Beat The Winter Blahs!
Although everyone appreciates peace after a busy holiday season, by February things can seem a bit too quiet! Break up the long winter weeks by incorporating a “Beat the Winter Blahs” day into your season! Here's how . . .
Let's discuss faith-shaping ministries to kids.
Although everyone appreciates peace after a busy holiday season, by February things can seem a bit too quiet! Break up the long winter weeks by incorporating a “Beat the Winter Blahs” day into your season! Here's how . . .
It’s a wild ride from September to January, but you made it!! Now its midway through the season and a lot has changed—it’s time to take a fresh look at the itinerary and recalculate as necessary...
Looking for a litany to use for commissioning your Sunday school team? Here are some sources to check out ...
No one likes to make rules or enforce them, but ministry is much more managable when the expectations are clear! Here's what one church is doing to start the Sunday School season with high standards.
A brunch, a blessing, a bowl full of chocolate—how will you thank your team at the end of this season? Check out these fun ideas I found on Pinterest. Here are a few of my favorites...
Here is a simple questionnaire you can use to give voice to your leader's joys and concerns! This feedback will help you shape the program for next year and it may also help your teachers consider their role in the future.
For Sunday school coordinators and teachers New Year’s brings a sigh of relief. You’ve survived the fall recruiting crunch, the kick-off chaos, and the Christmas celebration. Like a Sabbath on the first day of the week, take a little time to catch your breath, reflect, and regroup for the New Year.
I asked Laura Brink, Children’s Ministry Director at Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, what she has done to encourage and equip her volunteers. Here's her answer.
I’m on a mission to connect with children’s ministry directors, Sunday school coordinators, and teachers to see and hear what God is doing in their midst. I’m hoping to highlight a new idea or best practice each week. Here is a fun one that's easy to implement at any time of the year.
Volunteers are BUSY — it’s getting harder and harder to get everyone together for training and encouragement. Brian Bierenga, the Children & Youth Ministry Coordinator at Brookside CRC, uses weekly email to encourage his youth team. His formula is simple.
As a busy ministry season kicks off, it’s tempting to skip the face-to-face time with our team. After all, we have bright leaders. We have a slick system for passing out supplies. We’ve chosen material that is easy to use. Why not just pass out the leader’s guide and send everyone off with a smile and a pat on the back?
Depending on where you live, your VBS program is likely to be somewhere between VERY HOT and UNBEARABLY HOT. Kids and leaders need relief from the heat. Try these ideas to keep everyone cool(er), and happier too.
Who should you be investing in and preparing to lead the ministry you lead?
Teacher training is hard. Attempting to schedule even one meeting to kick off the beginning of the season can create a calendar crisis...So why not zero in on the brand new leaders and give them a little personal attention?
The search is on for Sunday school leaders! If you’re having trouble finding leaders who will commit for the entire season, be creative about using people’s gifts and abilities even if their schedules are limited.
Signs of Wonder Songs is a ministry that teaches children and adults how to sign worship songs using conceptually correct American Sign Language.
No one likes to be nagged and scolded about changing their attitudes or behaviors. But we like to hear good stories and good news. . .
Start the season out by empowering your leaders to use the curriculum for all it’s worth!
One of the nicest things you can do for your leaders is to set up a closet (or a room or some other space) with the essential supplies they’ll need to teach.