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…
Yippee! It’s the end of the school year! For many parents and children, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief. Time to prepare to enjoy shorts, swimsuits, and sand. For the children’s minister, though, summer means a busier schedule. Playgrounds and popsicles, VBS, and the dreaded volunteer recruiting for the fall. So, here’s a…
If I’m honest, I’m a little sad at the state of where our teens and young adults are today. It seems to be increasingly difficult for our kids to grow up and become mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually healthy. It’s getting harder and harder for them to embrace the grace that God offers and truly…
Years ago I landed my very first gig in Children’s Ministry, and I was in so deep over my head that I didn’t even realize I was under water. In complete fairness to younger me, the odds were well and truly stacked against me. The last staff person had come into the church in the…
Put up the Christmas tree…..check. Bake cookies and take them to the neighbors….check. Choose gifts for loved ones….check. Attend holiday parties….check. Be present with the children in your Sunday school class or small group….check. Wait. There are so many things demanding your attention during this season. A good portion of them are beautiful, and sacred,…
Introduction Last night my neighborhood sponsored a hayride for our neighborhood trick-or-treaters who, like children all over the country, raked in the treats, sorted and traded, then ate themselves sick and bounced off the ceiling all night on a Halloween-induced sugar high that unofficially proclaimed the beginning of an annual holiday season packed to the…