LifeWay

Kids Ministry

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

Encouragement, Ministry, Parenting

The Marathon of Mommyhood and Ministry

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by Kimba Campbell 

It was a typical Tuesday morning, and I had already been up since 5:00 a.m. It was my only time alone before the craziness started every day. I squeezed in a quick workout at home and sat with my Bible to savor the quiet. I remember many days reading about 2 verses in my Bible before I heard the tiny footsteps upstairs above me. I would say a quick prayer, and I knew the morning was off and running! Any mom out there knows the drill…breakfast for kids as you try to grab at least a few bites yourself, maybe try to load the dishwasher if there is time, try to squeeze in a quick shower while the kids are busy, etc. Then the never-ending packing of bags for preschool and school. Diapers, snacks, lunch, nap mat—the list goes on and on. I get the kids ready and then remember I forgot to pack myself a lunch as well. My oldest then reminds me that he needs a poster board for school today. The day is spinning as I am running around like my hair is on fire and probably yelled at my kids unintentionally. We managed to get out of the house just in time to drop my oldest at his elementary school. We drove about 15 minutes away to our church where I dropped off my other 2 kids at preschool. I gave a quick hug and kiss while my 2 year old was clinging to my leg crying. He cried every time I would drop him off at preschool at church even though he was at church so often. Insert “Mom Guilt!” Every mom knows what that means and feels like. I would then sprint to my office giving a quick “Hello” to other moms dropping off their kids. I would grab my laptop and notebook and off I went to a ministers’ meeting. As I sat down at the table in our conference room, I just wanted to cry. I loved my job, but I was worn out, exhausted and to be honest I was completely burned out. I had lost my focus on my “why” and just wanted to run away to the beach alone! The balance of mommyhood and ministry is overwhelming! 

I managed to make it through the ministers’ meeting without crying as I was surrounded by men on staff. I didn’t want to break down and cry right then. The meeting ended, and then I sat down at my office desk. Although I had sat at this desk many times, God prompted me to look around my office. I saw a framed picture filled with tiny painted fingerprints of kids in my previous church and the child’s names written under each fingerprint. I then saw a picture my son had drawn of our family going to church using popsicle sticks for our bodies. I then looked at my bookshelf and saw my favorite cross hanging on the wall with a note of encouragement from one of my volunteers. God spoke to me right in that moment and reminded me of the calling He placed on my heart many years before that. 

I have had many days in ministry since this day that I just wanted to quit! The struggle of balancing everything is overwhelming and exhausting. But…God is there. He gently lifts me up and fills me with His truth. I want to encourage you today. On days when you are struggling and just want to throw in the towel, I want to encourage you with a few truths God has given me. 

Remain In Him

John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”

During difficult days of ministry, we are called to cling to the One who created and called us. We must remember that He is the vine, and we can do nothing without Him. I think God allows these difficult days to remind us that we need to stay connected with Him. 

Devote to Prayer

Colossians 4:2-4, “Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should.  

On days when I just wanted to quit, days that my attitude was nosediving south, were the days that I had neglected to pray. We must devote ourselves to prayer daily and continually.

Don’t Do It Alone

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.”

God reminds us that we are not created to live alone. God has given us each other. Surround yourself with people who can encourage and pray for you when the days are tough. Ask for help. Asking for help does not show weakness, it shows wisdom. 

Remember, What You Do Matters

Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”

We have the amazing opportunity to impact kids’ lives for eternity! Spend some time today praying, asking God to give you wisdom to lead, strength to keep going, and the will to give your all for His glory. Remember what we do every day really does matter!! 

Kimba Campbell serves as the LifeWay Kids Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life. Before coming to LifeWay, she served on church staff for over 18 years in Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Kimba is a Texas Aggie (Gig ‘Em Aggies!) and also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Paul, stay busy with their three boys.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry

4 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for January

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Why do we do this? Why do we over schedule ourselves during December to the point that when December 25th finally arrives we’re exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically? There are the church staff parties, kidmin leadership parties, preschool and children’s ministry parties, church-wide events requiring child care, school programs, and extended family gatherings. And, good luck trying to decorate your house and go Christmas shopping!

 Do you ever wonder what God thinks about all this busyness? I think Solomon provides a glimpse of God’s view through this statement: “When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11) Taken in context of the entire Bible we know that this teaching does not condemn hard work, because elsewhere in the Scriptures God speaks against laziness.

 However, I don’t believe busyness and productive hard work are synonymous. I do think that when we are unnecessarily busy, we sometimes fail to follow God’s plan and are prone to miss His will. So, here are four things we can do now to be more effective kidmin leaders in January:

Review. Spend time listing major ministry accomplishments this year. Also, write down your biggest challenges and disappointments related to kids ministry.

Reflect. Think through both lists. What led to the kids ministry successes? Why did some of your ministry efforts fail? What is God teaching you about ministry success and failure? Whom did your ministry positively impact this year?

Renew. Thank God for what He accomplished through you in ministry this year. Ask God’s forgiveness for the times you strayed from His plan. Take extended time to meditate on God’s Word. (Note: don’t try to cram your annual Bible reading plan into the next 24 hours!) Rest physically. Turn off your mobile devices and the TV. Take a walk. Say, “No,” to some of the Christmas parties.

Refocus. Ask God to show you what is important and what is His desire for your church’s kids ministry in 2020. Write down one or two ministry goals for the new year. Write down one or two personal aspirations. These are not resolutions. They are what you believe God wants you to focus on in the next 12 months.

Confession: I’m terrible at reviewing, reflecting, renewing, and refocusing. I’m better at reminiscing, ruminating, regretting, and reliving. But that’s not God’s will for you and me in 2020. Instead, let’s join the Apostle Paul in saying, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

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 Ministry, Ministry, Podcasts, Small Groups

“Grouping” Your Kids Ministry

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Tim Pollard and Bill Emeott discuss how to group kids in both a small group and events environment for your kids ministry.

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd-6th graders Explore the Bible: Kids Worship on Sunday nights 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.

This episode is hosted by Bill Emeott, produced by Micheal Walley, and sponsored by the ETCH Family Ministry Conference.

Crafts, Encouragement, Family Ministry, Kids Ministry, Ministry, Resources, Sunday School, Teaching Kids, Uncategorized, Volunteers
Christmas, Crafts, Encouragement, Encouraging, Family Ministry, Fun, Kids Ministry, Ministry, Preschool, Small Groups, Special Needs, Sunday School, Teacher Appreciation, Teaching Kids, Uncategorized, Volunteers
Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry

Have You Hugged a Volunteer Today?

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Volunteers in Kids Ministry are the very best!  Kidmin volunteers make the whole ministry go smoothly. They are absolutely essential and without a doubt, they deserve all the appreciation we can shower on them!

So … have you hugged a volunteer today??

Maybe you are not a hugger, and that’s OK, you could still hug a volunteer and show appreciation. A wise kids ministry leader is always looking for ways to show volunteers that you care!

At this point, my guess is that your heart is in total agreement with me, but your brain may be saying “I don’t have enough time for an elaborate Pinterest creation!” Nobody does … so here is a list of quick ideas you can totally use in your own context. Add your own creativity and show your volunteers how much you love them:

  1. Give a volunteer a hug. A high-five or fist-bump will suffice if you just aren’t a hugger.  Shake hands if you are into being super-formal. The point is to get in the same space, close enough to make physical contact. Don’t just rely on waving, texting, or emailing … get in there and make contact!
  2. Write a Letter to Say Thanks. Hand-written letter-writing is such a rare thing for so many people. It doesn’t require any great expense, just a little thought and a pen. For those of you without a personalized stationery set, sticky notes will do if you write something nice on them!
  3. Communicate the Vision. Everyone likes to know where the ministry is headed. Find simple ways to share about the “why” for the ministry and what you see on the horizon. Volunteers love hearing about how they contribute to something larger that makes a Kingdom impact!
  4. Invest in Leaders. With volunteers in churches of any size, you can invest for future leadership. It may look different in different seasons. Sometimes just sharing a practical tip with a teen volunteer will make a huge improvement in their delivery of the lesson.
  5. Ask a Question and Listen. You earn major points as a ministry leader when you have the personal buy-in from those who serve with you. Take the time to learn personal details or ministry feedback from those who serve with you. Lead relationally and personally! Listening is one of the best ways to show your heart and appreciation.

For the Kids Ministry leader looking to go the extra mile, step it up with these ideas:

  • Plan to get away together for a conference, a retreat, or even a fun getaway.
  • Share snacks they love, either collectively (think biscuit bar) or individually (based on which coffee or candy they enjoy).
  • Plan a personal or family project to encourage your volunteer(s). Write an acrostic using a volunteer’s name and the things you love about the way they serve.

You can choose the best way to show your volunteers how much they mean to you, but the most important thing is to do it! Share this post with other leaders you know who serve with volunteers and encourage them to hug a volunteer today too!

Jeremy Echols leads the CentriKid Camps team and manages the LifeWay Kids events.  He, his wife Emily, and their precious daughter love their church, their neighborhood, and spending time together.  Jeremy loves to read, watch sports, and grill burgers.

Gospel-Centered, Kids Ministry, Ministry, Podcasts

Gospel Centered Kids Ministry

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What does it really mean to put Jesus at the center of your Kids Ministry? Bill Emeott, Lead Kids Ministry Specialist for LifeWay Kids, joins the podcast to share how being intentional in four areas can result in a Christ-Centered, transformational Kids Ministry that sticks for eternity.

Encouragement, Family, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry

4 Things Not to Say to Parents of Children with ADD/ADHD

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We could not figure it out. Out of four of our sons, two definitely were struggling. A pleaser and very calm child, despite his best efforts, one of our sons could not succeed at his schoolwork. No matter what we tried, it wouldn’t work. Nothing made a difference and we couldn’t find an answer. One of our other sons did not really misbehave but flittered around from place to place, room to room, toy to toy with an unbelievable amount of inability to focus. We began talking to our friends and medical professionals to try to determine the source of the issue. While the presenting issue was different for both children, it was suggested and determined that they might both have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). On the advice of our pediatrician, we chose a medicine that would help our sons focus. Our decision wasn’t made blindly and we really agonized over it. That’s why it’s quite hurtful when a stranger or even a friend makes a comment about children who have ADD. I’ve decided to list a few so that hopefully you can share with your ministry volunteers so that they don’t accidentally alienate a family from your church.

  • I could never medicate my kids. You know, there was a time I might have said the same thing. Parents who choose to give their children ADD medicines are often at a point of helplessness. It’s not a decision that they made quickly. In fact, many struggle even after they have begun the medicine. Choose to respect every parent’s decision to do what they feel is best for their own children.
  • In my day, they fixed it with discipline. If you’ve been around any length of time, you’ve probably heard someone state that the cure for inappropriate behavior is discipline. It’s true that discipline is important. God commanded Christian parents to discipline their children. It has to be understood, however, that there are some times that no amount of discipline would work. It wasn’t that my son didn’t want to do well in school, he tried desperately, but he couldn’t. I’ve heard adult men and women say “I’m not smart” or “I didn’t do well in school.” I wonder how many of those people would have a different opinion of their intelligence if they had only been given the tool to help them focus and learn in the way they needed to.
  • Have you tried _______? People are often quick to offer their suggestions and desperate parents will try anything. We had private tutors coming to our home after school, we bought essential oils said to aid in focus, we changed dietary habits, and more. For some, those are enough efforts, but for our family and many others, they don’t treat the root of the problem.
  • Your child was so bad this morning. OK, so I really hope that no one has told any parents in your church the preceding statement, but any time a parent is made aware of a behavioral issue, no matter how kindly it is stated, the parent hears “your child was bad!” Recognize that the child wasn’t bad, his behavior was not appropriate. Try your best to avoid having to tell the parents. The child and the parents hear it enough in other places. They do not need to hear it at church. And quite honestly, there are just days that parents forget to give their children their medicine and then they are riddled with guilt.

Now, for the good news. Our children are thriving with their newfound ability to focus on their tasks. They have a great medicine and we work closely with our doctor to monitor it to the lowest possible dose. Our son who struggled so much to read is now on the honor roll and loves to read. Our other son is able to focus and have real, meaningful conversations. Choosing to use medicines for ADD in our home was a difficult one, but it is one that we feel was right for our family. Encourage your kids ministry leadership to consider this as they speak with parents of children who may have ADD.

Jeff Land is Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies For Life: Kids. He holds a BSW from Mississippi College and a MACE from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeff has served as children’s pastor and currently teaches second graders each week at his church. Jeff, his wife Abbey, and their four sons live in Coopertown, TN.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry

2018 Essential Reading List for a Kids Ministry Leader

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Many folks ask for tips on where to begin or what to read next so we’ve compiled the 2018 Essential Reading List for a Kids Ministry Leader. Make 2018 a year of growth in your ministry and in your leadership skills. The list this year features some of the recent kids ministry books from LifeWay and a few leadership classics as well.  

At CentriKid, we pour into our camp staff as leaders for us at camp and for their service back home. We believe that you can never have too much leadership. During the fall and winter of 2017, the CentriKid Camps office team read through “Nothing Less” and “Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry.” These books are great for your growth, but also beneficial for your ministry team to read and discuss.

Kids Ministry & Leadership Books from LifeWay — find each of these books at lifeway.com or local LifeWay Stores.

  • Designed to Lead – Eric Geiger – foundational leadership book for growing leaders.  This book replaces “21 Laws” by John Maxwell as my recommendation for new leaders.
  • Nothing Less – Jana Magruder – research made easily accessible for you to help parents understand the importance of kids spending time in God’s Word. You may find this a helpful gift for new parents or a recommendation to all parents in your ministry.
  • Kids Ministry that Nourishes – Jana Magruder – Kids ministry philosophy and practical tips from the Director of LifeWay Kids.
  • Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry – Brian Dembowczyk – This book stepped on my toes and challenged my thinking about how I teach kids and how I raise my own daughter
  • This is Our Time – Trevin Wax – timely cultural insights with guidance for 21st century Christians. 
  • Keep an eye out for “What about Kids Ministry” coming in 2018!

These leadership books are considered “classics” in our CentriKid culture — we’ve read through these at different times with our office team and with summer staff leaders like our Camp Directors.

  • Spiritual Leadership – Oswald Sanders
  • The Advantage – Patrick Lencioni
  • Next Generation Leader – Andy Stanley
  • StrengthsFinder 2.0 – Tom Rath

As a bonus tip—add the Kids Ministry 101 podcast to your commute or your workout. This podcast is always quick, it stays on-topic and gives great insights from voices in Kids Ministry and ministry leadership.

I hope that 2018 is a great year for you personally—and my prayer is that all leaders in kids ministry will be strong in their faith, grow in leadership, and make the message of Christ clear in the lives of kids under your care.

Jeremy Echols leads the CentriKid Camps team and manages the LifeWay Kids events.  He, his wife Emily, and their precious daughter love their church, their neighborhood, and spending time together.  Jeremy loves to read, watch sports, and grill burgers.

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