My son is five years old, and he doesn’t really talk. He’s trying, and we’re hearing a few words pretty clearly. He likes to repeat the words he hears, and sometimes he will use a single word to let us know what he wants.… Read the rest
Introduce your students to Flat Jesus this summer!
During the summer months, it can be challenging to find ways to engage students of any age. Attendance in preschool Sunday school, traditional Sunday school, and other children’s ministry programs decreases. Families take vacations; children go to summer camp; and schedules are less consistent.… Read the rest
How do you get people to come to your small group Bible study?
You’ve done the hard work. You decided to lead a small group, promoted it, and have gotten a few people to commit to coming. From here on out, leading a small group Bible study will be easy, right?
Well, not exactly.… Read the rest
Youth Ministry Podcast: What’s in our mailbag?
Over the past few months, our youth ministry podcast has evolved from something fun for Bryan and Erik to do when they have a free minute (because, hey, that’s totally a thing when you focus on youth ministry, right?!) to a place where they can respond to your questions, talk about difficult topics, and also give you a chance to laugh a little (let’s face it, that’s necessary).… Read the rest
How to engage all students with the Bible in a multiage classroom
If your church has a single, multiage classroom for Sunday school, you know it can come with its challenges. One challenge can be making sure each student is able to hear, read, and understand the Bible story in an age-appropriate way.… Read the rest
Can babies REALLY learn faith concepts?
Nearly every person who cares for children in a church nursery has, at one time or another, felt it. The inevitable cringe when hearing their ministry called “babysitting.”
Many nursery workers have expressed frustration that the work they do is often seen as a service to parents rather than a genuine, faith-building role in the church.… Read the rest
Q&A with author Andrew Root on youth ministry in the age of science
We all know that youth ministry is a jumble of fun, not-so-fun, and just plain challenging interactions. In the 21st century, the intersection of science and faith has evolved (see what we did there?) into one of the more complicated points of discussion for middle- and high-school-aged students.… Read the rest
Seven reasons to host a Book Fair
We know as a church leader you’re always looking for ways to engage young families and help them feel supported by your community. But it can be hard to find new, creative ways to reach them when with so much on your plate already.… Read the rest
Week of the Young Child: what you need to know to celebrate
This week, we celebrate the Week of the Young Child—a nationally recognized week-long celebration! Throughout the week, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides opportunities for you to spend a little extra time exploring the effects of early learning and recognizing the impactful work of teachers, church leaders, and families in raising young children.… Read the rest
Bubbles, prayers, and preschoolers
Preschoolers often RUN to the front of the sanctuary when they are invited to be a part of a worship service. They RUN! With this special kind of enthusiasm, it’s time to create more opportunities for preschoolers to lead us “big” people in worship.… Read the rest