LifeWay

Kids Ministry

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

Events, Leadership, Training

KMC Presents Trillia Newbell

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We interviewed Trillia Newbell, Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, about her experience and influences in ministry. We’re excited to hear Trillia speak at this year’s Kids Ministry Conference!

What excites you the most about the upcoming Kids Ministry Conference?

Kids ministry is an important aspect of many churches. I’ve always served in some capacity with my church’s children’s ministry. There are some members of our churches who go a full month without hearing a sermon in the context of the Sunday morning service because they are serving and loving the children week after week with little to no recognition. They don’t need recognition because God sees and delights in their service, but so often they are the unsung heroes of the church. What I’m most excited about for this conference is the chance to encourage the faith of children’s ministry workers. I’m praying they would be stirred, refreshed, and energized for the tasks ahead in the next year.

If there is one lesson you could pass on to ministry leaders, what would it be?

I have two things (making up one lesson!) that I continually preach to myself. First, you can’t do it all and do it all well. I’m always tempted to take on more than I can actually do. Unfortunately, when I do this something is neglected or it’s all done half-way. Not that the tasks don’t get done, it’s that they don’t get done as well as they would have if I hadn’t taken on more. It’s been freeing over the past year to say no to many things and know that God will be more glorified in my no than my yes—even when serving seems like a great thing to do.

Secondly, the results aren’t up to me. In other words, whether you are teaching children’s ministry or speaking to a group of women, whatever it is you are doing, how the hearer responds is all dependent on the Spirit’s work and not based on me. That frees me to serve, love, and speak for the glory of God and without concern of myself. I want to be, as pastor Tim Keller says, self-forgetful. As I think less of myself, I can think more about those I’m serving and about Jesus who I love to proclaim! 

Who was a big influence early in your ministry?

 This is tough to narrow down. There are possibly a number of people I can say, so instead I’ll share a few people and a few ministries.

Desiring God, The Gospel Coalition, and The Reformed African American Network were hands-down the three most influential ministries in my life (and remain so). The staff of each organization has helped to encourage my faith, develop my writing, and challenge my thinking. They were incredibly supportive. I’m thankful to God for those ministries. (I can now add the ERLC, which I have the joy of working for.)

I signed a contract with Erik Wolgemuth of Wolgemuth & Associates about three years ago. As my literary agent, he’s probably been the most influential voice (and ear!) in my ministry. He’s wise and helpful, grounded in the gospel and Word of God, and dedicated to seeing God glorified in what I do. He has helped me think biblically about what I’m writing and sharing. In many ways, I wouldn’t have a ministry if he hadn’t seen the potential, and I’m forever grateful for him.

Books, books, and more books. The Lord has graciously given us books. There are many books that helped shape my ministry and thinking, from Future Grace and Bloodlines by John Piper to The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good by Peter Greer. I’ve been blessed to be encouraged by books and writers.

 Finally, my family is the biggest influence. I have an incredibly supportive and caring husband who helps direct me and lead me as I serve others. He reminds me that God is good, sovereign, and for me. He reminds me of the gospel when I forget it. He also helps me say no when I need to.

Trillia Newbell is the author of United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity and Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves. Her writings on issues of faith, family, and Christian living have been published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Desiring God, Christianity Today, Relevant Magazine, The Gospel Coalition, and more. She currently serves as Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission for the Southern Baptist Convention. Trillia is married to her best friend, Thern, and they reside with their two children near Nashville, TN. 

Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Training

Imprint These Words on Your Hearts #KMC15

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KellyMinterHeadshotThe following blog post was written by Kelly Minter, one of the main stage speakers for the 2015 Kids Ministry Conference.

First off, I’m looking so forward to being part of LifeWay’s Kids Ministry Conference.

Are you coming?

If you’re involved in kids ministry of any kind I know you’ll be blessed by this experience. Plus, if you work with kids on a regular basis you probably need this experience.

Here’s what I’m looking forward to: The people speaking and singing at this event. Counselors like my dear friends Sissy Goff and David Thomas who have over forty years combined experience counseling children from a biblical foundation. The music and artistry of Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer—just wait, I can’t possibly overstate how much they are going to blow us all away. The two of them sang on a record I just released and—I’m serious—they’re crazy good. Others like Ed Stetzer who bring a wealth of research and knowledge on the state of the church in America along with vetted ministry practices. And these are just a handful of those who will be sharing the platform—I know you will walk away with renewed vision. Lastly, I’ve been an author with LifeWay for almost ten years and am always grateful for their commitment to God’s Word and His renown. With LifeWay, you can be sure that what you’re in for will be quality.

All of that said, in conjunction with the theme of childrens ministry one of my favorite passages of Scripture is Deuteronomy 11:18-19:

“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

My Mom and Dad founded a church in Northern Virginia a year before I was born and are still ministering there. As I was growing up and still today the Word of God spills out of their lives and onto those around them. This wasn’t just for Sunday morning. As in this passage teaching God’s Word to our children is to be a habitual, continual, natural way of life that the younger generation can’t help but receive from us. I look forward to spending time in the Scriptures as we “walk along the road” together in October.

Kelly Minter speaks, writes, and sings around the world. She’s written a number of books, including a series of four Bible studies for women, and has recorded several albums. Kelly is deeply passionate about serving the poor and the forgotten through the work of Justice and Mercy International and particularly enjoys spending her free time with friends and family or in the large garden she has planted in her backyard in Nashville, Tenn. 

Kids Ministry, kids101, Training

Protection Is a Must!

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emeott-150x150Reports of abusive conduct toward children by adults are shocking. One doesn’t have to look far to see how widespread such accounts have become. It is estimated that one out of every three girls and one out of five boys will experience some form of sexual abuse by age 18. Churches cannot expect to remain unaffected by this problem.

So, what’s a church to do? The answer is: everything possible to screen and monitor those working with minors at church!

Implementing safety and security policies is no longer an option. Standard policies, including the “6/2” rule, are a must. This simple policy states that anyone working with children or youth must be an active member of your church for at least six months before assuming a position of leadership and that there will always be at least two adults in the room with minors at all times. These easy to implement policies will go far in discouraging predators.

Next, include a volunteer worker application and follow-up interview as part of your policies. Having current and prospective leaders complete an application form and conduct formal interviews with each will show your church, your community, and possible predators that your church is watching and concerned for the safety of children.

Protection policies are incomplete without an official criminal background check. Many insurance companies are requiring churches to have complete checks as a prerequisite to coverage. Completing background checks on every adult working directly with minors demonstrates a desire and intent to protect children.

Here’s the bottom line: It is our responsibility to protect minors at church. Yes, it may be a difficult transition and sometimes uncomfortable, but protection in not an option. The mental, emotional, and spiritual development of children is at stake. Don’t ignore the possibilities. Ensure that your church is a loving and safe environment for children to grow in their relationship with their Lord and His church.

Discounted background screenings are available through LifeWay OneSource’s relationship with backgroundchecks.com

For a deeper dive into this subject check out www.ministrysafe.com.

Since 2003 Bill Emeott has served as a Kids Ministry Specialist for LifeWay. His passions include childhood ministry leadership training and development, leading children’s Bible Study, and being an uncle! Bill has been teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for ten years.

Crafts, Encouraging, Fun, Kids Ministry, Training

Fall Appreciation: Thanks for “TEA”ching!

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Jeff Land-150x150It’s that time of year when all the stores are offering great sales on school supplies. We’ve had a great summer, but I am really glad that it is time to get back to routine. Kids will start getting back to their regular bedtimes and families will be finished traveling. This marks an increase in church attendance and also a great time for you to tell teachers that you really care about them. Here are a couple of ideas for a new church year appreciation gift:

Water’d We Do Without You?

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Trim all of the printed labels. Remove the original labels from each water bottle. Wrap the trimmed labels around each bottle and secure with clear tape. Personally, I prefer a cold bottle of water to room temperature, so I put mine in the fridge overnight (but don’t let them get too cold because they will sweat through the paper if you do!).

Thanks for TEAching!

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Trim all of the printed labels. Remove the original labels from each tea bottle. Wrap the trimmed labels around each bottle and secure with clear tape.

Jeff Land loves life! That’s pretty great, because his job here at LifeWay is the Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life: Kids. Jeff loves his life which is so blessed by his amazing wife, Abbey, and their four sons, Reed, Nash, Will, and Tuck. A natural encourager and fun-lover, look for Jeff’s posts about teacher appreciation and game ideas. When not serving at work, Jeff serves 2nd graders at his church, First Baptist Church, Joelton, TN.

Encouraging, Fun, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Preschool, Preteen, Small Groups, Training

Make the Most of Your KidMin Intern

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by Lana Sydenstricker

Let’s face it – what ministry leader couldn’t use an extra hand? Whether you’re able to recruit an intern for eight weeks of summer, a fall semester, or an entire year, there are tons of benefits to investing in young people passionate about your mission. Interns gain experience so they can one day become leaders in the church, but they also need guidance, encouragement, and mentoring along the way. Here are some ways that you can help your intern be the best that they can be:

1. Prepare for them

Take the time to lay out a foundation for the intern before they arrive. Once your intern arrives, set clear expectations and plan meetings with them every few weeks to discuss their performance.

2. Figure out their strengths and give them tasks accordingly, then let them fly

Interns like to feel like they are being helpful, so give them tasks that they can flourish at on their own. It’s essential to give ownership over projects in order to challenge and provide opportunities to grow in confidence.

3. Encourage them

It is important for your intern to hear what they are doing right. Encourage them and make sure they know they have potential that the church wants to use for God’s glory and kingdom advancement.

4. Engage in their lives

Ask how they are doing and build a personal relationship with your intern. Talk to them about prayer needs and create a relationship in which they are comfortable. This will open doors for easier communication should a conflict arise during the course of the internship.

At the end of the day, your interns can greatly impact the kids in your ministry, free up your busy schedule, and gain experience in the field of ministry. I hope you’ll prayerfully consider adding an intern to your team when the season is right.

Lana Sydenstricker serves as a LifeWay Kids Social Media and Marketing intern. A native Ohioan, she moved to Nashville in 2013 to pursue a degree in PR from Lipscomb University, where she participates in athletics and missions.  

Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Parenting, Sunday School, Training

The Best Thing You Can Do for Families

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Jeffrey-150x150Who cares about families?

How you read that question might determine where you stand on this topic.

Family Ministry. Let’s clarify. This is not the cynical question coming from the leader who might think it’s more important to focus on EACH age-group in ministry in church. It’s the question coming from the leader who also cares that ALL groups are met at once by ministering to the family as a unit. Both approaches are critical in the church. For generations, churches have done a good job of meeting the needs of each individual age-group while perhaps missing the mark with reaching the family. Is that good enough?

It is, in fact, very good. We should also consider that it is even better if a church ministers to and leads families. The reason is that it’s very clear in Scripture that God cares for the family, in its various forms and functions.

So while God clearly acknowledges specific age groups throughout Scripture (Matthew 19:14, 1 Timothy 4:12, James 1:27 among others), He also elevates the value of the family living and working together as a unit. We see this played out beautifully in Nehemiah 4:13 when “families” are stationed at holes in the wall as Jerusalem was being rebuilt. We see that there is clear instruction in Deuteronomy, chapter 6 on what a typical day should look like for the family that walks with the Lord.

So how does the church step into this? Isn’t that stuff what the family does AFTER they leave our buildings. Perhaps. But inspiring families to “connect” or “bond” or “be together” or “walk along the road” on Sunday is one thing. Giving them what they need to make it happen on Monday is altogether different.

As you lead families, consider that simply reminding parents what they already know, to spend time with their kids, is great, but that we need to teach them to focus on their collective relationship with Jesus. Lost parents spending 24 hours a day with their lost kids, will result in very well-connected lost families.

Allow the gospel, God’s story of love reaching into our brokenness of our world, to drive everything you do. Don’t assume that your parents know or are a part of that story. Many or even most of them are not. Tell them that’s okay. When they begin the journey of faith together with their children, it will result in authentic community in their home that will begin to spill over into your church. Perhaps the best thing you can do in leading the kids in your ministry is to lead their parents.

The greatest thing we can do for families is to connect them to Jesus.

Jeffrey Reed serves on the leadership team for LifeWay Kids. He came to LifeWay with a wide variety of ministry experiences including worship leader, director of children’s ministry, and executive leadership in several growing congregations. He, his wife Katherine, and their four kids attend Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, TN.

Bible Study, Encouragement, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Spiritual Disciplines, Sunday School, Training

Personal Bible Study … You Need It!

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rp_Emeott-Web21-150x150.jpgGod wants to teach the boys and girls in your ministry from the overflow of what he’s already taught you in your heart. Here’s the problem… many of us find ourselves too busy to seek the flow from God’s Word and end up with a “trickle” instead of the fresh overflow that comes from regular personal Bible study.

There are many benefits from personal Bible study! Personal Bible study:

Strengthens …         … in times of fear – Isaiah 41:10; …the weary – Isaiah 40:29-20

Comforts …              … in grief – Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 23

Guides …                 … our daily walk – Psalm 119:105; …us toward success – Joshua 1:7

Provides …               … instruction – Psalm 1:1-3; …all my needs – Philippians 4:19

Reveals …                … God’s Plan – Jeremiah 29:11

Teaches …               … us the truth and freedom – John 8:31-32

Transforms …          … the mind – Romans 12:2;

Assures …                … of salvation – 1 John 5:13

So, how do you find time in your very busy world for this very important discipline? I love teaching Sunday School and I want to be a good teacher to the kids I lead, so I choose to use the Bible account that I’ll be teaching each week as a guide for my personal Bible study. Each week (when I’m being a really good Bible study teacher) I start early in the week and spend 5-10 minutes a day reading, studying, and considering what God is wanting to teach me. Here’s my plan:

Day 1:  Read the text from my Bible.  Take your favorite Bible and read the text…even if you know the account, read the text.  God wants to speak to you fresh and new every time you read His Word.

Day 2:  Read the “Personal/Leader Bible Study” in the leader guide.  Take a few minutes on Day 2 to consider what the curriculum provider thinks about the text. In LifeWay’s on-going resources we provide a one-page deeper dive for leaders for each of our sessions.

Day 3:  Reread the text in a different translation. If you always read from the KJV then consider on Day 3 reading from the HCSB (or even the other way around). For me, this is where I get out my paraphrased version of the Bible.  A paraphrase helps me to hear the text differently and react to the translator’s interpretation.

Day 4:  Choose a favorite commentary to read and consider. God has gifted many men and women with a deep understanding of scripture and many have pinned their thoughts into commentaries.  I’m simple, so I like a simple commentary, J Vernon McGee’s “Through the Bible.” Find one you like (and understand) and enjoy the deeper dive of their thoughts.

Day 5: Read and review the Bible account, as it will be presented in the session. Go back to your curriculum and read, review, even practice how you will present the Bible account to your kids.

Since 2003 Bill Emeott has served as a Kids Ministry Specialist for LifeWay. His passions include childhood ministry leadership training and development, leading children’s Bible Study, and being an Uncle! Bill has been teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for ten years.

Encouragement, Encouraging, Events, Fun, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Networking, Training

The Theme for KMC 2015 Is…

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How do you make a difference in the world around you? How do you stand for your convictions in the midst of moral turmoil? More than that, how do you influence a generation to grow up as culture shapers rather than simply conforming to the world? These are some of the questions we will explore at LifeWay’s Kids Ministry Conference (KMC) this October 19-21.
The theme for our conference this year is RADIATE. Matthew 5:13-16 says:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
 

In this passage, Jesus shares with His disciples the importance of influencing the world around them. One emphasis in these verses is on maintaining saltiness. Jesus says that if salt loses its taste, it is good for nothing more than being “thrown out and trampled on.” We cannot simply blend in with the rest of the world. In order to shape the culture, first and foremost we must ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to live holy lives.

In addition, Matthew 5 tells us that we should “let our light shine before men.” The idea here is that as we strive for holiness and live for Christ, people will see our good works and recognize Jesus living through us. We must allow His light to shine through us and radiate out into the world. He is the only true light and also our only hope for making a spiritual difference in the world.
We hope you’ll join us at KMC this October 19-21 at Nashville’s Music City Center! Together we will further explore this idea of making a difference, shaping the culture, and radiating the light of Christ. Visit kidsministryconference.com for more details about the conference such as a list of speakers, a complete schedule, hotel information, and even media from previous conferences.
This Fall, don’t simply shine your light in a dark world—RADIATE!
Bible Study, Encouragement, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Small Groups, Spiritual Disciplines, Sunday School, Training, Worship

5 Ways to Sabbath Before You Serve

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rp_Jana3-150x150.jpgLeaders of children, can we be honest? How many times do we try to sacrificially serve on Sundays (Wednesdays, etc) without actually taking the time to sabbath? If we don’t take time to rest in the Lord, then are we not saying, “I got this – I can do it in my own strength?” I want to challenge us all to take sabbath seriously. Most of us do not attend a worship service at church on Sundays because of our duties to teach, oversee, and be present in children’s ministry areas. Therefore, we must “sabbath” before Sunday so that when arrive (early) to serve the families in our church, we come refreshed and renewed in the Lord. We can then, with joy, hold the crying babies who missed their naps, comfort the toddler who is weeping at the door for mama to return, and teach the Bible story to a busy room full of active preschoolers! Remember that God created rest – that’s what the seventh day of creation is all about. “God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it He rested from His work of creation.” Genesis 2:3 HCSB

Here are 5 ways to sabbath before you serve:

1. Ideally, incorporate a day off during the week to offset your work on Sundays. If that is not possible, actively pursue time on Saturday to make time to rest.

2. Spend time in the Word. Not just preparing for Sunday’s lesson, but truly enjoying the scriptures and hearing what the Lord has special for you.

3. Incorporate something you love to do: go for a walk, call or write a friend, cook a special meal for your family, or go for a country drive. Do what allows you to unwind.

4. Find some time to journal your thoughts. This requires solitude. In today’s world, our minds are so cluttered – we can hardly sort out our own thoughts. Get your thoughts down on paper – which could translate to goals, ideas, big dreams, prayer requests.

5. Finally, pray throughout the day. God is jealous for our time. He can’t wait to Sabbath with you. Seek your heavenly Father in times of rest and you will be restored.

Jana Magruder serves as the Director of LifeWay Kids. Jana brings a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and curriculum writing. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three children attend Forest Hills Baptist Church where she teaches The Gospel Project to preteen girls.

Bible Study, Kids Ministry, kids101, Leadership, Preschool, Small Groups, Sunday School, Training

Use Your Curriculum to Make Disciples

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rp_vogel-150x150.jpgUse your

C–carefully make use of the leader Bible study each week.

U–utilize the extras for teachers available online each week.

R–review and prepare the Bible story and group time in leader guide.

R–read over the learning activities and choose the best learning approaches for your kids.

I–investigate the leader pack items that can be used to teach the Bible.

C–check out the leader pack items for outreach/ministry.

U–understand that teaching begins at the door with unit poster and Bible story conversation.

L–let the take home page serve as a disciple-maker for kids and don’t forget CD-rom printables.

U–use the digital communications to keep parents up to date on what kids learn each week.

M–make parents aware of the free family app that is available for download.

to be a disciple-maker!

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