrated and dedicated on his own unique Sunday;
  • Services on Saturday night;
  • Parent Brunches;
  • Older siblings dedicated, who for various reasons had not participated in a service before;
  • and so much more!

Here are four resources from pastors who have unique ways that their churches have performed this service.

If you have a special way you celebrate this service in your ministry, please share a comment with us! Although it may be too late for this year’s Mother’s Day, you might give someone a great idea for a future date!

Blessings, friends!

https://www.lifeway.com/Article/pastors-baby-dedication-resources

Training, Uncategorized

Grief in Times of Crisis

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Today, we welcome guest blogger Linda Ranson Jacobs, DC4K Creator and Ambassador, who shares great wisdom on helping kids and families in crisis.

To a child aLinda Ranson Jacobs crisis is a crisis is a crisis. It makes no difference the cause of the crisis or what the crisis is. To a child it becomes a world turned upside down where everything feels unsafe, out of control and confusing. What does make a difference is the reaction, interaction, care and attention of the adults surrounding the child.

When the trauma is very large, like natural disaster, a school shooting or other events that get national attention on TV expect the impact to be widespread and long lasting. When the trauma is individual like a death of someone close or a divorce, the impact is still devastating to the individuals involved and many times it is longer lasting.

We have heard for years that children are resilient, “Oh your kids will get over it. Children are resilient.” What we now know through research is that children are resilient when they have a support system surrounding them. When that support system can’t be the family or extended family, the church family needs to be available. This is true for the death of a loved one, for the divorcing family and for exposure to tragic events in the community or nationally.

Children’s emotional reaction to a crisis depends on their developmental level and on their experience with the people involved. Here are a few universal reactions:

  • Increased demands for attention
  • Isolation
  • Scared fearful/anxious
  • Overactive/silliness
  • Clingy, overly dependent on the adults around them
  • Attempt to order world
  • Crying, withdrawal
  • Regression (Baby talk, toileting, need to sleep with toys or blankets given up long ago)
  • Quietness or lack of emotion
  • Complaint of pain (They may hurt physically with stomach aches; headaches, etc.)
  • Difficulty in concentration/focus

For grieving children, they will take breaks from the grieving process. That’s why you see little children running and playing at the gravesite after a funeral. Children are children and they have a need to play and make things feel normal.

Here are some tips to give parents when there is a community tragedy in their area.

  • Do not talk to other adults about the tragedy in front of your children. Children don’t understand speculation.
  • Try to keep yourself calm. Kids WILL pick up on your anxieties. Children need to know and feel they are safe.
  • Parents please do not hug your child fiercely every time you see them. They may not fully comprehend all that has happened;  however, they will pick up on your fretfulness.
  • At a calm moment sit down with your children and ask them what they know about the event. Ask them what they want to know. Explain things in as calm a voice as you can.
  • Don’t lie to your children. When they ask you why this happened, tell them you don’t know. If they ask why God would allow this to happen, tell them God did not want this to happen and He wants them to be safe. Sometimes bad people do bad things.
  • Ask your children to pray with you for the families who were hurt or died (depending on the age of your child). Continue to pray for people involved in the event for the next few days and weeks.
  • Pull your children up on your lap and tell your children they are safe. You can only guarantee your child’s safety in the moment and for now that is what they need.
  • Allow children to play through various situations. Even 9, 10 and 11 year old kids will pull out the army men and other characters and play through their stress and fears. Stay on the sidelines, listen and observe. Just let them play through without interruptions. Bath time is another time kids will play through frustrations.
  • Lastly turn off the TV. I can’t say this loud enough TURN OFF THE TV. Younger children can’t tell the difference in reality and non-reality.

Most of all children in crisis need the adults around them to empathize with them. Children need your empathy not your pity. They need compassion and understanding.

Dr. Bruce Perry in the book “Born to Love” says,

Empathy has been eroding due to the rapid changes in our society that have become measurable over the last five years.

All in all, we have fewer daily opportunities to connect face-to face in shorter amounts of time with smaller numbers of people.

Jesus brought empathy into our world.  He understood pain and heartache and He felt what the people felt.

In church environments simply being a listening ear can be very helpful. Children in crisis need to tell their stories. It might be through art, journaling, music, a game or simply just talking one on one.

When you reach out to families in crisis, you may be the only Jesus’ hands these children feel. You may be the only one that brings God’s word to them. You may be the comforter to them and show them the comfort of the Father.

 “If one of you says to him, ‘Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” James 2:16 (NIV)

 

 

 

Encouragement, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School

Preparing for the Big Day!

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Klista Storts photoWe’re getting ready for a wedding at my house! We are knee deep in preparations and the tide is rolling in fast! We’ve purchased fabric, candles, votives, bottles, tablecloths, paint, secured a photographer, talked with a caterer, and the list goes on! My evenings are filled with creating decorations, cutting circles and burning the edges (and my fingers)  to make flowers, going to Goodwill in search of treasures that can be re-purposed with a little paint, crafting wedding invitations, looking for a “mom of the groom” dress, and that list could go on and on as well! My front room looks like a wedding blew up and the remnants have spilled over into my dining area!

Someone from the outside may say, “you guys are crazy!”  But I’m not complaining! I LOVE it! I’m excited to be able to do these things for my son and future daughter-in-love. I’m so happy to share these special moments with them and to help out in any way I can (and that they’ll let me)! This is a special time for them and will ultimately lead to a day that will change their lives forever. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

This got me thinking about all the preparation that teachers put in week after week as they get ready for Sunday School, VBS and other events in kids ministry – studying the Bible passage, cutting out kit items, mailing post cards to visitors and absentees, making that late-night WalMart run.  Does it take some time to do it well? Sure! Is it worth it? Every second! The impact a leader can make on the kids she teaches  every week can lead to a decision that will change a child’s life forever!

Galatians 6:9 (HCSB) tells us:  “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” Do you know you’re doing a good work? Are you excited about all the preparations you’re making for that child’s “big day?” Let these words encourage you to continue on this journey that God has invited you to be a part of. Your efforts are worth it!  And, while you may never know on this earth the impact you’ve made, you’ll see great results when you get to Heaven!

Blessings my friends!

 

Events, Resources, Sunday School

Don’t Overlook Palm Sunday!

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Klista Storts photoThis Sunday is the first Sunday in March!  Unbelievable! The promise of Spring. The newness of the world. The newness of LIFE!  Just four weeks until Easter, one of my very favorite holidays of the year!

As you start preparations for that Big Sunday coming up, I want to remind you how special the Sunday before Easter can be in the lives of your church families – Palm Sunday.  I’m afraid that sometimes we get all excited about Easte0r Sunday because of what WE get to do…new clothes, eggs, candy, etc., instead of what He did that day. So, one thing I love about Palm Sunday, is that we truly focus on praising Jesus Christ.  Now, I’ll be honest, I don’t remember as a child ever having celebrated Palm Sunday at my church or in my home!  I know!  Right??? And therefore, as I started my own family, I didn’t know anything about passing down traditions that accompany this special day.  So…today, I’m stopping that cycle!

I’ve been looking at one of my favorite sites (Pinterest!) to get some ideas of what can be done to celebrate Palm Sunday.  There are some great ideas on there, and I’ve shared a few on the Lifeway Kids Easter board on Pinterest.

Here are a couple of the ideas I pinned to our board. Tracing hands to make a “palm” leaf or guiding a child to make a road on construction paper and then adding strips of fabric as “the cloaks” that were put down in front of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem.

There are tons of others out there! I  hope you’ll take some time to gather ideas to use in your Sunday School class or maybe even in your home. If you’ve got some great ways your church celebrates Palm Sunday, please share!

Events, Fun

Spring Break and Kids Ministry

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Today’s post is from guest blogger, Alan Wilson.  Alan, a former Children’s Minister and Childhood Specialist with Lifeway, is now an Administrator at Longview Heights Baptist Church, in Olive Branch, MS. However, he still has a passion for sharing the Good News with kids, and always will!

Spring Breaks will be breaking out soon. Many times the kids are out of school with “nothing” to do. A children’s minister can take that “nothing” and make it into something. The kids will enjoy it – and the mammas will L-O-V-E you for giving the kids something to do! Here are some ideas for ministry during spring break.

  • Have a week-long mission trip without leaving your town (and, best of all, without having to provide sleeping arrangements). Pick out ministry opportunities your kids can do in your community – raking leaves for the elderly, working at a food pantry, passing out hot chocolate or water bottles at a mall, cleaning up the church, preparing Easter invitations for church services and passing them out, playing board games with senior adults at a nursing home. The ideas are endless. Pick out a ministry for each day to spend 2-3 hours performing.
  • Have a Colossal Spring Break VBS. Who says VBS is just for the summer?
  • Have a play day at your church or park. If you really want to impress the kids, see how high you can get on the swing!
  • Rent a skating rink or some other venue to have a play/fellowship time. The parents would also appreciate the “adult interaction.”
  • Have a week-long “music camp.” Work on a children’s musical or have local artists come in to teach kids about their instruments. Of course, a celebration night would be very important for the kids to show off their talents!
  • Have a “community day” where you invite fire, police, and other community helpers to your church. Allow the kids time to check out all the cool vehicles and find out more about what these great heroes do.
  • 122185383Have a bike day. Cordoned off church parking lot. Kids with their bikes. Minimum investment for a huge return! Don’t forget your 10 speed from the 80’s!
  • Fun Day! Karaoke, crafts, outdoor games, board games, video games, bounces, fun, fun, fun! Plan a day just to play with your kids. It’s always interesting how something so boring at home becomes fun at church with your buddies.
  • Visitation Day – Visit kids in the hospital or kids that haven’t been to church in a while. Great time for your kids to learn more about caring for others.
  • Plan a fun day for an orphanage or a children’s home near you. These homes are often looking for churches to interact with their kids. Not only will your kids have fun, they will minister to other children their age and possibly create new friendships. Most of all, you will be helping your kids fulfill Scripture by not forgetting the orphaned.

As you can see, there are a ton of ideas for Spring Break – these are just a few. Take time to pray over your Spring Break and start making plans for what God wants to do through you and your children’s ministry. Most of these will not cost you or your families any money, just time and organization. Let’s make this Spring Break different for God’s Kingdom.

Encouragement, Uncategorized

Pass the salt and turn on the light!

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Klista Storts photoJesus used illustrations such as being salt and light in the world to remind us that we’re not to become Christians and just keep it to ourselves. A small amount of salt can make a big difference to your favorite dish. But, if that salt sits on a shelf or gets diluted by water, it loses its ability to make a difference to your meal.  He said it’s like turning on a light and hiding it under a basket! Sure, the light’s still shining, but unless you’re under that basket with it, it’s not doing anyone any good! Jesus said we’re like that salt and light, and by sharing the good news about Him and His salvation, we can make a difference in someone’s life.  But, if we keep it to ourselves, then we’re of no help to our friends or to building God’s kingdom.

120660021He also gave us instructions on our relationships with those around us. Jesus reminded us that it’s easy to love people who love us. But the way to show the world our love for Christ is to love our enemies. Wait! Did you read that right? Love our enemies? Yes, that’s right. Jesus said that we should love and pray for people who treat us wrongly. That can be hard to do but if you pray for those people, God will help you love them, just as He loves you.

Confession time.  It’s Monday. It’s morning.  Not my favorite day and not my favorite time! But right now, I’m challenging myself today to be salt and light to the world. I’m going intentionally look for ways to show acts of kindness to those around me. Want to join me?

Sunday School

Quick and Easy Christmas Ideas!

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We’ve all been there.  No matter how early you recruited, no matter how how many reminders you’ve sent, and no matter if you even called the night before, someone is always out at the last minute on the Sunday of Christmas week. So, we wanted to offer some help for that fantastic volunteer (usually your spouse or a close friend!) who agrees to serve at a moment’s notice at Christmas.

As the children’s ministry leader, much of the last-minute volunteer’s success relies on you.  Let me encourage you to have a plastic tub prepared for emergencies such as this.  In the tub, you’ll want to include a Bible with Luke 2:1-20 marked. You may want to include a page with a preschool version written out for the less experienced leaders. In addition, choose a very simple craft and have all the supplies readily available in the tub.  Here are a few ideas that you can pass on to your volunteers:

  • Read Luke 2:1-20. Let kids act out the Bible story while you narrate or an older child reads the story.
  • Gift wrap the individual pieces of the nativity. As each piece is unwrapped, tell where that piece fits in to the story.
  • Have a Christmas music CD handy.  (For preschoolers and young kids, add instruments.)
  • Make a Christmas card for a friend.  Keep it simple – construction paper, markers, stickers, and the like.  For preschoolers, help the teacher out by having the Bible verse already printed out on labels to be used in the card.
  • Provide small boxes, wrapping paper, tape and ribbons. Allow preschoolers to wrap and unwrap “gifts.”
  • Provide a coloring sheet that depicts the Christmas story.  Encourage the teacher to sit with the kids as they color and talk about the picture.
  • For older kids, provide games such as word search puzzles with words and names from the Christmas story.

Some last-minute helpers may not know the importance of “keeping it real” during the Christmas season. Give them tips on how to steer conversations away from the secular points of Christmas back to the celebration of Christ’s birth.

One last tip! Have something special to give those special volunteers (both last-minute and Sunday morning regulars) who help out that morning! That way, maybe they’ll come back next year!

 

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