Knoxville has had acting roles in films Men in Black II (2002), Grand Theft Parsons (2003), A Dirty Shame and Walking Tall (both 2004), The Dukes of Hazzard, The Ringer, and a cameo role as a corporate president of a skateboard company in Lords of Dogtown (all 2005), The Last Stand (2013), Skiptrace (2016), and the television series Reboot (2022). He also voiced Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). 

There is one other thing that you may not know about Johnny.  He grew up in church.  A conservative Southern Baptist church. Recently in an interview with Rolling Stones magazine, he talked about this. Here's what he had to say.

Let's break this down. 

"You know...you are 7 or 8...just having to go."

Having to go?  Why did he "have to go?"  Probably because it was boring. I have heard people say, "I am not going to church because I was made to go as a child.  News flash.  You don't have to "make" someone go where they enjoy being. I've never heard anyone say, "I'm not going to Disney World because I was made to go as a child."  

It is vital that we make church a good experience for children. An engaging environment that they look forward to being in. As someone said, "Church should be the best hour of a kid's week."

Our goal should be for kids to be dragging their parents to church rather than parents having to drag their child to church.

"...sit there and be quiet"

We tell kids to sit still and be quiet in church. Then they grow up and they sit still and are quiet or they even leave as Johnny did. 

Kids are wired to move...move...move. Should there be times when they are quiet and reverent." Of course. Each Wednesday night, I have a time of prayer with the kids in our church. We get on our knees and the kids pray for people who are sick in our church, missionaries, teachers, etc. It is a holy moment. But we also spend a lot of time teaching using active, hands on, relevant methods that gives kids the opportunity to learn the way they do best. This includes lots of games, activities and fun. 

This is not about "what" you teach but rather about "how" you teach.  One of the most controversial posts I have ever written is about why kids should have their own worship service. You can read it at this link.  

"listening about burning in hell"

Is hell in the Bible?  Yes. But I'm not sure if it is wise to teach kids who are 7 or 8 years old about hell. All Scripture is true and inspired, but our teaching needs to be age appropriate.  Scaring kids by teaching them about hell is not something I am a fan of.  Johnny experienced this as a child and as he says "it was a lot" for a kid at that age.

Here is an article I wrote about whether we should teach kids about hell or not. 

I pray that Johnny comes back to the faith.  

I also pray for the boys and girls in our ministries. I pray that we would help them know Jesus and follow Him for a lifetime. 

Do you have my book "Fertile Soil...how to see kids follow Jesus for a lifetime?" I go in depth about how we can see kids grow up to love and follow Jesus. It's available at this link. 

Your turn. What is your impression from Johnny's interview? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at a children's ministry training event at First Baptist Church of Rogers, Arkansas. 

My friend, Shay Caldwell, is the children's pastor there. He is a great leader and I was impressed with all that God is doing through the ministry there. 

Here are some pictures I took. I trust they will inspire you and challenge you to go all out to reach kids and families. 

Do you need more volunteers? Of course, you do. I've never seen a children's ministry that didn't need more volunteers.

But when you get desperate, you may be tempted to take a short cut and let some people serve who shouldn't be serving.

First and foremost, remember this. 

It is a privilege to serve in children's ministry. It's nobody's right to serve in children's ministry. 

With this in mind, here are 5 people that you should not let serve in children's ministry. 

Anyone who has not completed a background check should not serve in children's ministry.

You can't cut corners with this. No matter who it is. They should not serve in children's ministry if they have not completed a background check.  If they refuse to take a background check, it is a major red flag.  

Here's a side note - what should you do if something does pop on someones background check? This can be a case by case situation. If it is someone who had a DUI ten years ago before they became a believer and they have walked the talk and proven themselves ever since then, you can consider letting them serve. But don't make the decision by yourself. Bring in 2-3 other people and together make this decision.  Now if the DUI was just six months ago, then that's a different scenario. I would not let them serve at this time until they have proven themselves over a good period of time. 

Anyone who is involved in sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman should not serve in children's ministry.

This includes same sex relationships, adultery, and fornication. Yes...you are going to need to ask them point blank about this.  How do you approach this question with a person? It needs to happen in a personal interview. You can get my volunteer interview questions at this link free of charge.  A man should do the volunteer interview for a man and a woman should do the interview for a woman.  I would strongly encourage you to do a personal interview with each person before they start serving. 

People who are constantly negative should not serve in children's ministry. 

I am not talking about someone who occasionally gives you push back. I am talking about someone who is chronically negative. Their negative vibe is corroding away at the spirit of the team.  They say things in team meetings that are uncalled for and complain about everything you try to do.  You can't afford to let this person sabotage what you are trying to accomplish.

Give this person the opportunity to change their attitude.  Have a conversation with them and share what their attitude is doing to the team. Share with them some steps they can take to change this. If the negativity continues, it's' time to part ways. 

Anyone who has abused a child should never serve in children's ministry.

Never...never...never...never...never...never let anyone who has abused a child to serve in your children's ministry. This is a life-time ban. No exceptions. If the abuse was sexual in nature, I highly recommend you do not let them attend your church. They can watch online, but should not be allowed anywhere on the church grounds. 

 People who chronically resist change and won't follow leadership should not serve in children's ministry.

You cannot afford to keep someone on your team that hates change to the point where they oppose everything you do to move the ministry forward. They constantly question your leadership and won't follow you. They whisper about your leadership behind your back.  They constantly bring up how amazing the previous children's pastor was. They are stuck in the "good ole days."  If they can't follow the vision God has given you for the ministry, then you need to part ways with them.  

Leading in children's ministry is not an easy task. You often have to make hard decisions.  Ask God to help you lead with wisdom and courage.  Again, remember that it is no one's right to serve in children's ministry. It is a privilege.  Guard your team carefully.  Say "no" when a "no" is needed. 

We must remember that the safety and spiritual well being of the children comes first. 

p.s. For an in depth look at how you should lead in children's ministry, check out my book "Lead Well in Children's Ministry."  It is available at this link. 

Your turn. Who are some other people who should not serve in children's ministry? Share your thoughts about this in the comments section below.

Easter is just around the corner. It's one of highlights of a children's ministry year. It's such a great opportunity to reach and disciple kids who may not come as often and for new guests. 

You definitely want to be prepared and have a clear strategy and plan for the day. 

I'm here to help. Here are five proven resources that you can use to have a great Easter.  Let's take a look at them. 

CSI (Christ Scene Investigation) Easter Lesson

Kids are invited to join the C.S.I. Team to investigate if Jesus rose from the dead. They’ll examine three scenes to look for clues, collect evidence and talk with eyewitnesses. The evidence will lead them to make a decision about whether Jesus’ resurrection is true and if they want to enter a relationship with Him.

This lesson is also a great way to teach kids apologetics for the resurrection. It takes kids on a deeper diver to help them know why we can know Jesus rose from the dead.

Includes a ready-to-print evidence recorder book that kids use during the investigation.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• investigative I.D. badge for each child (ready to print)
• evidence recorder book for each child (ready to print)
• graphics for posters, promoting, etc.
• slide graphics for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note
• interactive lesson videos
• lesson plan that can be used in large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format or mid-week format
• lesson connects with all learning styles
• lesson incorporates hands on, experiential learning
• games that bring together fun and learning

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

Blast to the Past Easter Lesson 

Connor and Chloe get blasted back the past where they meet Jesus at the tomb after He has risen. They learn who Jesus is, what He did and why He did it. Through this experience, kids will discover the meaning of Easter and how they can have a relationship with the risen Savior.

This is an interactive lesson that includes hands-on activities and live interaction with the lesson videos.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• graphics for posters, social media and promotion
• slide graphics for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note
• ready-to-print interactive pieces that kids use to interact with the videos in real-time
• 5-minute video countdown
• lesson videos
• lesson plans that fit large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format, mid-week format
• lesson is flexible and editable to fit your specific ministry context
• lesson hits all learning styles
• lesson is hands-on, experiential and learner-based
• easy-to-use small group leader plans with little prep needed

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link. 

Starting Point Salvation and New Believer's Class

As you share the Gospel at Easter, it is important to have a next step that kids and families can take together.

Starting Point is a one-session class designed for kids who are interested in starting a relationship with Jesus. The class is designed for kids and their parents to attend together and provides tools that parents can use to follow up with their children at home.

This is a proven curriculum that has been used to lead thousands of kids and parents to Christ. It is being used by churches across the country and fits any size church.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

This comprehensive curriculum includes...

• Teacher/Facilitator script
• Student booklets that are ready to print
• Parent booklets that are ready to print
• Pre-class activity pages that are ready to print
• All files are editable so you can adapt to your specific ministry needs
• Teaching videos ready to drop into your presentation software
• PowerPoint ready-to-go presentation
• Ready-to-go graphic slides you can place in presentation software such Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Keynote, etc
• Promotional materials that are editable and ready to print

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

Baptism for Kids Class

At Easter,  you may have kids and families asking about being baptized.  

Baptism for Kids is a one-session class that helps kids understand baptism. The class answers questions like...

• What is baptism?
• Why should I be baptized?
• When should I be baptized?

*It is designed for kids and their parents to attend together and provides follow-up tools that parents can use to help prepare their children for baptism. The class has helped thousands of kids and parents follow Jesus in baptism and is a great resource for ministries that want to see kids and families take that step.

*This resource is designed to accompany the Starting Point Class. It is recommended you take kids through the Starting Point Class (or another faith commitment curriculum) before you take them through this class.

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

• teacher's guide
• class handout for kids (ready to print)
• class handout for parents (ready to print)
• pre-class activity pages (ready to print)
• all handouts are editable so you can adjust as needed for your specific ministry
• PowerPoint presentation
• Ready-to-go media files you can place in other presentation software such as Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Keynote, etc.
• promotional materials
• baptism certificate templates you can edit for your ministry

You can get more information and see video and lesson samples here at this link.

A Great Start

Once kids invite Jesus into their life, it is vital that we help disciple them. "A Great Start" is a great discipleship tool to help kids grow and thrive in their faith. Can be used at home and at church.

A Great Start helps ground kids in their faith and learn crucial truths that will help them grow spiritually. Devos include teaching kids about these essential parts of the faith.

You can get more information and order at this link.  

I trust these resources will help you the way they have helped me. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these resources. Praying with you for a great time of ministry on Easter and the days and weeks around it.