Children’s Ministry

March 15, 2019

6 Things Kids Leaders Should Know about Curriculum: Part 3

When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I help produce Bible study curriculum. But, of course, it is so much more than the way I feed my family—it is a passion and a privilege, one I seek to steward well. With that deep care for curriculum in mind, I want to share six things that I wish every kids leader knew about curriculum. Knowing these things, I believe, can transform a ministry, which more importantly, can transform lives.

So far we have covered:

Next up…

There is no perfect curriculum.

Building off of the previous point, we need to recognize that the perfect curriculum simply does not exist. Nor can it exist. Every curriculum is produced by finite people. I tend to be a Type A kind of guy—a perfectionist in many ways. And this is a struggle for me. No matter how hard we try and how many eyes are placed on it, there has never been a single volume of curriculum printed without a typo. The amazing thing is that they seem to jump off the page immediately as soon as we open our preview copies from the printer!

But there is one more nuance to flesh out here, the most important one. The perfect curriculum does not exist, cannot exist, but more than that, it should not exist. That might sound strange from a guy who works on producing curriculum and who is a Type A perfectionist, but hear me out. The reason that there should not be a perfect curriculum is because each church is unique, as is every group, as is every teacher, and as is every kid. While we share the same mandate to teach the same unchanging, uncompromising Scriptures, the unique context of each group demands that what is shared and how it is shared differs. That is why no curriculum can be, nor should be, plug-and-play. And that is why it is called a Leader Guide and not a Leader Mandate.

So if you are a leader, be patient and gracious with us when you come across a typo! Know that it pains us that it is there and our goal is to provide you with a resource free of all typos. But more than that, follow the Spirit’s guidance as you prepare as we addressed in the prior post. And be patient and gracious with us here too. That main idea or activity that doesn’t help you, might just be the most important one for the church down the street from you. Know that our goal is to get as close to the ideal curriculum for as many churches and groups as we can. We want to make preparing as easy as possible for you, which will take us to the next point covered in the next post.

Questions for reflection

What is unique about your context? What needs and opportunities should you be aware of as you lead your group?
What is unique about you as a leader? What strengths, weaknesses, and biases might you bring to your group as you lead that you need to be aware of?

Next time: Teaching God’s Word takes work.

Brian Dembowczyk is the managing editor for The Gospel Project. He served in local church ministry for over 16 years before coming to Lifeway. Brian earned an M.Div. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his family live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Encouragement, Kids Ministry, Leadership

March 13, 2019

Ways to Avoid Burnout in 2019

By Logan Meek

Burnout. Just hearing the word burnout can bring up feelings of exhaustion and hopelessness at work. Chances are good that if you’ve been involved in ministry in any capacity, you’ve faced feelings of burnout at some point.

Whether you started out 2019 feeling like you’re on track to avoid burnout, or whether you started off the year in a rut on day 1, every day gives us a chance for a fresh start. Today’s post offers five practical suggestions to help avoid burnout in 2019:

Admit that you can’t do it all. A lot of times this is something we really do have to admit. We convince ourselves that working harder will solve all our problems. Work hard, but remember that there will always be more on the to-do list.
Refuse to live in comparison. Sometimes we don’t know we want something until we see what other people have. Comparison steals away contentment that can be found in following God where He lead us. Without contentment burnout comes quickly, so don’t spend your energy trying to live up to comparisons.
Turn off the screens. Because of how accessible technology makes us, we can work in flexible ways that weren’t really possible, even five years ago. We never have to be in the office to get things done. But the accessibility of work can take over our lives if we let it. Give yourself permission to stop working when the day is over. Your emails will still be there tomorrow.
Say “no” more. It’s difficult for most people in ministry to say “no” to things because we know that our work has an eternal impact. But saying no to others sometimes gives you the freedom to say yes to your family and yourself. We can’t keep giving of ourselves if we never take the time to take care of ourselves.
Take a personal retreat. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could take a weekend and go to a cabin (with a rocking chair, hot tub, and lots of coffee!) to spend restful time with the Lord? Maybe you can … and if you can, do it! But a personal retreat can be as simple as blocking out a few hours one morning or afternoon to spend time reading the Bible and praying.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” As you serve God in 2019, remember that Jesus is the only one who can offer true rest!

Logan Meek leads the Student Life for Kids team. Logan joined the Student Life For Kids team in 2014 after spending two years as a Sixth Grade teacher with Teach For America. He believes in the importance of strong kids ministry to help kids build strong spiritual foundations.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Parenting

March 11, 2019

Camp Creates Courageous Parents

By Jeremy Echols

As a leader in kids ministry, you’ve seen kids “grow up” at camp, but did you know camp creates courageous parents too?

Camp is an amazing environment for kids to get out of their normal routine, try something new, explore a new place, and make lifelong memories. Every summer we see kids do brave things like trying a zip line, jump off the diving board, or in some cases, their courage is tested by just traveling on the bus and staying away from home for a few nights.

While the kids are away at camp, some parents breathe a sigh of relief … but most parents wonder, worry, and have to face fears of their own! Will my child like any of the food in the dining hall? Will my daughter make new friends? Will my son shower at some point during the week?

We love to encourage kids to grow through the camp experience, but parents can grow too. Here are some challenges that a Kids Ministry leader can give parents in your pre-camp information meetings. Encourage parents to grow, and give them support as you challenge them to:

Send your child to an overnight camp without you. This is a huge step for some parents and not as big a deal for others. As a kidmin leader, you must discern where the parent/child readiness is here.
Invest in your child spiritually at home, even if you don’t know all the answers. Your kids ministry teaching is wonderful, but a parent investing at home is so much more valuable than what we can do at camp or at church.
Trust other people like a church leader or summer staff to pour into your child spiritually. It takes a team, and sometimes a new face or new place at camp will uncover a wonderful discipleship conversation where camp staffers and church leaders contribute to a child’s spiritual growth.
Allow your child some independence. Give parents a packing list, but encourage them to allow their kids to make their own clothes selections and eating selection in a stay away situation like camp.
Make the necessary sacrifices. For some families, it means sacrificing time at the beach or the pool. For other families, they have to make financial sacrifices to afford to send a child (or children) to camp. Help parents see the importance of camp and be courageous to trust God with their time and finances because of the powerful spiritual impact camp can have on kids.

For parents who are not sending their kids away for the very first time, there may be different opportunities for growth. It could be that going to camp and investing in the whole group, eating camp food, and staying in the dorm is the courageous move. For parents who cannot go away to camp, they may need to be courageous enough to allow some distance and NOT call their child every day at camp. This might help the child be more courageous with leaving home and grow through the feelings of homesickness.

Jeremy Echols leads the camps area for Lifeway Kids. He, his wife Emily, and their precious daughter love their church, their neighborhood, and spending time together. Jeremy enjoys reading, watching sports, and all of his daughter’s after-school activities.

Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Leadership

March 6, 2019

6 Things Kids Leaders Should Know about Curriculum: Part 2

By Brian Dembowczyk

When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I help produce Bible study curriculum. But of course, it is so much more than the way I feed my family—it is a passion and a privilege, one I seek to steward well. With that deep care for curriculum in mind, I want to share six things that I wish every kids leader knew about curriculum. Knowing these things, I believe, can transform a ministry, which more importantly, can transform lives.

So far we have covered:

Every curriculum is crafted around a set of core values.

Next up…

The goal is to teach the Bible, not the curriculum.

If this list were in the order of importance, this one might be at the top. If you are a teacher, your goal is not to teach the curriculum you use. I know that sounds odd, but it’s true. Curriculum is a tool to teach something else of far greater importance: the Bible.

Do you see how critical of a distinction this is? No curriculum is the inspired Word of God; only the Bible is. No curriculum is infallible; only the Bible is. No curriculum reveals God’s plan to redeem people to Himself through Christ Jesus; only the Bible does. Hear this clearly as coming from someone who helps produce curriculum: We don’t want anyone leaving a gathering saying how great the curriculum is; we want them leaving saying how great the Bible is, and even more so how great the Author of the Bible is.

Practically, this means that a teacher’s focus, from start to finish, must fall squarely on the Scriptures. If it is any good, the curriculum a teacher uses will be a great help for him or her to do this. But it is just that: a help.

My suggestion is that kids leaders begin preparing each week by reading the Scripture from the Bible, not the leader guide. And don’t just read the main text of the session—what is often called the focal passage. Many curriculums will provide a suggested background passage which gives fuller context. Read that at least. The goal should be to be conversant in the surrounding context of what you will be studying and sharing that week. And you will want to do this early in the week, allowing time for what you read to seep down deep into your mind and heart.

Then it is time to dive into the leader guide and see how the curriculum presents the Bible passage. If an important point you discovered in your reading of Scripture is not emphasized strongly enough or missing altogether in the curriculum, build that into what you plan on covering with your kids. You know your kids better than whoever developed your curriculum. Follow the Spirit’s leading as you prepare.

Then, when you gather, be sure to have your Bible out and make it your goal to use it more than your leader guide. Your kids need to see you drawing deeply from the life-giving waters of God’s Word. Tangentially, this is why it is so critical that you encourage your kids to bring their Bibles too. The best Bible study does just that—studies the Bible, not a curriculum.

Questions for reflection

What habits and practices might you need to develop or strengthen as you prepare for and lead Bible study sessions?
Do your kids all have Bibles? Do you have a few Bibles on hand for guests or for when kids forget theirs? If not, how can that be addressed?

Next time: There is no perfect curriculum.

Bible Study, Sunday School, Teaching Kids

March 4, 2019

Why Prepare? Is it really all that important?

By Bill Emeott

In 1 Corinthians 14:40 we read, “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” I’m convinced that the time we have with kids at church should be fitting and orderly. That certainly includes Bible study. After all, if it’s worth doing (and teaching kids the Bible is definitely worth doing) then it’s worth doing right! Preparation is the key. Here are five reasons why weekly preparation is important and vital to your success.

Preparation allows you the opportunity to hear from God. I’ve often said that God wants to speak to the kids in your class from the overflow of what He’s teaching you in your heart. Spiritual and biblical preparation allows God to use your “comings and goings” to bring the biblical text you’re teaching to life. No prep equals no opportunity for God to teach you. You’ll teach better when you’ve prepared the biblical content and taken the time to pray and meditate on the passage you’re teaching. Then, you’ll be teaching from the overflow.
Preparation ensures that you’ll accomplish your goals. It’s been said, (and I agree), “If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know if you get there.” Preparation helps you understand your session goals and gives you a path for which to teach toward and meet those goals.
Preparation says, “This is important.” We give time (or make time) for what we believe is important. What could be more important than teaching kids God’s story for them? We all live busy lives but giving prep time for your weekly Bible teaching needs to be a priority. Kids will notice, parents will notice, and you will notice.
Preparation cuts down on behavior problems. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” I would elaborate on that by saying a failure to plan almost always is a recipe for disaster. If you don’t have a plan, kids do… and it usually doesn’t include a biblical application.
Preparation reduces stress and allows you to sense the work of the Holy Spirit and join Him during your session. When you adequately prepare and are ready for the kids the minute they enter the room, you’ll be open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit at work around you. Often times God is at work around us but we’re too distracted by our lack of preparation to notice. Don’t miss the “still small voice” because you failed to prepare.

The best session is a prepared session. The best teacher is a prepared teacher. Be the best you can be. Offer to your kids the best you can give and they deserve. Practice the gift of preparation.

Here’s a prayer I dare you to pray: “Lord, bless me according to my preparation.”

Bill Emeott serves as Lead Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Kids. He is a graduate of Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bill has served in Kids Ministry for almost 30 years and currently teaches 3rd Grade Bible study at his home church in Nashville, TN.

Bible Study, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Sunday School

February 26, 2019

See, Show, Share, and Compare Lifeway Kids Curriculum

By Chuck Peters

Comparing Lifeway Kids curriculum resources is easier than ever thanks to a brand new collection of easy-access resource guides available online now at teachkids.lifeway.com. The new TeachKids webpage lets you quickly and easily see, show, share, and compare leader guide samples, scope-and-sequence study plans, and the underlying philosophy-of-ministry frameworks for Bible Studies for Life: Kids, Explore the Bible Kids and The Gospel Project for Kids. These fast and simple samples are formatted as digital flipbooks that you can instantly review, reference, compare, and share using your smartphone or computer without filling out a form or downloading files.

Curriculum Sampler

Each resource includes a digital flipbook that lets you instantly flip through curriculum samples for Kids and Preschool versions, including teacher guides, activity pages, family resources, and worship options so you can examine and evaluate each resource on-demand. Pages inside each flipbook contain embedded links that connect you directly to product pages on lifeway.com where you can see product details and prices.

Study Plan

Quick access to Study Plan flipbooks allows you to quickly assess the scope and sequence of each resource so you can know exactly what kids and preschoolers will study throughout each three-year study cycle. Here you’ll find suggested use dates, the key Scripture passages for each session, and volume, unit and Bible story titles.

Framework

Each Lifeway Kids curriculum resource is informed by an underlying philosophical framework that influences the writing and editing of every session. These frameworks are not curriculum; they are foundational approaches to teaching biblical truth to kids that are designed to inform teachers and parents of the learning strategies upon which each resource is built. Once you determine which of these three distinct approaches to teaching you prefer, you will have an easy time choosing the curriculum resource that aligns with your preferred philosophy. Details on each of these frameworks as well as printables, apps, and training videos are available free from Lifeway Kids.

Bible Studies for Life: Kids is based on the Levels of Biblical Learning®; a scholarly guide based on the idea that kids learn and comprehend concepts differently as they grow in maturity, therefore, we must teach biblical truths in well informed age-appropriate ways. The Levels of Biblical Learning outlines how children can best understand 10 different biblical concepts at different age levels.

Check out the Levels of Biblical Learning flipbook now at http://teachkids.lifeway.com/bsfl-framework/ or view the Levels of Biblical Learning details page at http://LifeWay.com/LOBL

Bible Skills for Kids is all about the promotion of biblical literacy and Bible familiarity and informs the Explore the Bible Kids resource. Bible Skills for Kids identifies various Bible skills that children can grasp and master at various stages of development, such as identifying Old and New Testament books, memorizing the books of the Bible, matching people in the Bible to the book in which they appear, and memorizing a wide range of scripture verses.

Check out the Bible Skills for Kids flipbook now at http://teachkids.lifeway.com/etb-framework/ or view the Bible Skills for Kids details page at http://LifeWay.com/bibleskillsforkids

Big Picture Questions and Answers for Kids undergirds the Gospel Project for Kids. It outlines 76 theological concepts in six overarching categories formatted using a systematic easy-to-understand question-and-answer approach and includes a “Seeing Jesus in the Bible” section that explains how the whole Bible is one big story that’s all about Jesus and the Gospel. Check out the Big Picture Questions and Answers for Kids flipbook now at http://teachkids.lifeway.com/tgp-framework/ or view the Big Picture Questions and Answers details page at http://LifeWay.com/BPQA

The Quiz

If you want help determining which resource best matches your personal study style you can take the What Kind of Kids Minister Are You? quiz. This 5-question quiz helps direct you to the resource that teaches the way you like to teach.

The new TeachKids webpage was designed with you in mind, making it easier than ever to compare curriculum samples, study plans and foundational frameworks for Bible Studies for Life: Kids, Explore the Bible Kids, and The Gospel Project for Kids. Now you can see, show, share and compare these trustworthy resources from one easy-to-find place: TeachKids.LifeWay.com. Check it out today and share the link with your teachers, volunteers and partners in ministry as you evaluate which Lifeway Kids curriculum you’ll choose to use.

Kids Ministry, Leadership, Teacher Appreciation, Volunteers

February 22, 2019

The Value of Saying Thank You

By Delanee Williams

When was the last time you received appreciation? Was it with a note, a gift, a word of encouragement, or a small gift to say “thank you”? Were you thankful someone took the time to recognize your hard work and service? Were you encouraged? Were you reminded that you make a difference? Everyone needs and values appreciation.

Merriam-Webster defines appreciation as “a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude; increase in value.” When a teacher is appreciated through an expression of admiration, she seeks to become a better teacher. She sees the impact she’s making in the lives of the children she teaches and those she ministers to. She understands her sacrifice of time, efforts, and energy makes a difference in others’ lives.

A Kid’s Minister’s responsibilities are never-ending. You may wonder how you will be able to work appreciation into your schedule and budget. Will your efforts of appreciating teachers make a difference? The answer is YES! The Lord uses expressions of appreciation to minister and encourage those who serve.

When was the last time you appreciated those who serve in the ministry you lead? Just as you as a leader need encouraging words, volunteers need to feel appreciated as well. We as ministry leaders have a responsibility to value our leaders. Pray and commit to be intentional and value teachers by showing appreciation. Speak an encouraging word. Take time to listen. Write a handwritten note, or give a small token of appreciation. Communicate you appreciate teachers’ time, effort, and willingness to serve the Lord through kids 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.

CentriKid, Kids Ministry, StudentLife for Kids

February 13, 2019

3 Things You Could Be Missing if you Skip Summer Camp

By Logan Meek

Loading up a bus full of sugar-and-soda-filled kids to go away from home to summer camp for a few nights is no small commitment. But if you’ve been to summer camp, you know that the late nights and hot days are worth it. Today’s post explains why by considering three things you could be missing if you skip summer camp.

Mentorship Moments

When it comes to building discipling relationships with the kids in your church, there’s no replacement for quality time. Summer camp is a unique experience because it takes place over several days. Summer camp can be a chance for your all-star volunteers to build mentoring relationships with kids that will last. It’s impossible to duplicate the effect of spending time together as a group.

Spiritual Moments

Lots of people think of summer camp as a milestone experience. It’s no surprise that this is the case because summer camp is a chance to retreat from our normal routines for the purpose of spiritual growth. Many times summer camp is the place where God causes kids to have “lightbulb” moments about the concepts you’ve been teaching them all year. These spiritual moments can become markers in our faith that we look back to for the rest of our lives.

Shared Memories

Where else will you have the chance for kids to cheer you on while you win the belly-flop contest while wearing a rainbow wig? How many times have you seen a more timid kid become the hero for your group when they decide to play a game on stage? What traditions does your group have that you can’t wait to return to every year? Summer camp builds relationships that go home with you, and that only increases your platform for discipleship.

Summer camp definitely isn’t just another thing to check off of a “must do” list. It can be the most transformative discipleship tool in your ministry. So if you think camp isn’t for you, think twice, because there’s a lot you could be missing.

To find out more about Lifeway Kids Summer Camps, check out centrikid.com or studentlifeforkids.com

Apologetics, Kids Ministry, Leadership

February 11, 2019

Introducing Explorations in Genesis

By Tim Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

CentriKid, Kids Ministry, Leadership, StudentLife for Kids

February 8, 2019

How about a summer resolution?

By Jeremy Echols

Now that the ideals, attempts, failures, and frustrations of New Year resolutions are behind us, how are you realistically planning to grow and learn this year?

Consider studying NOW in your personal time around where your kids will be studying this summer. You can lead THEM to spiritual growth if YOU are already pursuing it in your personal walk with the Lord. Summer kids camp is always a milestone event for spiritual growth, so get a head-start!

Lifeway Kids provides camp experiences for church groups that place you in a key role for discipling your kids. Our summer camp staffers will lead the programming and set the stage to make the message of Christ clear in the lives of kids, but you are the one going home with kids after camp and your influence is so important.

At CentriKid 2019, our theme is “All Access” God wants Himself to be known. He has given you an “all-access pass” by revealing His name, the way to Him through Jesus, and His power as an expression of His love for you. God has revealed that He is the only true God, He’s not hidden, and He wants a relationship with you. The key verse is John 17:3—start memorizing that now! If you take your kids to CentriKid Camps this summer, a resource to consider is “Remember God” by Annie F. Downs where she reminds us that God is who He says He is.

At Student Life for Kids 2019, we have designed our theme to help your kids understand that without Jesus we are broken. When we believe in Jesus, God transforms us, and God uses us to help transform the world. We filter everything your kids experience through our theme, from dramas and games to sermons and Bible studies. The key verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17, so commit that to memory! If you are taking kids to Student Life For Kids this summer, a resource to consider is a book our camp team is reading right now! “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders will challenge you to grow as a leader and also spur you along your faith journey.

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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