When children inhabit a church, there is an energy that emerges. We observe this energy in the sound of an infant’s cry or in a child’s laughter. We watch children wiggle in their seats and excitedly move from one place to the next. When people see children in a church, they often picture these children…
by Mike Haynes Youth ministry is a unique calling, and it’s no secret that staying in it for the long haul isn’t always easy. For many youth pastors, what starts as a passion-driven role can sometimes turn into a temporary position—a stepping stone to other church roles or even a path out of ministry altogether….
Planning ahead is your summer’s best-kept secret, and in this guide to summer event planning, we’ll show you why! When I was a kid, I loved getting our family’s mail. Most days after school, as soon as my mom put the car in park, I would jump out and run to the mailbox to see…
If you’re thinking about how to connect well with kids of all abilities and backgrounds, one of the first questions you may be asking is: should we try for an inclusive space or create a completely separate special needs ministry? And my answer is always: yes!
As a new school year is upon us, many parents are eager for their children to return, while others may feel anxious sending their babies off to be cared for by people they barely know. Likewise, some children are excited to begin a new school year, while others may not even want to say the…
Summer is just around the corner which means vacations, beach trips, and, of course, VBS! Some families plan their vacation schedule around this beloved summer tradition. But is your church prepared to welcome all children, including those with special needs? Children with disabilities, exceptionally-abled, or special needs, no matter the term you use, there will…
Here’s how important Vacation Bible School is: Plus, almost everyone who’s ever lived near a church building knows: this is THE thing churches do in the summer for kids. Which means, if you’ve been around the church world long enough, you’ve probably heard some good, Christian people actually complain about how “that family” always finds…
Content vs. Systems Meet Anxious Amy. She loves, loves, loves Jesus, and she loves kids. She has been leading a large children’s ministry at her own church for over 7 years. And Amy has been running at full speed, ever since she can remember. Her motto is, “If you want something done right, you have…