Let's discuss faith-shaping ministries to kids.
Karen
Jill
Staci
Faith
ErinWrite your own blog post to share your ministry experience with others.
Twice a month I have the honor of leading worship for over twenty adults living with a developmental disability and often physical disabilities. I tell God’s stories using Children and Worship materials.
As a curriculum consultant for Faith Alive Christian Resources, I’ve spent hundreds of hours talking to CRC children’s ministry leaders. Here are some things I've heard, as well as ways I can help!
I usually enjoy an opportunity to be with the kids but on this day I was near the end of my rope and they were too. Though I wish they'd been easier on me, I'm grateful for the reminder that these kids have complex lives, too.
Before our church remodeled, the kids felt comfortable in our building and knew the places where they could hang out and socialize. After the remodel, we realized the need to create kid-friendly spaces.
This mind-set of seeing every child as specially designed by God is what challenges us, but also motivates us, as leaders. Our role is to find a way to communicate God’s love to each child.
Have you ever noticed the empty spaces in Bible stories? There are burning bushes, talking donkeys, and floating zoos, too. Try telling these Bible stories to kids and watch how they launch right into them.
Have you ever had trouble finding leaders for your Story Hour/Little Lambs Ministry? Perhaps you could consider your pastor!
And so as she preached God’s words from Deuteronomy 6 instructing parents, families, and the faith community to pass on the words and stories of God, the children were also present.
“This is a place where we come to worship God, and we have all the time we need …”, she said in a quiet, calm voice. This was a special place, a special time.
Discover how to bless — and how not to bless! — children during the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Use music and song lyrics every day to praise the Lord.
This Sunday the song involved twirling, stomping, jumping, clapping, leaning, and praying — all motions that the kids chose for the song.
In many churches some portion of the children’s ministry program happens during the worship service. If that’s your church, what do you do to help them engage in worship and offer their gifts in service?
Last week I met with Liz Tolkamp, the children's pastor at Willoughby Christian Reformed Church. She's always looking for ways to help kids engage in the worship service and be part of the broader church community.