Lifeway

Kids Ministry

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

Parent Helps, Parenting, Technology

3 Ways Social Media Can Help Parents Disciple Their Kids

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If you’re reading this, you are likely either a parent or a children’s ministry leader. You likely use social media, and it is probably how you found this blog post! But, you may not see social media as a tool in your efforts to disciple the children you love and with whom you share the gospel.

Here are three simple ways social media can be a tool for parents to use as they disciple their children:

  1. Use Facebook groups to connect with other parents and learn from each other. 

I am not yet a parent myself, but a lot of my friends are young parents, and I have heard about all kinds of “parenting” groups on Facebook. Sometimes Facebook groups like this can foster conflict or judgmental conversation if they aren’t monitored well, but they can also be a blessing in the lives of the parents who are a part of them.

In these groups, parents could share ideas about how to improve bedtime routines, thoughts about how to have more intentional conversations with children, or other aspects of parenting that can be difficult to do alone. Obviously, parents would be wise to first look for this community in their local churches, but hopping into a Facebook group with like-minded parents could be helpful, too.

  1. Find creative discussion questions or other resources to talk with your kids.

Parents are sharing parenting-related resources on social media all the time. Like I said, I’m not a parent yet, but I’m already bookmarking all kinds of resources I’ve seen my friends share that they use with their kids—resources to help them be interested in the Bible, to memorize Scripture, and more.

I would suggest the 22:6 Parenting ministry of Dr. Josh and Christi Straub for some of these resources because I am aware of the great work their doing. But, beyond that, using social media to find resources to help disciple children is a great idea.

  1. Start a parents’ prayer group on Facebook to come alongside other parents in your church or community.

Without a doubt, one of the most impactful actions parents can take in their efforts to disciple their children is praying for them. Going before the throne of God on behalf of our children and praying for them to come to know and love the Lord is vital to discipling kids well.

If you’re a children’s ministry leader in your church, consider setting up a Facebook group for the parents in your church to connect with one another and pray for each other. This would be a great service to the parents in your local church.

If you’re unsure of how social media and children’s ministry can work together for the good of kids, check out Lifeway Social. Lifeway Social is a new service from Lifeway that exists to help Christians better use social media for Kingdom good.

Chris Martin is Co-Creator of Lifeway Social and an Author Development Specialist at Lifeway. He loves helping Christian leaders use social media to serve the Church. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisMartin17.

Family, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Ministry, Parenting

Motherhood and Ministry:  How to honor both callings

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If you are a mom who happens to also be in full or part-time ministry, then you know the tug-of-war that happens on your time, energy, and even your heart. There are so many women in ministry today—and particularly in children’s ministry. Because of this, I felt it was timely to address the dynamic of doing mothering and ministering well and in conjunction with God’s plan. Here are three things to remember about motherhood and ministry:

  1. Know that you are called to both. Chances are, if you have been in ministry for any number of years, then you have truly been called. If you aren’t truly called, sadly, you will not last long. Ministry is a calling and when we remember that God Himself called us, then we can rest knowing that He does not call us without equipping us. Hebrews 13:21 says that He will “equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” Though there will be times when we do not feel equipped, we can hold true to the promise that He will provide what we need to accomplish His will.
    If you have children of your own, then you know that you are called to motherhood. This is an instinctive passion that drives almost everything we do—generally speaking. We wake our kids up, fix a meal, pack a lunch, dress them, drive them to school, check their homework, enroll them in lessons and leagues, and tuck them in at night. Of course, this list is much longer. Let’s not forget that we also discipline them, teach them, and most importantly—disciple them. We cling to the verses in Deuteronomy as a daily reminder: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-6
  2. Be warned that the enemy tries to lie to you in both ears. You probably recognize some of these whispers: “Why are you spending all this time with other people’s kids and not your own?”  “You should be doing more at work instead of spending time with your kids.” Sound familiar? Remember, “your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour”  (1 Peter 5:8).  He would love to steal any kind of joy you have in ministry—and motherhood. Resist the temptation to listen to the lies and instead, be fully present and open to the gifts that both roles offer.
  3. Seek to find synergy in the two roles. If your kids are actually part of the ministry you lead, let them help lead songs, help you plan fun events, or prepare activity supplies. If your kids are teens, give them more responsibility such as helping you with AV equipment, leading worship, and co-teaching with other leaders.  Serving together may be the biggest benefit of being a mom in ministry.

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life Verse Creative Journal, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children reside in Nashville.

Family, Kids Ministry, Parent Helps, Parenting

3 Ways to Re-engage Families in the Back to School Season

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Nobody loves summer like the Magruder clan! My kiddos cherish the freedom of unscheduled days, the silence of the alarm clock, and playing outside with the fireflies. My husband and I love grilling burgers, serving up guilt-free ice cream (those calories don’t count in the summer, right?), and piling up on the couch for family movie nights. We all love it—until we don’t. All good things must come to an end, so they say, and that includes summer. At some point, we crave the structure, routine, and a regular bedtime; so, in God’s perfect timing—summer usually comes to an end at just the right time. With the inevitability of the first day of school comes the desire to re-engage in church. Vacations are over, grandma has gone home, and families are ready to find a normal rhythm of church attendance once again. For us as ministry leaders, we would be wise to harness this energy and be ready to re-engage families in this fresh “new year” season. Here are three easy ways to do just that:

  1. Host a party: If you know me, you know I love a good reason to have a party. Promotion Sunday or back-to school time is an awesome reason to celebrate! Cater some BBQ or pick up some giant subs to slice-up and invite everyone to stay after church. As you welcome parents and caregivers, be sure to tell them how excited you are to serve them in the coming year and assure them that your ministry is there to partner with them and pray for them during their new school year.
  2. Invite parents to serve: You may already have your slots filled for teaching, but you can always use substitutes and other jobs that are quick ways to make “the ask” during this new season of energy!! This could be the perfect time to identify new people who have never served in your ministry before. Don’t be afraid to make the one-on-one ask (hint: you could ask at the party—dessert table chatter!)
  3. Provide a fresh resource: You might consider giving a new family devotional or a special devotional for boys or girls. It may not be January 1, but the start of school is similar to New Years. Families may be more willing to try some intentional time together at home—perhaps for the first time!

Here’s to fresh pencils, brand new boxes of crayons, a first day of school outfit and photo—and to a brand new start at church. Our team is praying for you as you seek to engage families in your ministry for the gospel!

Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of Lifeway Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Life Verse Creative Journal, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children reside in Nashville.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting

Back to School Transitions for Families

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Every year ParentLife magazine tries to help families make the transition back to school. We know the blessings of summertime—no school, relaxed schedules, lots of playtime—can turn into nightmares when August rolls around. What are families in your church facing? How can you possibly get your kiddos (and yourself) back into the school routine? Check out this advice from former ParentLife Editor and full-time writer and mom, Christi McGuire.

Schedule Sleep

Determine how much sleep children need (typically 10-12 hours), then work backward. If your child needs to be ready to leave for school at 8:00 a.m. and you know it takes him an hour to get ready, then he needs to get up at 7:00 a.m. So his bedtime should be between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Now plan your sleeping schedule. When do you need to get up before your kids in order to be prepared for the day? Consider options like exercise and your own quiet time. Begin your new sleep schedule at least one week before school starts. It takes this long to get used to a new sleep and wake schedule.

Regulate Routines

Talk as a family about what routines best work for you. Consider the following:

  •      Complete homework after school and before dinner.
  •      Prepare backpacks, set out clothes, and make lunches the night before.
  •      Place shoes by the door.
  •      Take a bath, brush teeth, and read a book before bedtime.
  •      Eat breakfast while having family devotions.

Increase Inventory

Take stock of school supplies. Determine not only what you need for the teachers’ supply lists, but also what you need at home for kids to complete their homework. Set up a homework station that is in your view so you can monitor the use of computers and other electronics. Now is also a good time to organize closets and sort through clothes that are too small for your kids. Make a shopping list of what your kids need for the new school year. Some states have a tax-free weekend to shop.

Control Calendars

Create a central location for your family calendar. What kind of calendar works best for you —a white board or paper calendar? Or if you are tech-savvy, use a calendar app to sync all events and reminders. Don’t forget to add school events, due dates for major projects, menus, practice schedules, church, holidays, birthdays, and other special days.

Prepare Papers

The beginning of a school year brings lots of paperwork, such as registration forms and immunization records. Gather all the information ahead of time. Organize this important information into a notebook or binder for each of your children and keep it in a safe but accessible place. Set up a filing system to keep the paper trail your children bring home—precious artwork, math tests, and creative stories

Manage Meals

Review the school’s lunch menu and choose when kids can buy lunch or pack lunch.

Together, plan healthy lunches to pack. Also look at the family calendar to plan when you can have family dinners or when you might need to eat on the run due to sports practices and other events. As a family, plan out your meals for a month. Then duplicate that menu plan each month. Write out shopping lists for each week and make copies for future weeks.

Dedicated Devotions

Most importantly, dedicate time to having family devotions. Set aside a time to talk, to read the Bible, and to pray as a family. Parents are the primary influence on their children’s faith. Be intentionally involved in guiding your child through the school year.

William Summey is the Publishing Team Leader for ParentLife, kids devotionals, and short-term products. He is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Vanderbilt University. William lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Christy, and two sons.

Kids Ministry, Parent Helps, Parenting

In Search of the Perfect Dad

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Whether you are a dad (or married to one), you may have been caught up in a search for the perfect dad. You probably have discovered that the perfect dad is a myth. However, many people continue to search and unknowingly find themselves believing in the stereotypical behavior of fathers.

These stereotypes can be as elusive as the perfect dad myth. The perfect dad does not exist, and stereotypes can be paralyzing; but there are some characteristics of fatherhood that all dads should strive to embody. I have observed my sons become dads themselves, and I have proudly watched them care and provide for their newborn children. My prayer is that they will avoid the stress that comes with the following stereotypes and be the dads God has created them to be.

The Athlete Dad

For the sports-minded dad, life centers around playing, watching, and attending sports events. When I was a boy, I tried playing sports, but I lacked the coordination needed to be successful. However, when my sons were younger, I played sports with them. I have taken my boys to professional sporting events, watched them play sports, and even coached them in soccer and basketball. One of my sons played high school varsity soccer, the other plays on a church softball league, and both have coached kids soccer and basketball teams at church. Both watch sports on television and enjoy quoting statistics. I simply sit back and listen. Society tells me that I am not a real man because I lack athletic skills and do not try to influence my children’s sports careers. But I know better.

The Do-It-All Dad

This is the father who attempts to be all things to all of his children. He tries to be an athlete, sportsman, playmate, tutor, handyman, backyard grill champion, carpenter, and craftsman. For the first few years of fatherhood, I tried to be the do-it-all dad. After all, who does not want to be an involved dad and help his children succeed in everything? In reality, I frustrated myself and my sons. This dad is overprotective and tends to smother his children, rather than giving his children opportunities to succeed on their own and to learn from their mistakes.

The Sportsman Dad

This dad is the master hunter and fisherman. I have enjoyed times of hunting and fishing. However, I often feel as if I have failed my sons by not taking them hunting and fishing on a regular basis. But through my own personal experiences, as well as the experiences of other dads, I have come to realize that God often provides for boys who possess a natural desire to fish and hunt. That provision may come through a close friend or a relative. You do not have to be an excellent marksman or angler to be a good dad.

The Do-Nothing Dad

Otherwise known as the “couch potato” dad, this stereotype often is played out on television and in movies. This is the dad who is portrayed by the media as lazy and not as intelligent as his wife and children, who make fun of him either behind his back or to his face. He often is seen sitting in his recliner with a remote control in one hand and a soft drink in the other, oblivious to everything going on around him. I think most dads fight this behavior when they come home from work and want to doze in their favorite chair.

The Disengaged Dad

Unfortunately, the disengaged dad often is a true stereotype for many families. This dad does his duty by working 80 hours a week. He rarely attends piano recitals, school plays, and soccer games. He expects the school to educate his child, the church to train his child spiritually, and his wife to manage the household. I like to think of myself as an engaged dad and granddaddy, but there have been times where I put work ahead of my boys. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, the challenge to be both physically and mentally present at home is challenging. Children need to see their dads in the kitchen, and they need to see their dads at recitals and baseball games. More importantly, they need their dads to take them to church and talk with them about spiritual matters. The latest electronic toys for dads will vanish, but the legacy of an egaged dad lasts forever.

Fathers in the Bible

These five stereotypes are not contemporary inventions. A quick biblical survey offers several positive and negative examples of fatherhood. Adam and his wife, Eve, yielded to temptation and introduced sin to the entire world, not to mention to their future children (Genesis 3). Noah was righteous and taught his children to obey God, but he also succumbed to drunken behavior (Genesis 6:8-10; 9:18-27). Isaac showed favoritism to Esau, and Isaac’s son Jacob showed favoritism to his son Joseph (Genesis 25:28; 37:3). Samson’s dad caved under pressure, arranging for Samson to marry a Philistine (Judges 14:1-7,10). David lusted after another man’s wife, committed adultery, and then murdered to cover up his sin (2 Samuel 11).

While some of these dads in the Bible exhibit inappropriate actions, there are some behaviors today’s fathers would do well to emulate. Joseph reared Jesus with Mary, taking Him to the temple and most likely teaching Him a trade (Matthew 13:55; Luke 2:21-24,39-42,51-52). The father in the parable of the prodigal son offers a great example of a loving dad who gave his son options and forgave him even when he made some wrong choices (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps Jesus even thought about His experiences with Joseph when He told this story about His Heavenly Father’s love.

The Perfect Father

Although the Bible teaches dads how to be the best dads they can be, the model of the perfect dad is elusive. There is only one perfect Father God. Otherwise, the perfect dad is nonexistent. Rather than feeling guilty when you do not fit society’s stereotypes, pursue the dad God designed you to be. Use the gifts, talents, and natural abilities that He has given you as you teach your child to become all that God desires for him to be. In doing so, you can teach your child to love his perfect Heavenly Father.

Landry Holmes is the Manager of Lifeway Kids Ministry Publishing, Nashville, TN. A graduate of Howard Payne University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Landry served on church staffs before coming to Lifeway. He is a church leader, writer, workshop facilitator, and publisher.  Landry  also teaches children at his church in Middle Tennessee. He and his wife Janetta are the parents of two adorable grand babies.

Encouragement, Family, Kids Ministry, Parenting

Making the Transition to Congregational Worship a Win

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At times, a corporate worship service is viewed as the adult worship service. In reality, it’s a time for everyone. Even young children can participate in and learn from their experiences in congregational worship. Children can sing songs, participate in offering, pray, and listen to the sermon. As kids ministry leaders, we need to help parents, young children, and church members make kids’ transition to corporate worship a win.

One way to help parents is to provide resources and helps to educate them with tips on making the transition easier. These simple tips include, bringing a church bag filled with a child’s Bible and quiet activities such as: paper and crayons to take notes or draw pictures about the sermon, stickers, and chenille stems. Encourage parents to take their child to the restroom before entering the service. Also, encourage them to sit where the child can see the stage. Other tips include laying out clothes and the church bag the night before and preparing their own hearts and minds for worship by discussing what they may experience during the worship service.  One resource available for parents and teachers is When I Go to Church: Guiding Preschoolers in Worship.

Beginning to attend corporate worship is a milestone and should be celebrated.  Decide as a church how you can make it special for families. Ideas include “Pancakes with the Pastor,” “New Kid on the Pew Luncheon,” or a “Big Enough Breakfast.” One church does an event called “Camp Big Enough.” More details about this event can be found here. Events like these can include a tour of the Sanctuary, meeting with ministerial staff and church leaders, and activities to familiarize the child with parts of the service.

Kids ministries can make the transition a win for families. How does your church welcome young children to corporate worship? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Bible Skills, Bible Study, Family, Fun, Games, Kids Bible Study, Kids Devotions, Kids Ministry, Parent Helps, Parenting, Resources, Small Groups

Free Bible Skills Activity Guide

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We believe it’s essential to begin teaching Bible skills from a very young age. As kids learn the different divisions and structure of the Bible, they will understand God’s Word more clearly, providing a foundation for heart transformation.

We’ve developed a free Bible Skills Activity Guide for families and groups. Fill out the form below to download the guide and make copies for every family in your ministry. Parents will love the help as they seek to disciple their kids this summer.

By signing up for this Bible Skills Activity Guide, you will also receive free access to preview sessions of Explore the Bible. Every session of Explore the Bible: Kids brings the Bible to life through rich study and engaging objects, equips kids with foundational Bible knowledge and skills, and encourages them to live what they learn everywhere they go. Try sessions out with your kids, and watch the Word come alive.

Leadership, Parenting, Preschool, Reaching

Creating a New and Expectant Parent Ministry, Part 2

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Creating a new and expectant parent ministry is an effective way to reach new families in the community and build relationships with parents. In an earlier article, I shared ways to begin building relationships with families prior to the birth of a baby or adoption. Use the steps listed below to continue building relationships with families after the baby arrives.

  • Visit the Family When Baby Arrives. Schedule a time to visit the family. Depending on their schedule and situation, you may visit the hospital or at their home. Take small gifts for the parents such as BabyLife or ParentLife. Possible gifts for the baby include baby care items, a blanket, or small remembrance. Don’t forget to include the siblings. Bubbles or play-doh make show you care about the brothers and sisters, too
  • Celebrate the Baby’s Arrival. Consider ordering reusable yard signs to place in the family’s yard for a couple of weeks after the baby’s birth. Make sure to get permission from the family before placing the sign in the yard.
  • Other Aspects of the Expectant Parent Ministry. Be prepared to minister to families in all situations. Include an encourager on your ministry team to serve families who have babies with special needs. Also, add an encourager who can minister to families who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth.
  • Follow-up with Parents. A few weeks after the birth of the baby, the assigned encourager visits the new parents. She uses this opportunity to check with the parents to learn of any new ways the church can minister to them, pray for them, and answer any questions the parents may have about the preschool ministry.

Other Steps to Remember:

  • Prepare a Calendar for the Year. During the year, plan events such as mom’s brunch, parents’ dinner, or an ice cream sundae party for expectant and new parents (mom and dad) to attend. At these events, include a time of fellowship, relevant information for parents, and information about the church and preschool ministry. Ask teachers from the babies’ classes to share their testimony with the families. Explain what the babies experience in their classes on Sunday morning and how they are taught biblical truths in age appropriate ways.
  • Prepare a budget. When preparing a budget, remember to include gifts for parents, babies, and siblings. In addition, estimate the costs of events and socials.

Creating a new and expectant ministry in your church helps build trust with new and expectant parents. What steps do you need to take to begin this meaningful ministry?

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Family, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parent Helps, Parenting, Preschool

Creating a New and Expectant Parent Ministry, Part 1

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Parents are waiting longer and longer to bring their babies to classes in preschool ministry. They keep their babies with them for a variety of reasons. Leaders can gain parents’ trust by building relationships with them even before the baby is born or adopted. Creating a new and expectant ministry is a way to build relationships with parents.

A new and expectant parent ministry is a connection point. It’s an opportunity for churches to impact new parents in the church and in the community. Follow the steps listed below to begin this impactful ministry in your church.

  • Communicate the need for the ministry to the Pastor and other church leadership. Pray and share the vision of why this ministry is important. Communicate stories of families who are expecting in your church. Give the ministry a name such as Blessed Expectations, First Contact, or Cradle Connection.
  • Enlist a coordinator and ministry team. The coordinator leads the ministry team working hand-in-hand with the preschool/children’s minister. She performs the day-to-day details of the ministry such as making the initial contact with expectant parents and planning events. The coordinator enlists encouragers to serve on the ministry team. These ladies are assigned to an expecting couple ministering to them.
  • Discover names of prospective couples. Create avenues for members to share names of expectant parents in the church (including themselves) and families in the community who may not be connected to a church.
  • Initial contact by coordinator. The coordinator makes an introductory call to gather information such as due date, and learn of ways to pray for the expectant parents. Then, the coordinator assigns an encourager to each set of expectant parents.
  • Encourager contacts during the pregnancy or adoption process. During the months leading up to the baby’s arrival, the encourager builds a relationship with the couple through visits, calls, writing cards, and praying for them.

These steps help build a foundational relationship with the expectant parents before the baby is born. Which do you feel are the most important steps? Are there any others you would include? In part 2, I’ll share how to continue building the relationship with families when the baby arrives.

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.

Parenting, Podcasts, Training

What Christian Parents Are and Are Not Teaching Their Kids About Sexuality

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Today’s episode features Dr. Shane and Jennifer Garrison as they discuss the struggle Christian parents face with “The Talk.” Dr. Shane Garrison is now serving as VP for Enrollment & Associate Professor at Campbellsville University, and his wife Dr. Jennifer Garrison, is also an assistant professor of education ministry at Campbellsville University. On this episode, hear what parents wish their church’s kids & student leaders were doing to give them help they desperately need.

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