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Kids Ministry

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Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Leadership

I Don’t Want To: How to Deal with Obstinate Children

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We’ve probably all heard this statement whether from our own kids at home, or from the kids we teach in Bible study. As a third grade Bible study teacher this is a common statement I hear quite often. Kids this age sometimes just don’t feel like they are engaged in the learning and when we ask them to participate we often get the response, “I don’t want to.” Sometimes our inclination is to answer with a quick retort that likely won’t solve the situation and in reality might just make it worse. Here are a few things that you might consider the next time you are faced with an “I don’t want to” kind of day.

  1. Offer choices. One thing we have learned to do in our classroom is to offer choices. Now that doesn’t mean that we are constantly offering choices because some of the activities we do have to be done by everyone. Our kids know that sometimes there is an opportunity to choose and sometimes there isn’t. I think that having them know that there are times they can choose helps them to navigate the times they don’t have a choice. Simple statements such as, “Now is the time we will all participate together. Later you will have a chance to choose something you like to do.”
  2. Be consistent. Offering choices isn’t always going to work with a child who might not want to participate so to make the choices more effective you need to consistently enforce the rules. Consistent classroom management is always the easiest way to gain buy-in from the kids in your classroom. Consistency also gives kids a sense of belonging and security. If they know you aren’t going to waver then they are more apt to follow along.
  3. Make sure the rules apply to everyone. This really goes hand in hand with the statement above, but evaluate your session each week and make sure that the rules you have in your classroom were applied across the board. If we overlook a discretion by one who typically doesn’t cause issues, the other kids notice this oversight and might tend to push back more.
  4. Be flexible. Every now and then I run into an “I don’t want to” situation and an activity that just isn’t engaging anyone. If that happens, be flexible, and end the activity even if you have to fill that time with something else. There are always plenty of options so be aware of how your kids are engaging and if they aren’t learning shift to something that will get their attention.

Know the kids you teach and make sure you have consistent rules that apply to everyone. Having effective classroom techniques will go a long way to help you get out of the “I don’t want to” rut.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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, Teaching Kids

4 Ways to Know You are Teaching a Verbal Learner

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A while ago I wrote a blog post about tips for recognizing a reflective learner in your group. You can read that post HERE. I figured it might be fun to give you tips for recognizing (and teaching) a verbal learner. Actually, recognizing a verbal learner might be quite easy but what most of us may struggle with are strategies for engaging a verbal learner.

My youngest daughter is without question a verbal learner. I tell people all the time that if I can get her to stop talking for five minutes she will be completely asleep, and for the most part that is true. The only exception we’ve found to that truth is if she is engaged in a game or watching TV. In those instances, she can keep quiet for about 10 minutes or so without falling asleep. Here are some ways you can identify verbal learners in your group.

  1. A verbal learner loves to talk. This probably goes without saying, but verbal learners just really like to talk. Talking is one of the ways that a verbal learner will work out problems and create solutions. Talking isn’t bad but sometimes it can be used at not opportune times. When that happens, redirect the behavior by refocusing the child’s attention on your discussion and use his name if appropriate to draw him back into the discussion. Your verbal learner will also probably be the first hand in the air when you ask a question if she knows the answer or not.
  2. A verbal learner will ask you lots of questions. Since verbal learners learn best by talking, it is easy to understand that they are going to ask you lots of questions to help figure out what you are talking about. If you have a verbal learner in your group you can head some of these questioning behaviors off by engaging your verbal learner with questions of your own. My verbal learner loves to ask questions so at home we turn those around and ask her questions to help her process and arrive at conclusions on her own.
  3. A verbal learner will likely be the first to volunteer for group exercises. Putting a verbal learner in a group will be thrilling for them. They may not take the lead in group dynamics but they will relish being in a group and having the ability to express their opinions. Small group activities will help verbal learners engage peer to peer and have a voice in what is happening. Just make sure all your verbal learners aren’t in the same group and you should be good to go.
  4. A verbal learner (mostly) loves to read. Most verbal learners are excellent readers and thoroughly enjoy reading. Some prefer the spoken word to the written word but those who engage with books well many times are your verbal learners. My daughter is a voracious reader and, even at her young age, can quickly read and comprehend a book that would take me considerably longer.

Teaching a verbal learner is always a great job, but can also be a bit of a challenge. God created everyone unique and special and we need to celebrate each child for who God created them to be. Identify those verbal learners and help them experience each lesson in a way that will keep them engaged and ready to learn.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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, Leadership

Behind the Scenes with Explore the Bible On Location

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At Explore the Bible we have a great resource called Explore the Bible On Location. These videos are hosted videos and from time to time we hear from churches who want to know a little bit more about our hosts. We are going to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes of Explore the Bible On Location and let you meet our hosts. We’ve asked them a few questions and thought you might enjoy getting to know them a little bit more. Meet Joel!

ETB: Tell us about yourself.

Joel: I was born April 21st, 1987 in Thousand Oaks, CA. I moved to Nashville when I was 6-years-old. My mom’s name is Joan. My dad’s name is Dale. They’ve been pastors for the past 40 years. I have two older sisters: Gwen and Janelle. My wife’s name is Lauren and we’ve been married for 7 years. I have a 5-year-old daughter named Zoe Sophia and a 3-year-old son named Asher Daniel. My hobbies are exercise and cooking. I love to play sports, weight train, and hike. I love to grocery shop and cook my own food. I also love studying the Bible, theology, and church history. I can’t get enough.

ETB: If you could travel anywhere you wanted, where would you go?

Joel: Jerusalem.

ETB: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Joel: My first Christmas in Nashville. Growing up in southern California, we didn’t get any snow (or cold weather). In December 1993, Nashville got a huge ice storm and heavy snow. My first Christmas in Nashville was my first white Christmas. We had a steep hill in our backyard and I got to sled down a snowy hill for the first time in my life.

ETB: As a kid, who was someone in your church/in the faith you looked up to?

Joel: There were a lot of people I looked up to; but I looked up to my dad the most. He loves Jesus and loves serving the Church more than anyone I know. He loves the Word of God and patterns his life after the Scriptures with more intentionality than just about anyone I know.

ETB: How did you come to know the Lord?

Joel: I grew up in a home where the gospel was preached constantly. I grew up with biblical discipline and the training and admonition of the Lord. When I was almost 7-years-old, I knew three things without a doubt. 1. There’s something wrong with me; I can’t stop sinning. 2. There’s nothing wrong with Jesus; He’s perfect and the only One who can help me. 3. There’s a storm coming for my life; I’m going to be judged for my sin. This was a true work of the Holy Spirit! He was convicting me of sin, righteousness, and coming judgment. He spoke to me in a way I could understand as a rowdy 6-year-old boy. I told my mom and dad that I wanted to follow Jesus, be forgiven of my sin, and start a new life. From that day—April 25th, 1994—I was changed. I’ve been following Jesus ever since.  

ETB: Tell us about your church and how you serve there.

Joel: New Song was planted in September of 1993. This year, we’ll celebrate our 25th year as a church. Our mission statement is, “Reaching neighbors, nations, and generations with the Good News of Jesus Christ’s love and power.” I’ve been serving in student ministries for almost 13 years. I’ve been a youth pastor at New Song for 8 years.

ETB: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

Joel: Hebrews 11:6. It shows me that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Diligently seeking God is my deepest passion. As I constantly pursue a deeper knowledge and understanding of His Word, His will, and His ways, He’ll reward me with deeper revelations of Himself so I can more deeply reveal Him to a world in need.

ETB: Tell us about a recent “lightbulb moment” you had while studying Scripture

Joel: Most recently, it was a far deeper revelation of the word Shalom in Hebrew. In the past, I’ve understand Shalom to simply be an inner sense of peace, a comprehensive well-being, an absence of spiritual conflict. But as I studied the word more deeply in Hebrew, I realized that Shalom (the noun for “peace”) comes from the Hebrew verb Shalam which means to bring something to completion or make something whole. I began to see that the most basic idea behind Shalom is completeness. Shalom is the absence of absence. Shalom is the presence of fullness. And like we see in Judges 6, Yahweh IS Shalom. Jesus is the Prince of Shalom according to Isaiah 9. But Micah takes it further by saying the One born in Bethlehem shall BE peace. Jesus IS peace. What does He come to do? To seek and save that which is lost, to bind that which is broken, and bring to completion that which is lacking.

ETB: What is God teaching you right now?

Joel: To live a life of deeper meditation and holy contemplation. Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” I live a loud life. I’m a music teacher, I have two small kids, I predominately pastor teenagers and college students, I sit in lots of meetings, and I love movies, music, and sports—not to mention I constantly yell into a camera for Explore The Bible! The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize my need to hear Him speak to me and lead me. The Lord is teaching me to turn off the media and delight in the law of the LORD. He’s teaching me to develop a love for silence so I can more deeply contemplate who He is and what He’s saying for these days. By grace through faith, I’m trying to obey.

ETB: What’s something about God that amazes you and draws your heart to worship?

Joel: The God of the cosmos is the God of the details of our lives. The God who gives breath to billions of creatures is working to change my own heart to look more like Jesus. How could a God so great be so intimately aware of a man, like me, so small and insignificant? Like David says in Psalm 139:6, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” All I can do is lift my hands and praise His name!

ETB: Why do you enjoy helping kids explore the Bible?

Joel: I always think of Jesus’ words when He says, “Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus wants children as His disciples. He wants kids to follow Him. That’s amazing! I want to do whatever I can to help kids follow Jesus. Explore the Bible is such a great tool that helps kids see Jesus in the Word. I love hosting Explore the Bible because I basically get to be face-to-face with a bunch of new disciples. Teaching kids to follow Jesus is one of my greatest joys.

ETB: What’s your funniest or favorite ETB moment?

Joel: I think it was when I got licked by a bear. The bear was so old and gentle. He barely had enough energy to move around to get his food. He’d basically turned into an old lap-dog who was always trying to get more food from his caretakers. His name was Gideon. I went up to his fence, he got up slowly and moved towards me. He weighed over 800 pounds! He came up to the fence, leaned his body up against it, tilted his head back, and began licking my arm. I was like, “Whoah, I just got licked by a bear and lived.”

ETB: Have you met any ETB kids? What was that like?

Joel: I’ve had the privilege of meeting lots of ETB kids and I’ve gotten to go to at least three different ETB kids’ classes. It’s the best! At first, they’re like, “Umm … is this for real? Why is Joel here? He’s so strange. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with Him being in my presence.” Then they warm up to me as I constantly joke with them and sing silly songs about whatever activity we’re doing. By the end, I’m the ETB Kids’ jungle gym! I’ve got kids hanging on my arms and my back, singing the silly songs we made up, and trying to get me to laugh. It’s one of my favorite things to do!

ETB: What’s your biggest hope for the kids watching OR If you could say one thing to the kids watching, what would it be?

Joel: That they’ll develop the daily devotion of Bible study! There’s nothing more life-giving than 365 solid days of Scripture study, journaling, and prayer. If I could say one thing to these kids it would undoubtedly be, “Explore the Bible!”

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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 Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Behind the Scenes with Explore the Bible On Location

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Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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.

At Explore the Bible we have a great resource called Explore the Bible On Location. These videos are hosted videos and from time to time we hear from churches who want to know a little bit more about our hosts. Over the next few months, we are going to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes of Explore the Bible On Location and let you meet our hosts. We’ve asked them a few questions and thought you might enjoy getting to know them a little bit more.

 

ETB: Tell us about yourself.

Kaileigh: I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and grew up in the small town of Wagoner, Oklahoma. I have one younger brother, Kolton. My family and I moved to Nashville when I graduated from high school and I attended Belmont University where I majored in Music Business. I love to sing, tap and clog dance, act, and play fiddle. I also LOVE to read. My favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

 

ETB: If you could travel anywhere you wanted, where would you go?

Kaileigh: I would love to visit Italy!

 

ETB: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Kaileigh: When I was 4 years old, my parents and I took a trip to Florida. We got to our hotel pretty late and I asked if I could go swimming. I must have known the answer would be “no,” but, to my surprise, my mom not only said I could go swimming but that I could go swimming in my regular clothes! I thought that was just about the coolest thing in the world and I’ve never forgotten it.

 

ETB: As a kid, who was someone in your church/in the faith you looked up to?

Kaileigh: I have always really looked up to my mom, Gayle. She is such a Godly woman and has been such a rock for our family my whole life. She’s the biggest reason I know Jesus as my Savior. I have also always looked up to a lady named Jo Musser from Hulbert, OK. She has one of the kindest hearts of anyone I’ve ever known. She loves people unconditionally and always was so encouraging to me. She recently reached out to me to share that her church in Tahlequah, OK uses the Explore the Bible curriculum and has been so encouraging about my involvement with Explore the Bible.

 

ETB: How did you come to know the Lord?

Kaileigh: I grew up in the church learning about Jesus, but when I was 8 years old, I remember talking to my mom and dad on their bed one Sunday morning and feeling like something was missing. We were in between churches at the time, so my dad was leading us in our own Bible study that morning. I started crying because I felt this void that I didn’t fully understand. My mom explained again what it meant to put my faith in Jesus and it was as if I was hearing it for the first time. I knew He was what I was missing. I accepted Christ that day sitting on my mom and dad’s bed and I’ve never been the same since!

 

ETB: Tell us about your church and how you serve there.

Kaileigh: I am a member of a church in Hendersonville, TN. I have been involved with the music there for several years and love it. I teach 5th-grade Children’s Choir on Wednesday nights and enjoy singing on the Praise & Worship Team or in the Adult Choir on Sunday mornings. I love getting to praise the Lord through song and teaching kids how to do the same!

 

ETB: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

Kaileigh: Philippians 4:6-7. One thing I struggle with a lot is fear and I worry about things way more than I should sometimes. This is not what the Lord wants for us because He has not given us a spirit of fear. These verses are such a beautiful reminder that God cares about everything in our lives and I can talk to Him about anything and everything. The God of the Universe knows me and cares about the smallest details of my life! These verses remind me how loved I am by my Savior.

 

ETB: Tell us about a recent “lightbulb moment” you had while studying Scripture.

Kaileigh: I’ve always been a little confused by Luke 14:26-27. How could I ever ‘hate’ my mom!? My dad!? The last couple of years, the Lord has really been teaching me the meaning of these verses. I think if I’m being completely honest, I have spent a lot of my life caring more about what my mom thought than what the Lord thought (even though I believe many times those went hand-in-hand). The Lord has been showing me that I am His child. As an adult, I answer only to Him. Although I love and respect my mom more than anyone else in this world, I know that if there is something I feel the Lord is leading me to do that she maybe doesn’t understand or approve of, I have to follow what the Lord wants over what she wants. My love for God should make the love for my mom look like hate. He must come first in my life, even over the family I love dearly. For a family as close as mine is, sometimes that’s hard, but that’s part of what He’s teaching me right now and I’m thankful.

 

ETB: What is God teaching you right now?

Kaileigh: Lately, God has been reminding me that He can redeem anything. All of my mistakes, my family’s mistakes, our heartache, missed opportunities, expectations, “wasted” time, fear, etc. My family and I have been going through a lot over the past year and it’s easy to feel like things will never be right again or that things are “ruined” forever. While I believe there are consequences for our actions, I also believe in the power of redemption. The Lord really DOES work all things together for the good of those who love Him. I believe He can use anything to achieve His will.

 

ETB: What’s something about God that amazes you and draws your heart to worship?

Kaileigh: One thing that amazes me is that the God of the Universe knows my name. Not only does He know my name, He knows the number of hairs on my head! I think sometimes we take that knowledge for granted. That always draws my heart to worship!

 

ETB: Why do you enjoy helping kids explore the Bible?

Kaileigh: Kids have always held such a special place in my heart. Their innocence and ability to learn make them so precious and it has always been incredibly important to me to teach children about Jesus and to encourage them in this life.

 

ETB: What’s your funniest or favorite ETB moment?

Kaileigh: Probably the funniest ETB moment was watching Joel try to clog and watching him interact with my clogging students. I love getting to do sessions with Joel! I get a good ab workout from laughing so hard! Ha!

As far as my favorite ETB moment goes, I really enjoyed getting to sing “My Jesus I Love Thee” during the recording studio session. That really is one of my all-time favorite songs!

 

ETB: Have you met any ETB kids? What was that like?

Kaileigh: Yes! My home church in Muskogee, OK uses the Explore the Bible curriculum and I had the opportunity to visit with them when I was home this past summer. We watched that week’s session and they had the chance to ask me anything they wanted, from things about Explore the Bible and Joel to personal questions. It was so special getting to talk directly to the kids I talk to on camera each session and to hear how much they enjoy the videos.

 

ETB: What’s your biggest hope for the kids watching OR If you could say one thing to the kids watching, what would it be?

Kaileigh: My biggest hope for the kids watching is that they will hear and take to heart the message we share. I want them to know that following Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior was the best decision I’ve ever made and it will be the best, most important decision they will ever make as well. I want them to know how loved they are by God and how much I believe they will be used for the good of the Kingdom of God!

Check out Explore the Bible for Kids HERE!

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Volunteers

Helpful Tips for Getting Men Engaged in Ministry

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I’m a man, and I’ve been involved in teaching kids for over 25 years. While the kid’s ministry profession as a whole has seen an increase of men in leadership, it is still a mainly female dominated entity within the classroom. Why is it difficult for men to step up and fill a role within the classroom? Are there some tips we can use for engaging men in ministry?

How many of you have tried to get men engaged and heard some of the following statements? “That’s for girls.” “Teaching is boring.” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I don’t like them?” “I’m not perfect.” Many men might respond with these or similar statements when we try and enlist them for our teaching teams.

Before we identify steps to encourage their participation, let’s first think about the qualities we want in a male teacher. We want men who are mature Christians, involved in the church, have a good biblical knowledge and are genuine in their faith. Once you identify men who fit the identity you are looking for, here are a few ways you might want to respond when approaching men to teach.

Men want to be engaged in something fun. Help men see that teaching isn’t boring, it can be fun. Men have a unique ability to take an activity that might not appeal to boys and give it a unique twist that will make it fun for boys too. Men want to do the unexpected. Assure the men that you enlist that they can bring their own unique style and creativity to teaching … within reason of course. Men want to be excited. Allow men to see the excitement on the faces of boys and girls when the men themselves get excited about teaching. Excitement is infectious. Men want to laugh. If your ministry area is one that encourages fun and laughter men will more actively engage in the work you have.

Men bring so many advantages to your kids’ ministry that they might not even realize. Men can help model for boys and girls what a man needs to be. Kids crave male attention and having men in classrooms helps that balance. Men can sometimes, just with their presence, bring order and discipline to a classroom. Men can also model strong male influence in single-parent homes. Interestingly, once you get a few committed men engaged in teaching in your ministry you might be surprised how many other men may just step up and take on the role of teaching in your kids ministry too.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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, Media, Sunday School, Teaching Kids, Technology

Making Technology Work in your Classroom

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In this day and age there is plenty of technology available. We live in a society that is immersed in it, and kids are growing up as digital natives, meaning they haven’t known a world without technology. Many are fluent users as young as three years of age. We’ve seen the tablets, the smart phones, the DVD players, and any host of other things out there (and technology we don’t even know about yet). The key is to know how we can harness this different technology as we teach and keep the digital natives engaged.

First know that technology should not be shied away from, but certainly not the only thing you use when you are teaching about Christ. The technology you use should supplement what you are teaching without being used in place of your teaching. As a general rule, when we are using our Bibles to tell the Bible story kids remember that God’s Word is real and alive and valuable. Using technology in place of that experience may turn kids away from wanting to handle God’s Word.

Here are a few tips to use when you do use technology in your classroom:

  • Don’t be frightened to use technology. As you engage digital natives in their environment, some use of technology is going to be necessary. Don’t let the technology scare you and, if it does, practice using it ahead of time.
  • Be the gatekeeper of the technology. As technology is used in your classroom, make sure you are gatekeeping how and when that technology is used. Don’t let kids surf the web while in Bible study, and if they use their own devices, make sure it’s for use as directed.
  • Use technology only as needed. As we’ve already discussed there is no substitute for the real thing. When telling a Bible story, sure, you can use a DVD player or video online to teach the Bible story, but always follow it up by using your Bible to tell the Bible story in your own words.
  • Use technology to help broaden your understanding. Use the available technology to help you as you plan for a session. Do research outside your leader guide or study guide to supplement your knowledge of the topic being taught and if necessary supplement your teaching with those things.
  • Use technology to engage the learners. Many curricula available today have an outside app that can be used to help engage your learners as part of the learning process. Be sure if you use this technology you follow up with the learning by helping boys and girls apply what they did to the biblical content you are teaching.
  • Use technology to engage others. Use email, social media, social groups, or microblogging sites to alert parents to things their kids may have studied and to elicit their feedback.

As you begin to use more technology in the classroom you will see a new way of engaging your kids, and who knows, you might get much more comfortable using the technology and letting it work for you.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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 Ministry, Sunday School, Teaching Kids

4 Signs You Might Teach A Reflective Learner

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Scientist have defined around eight distinct approaches to learning. Many of us can identify the kids in our groups that fall into some of those categories. It’s very easy to spot a verbal learner who likes to lead discussion and chatter a bit; a physical learner who can’t quite sit in his chair; or a visual learner who loves to draw and always chooses the brightest crayons in the box. Some other approaches are a bit harder to identify. You might struggle to identify the kid who is a natural learner and enjoys natural environments to learning. You might not be able to peg the logical learner in your group, but after a few well placed puzzle games you will know who they are too. Reflective learners might be easy to spot, though sometimes we mistake their style of learning for apathy or rudeness. Here are four quick ways to possibly identify the reflective learners in your group.

  1. Reflective learners may appear to be disinterested. A lot of times a reflective learner by nature is reflecting on what you are teaching and saying. As leaders it is sometimes very easy for us to dismiss this behavior as disinterest and wonder if the child is even paying attention to any of the words that you are saying. I assure you, if you have a reflective learner, she heard every word you said and is pondering quite well.
  2. Reflective learners may not answer you right away when you ask a question. If you engage a reflective learner in conversation you may need to be patient and wait for an answer. Reflective learners want to make sure the answer they give you is the correct answer so they do an evaluation processes before giving you an answer. If you have a reflective learner include him in discussions but give him time to formulate an answer without pressuring him for an answer.
  3. Reflective learners like to journal. If you have a child in your group that likes to write or journal and usually chooses a writing activity when given choices chances are she might be a reflective learner. Journals are great ways to engage reflective learners and they will thrive in that endeavor. They might even be willing to share their journals with others. If you have a reflective learner make sure you provide choices that include some type of reflective activity to give them time to journal their thoughts.
  4. Reflective learners will ask you questions when you aren’t expecting them. Sometimes these kids will ask you questions weeks after a discussion because they have had time to process. One year the group of sixth grade boys I taught had a young man who would come prepared the next session to ask questions based on what he processed from the week before. If you have a kid who likes to ask question about prior content you’ve taught, you might have a reflective learner. Give time to answer those questions and maybe begin your session each week by asking if anyone had any thoughts from the last time you were together.

If you have reflective learners in your group take some time to identify who they are and give them an opportunity to be who God made them to be.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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.

Encouraging, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Why Relationships are Important

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I’ve been involved in some type of ministry to children for over 25 years. I’ve seen many kids grow from infants to now having children of their own. One of the more challenging adventures in children’s ministry, but the most rewarding, is building relationships with the kids you minister to. If you are lucky enough to stay in a ministry environment for any length of time, you get the added benefit of building those relationships on a deeper level.

Relationship can be defined as the connection between two or more objects, ideas, or people. The root idea of relationship comes through connection. The key to building those relationships lies in making valuable connections with the kids you minister to. These relationships are important as you get to know kids and build their trust. Once they trust you, they will better hear and listen to your teaching and ministry goals.

Here are a baker’s dozen tips in building those lasting relationships.

  1. Respect: Respect is a necessity for any type of relationship you form to be successful. Showing respect to kids is a valuable tool in building a relationship of trust and security, something that all kids need to feel while at church. That respect will also grow both ways as girls and boys begin to show you the same respect you show them.
  2. Experiences: As someone in ministry you get to create the experiences that boys and girls have while at church. Those experiences, and your participation in them, will be a great tool in making connections with kids.
  3. Learning: Be an active learner of the kids you minister. Find out their likes and dislikes. Know what they read, watch on TV, and play on their game consoles. Be a learner.
  4. Active: Kids ministry is active. Anytime you can, within reason, participate actively in games and other adventures kids are involved in.
  5. Truthful: This should go without saying, but you need to always be truthful with kids. Kids know when we are not being truthful and may begin to doubt and thus hamper the relationship building that is taking place.
  6. Imaginative: Kids have wonderful imaginations and, as a leader in their ministry, affirm ideas that they come up with. Try new things no matter how silly they might sometimes seem. Playing along with imaginative play will go a long way in building those relationships.
  7. Observant: Be observant of a kids demeanor and attitude. Has something changed? Can you pinpoint what it is? Talk about it with kids. As you are observant kids will appreciate the time you spend taking notice of them.
  8. Nice: Again, this should be fairly obvious but you should always be nice. Sometimes we like to joke around with kids and in a way may inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings. This ties back in with respect from earlier and as we talk with and share with boys and girls we should always do it in a nice respectful manner.
  9. Sticky: Being sticky simply means that relationships are a tight knit bond. If you are a sticky friend, you will not leave someone in need without a helping hand. Sticky friends have great relationships.
  10. Helpful: Be helpful. If you see someone in the hall struggling to carry things, jump right in there and help them out. If you see someone down in the dumps, jump right in there and chat with them. Being helpful is a subtle way of telling someone that they are important to you and will certainly build that relationship bond.
  11. Individualistic: You surely know that each person is an individual and has her own specific needs and desires. Treat each kid you connect with as an individual and don’t compare them to other friends, siblings, or adults you know.
  12. Polite: Just another catchy way of saying respect! Politeness shows a respect of others and is another strong way to build relationships.
  13. Supportive: Supports are used to make sure a structure doesn’t fall over. As a supportive friend you help a child maintain his ability to stand tall and not fall over. Support a child’s dreams and aspirations and be known as someone who will keep them firm and solid.

Work to build those relationships with boys and girls and watch as they begin to share with you in many new and exciting ways. As an example of Christ to the girls and boys you lead building strong relationships will serve them well.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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 Ministry

Bible Skills that Matter, Part 2

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The last time we talked about Bible skills (Bible Skills that Matter Part 1) we looked at some beginning foundational skills that can help boys and girls be successful as they navigate Scripture. Some of those early foundational skills included recognizing the two main parts of the Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament; and working to recognize the elements of a Bible reference. With these two skills solidly in place we can begin to challenge boys and girls in further ways to help them build on those skills and become more biblically literate.

Bible Skills Upon Foundations

Once boys and girls have a basic understanding of the design of the Bible and know the Old Testament tells about things that happened before Jesus was born, and the New Testament tells about things that happened when Jesus lived on the earth and after, they can begin to learn more about how Scripture is grouped.

Boys and girls can hear the names of Bible divisions and begin to learn about the contents of different divisions of the Bible. The Old Testament has five divisions, Law, History, Poetry and Wisdom, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. Each type of literature is used to help people learn about God’s Word in different ways and each is important to an overall knowledge of Scripture. To help boys and girls master this knowledge you can use clip type clothespins with a division name written on it. Each pin can be clipped to a notecard with the name Old Testament written on it. Do the same with the New Testament and its five divisions, Gospels, History, Paul’s Letters, General Letters, and Prophecy. Mix up the sets and let boys and girls decide which division name belongs on each card.

As kids begin to master their knowledge of the different divisions of Scripture you can begin to help them name some of the books that fall into each division. With the naming of books, you can also guide girls and boys to know major stories found in each of the books. As children begin to learn where stories are found in the Bible, they will better be able to identify how that story fits into the grand narrative of Scripture.

As we continue our exploration into Bible skills that matter I hope you will join us again next time as we continue to build on the important foundations we have laid.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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, Kids Ministry, Leadership

Bible Skills that Matter, Part 1

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You’ve heard from others at LifeWay recently about the importance of Bible skills and why they matter. For the next few months I’ll be giving you some fun tips for helping kids learn Bible skills, but first, let’s recall why Bible skills are important.

My daughter has been involved in Bible Drill in our church. This is her second year taking part in this wonderful program and one of the verses she memorized this year is a verse that speaks right to the heart of having great Bible skills; 2 Timothy 3:16. I really like the first nine words in this verse because it encapsulates what we talk about when we discuss God’s Word. Those words simply say, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable.” This verse goes on to list a few things for which Scripture is profitable with verse 17 really kicking it into high gear by telling us these things are profitable “so that the man of God may be complete.”

With that in mind, isn’t it exciting to pursue “completeness” by falling so in love with God’s Word that our desire is for it? How can we begin this journey with kids? The best place to start developing Bible skills is in the beginning. My desire as we walk through the next few months is to give you tips for building the foundation of Bible skills upon which boys and girls can become more knowledgeable and passionate about God’s Word.

Bible Skills from the Start

Familiarize boys and girls with the Bible. Early Bible skills begin by introducing boys and girls to the two main parts of the Bible, the Old Testament and New Testament. Help kids know that the Old Testament tells about things that happened before Jesus was born. The Old Testament is in the front of the Bible. Help girls and boys know that the New Testament tells about things that happened when Jesus was born and after His death and resurrection. The New Testament is in the back of the Bible. Depending on the age of the kids you teach and their Biblical knowledge you can share this appropriately.

Once kids are comfortable recognizing the two main parts of the Bible you can begin to build on this foundation by breaking down a Scripture reference into it’s basic parts. The book name always comes first in the “address.” Following the book name will be the Chapter reference (also sometimes called the “big” number in the pages of the book.) The final number following a colon is the verse to be found within the chapter. The verse will be the “little” number that follows the “big” number already found.

These simple drills will begin to build the foundations for successful Bible skills and can be done quickly using any Bible reference. Kids don’t need to look anything up, just know how to when the time comes. Find suggestions for age suitable skills on the Bible Skills for Kids chart available at LifeWay and use Explore the Bible: Kids curriculum that intentionally highlights these skills for four specific age groups.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s 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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