Lifeway

Kids Ministry

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

Discipleship, Parent Helps, Parenting

The Role of Parents as the Primary Discipler of Their Children

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We’ve all heard the command of God through Moses to parents. These familiar words found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 encourage parents to be about the business of teaching the things of God to their children. This passage was one that was recited each day by faithful Hebrews. Today this passage is often used to encourage parents to be the champion for their children’s spiritual growth. The part that seems to be missing is the why. Why was it important for parents to teach their children the things of the Lord and recall the great and mighty deeds that God had done? A clue can be found in the Book of Psalms. 

Psalm 78 is a song of Asaph. The psalms of Asaph were written by either Asaph a temple leader under David’s reign, or any number of temple leaders given a similar designation. This Psalm reviews the history of Israel’s walk with God and sheds light on the importance of parents being responsible for teaching their children about the things of God. 

In the first eight verses of this Psalm, the writer illuminates the why behind the command. In one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture, Psalm 78:6 tells us that we are teaching our children, so not just our children, but a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. God’s command to parents to be the spiritual teachers of their children is not just to benefit the current generation, but to influence a generation that is yet to be born. By discipling our children, we also pass on the teachings of God’s wonderful works to the generation beyond. 

God’s Word is full of the mighty deeds that God has done. We as parents can pass on that knowledge, not just to our children, but to our children’s children and beyond. 

Kids Ministry, Preteen

5 Lessons I’ve Learned Teaching Preteens Through the Years

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I’ve been involved in kids ministry for way more years than I can remember. I do remember the first opportunity I had as a church member to get involved with teaching though. My church had need for someone to assist in a preteen ministry. I filled that role and quickly knew that this could be my sweet spot in ministry. Ministry to preteens is always challenging but also one of the most rewarding for me. Here are a few things I’ve learned about preteens over the years. 

  1. Preteens are not miniature adults. The preteen years are a push and pull of trying to find a voice in the world and still hold on to childhood. The brain of a preteen has not matured enough to process the realities of a grown up world. As leaders in preteen ministry we should be cautious when trying to push their square pegs of childhood into the round hole of adulthood. 
  1. Preteens are changing. Most kids in the preteen age group begin the process known as puberty. During this time their bodies are changing dramatically and some of them are scared of what is happening. The chemicals that drive the physiological change toward adulthood also affect things like brain function, mental acuity and drive. It is entirely possible that during this time of change you will minister to two “different” kids in the same body during the same hour. Smile, it’s okay. 
  1. Preteens are emotional. Points 1 and 2 lead us to the conclusion that preteens are emotional. Wrapped up in the physiological changes and the desire to find their place in the world, preteens can be crushed under the emotional stress of these factors. Those emotions can manifest themselves in many ways. It’s okay for preteens to appropriately express their emotions in our safe environment. If you need to have a chat one on one with a preteen to help decompress some of those emotions, do so with love and respect. 
  1. Preteens are compassionate. One of the more unique things I’ve discovered about preteens is that they really are compassionate, even if they don’t want to show it. Preteens are able to communicate on levels differently from younger kids. Conversations with preteens can get deeper and more personal and during those times we discover the true compassionate nature of their hearts. 
  1. Preteens are honest. I cannot count the number of times I’ve been questioned by a preteen on any variety of subjects. During puberty, their brains begin to process information in a very different way and they are constantly evaluating what is happening around them. If something doesn’t line up with the paradigm of their perceived truth, they don’t mind speaking up. Are they always right? No. But it does give opportunity to talk about what is true and right. 

Ministry to preteens is valuable and rewarding and can be one of the richest experiences in leading kids. Understanding that preteens are experiencing life in fresh and new ways for them, will guide you as you help them navigate this awkward but important journey.  

Bible Skills, Kids Ministry Curriculum

Biblical Genres and Their Place in Scripture

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In a previous post we looked at the six genres Explore the Bible Kids identifies in Scripture. As we begin to walk kids systematically through God’s Word our intent is to help kids identify these six distinct genres and ways that type of writing can help boys and girls better understand God’s Word. Here is what kids can learn as they study each of the individual genres of the Bible.

Studies in Books of Law will help kids to see the commands God passed down to His people to help them grow in their relationship with God and with people. The first five books of the Bible highlight God’s people’s struggle to be obedient to His commands and will help kids to see how God honored the people when they were obedient. Obedience to God’s laws will help people grow closer to God.

Studies in Books of History will take kids on a discovery of both the Old and New Testaments. These books of History help identify how God’s people implemented the laws and commands God gave them. Giving further evidence of God’s peoples struggle to be obedient, the books of History identify consequences and reveal again the blessing that comes through obedience.

Studies in Books of Poetry and Wisdom introduce boys and girls to the quiet poetic nature of these writings that show God for who He is—creator, solid rock, strong deliverer, and Savior. Some of these books were written over centuries and by many authors helping kids to see the importance Israel placed on God’s Word through history, and helping identify ways Scripture can be a light for their path.

Studies in Books of Prophecy reveal how God used people in both Old Testament and New Testament times to reveal God’s plan for the future. Old Testament prophecy looked forward to the day when Christ would come and be the sacrifice the people needed to solidify their relationship with God almighty. New Testament prophecy looks forward to the return of Christ and the glorious culmination of God’s plan for people to live with Him forever.

Studies in the Books of Gospels show Jesus Christ to be the promised Savior for people. As God promised through the Old Testament prophets, Jesus was born, lived a perfect sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, and rose again to show victory over sin. Boys and girls will learn through these studies what a relationship with God looks like and how they can be a part of the kingdom of God.

Studies in the Books of Letters identify the way early churches passed the Word from one place to another. These books expound on God’s commands as they applied to New Testament believers. Kids will learn through these studies how God wants them to live today to bring honor and glory to His name.

God inspired men to write the words of Scripture so His commands and desires for people’s lives would be revealed. Through various forms of literature God’s Word can be studied in various ways, each leading to a fulfilled relationship with Him when His commands are followed.

Learn more about Explore the Bible: Kids

Bible Skills, Kids Ministry Curriculum

Why Should Kids Study Biblical Genres?

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Genre is defined as a grouping of, in the case of the Bible, literature, which is similar in form, style, or subject matter. The Bible is not a single book, but a collection of sixty-six books bound together. Together these smaller books make up the whole of God’s written revelation of Himself to man. The Bible is a literary work, organized by genre, to help guide our understanding of God’s revelation as we read the stories contained in it. Understanding biblical genre and giving kids opportunity to experience each type will help boys and girls on their journey of interacting with God through His Word.

Each genre of Scripture is unique, and helping kids discover why the books of the Bible are grouped the way they are will lead kids to a better understanding of why that particular book is even in the Bible. Biblical genres help to inform the interpretation of certain passages of Scripture. Genre studies will also guide an understanding of the context of individual passages studied. Together, these helps will make Bible study for kids alive!

Explore the Bible Kids identifies six genres as we guide kids to dig deep into God’s Word. These six genres are Law, History, Poetry & Wisdom, Prophecy, Gospels, and Letters. Books of Law reveal God’s rules for faithful life. History books record the history of God’s chosen nation, Israel, and how their walk with Him can inform our daily walk with Him as well. Poetry & Wisdom books reveal how people can communicate with God and helpful tools for living God-honoring lives. Prophecy books reveal God’s plan for the future. Old Testament prophecy books reveal Israel’s future, and New Testament prophecy looks forward to Christ’s return. The Gospels share God’s redemption though the person of Jesus Christ. These books center on Jesus’ life and the sacrifice He made to provide salvation to all who come to Him. Finally, Letters written to churches and individuals illuminate further how Christians can live daily to follow God.

Each genre will be expanded on in coming posts. Take some time and discover why each type of literature is important for kids and how teaching through genre will help kids better understand each book they study.

Bible Skills, Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Kids Ministry Curriculum

Explore the Bible: Kids Through Fresh Eyes

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While Explore the Bible: Kids is a great tool for kids and teachers alike, sometimes it’s time for a bit of a change. With our unwavering emphasis on Bible skills and the familiar book by book approach to teaching the Bible, kids are still encouraged to dig deep into God’s Word. You might be wondering what Explore the Bible: Kids in Fall 2020 will look like. Here are a few of the updates coming that might pique your interest: 

  • Added emphasis on missions: Each week will include a mission activity as part of the session. Preschoolers and kids will have an opportunity to learn, through activity or video, about a missionary family and how that family is involved teaching people about Jesus. 
  • Color, color, color: You are used to the bright, eye catching color palate that Explore the Bible: Kids is known for, but our kids Explorer Guides will be getting a refresh of color while adding an abundance of white space, making it easier for kids to interact with the pages of these valuable resources. 
  • Reaffirmed emphasis on biblical literacy: To engage kids with Scripture memory, Explore the Bible: Kids will have a monthly memory verse that will relate to the content being studied that month to give kids a better way to treasure God’s Word in their lives. For kids who memorize quickly, weekly verse options are still given to make your Scripture memory time the best for all learners.
  • Enhanced study plan: The new study plan for Explore the Bible: Kids (soon to be released) will offer preschoolers and kids an opportunity to study all 66 books of the Bible multiple times from preschool through their elementary ages. 

Though much of what you love about Explore the Bible: Kids will remain the same we hope that these updates will enhance your teaching of Explore the Bible: Kids and give the kids you teach a deep desire to know God’s Word. Thanks for praying for our team as we seek to provide resources that meet the needs of your unique ministries.

Click here to view a free preview of Explore the Bible: Kids.

Small Groups

4 Things Summer Taught Me About Classroom Management

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Summer programming at your church may look totally different from your traditional Bible study or kids church setting. Typical VBS programs and other summer events are quick and come with their own unique challenges. This summer was one of my busiest. Having just joined a new church I got to volunteer in VBS and get introduced to many of the kids in the kids ministry but also many whom I did not know. This opportunity gave me an excellent way to practice my classroom management skills and see if they were truly valid. Ongoing Bible study classes had not been a problem, but what about a one week small group?

Here are a few techniques that worked for me that week and may work for you too. 

  1. Be prepared. One of the first things you need to do in any teaching environment is to be prepared. Classroom management starts before you ever meet together. Take time on the front end to make sure the classroom is set up for optimal learning and decide on the structure of your class time together. Providing structure with clear expectations will go a long way to creating an environment where managing your classroom will be much smoother. 
  2. Be consistent. The quickest way to lose control of any classroom situation is to be too flexible when it comes to the rules of the classroom. To maintain order, be consistent in enforcing the rules no matter what. If a child who usually is a great rule follower crosses the line and breaks the rules, being consistent with consequences shows everyone that the rules truly do apply to everyone. 
  3. Use non-verbal cues. When a child is being disruptive, using non-verbal communication like eye contact or a gentle touch on the shoulder to redirect attention will go a long way. If you have a group of kids sitting in the corner engaging in their own dialogue, simply walking in their direction and making eye contact will likely stop that undesirable behavior. Once you have their attention, engage them by using a name in conversation.
  4. Praise positive behavior. Instead of focusing attention on the negative behavior, draw attention to the positive that is happening. I admit, I’ve never been good at doing this, but I made a conscious effort to focus on positives and it really did make a difference in the behaviors of the kids in my group. Most kids are looking for praise and when kids were not being rewarded by being mentioned for their negative behaviors, most of it stopped. 

These are just a few techniques you can try. Many other management techniques exist but these are four that worked great for me and I hope they will work great for you too.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry

Helping Kids who Deal with Anxiety Issues

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Anxiety!! Sometimes even the word brings a flutter to our hearts. For anyone who has experienced an anxious child, you know that this is something that has become more pervasive in the past few years. Kids today have a lot more external stressors that bring anxiety. Social media influences and an increase in peer pressure are all piling up on kids. Anxiety can take many forms, and, all of us deal with anxiety in some form almost every day. How we handle our anxiety, and how we guide kids to handle their anxiety, may sometimes be different. As adults, we have coping mechanisms that are better developed, however, these same mechanisms may not be as developed in kids. Here are a few things to think about as you help kids deal with this issue.

  1. Acknowledge that the anxiety is real. Many times kids seem to be anxious over things that we as adults view as “non-essential” or “no big deal.” If you are going to help a kid deal with his anxiety, you must acknowledge that he is genuinely anxious about something that is real to him.
  2. Don’t avoid activities that might cause anxiety. Kids can learn that things that may make them anxious, most often, won’t actually harm them. By avoiding situations that may cause anxiety, you may inadvertently create a situation where a child will never learn to deal with her anxiety.
  3. Communicate. When talking about anxiety, really listen, and really talk. Make sure you ask questions that will help the child think through what is causing the anxiety and suggest possible solutions respecting the child’s feelings. Ask open-ended questions that aren’t leading. Share experiences you may have had with the same kind of stressor and how you handled the experience.
  4. Model appropriate responses. One of the best ways to help a child deal with anxiety is to model for them appropriate responses to stressors. By modeling calm responses, kids can copy your behavior when they discover their anxiousness might not really be a threat to their safety.
  5. Pray with the child. Pray for God’s peace in the situation. Prayer is important and by letting kids hear you pray for them by name, sometimes the anxious feelings they have will lessen.

I recently chatted with a child whom I know struggles with anxiety and asked what advice she could offer to kids struggling with anxiety. The answer I received was, “Trust that God is in control. When I start thinking about things that cause me stress, I try to pray and ask God to help me know that most of what I stress about never even happens.” Taking this advice, let kids know that God is in control and kids (and adults) can always turn to Him when struggling with anxious feelings.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Small Groups

What to do when your Small Group is a SMALL Group

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I have had a great opportunity to work in a variety of churches. Some churches were small, some churches were large, but no matter the size of the church, I love small group teaching. I love the cozy environment of a small group. I love the almost individualized training that can happen when sometimes you are one-on-one. What happens though when only one or two kids show up? What are you to do when your small group is a SMALL group? Here are a few ways to adapt when making your plans.

  1. If you use a prepared curriculum, think about the possibility of a small group when you are planning. If an activity has you breaking into groups of six … and you only have one child … how will you still accomplish the goal with only one child? How can you adapt the plan so that one child succeeds?
  2. Group games might still work. If your curriculum gives you instructions to play a group game, for instance, consider the goal of the game. Is there a team relay? Is there an over-under sort of game? Remember, you count too, so get in there and play that game if you have to. Adapt the game so it can be completed by a few even if each person participates multiple times.
  3. Large group demonstrations could be difficult. What to do if your curriculum suggests having 12 participants each take one card and find someone else in the room with the same card? You can quickly turn this activity into a memory matching game for a small group to play at a table.
  4. Involved craft activities. While most craft activities are fairly self-directed, you may run into an activity that requires the participation of more than one person. Use your skills and those of other leaders in your room to accent the activity so kids can experience success.

No matter what your situation, you can think through these suggestions beforehand and prepare for the eventual SMALL group of kids. The key, obviously, is to prepare. Be ready when you arrive to meet the needs of whatever group you have. Also, remember that you do count too. Kids love learning alongside adults and when you participate in an activity it engages parts of their brains that might not have been engaged with purely peer engagement. Never forget that God placed you where you are so you can guide boys and girls to know Him. You can do that no matter the size of the group you are teaching.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

Bible Skills, Bible Study, Discipleship, Leadership

Teaching God’s Word to Impact Young Lives

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Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is living and effective. When you hear these two words, what comes to mind? Do they seem foreign as they apply to an inanimate object like the Bible? When the writer of Hebrews called the Bible living what did he mean and how can we take the living Word and help it shape the lives of boys and girls?

Obviously, the writer’s intent is not to imply that the Bible itself breathes, thinks, or in our understanding of life, is alive, but the Bible indeed is living. The end of Hebrews 4:12 shows how life comes from the Bible when the author says that God’s Word “is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When leading conferences I like to ask conferees why they continue to read the Bible. Why not just read it once and be done with it? The reason is clear—because God’s Word means something new to us each time we read it. The Spirit of God highlights for our souls what we need to hear from God as we read His living Word! Experiencing God’s Word in such a way should guide our teaching as we help kids allow the Bible to impact their lives. Here are a few ways you can help guide kids to understand and appreciate God’s living Word.

  • Teach kids that God’s Word is inspired. Help them understand what this means. God’s Word came by human pen through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As such, God’s Word represents the actual words God intended for people to read. God inspired the words that kids can read as they open their Bibles.
  • Teach kids what a daily discipline of Bible study looks like. Encourage girls and boys to begin a simple daily time of Bible reading. Once kids understand the importance of daily Bible reading, challenge them to begin deeper study into God’s Word.
  • Teach kids the wonderful things that the Bible teaches about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and daily life. As you are excited to share the truths of the Bible, kids can learn to be excited to open God’s Word and dig deeper into its pages.
  • Provide resources that help kids know what God’s Word teaches. As a living Word, the Bible speaks to many issues or circumstances kids are faced with. Guide kids to find how God’s Word teaches about issues they are challenged by and help them remember how to use the Bible to guide them in their daily walk.

God’s Word is living and effective. As kids begin to understand how God’s living Word affects their lives they will desire deeper understanding and see the impact of the Bible on their lives. Take seriously the role you play in guiding girls and boys to cherish God’s Word.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

Apologetics, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Introducing Explorations in Genesis

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The makers of Explore the Bible Kids resources value the time leaders will spend in helping preschoolers and kids understand God’s Word. The Bible is important and contains valuable stories that serve to build foundations for boys and girls understanding of God and Who He is. A new study that focuses on five foundational stories from the Book of Genesis will help ground kids in God’s plan for His creation.

Explorations in Genesis will explore God’s creation of the world. Central to all life is the fact that God intentionally created the earth and everything that is on the earth and in the heavens. God desires a relationship with His creation. God has a plan for each person and God will fulfill His plan. After sin entered the world, God sent a flood but rescued Noah and Noah’s family. This story of salvation gives glimpses of the gospel and God’s ultimate plan to rescue people from sin. God’s plan for people was announced to Abram, a man whom God chose to be the father of many nations. Through Abram’s offspring God one day would send Jesus Christ. God continued his plan by affirming His promise to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Kids will study God’s plan for Jacob who fathered 12 men through whom would come the nation of Israel. Finally, kids will study the story of Joseph and how God used Joseph to save his family from starvation. Joseph’s life was not easy, but God used the hardships to help Joseph realize that God is always in control.

The Explorations in Genesis kit comes in a handy box that contains everything you need to teach these five sessions. This easy to use resource has a printed leader guide for both preschoolers and kids. Each of these guides contains two separate studies. Babies & Toddlers and Preschool suggestions will be found in the Preschool Leader Guide. Younger Kids and Older Kids suggestions will be found in the Kids Leader Guide. In your classroom, you can decide which age groups suggestions best fit the group of kids you are leading and even mix and match the suggestions to make the strongest teaching environment for your kids. Included with each kit will be discs where you can print additional teaching resources and five episodes of Explore the Bible On Location video are added for kids. Not only that, but all of the resources are available digitally through a unique code provided to you when you purchase. These five sessions can be used in any way you need for them to be used. Use them once a week for five weeks, once a month for five months, or use the suggestions to supplement your teaching as you guide girls and boys through the Book of Genesis.

We pray that God will use these studies to help you as you build foundations for faith from the Book of Genesis.

Tim Pollard is passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.

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