In our last lesson, we discussed the general principles for choosing curriculum. Since curriculum is the “totality of student experiences in the educational process,” we refer to its components as “courses.” Think about it this way: A college curriculum is comprised of dozens of courses that must be taken before the student can graduate. So, what are the…
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Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 7: Choose the Curriculum
Curriculum (n): The totality of student experiences in the educational process. This important term originates from the Latin “the course of a race,” which helps us to understand what choosing curriculum is truly all about. In children’s ministry, we have the high responsibility of “setting the course” on which our children will run. Prayerfully, the chosen curriculum…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 6: Recruit the Laborers
Do you enjoy rejection? Do you like it when people duck their heads to escape your gaze when they think you are “after them?” Do you relish the thought of getting dozens of “no’s” only to see some of the same overworked members step up to the plate? Well, welcome to the world of recruiting volunteers! Do I paint…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 5: Recruit the Team
The Word of God teaches that the Church is the Body of Christ (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12). This description has many rich implications for church life, including how we do the work of children’s ministry. To properly minister to our covenant children, the local church needs a team (a body) of gifted believers to do this work,…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 4: Set the Core
Whether you have inherited an existing children’s ministry or are working from the ground up, it’s vital to set the CORE of your ministry. These are the essential components that are (humanly speaking) unmovable and unchangeable–the backbone of your entire ministry to children. And, just like your own body’s “core,” your ongoing task is to strengthen…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 3: Set the Mission
Now that we have our dual starting points for children’s ministry (parents AND outreach), the next step is to set the mission. This essential part of the process is more than just writing a mission statement that goes on your website and letterhead. Setting the mission is all about establishing the foundation of the ministry and seeking…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 2: Begin with Outreach
No, there’s not a typo in the title. Yes, Lesson One was entitled “Begin with Parents.” So is it possible to have two different starting points in children’s ministry? It’s not only possible; it’s essential! To begin only with our members and our covenant children will potentially make us more inward rather than outward looking. Choosing…
Children’s Ministry 101. Lesson 1: Begin with Parents
So, you’ve been called to lead your church’s children’s ministry. Congratulations! You are entering into the vital work of telling “the next generation the glorious deeds of our LORD (Psalm 78:4).” What a privilege you have to direct a ministry which points children to Jesus. But where to begin? Maybe you have inherited a ministry that has a well-established…
Letting Children Choose…their Sexuality?
A new YouTube video featuring a California father’s response to his son’s choice of doll has gone viral, with millions of views to date. If one is to believe the comments attached to this self-promoting clip, this man is in line for the next Father-of-the-Century award. What does he say to his son that is…
Are Parents Creating a Generation of Narcissists?
Recently, a pair of connected research studies were released dealing with the apparent increase of young narcissists in modern society. The researchers’ conclusion? Well, while there are several factors that combine to make a narcissist, the chief culprit appears to be the parents. Specifically, parents who “overvalue” their children and dole out too much praise may unleash a raging little…
The Church Needs to be More Accepting of…
I’m seeing more and more pronouncements in Christian media that begin with the words: “The Church needs to be more accepting of…” Now, I’m used to the anti-Christian voices judging the Church of Jesus Christ for being judgmental or hateful or intolerant of many types of people or behaviors. That has always been, and will…
Train Your Children to be Hosts, Not Guests
As a Children’s Ministry Director, my favorite week of the church calendar is Vacation Bible School week. But a close second is going on this week at my church–Missions Festival week. It seems to always come at the right time, to give me a necessary attitude adjustment and a re-focusing of my priorities. I (and my family)…
One Story Ministries 