Showing posts with label #children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #children. Show all posts

The "No Screen" Zone...Why Kids Don't Like It

This past weekend, I had a meeting with all of the kids who are going to our summer camp and their parents. 

When we mentioned that there will be no game systems or cell phones allowed, a collective "uhhhh" sound was heard. 

The thought of not having their cell phone or gaming device for a week made them very uncomfortable. 

Today's kids...especially pre-teens...feel lost without their screens. 

But there are great benefits that come from having kids go "no screen" for a period of time.  

They get away from the constant pressure to answer a call or text.  With technology, we are now wired to respond immediately when our phone dings.  But at camp this urgency is removed which helps kids be more relaxed after the initial shock of not having their device.

Nearly half of the next generation spends every waking moment with screens. Playing games. Texting. Streaming. Watching. 

But let's be honest. It's not just the next generation struggling with this.  Adults also face the same challenge. Think about it. When you wake up in the morning, what do you immediately do? When you fall asleep at night, what are you doing? When you are sitting in a parking lot waiting for the kiddos, what are you doing? 

This is everyone's world today. Our phones and tablets and laptops keep us connected, help us with driving directions, let us order food on the go, listen to music, and a host of other apps and programs that help us navigate life in 2026. 

Did you know there are 6.92 billion smartphone users in the world? That's 86.29% of the global population. The average person in America spends 4 hours and 37 minutes every day on their smartphone.

The younger the generation, the more time they are spending with screens. Gen Z spends the most time with 9 hours per day. Millennials spend around 3.7 hours daily, while Gen X and Baby Boomers spend less time overall. 

Americans check their phones 96 times a day. That's once every ten minutes.  

Here is some more interesting facts about this... 

  • 74% of Americans feel uneasy leaving their phone at home.

  • 71% of say they check their phones within the first 10 minutes of waking up.

  • 53% say that they have never gone more than 24 hours without their cell phone.

  • 47% consider themselves “addicted” to their phones

  • 70% check their phones within five minutes of receiving a notification.

  • 64% use their phone on the toilet.

  • 61% have texted someone in the same room as them

  • 48% of people say they feel a sense of panic or anxiety when their cell phone battery goes below 20%.

  • 45% say that their phone is their most valuable possession. 

Let's jump back and talk about kids now.

The average child ages 8 to 12 spends about 4.5 hours a day with screens. 

The first iPod came out in 2001 and the first iPhone in 2007. Today's kids have never known life without cell phone screens.  They've never used payphones or a physical map to drive somewhere. They've never been bound with a phone cord.  

Today's kids (and adults) are addicted to their screens. They use their smartphones or devices to socialize, learn, play, communicate, and search for information.   

Studies show that excessive screen time can lead to social isolation, negative impact on mental health, and reduced physical activity. It can also lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation.

In the book "The Anxious Generation" Jonathan Haidt says that phones began rewiring kids' brains in the the early 2010's. 

The shift has gone from "play-based childhood to "phone-based childhood."  Children have less access to outdoor play and just playing as kids do.

What's the solution? Haidt says we should make sure kids are getting time to play, delaying smartphone access to high school and limiting social media use until kids are at least 16 years old.

As I closed out the meeting with the campers and their parents this past weekend, I shared with them the spiritual benefits of being screen free at camp. This will allow their attention to be on God and what He wants to do in their life. Away from the screens, they will be more able to hear God more clearly and let Him draw them closer to Him. 

Digital detox!

Disconnecting to connect with God and other kids in a fresh way!

Here are some tips to pass along to parents not just for camp but in the flow of everyday life.

  • Set up a time every day when devices are put away.  
  • Spend more time outside.  Play outside. 
  • Put phones away during meal time.
  • Turn off notifications. 

Help kids see that screens are not bad...the devices just need to be managed properly.  I am believing that God is going to speak to our kids in a fresh way at camp and that with the absence of screens it will be easier for them to hear His voice and respond. 

7 Ways to Know That a Church Values Children's Ministry

How can you know if a church  values children's ministry? Some churches say they value children's ministry but their actions tell a different story. 

Let's put it to a test. Here are 7 ways you can know if a church truly does value children's ministry.

Volunteers

The church encourages people to serve in children's ministry. It is high on the list when it comes to volunteer opportunities. 

The best, most gifted volunteers can be found in the church's children's ministry.  The choir loft isn't full of volunteers while the children's ministry volunteer team is minuscule. 

The church knows this - the success of the church rises and falls on the strength of the volunteer team that ministers to the next generation. 

Facilities

When parents walk into your facilities, what are your facilities saying? 

Children are important here?

We care enough about the next generation to create quality environments for them?

Our children's facilities were designed with kids in mind...not adults?

Subpar children's facilities will make your children's ministry seem worse than it is while high quality children's facilities will make your children's ministry seem better than it is. 

Facilities for children matters...a lot. You can't stick kids in the basement in an environment that looks like a hospital and expect growth.

Your adult space may look great...but if your children's space isn't popping...then you will struggle to grow the ministry.

Budget

The children's ministry budget should be one of the largest budgets in the church. If a church says they care about reaching and discipling the next generation, then their budget allocations will reflect this. 

Money invested in children's ministry will pay for itself many times over in families who are reached.

Show me your budget and I will tell you how much you value children's ministry. 

Staffing 

A church that values children's ministry will have adequate staff.  I have created a staffing chart that shows how many staff you should have in your children's ministry based on attendance.  If you'd like a copy of the chart, feel free to email me and I will send it to you.

Visibility

The children's ministry will have high visibility.  This includes pulpit declaration, bulletin space, announcements, screen time, and an overall culture that says children's ministry is important to us.

Partnerships

The children's ministry will not be a silo. Other ministries in the church will partner with the children's ministry. There will be a partnership with student ministry. There will be a partnership with adult ministry.  The children's ministry will often collaborate with other ministries to reach and disciple families.  

Events

The church will invest generously to host children and family outreach events. Some examples are VBS, Easter outreach, summer camp, fall festivals / trunk or treat, Christmas events, etc. 

The entire church will get behind these events and will get involved by giving, volunteering, promoting, etc. 

Does your church value children's ministry? These are some good talking points as you lead children's ministry in your church. Feel free to share this article with your church leaders. 

A lot is at stake...we only have a short window of time to reach and disciple children.

10 Things Senior Pastors Need to Know About Children's Ministry


Do you ever share articles with your Senior Pastor? Articles that explain the importance of children's ministry?  This is one to share if you get the opportunity. 
 
Here are 10 things that every senior pastor needs to know about children's ministry. 
 
Children's ministry needs the support of the Senior Pastor.
 
Senior Pastors should be a top fan of children's ministry. They set the tone for the church when it comes to how people view children's ministry.
 
Does your senior pastor see it as an afterthought or as a vital ministry?
 
Is the success of children's ministry important to your senior pastor?  How do they show that? 
 
The children's ministry staff and volunteers need to know their senior pastor values children's ministry. 

Children's ministry is a growth engine for the church.
 
Do you know the top two reasons people pick a church?
 
-How friendly are you?
 
-What do you have to offer my kids?
 
The fastest growing and largest churches in the nation have something in common. They all have dynamic children's ministries. 
 
If you want to see your church grow, it will happen through reaching kids and their parents.
 
Why do you think parents drive past the steakhouse and eat at McDonald's instead?  It has to do with something called a kids' meal.  Dad and mom would rather eat at the steakhouse, but the kids want to go where there are kids' meals and playgrounds. Normally the kids win that battle.  It is often the same situation with families and where they go to church. 
 
Parents can have a great experience at a church, but if the kiddos come out and say they didn't like it...chances are they are going to find a place where their kids have a great experience.
 
Compensate your children's ministry person well. 
 
If you are a senior pastor reading this, you may have a part-time person leading your children's ministry. They probably won't tell you this, but they are working a lot more than part-time hours.  You are getting a full-time person for part-time pay. This is not fair. Compensate your children's person well. Pay them for what they are worth and for what they are investing in the ministry. 
 
If you do have a full-time person, then pay them fairly. You want their attention to be on the ministry, not on how they are going to put food on the table.  
 
What they do is invaluable for your ministry.  The church will get back financial benefits from the families they help you reach.
 
Children's ministry leaders help you shepherd the flock. 
 
Children's ministry leaders are a key part in shepherding the entire congregation. They shepherd children, parents, volunteers of all ages, and entire families.  They help you carry the load of shepherding the flock.
 
Buildings and facilities speak volumes. 
 
The physical space designated for children makes a major statement to families. You can say that you are for children's ministry, but if the facilities for children are subpar, then it says otherwise.
 
If you are trying to decide where to invest the church's money, children's ministry should be at the forefront. It is a mistake to build great facilities for students (teenagers) and adults and then stick the kids in the basement. 
 
Your facilities say one of two things...either we believe in children's ministry or it is not a priority for us. Investing finances in children's ministry facilities and environments is always a win.  
 
Make your children's ministry budget a top priority.
 
Money invested in children's ministry will return to the church many times over.  
 
If you are spending money on new choir robes while your children's ministry has moldy carpet, then something is wrong. 
 
If you are spending more on coffee than you are on goldfish crackers, something is off. 
 
If you are remodeling the men and women's bathrooms while the children's ministry tables and chairs are falling apart, then something is out of sorts.
 
If you are building a new sanctuary while the children's ministry area is old and outdated, then priorities need to be looked at. 
 
If you are spending big money on sound and LED walls for the sanctuary while the children's ministry rooms have old TV's and Veggie Tales VHS tapes, something is off. 
 
If you have 3 full-time people on your worship staff, but only a part-time person in children's ministry, then your personnel budget needs to be adjusted.  
 
I could go on and on and on, but you get the point. One of the biggest budgets in the church should be the
children's ministry budget. One of the biggest staff teams should be your children's ministry team. 

Children's ministry is not easy, make sure you give them time off. 

Children's ministry is no easy gig.  It has so many moving parts. It has the pressure of always having volunteers ready and in place every Sunday. You know this. Sunday always comes back and your children's ministry person has to be ready.  
 
Then there is the load of planning and pulling off events like VBS, camp, parent and child dedications, fall festivals, Christmas events, Easter egg hunts, Bible studies, trips, etc. 
 
Simply put...it is a lot. 
 
It is enough to burn your children's ministry person out if they don't get some R&R.  Make sure you give them days off each week. Provide them with vacation time.  Don't expect them to be at the church five nights a week. Give them plenty of margin to be wih their most important ministry...their family.
 
Ask for their input and advice when planning teaching series. 
 
Your children's ministry person can help you make sermons relevant to today's parents and families. Are you doing a series about the home? Include your children's ministry person in the planning. Are you doing a series about serving?  Get input from the person that helps lead one of the biggest volunteer bases in your church.  
 
Your children's ministry person knows the pulse of the families. They can be a big resource to you when sermon planning. Does that mean you should use all of their ideas? No. Of course not. But it does mean you listen to them and use what will make your sermon connect better with families. 
 
Summer is your children's ministry person's busiest time of the year.  
 
When we hear adult ministries talk about how things slow down in the summer, we can't help but chuckle. Summer time is full of events and happenings in children's ministry.  Then there is a tiny, small window of down time (like 3 days) before we have to jump right into the fall season of ministry. 
 
Be aware of this and help your children's ministry person guard their time and comp them on a regular basis. 
 
Children are not just the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today as well. 
 
Yes. We are investing in their future...but we are also excited about seeing them come to Christ now, be discipled now, and growing in their faith now. 
 
Children can make an impact now. They can serve now. They can be prayer warriors now. They can learn to tithe now. They can learn to pray and spend time with God now. They can share the Gospel now. They can be leaders now. 
 
We tell children to sit still and be quiet and then we wonder why they sit still and are quiet when they grow up. It's because that's what we told them to do!
 
We often call kids out for what they have done wrong. What if we started calling them up...calling them up to what God wants them to be and do. Calling them up to make a difference. Calling them up to living lives of faithfulness, integrity, and spiritual obedience.
 
Yes...we are excited to see them grow up and be used by God...but we are just as excited about seeing how God can use them now.    
 
Are you going to share this with your senior pastor?  That's obviously up to you. It could get you fired (ha) or it could help you gain more support and influence for the children's ministry you lead. 
 
It's not about us anyways. It's about reaching the next generation and their families. Share your heart with your senior pastor. He may have been waiting for a long time to hear this from you. You have to be the champion for children's ministry in your church. Lead strong my friend and be reminded of how important what you are doing is. 

The Importance of Families Having Close Friends

My nephew, who is 6-years-old, has a best friend his age. They play on sports' teams together, celebrate birthdays together, hang out at each other's houses, etc. 

This friendship has influenced the rest of the families as well.  Their parents hang out together, do life together and invest in each other's children.

I believe it is important for families to have friends. 

61% of U.S. adults say having close friends is extremely or very important for people to live a fulfilling life. 

And yet many Americans say this:

8% say they have no close friends.

7% say they have 1 close friend.

14% say they have 2 close friends.

18% say they have 3 close friends.

13% say they have 4 close friends.

38% say they have 5 or more close friends.

Here's what adults talk about among themselves:

  • 58% talk about work.
  • 57% talk about their families.
  • 48% talk about current events.
  • 36% talk about their health.
  • 35% talk about pop culture.
  • 24% talk about sports.

And of course, topics of discussion are often determined by gender and age.

An example - women are also more likely than men to talk often about their work (61% vs. 54%) and pop culture (37% vs. 32%) with their close friends.

Men, in turn, are more likely than women to say they talk with their close friends about sports (37% vs. 13%) and current events (53% vs. 44%).

Those ages 65 and older (45%) are more likely than younger Americans to say they often talk with their close friends about their physical health.

There are two topics where young adults – those under 30 – stand out from other age groups.

About half of these young adults (52%) say they often talk with their friends about pop culture. This compares with about a third or fewer among older age groups. 

And young adults are more likely to say they often talk about their mental health with close friends: 37% say this, compared with 29% of those 30 to 49 and 14% of those 50 and older. 

We are not meant to walk out the Christian faith alone. That is why God gave us the church. It gives us the opportunity to journey together on this pilgrim pathway.

Are you in a small group with other adults?  

Do you have any close friends that you are doing life with? 

When we have close friends it helps us by...

...having someone who can hold you accountable.  

...having someone who can pray with you and for you.

...having someone you can talk to when going through challenging times.

...having someone who can provide you with support and care.

...having someone who can do life with us.

Who is in your corner? 

Who is cheering for you?

Who is encouraging you?

Who is challenging you?

Who has your back? 

It is important to create opportunities for parents to make friends.

It is important to create opportunities for volunteers to make deeper connections with those they serve with.  People normally only serve long-term if they have made relationships with the people they serve with.

The length of time volunteers serve is based on the depth of the relationships they form with those they serve with.

A big percentage of ministers and church leaders say they have no one close friends.  Is that you?

Join a small group.

Have some families over for dinner.

Go to lunch after church with one of your key volunteer families.

Hang out together outside of church stuff.

Do you have any close friends? 

Are you creating opportunities for the families in your church to connect with other families?

It is very important to do this.

Want to See Kids Grow in Their Faith? Here is a Crucial Key

I believe we are not a Christian nation anymore.  We are a nation that has a lot of Christians, but we are not a Christian nation.

A study from Family Research Council reveals that only 6% of America's adult population have a Biblical worldview.

As followers of Jesus this should challenge us. How can we turn this around and see more people come to Christ and follow Him?

George Barna recently shared that it starts with the children.  We must instill a Biblical worldview in children that will stay with them for the rest of their life.  

How is this going to happen?

What should be our focus?

Who should be our focus?

I believe it starts with parents.  

You want to see kids come to Christ and grow in their faith?  Then you must focus on equipping and empowering parents to raise their children with a Biblical worldview.   

I often say that children are like wet cement.  They are not set in their ways or belief system. You can mold them, shape them and see them become lifelong followers of Jesus.  

But we must remember that wet cement soon turns into concrete.  Once it becomes concrete it is very hard to mold or shape it.  You have to have hammers, chisels, jack hammers, etc.  We only have a short window of time to reach the next generation.  We must reach and disciple children while they are still wet cement.

Research shows that a child's worldview is pretty must set by the age of 13.  Don't miss this!  We only have to the age of 13 to effectively instill God's ways, Word and wisdom into the lives of children.

Parents are the number one key in this.

before the pastor...

before the children's ministry director...

before the Sunday school teacher...

before the midweek volunteers...

before the VBS volunteers...

before the camp directors...

Parents are first and foremost the biggest key to seeing kids grow in their faith.

Parents... this is not something you can outsource.  This is not something you can delegate to someone at the church.  It's on you. 

Look what it says in Deuteronomy 4.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." 

It's time we, as children's ministry leaders, focus on equipping parents to raise their children to follow Jesus.  

Research shows that less than 10% of parents have any kind of spiritual growth plan for their children. Our role is to come alongside them and provide them with the resources and spiritual growth plans they need to disciple their children.  I believe that the majority of parents will respond if we place the tools in their hands. 

Barna says that parents must have everyday spiritual conversations with their children. Here's the strategy he encourages parents to follow.

"The conversations have to take place around real world events. Tell stories, get examples from your children of what they’re going through in life, and relate biblical principles to those stories, but do it not by beating them over the head with God’s Word, but by asking them questions about what they believe, why they believe it, what they did, why they did it, asking if they’re familiar with different biblical principles. Do they think that might have worked in the situation?”

I believe this and have seen that if we will follow this strategy, we will see our kids and grandkids grow up to follow Jesus for a lifetime.  That's our end goal, right?

Do you have a copy of my book "Fertile Soil...see kids' faith grow and flourish for a lifetime?"  In this book, I share the 3 biggest reasons why kids walk away from the faith.  I show how we can counter this and see kids grow up to follow Jesus for a lifetime.

Get your copy today at this link. 



An Inside Look at an Easter Community Outreach

Easter is almost here. I know many of you are doing community outreach during this season.  There are so many opportunities to impact kids and families who don't know Jesus. 

This past weekend, my home church, City Church, hosted an Easter family outreach event.  When I am not traveling, I serve as a children's ministry volunteer at this church (and I love every minute of it).

I thought you might want to see some of the highlights.  It might spark some ideas for you. 

If you'd also like to share what you are doing for Easter Outreach, we'd love to see what you are or will be doing.  You can share your ideas and strategies in the comment section below. 

Here's what we did:

The event was called the "Spring Fling...a community event for families. 

2 weeks out -  we walked around the communities surrounding the church and gave them an invite card.

We used social media to help spread the word as well.

We offered 3 times: 9:00 am & 10:00 am & 11:00 am.

Families started out on the front lawn of the church. We had games set up that they could play as a family while they were waiting to enter the church for the first part of the fling. 

The next stop on the Fling was our "Family Show."  We had a 15 minute "pre-show" and then started the show at the top of the hour.  The show lasted 15 minutes.  The family show was highly interactive and entertaining.  If you would like a copy of what we did for the family show, just shoot me an email (dale@buildingchildrensministry.com) and I'll be glad to send you a copy.

After the show ended, families moved into the craft area.  They had the opportunity to make Easter crafts with their family.  The biggest hit was the rabbit ears craft where they made a bunny hat complete with big ears and lots of decorations on it.

From there, the next stop was the "Hall of Treats."  We had a long hallway they went down to get eggs and candy.  We decorated the hall doors for Easter.

After the Hall of Treats, they headed upstairs where we had carnival games set up.  Kids could earn tickets and get prizes.  We also had a cake walk as part of this.

We also had a picture spot in this area where families could take pictures with the Easter bunny.  Here's a tip for you - don't use your "church" camera" to talk all the pictures. Take the pictures using each families' cell phone.  Why? Because they are going to send that picture to social media and spread the word much farther than we could on our own.

Here were some of the "big wins" we had by doing this event:

We reached a lot of unchurched families.  At the last show especially, the auditorium was full of families who had never stepped a foot in our church. 

We were able to see a lot of unchurched people come inside the doors of our church.  They were able to be in the auditorium and see the children's ministry area.  This will make it easier when they come on a Sunday to know where to go and be somewhat familiar with the building.

Our church family stepped up and served big-time. We could never have done this without the many volunteers who served.

We were able to share the Gospel with kids and families.  

Below are a few pictures from the outreach event.  I pray this will spark some ideas for you.  Blessings.









 

They Are Watching Us

This past Sunday, I was in the adult service. There was a baptism taking place at the end of the service, so at the end of the service, we brought our K-6th grade kids into the auditorium to experience it. 

I was watching the reaction of the kids to what was taking place. 

I noticed how one little boy (kindergarten) began carefully watching his mother who was sitting on the front row. 

Before the baptism, there was a worship song.  This little guy begin watching his mother intently during the worship song. As she raised her hands upward to God, this little boy was captivated as he watched his mother worship.  

After watching her worship for a minute, he slowly raised his hands in worship as well.  It was a captivating moment for me as I watched this little boy follow the lead of his mother in worship.

On the way home, I was still thinking about what I saw between the mother and her son. It reminded me that children are watching us.  

Children may not understand everything that is going on in the church world, but they do naturally watch their parents and other adults to see how they respond to the things of God at church and at home.

This places a big responsibility on parents and the other adults at church.  We must remember this...

Kids may not always be good at listening to adults...but they never fail to imitate who they are.

We must walk the talk for the sake of the next generation.  Actions truly do speak louder than words.

We must worship God in spirit and in truth.

We must lead by example. 

We must be intentional about passing on our faith to our children. 

An example of this is found in 2 Timothy 1:5.  

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

Paul encouraged Timothy for the genuine faith that was in him.  It was a faith which earlier had been in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. What an example of godly parental influence.

Children are watching to see how we respond in tough times. 

Children are watching to see if we pray not just at church, but during the week as well. 

Children are watching to see how we treat people outside of church.

Children are watching to see if we use our Bible outside of Sunday morning. 

Children are watching us to see if we spend time with God during the week.

Children are watching us to see if we really believe what we say on Sunday. 

Children are watching us to see if we will "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

Will we set a perfect example?  No...we will often fall short.  But even in our failures, we can show our children that God's grace and mercy will never fall short.  We may fail them at times, but Jesus never will. 

Our children are watching us. What do they see?

Say Yes and Become

I recently did a podcast interview with Leonard Lee. Leonard's podcast is "Say Yes and Become."   It is a great source for encouragement and equipping.  

I enjoyed spending time talking with Leonard about how saying "yes" to some key things in my life has made the difference.  

Check out the podcast episode and be encouraged today. 

(if you are reading this in an email, you can see the episode at this link)


A Great Idea for Guest Services

Last weekend, I was consulting with a church.  I parked in guest parking.  When I came back out after the morning service, the item below was in my door handle.  

What a great idea to help first-time guests feel welcome as they are leaving.  

That's it for today.  Just wanted to share this cool idea with you. 



 


 


The Most Important Thing You Will Ever Teach Kids

There are a lot of things in the Bible that you can teach kids.  

The Bible is a big book that is full of captivating stories, wisdom and guidance for life.

There are tons of curriculum available that cover a wide variety of topics.  

But keep this in mind as you are developing your teaching plan.

The most important thing you will ever teach kids is the Gospel.  

The entire Bible points to the Gospel.  

Kids can know every single story in the Bible, but without the Gospel they can't know Jesus. 

Kids can memorize entire chapters of the Bible, but without the Gospel they will not inherit eternal life. 

Kids can explore the deeper teachings of the Bible, but without the Gospel their studying will be invalid.

How often do you share the Gospel with the children in your ministry?   

Do you see kids come to Christ on a regular basis?

Can the kids in your ministry explain the Gospel?

Here are some key verses that clarify how important it is that you share the Gospel with kids. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."                  Romans 1:16

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."                       I Corinthians 15

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"   Romans 10:14

We know that the vast majority of people who come to Jesus do so before the age of 18.  It is critical that we share the Gospel on a regular basis with the children God has placed in our care.  It is the most important thing you will ever teach children.

Think about these questions.

Does our current curriculum share the Gospel on a regular basis?

Are we intentional about sharing the Gospel?

How many children have come to Christ in the past year?

How many children will be baptized after coming to Christ in your ministry this year?  

If you need some resources to help you share the Gospel with the kids and parents in your ministry, then check out these proven resources that can help you. 

Starting Point Salvation Class  (I used this class to see over 430 kids accept Christ and follow Him in baptism in one year)

Connect12 curriculum - shares the Gospel each month.

Baptism for Kids - teaches kids what baptism is and why we should be baptized.

The Gospel is the centrality of the entire Bible.  It is the hope for the next generation.

Share it frequently.  Share it with passion.  Share it with clarity.  

It is the most important thing you will ever teach kids.

Short on Volunteers? How to Rebuild Your Volunteer Team During Covid-19

The pandemic has been a disruptive force in many aspects of our lives including volunteering. 

Some volunteers have had to step away from volunteering completely, while others have had their roles adapted.

Covid-19 has left many children's and family ministries depleted of volunteers. 

You want your volunteers, kids and parents to be safe and not be put at risk.  

And yet, at the same time, you feel the tension of keeping a ministry afloat that relies upon volunteers.

And in the midst of all of this, in the back of our minds, we are hoping that once the pandemic has subsided, volunteers will flock back.  And the temptation is just to put everything on cruise control and ride this out until things return to normal.

But that may not be the case in many incidents.  You will have to work hard to rebuild your volunteer team.  And the good news is this - you don't have to wait until things get back to "normal." Instead, you can start building/rebuilding your team now by using some of the following principles and tips.

The safety of the people who serve must be a top priority.  This may mean enlisting younger leaders instead of older people who are more prone to being sick and having more complications with the virus.

Remind current and prospective volunteers of the "why."  This is what you should always go back to.  Help people focus on why they are volunteering.  People want to be part of something that is bigger than themselves and your "why" can help them experience that.

Promote your exciting volunteer opportunities.  Share with them the benefits they will gain by serving.  Don't beg. No one wants to be part of a sinking ship.  Instead, promote the amazing things they will get to be a part of by volunteering with you.  A family that loves them and will journey with them.  Lots of fun while serving.  And an opportunity to grow in their faith by serving.

Show appreciation.  Go the second mile to show them you are thankful for their heart for the next generation.  Personally thank them.  Write them thank you notes.  Give them a small gift occasionally.  Spend time with them.  Call volunteers and see how they are doing during the pandemic.  This will show them you are care about them outside of volunteering. When people feel valued and cared for, they will stick around or come back as soon as they feel it is safe.

Keep in close communication.  Inform them of safety measures you are taking to protect the volunteers, children and parents (how you are cleaning things, disinfecting things, masks, etc.).  

Also - changes can happen quickly during this time.  You may have in-person services one week and the next week only have online services.  Be proactive at keeping your volunteers in the know since the changes will affect the flow of your ministry.  I always try to remember this quote...

You can't keep your volunteers in the dark all week and then expect them to shine on Sunday.

Like everything else, this too shall pass.  Eventually things will get back to a normal flow.  How long will that be?  Months?  A few years?  No one knows for sure.  But what we do know is that God is with us and He will supply our volunteer needs as we pray and follow His plans. 

p.s. You can get lots more insight and ideas in my book "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  It's available here or on Amazon.

Your Role in Leading Kids to Christ

The most important thing we do is leading kids to Jesus.  It should be our #1 priority.  

We should not take this lightly.  Eternity is at stake.     

As children's ministry leaders, there are some key roles you should be in with regards to leading kids to Christ.  

Role #1 - faithfully and consistently share the Gospel with kids.  In classrooms.  In chapel.  In children's services.  At retreats.  In small groups.  In prayer time and devotionals.  

John 3:16 encapsulates the entire Bible.  "For God so loved the world" should weave its way into every lesson you teach.

#2 role - Host a class about salvation for kids and their parents.  When a child asks about inviting Jesus into their life, ask them to attend a salvation class with their parents.  This strategy can be very effective. In my last year of ministry at a local church, we baptized over 460 kids in one year.  Every single child had been through our salvation class for kids.  The class is available to you at this link.

#3 role - Partner with parents.  When possible, place tools in parents' hands that they can use to lead their child to Jesus.  One of parents' greatest joys is to lead their children to Jesus.  Don't take this role away from them (this applies to children and their parents who attend church faithfully).  The class we mentioned above can be one of the biggest ways you can partner with parents when God is at work in their child's life.  

#4 role - Be a guide.  We must remember that our role is to be a guide.  We cannot save anyone.  That job has already been taken by Jesus.  As a guide, our role is not to be pushing a child from behind into making a decision.  While there is no certain age for a child to accept Jesus, we can know certain signs to watch for.  If a child continues to come to you about making a decision for Christ, that is a sign that God is working in their life.  But let God do the work...don't force it.  

As a guide, our role is also not to hold kids back.  I have seen leaders and parents tell kids they are not ready to enter a relationship with Jesus because they are "too young."  I would say this...most of the time kids begin to be ready at the age of 7-8 years old.  At this age, they begin to understand abstract concepts.  But again, each child is different.  

Our role is not to push a child into a decision nor is it to hold them back.  Our role is to simply walk beside them, so to speak.  As we walk with them, we share the Gospel with them.  As we do this, God will draw them to Himself. 

This is your role.  Step into it and let God use you to reach many, many kids and parents with the Gospel.

What's Your Cause?

I was thinking about David this week.  Here's this young kid, taking care of the family sheep herds.  The last person you would think about sending to battle against a huge man named Goliath. 

The reason David was willing to go to battle against Goliath was one simple thing:  HE HAD A CAUSE.  

Look what he says in I Samuel 17:29.

"David said, "What have I now done? Is there not a cause?"

David had a cause.  He wanted to silence the mouths of those who constantly ridiculed his heavenly Father.  He wanted to bring honor and glory to God.  

His cause was greater than his fear.  He appears to be fear free, but I can promise you that he was nervous.  

You know the rush that comes when a football team runs onto the field at game time?  That's probably the feeling he had as he walked toward the battle field.  If your cause is not big enough to make your knees shake, then you need to get a bigger cause.

Your cause may seem unattainable.  It may seem overwhelming at times.  It may leave you thinking, 

"Why did I start doing this?" 

"I feel overwhelmed.  It's too big a task for me."

"There's no way I can meet that goal?"

All of these doubts and fears can be overcome when you have Jesus guiding you.  He will work through you to accomplish the cause if you invite Him to help.  

Especially when your cause lines up His cause.  What is His biggest cause?  It tells us in Luke 19:10.

 "The Son of man came to see and save that which was lost."

When your cause becomes reaching people far from God, you can be sure that this is Jesus' cause as well.

"As ministers, we shouldn’t talk because we have to say something but because we have something to say."

Remember to praise God for what He has done in the past.  David reminded them that God had helped him kill a lion and a bear while watching over the sheep.  God had been faithful and the same God would be with Him that day.

If you want to live in victory, you too must have a divine cause. You must discover God's high purpose for your life and pursue it with a fervency of heart that inspires you to value the things of God even more than your own self-interest.   

Do you have a cause?

Free Giveaway - New Worship Album for Kids

Yes,  you read the title correctly.  We are giving away a full album of our new worship music songs for kids. ($39.00 value).

12 songs total 

lyric videos for each song

with and without vocals

song motions.

written with today's kids' music styles

Below are a few songs from the album. If you can't see the songs in your email, you can click here to access them. 

All you need to do to enter the drawing is to email me at dale@buildingchildrensministry.com.

I'll randomly pick someone (close eyes and draw a name - ha) and then announce the winner here, next Tuesday.

Or if you don't want to wait - here is the link where you can get all of the songs now.  When you buy the entire album,  you are getting the video worship songs for only a little over $3.00 each.  Compare that to most worship videos for kids that cost anywhere from $10-15 dollars each.

But I've got to warn you.  These songs are written to get stuck in your head.  After listening to them, I find myself humming the songs all during the day.  And that's a good thing. We want the truths of these songs to get stuck in kids' heads so they'll remember them for the rest of their lives.

Baby Boom Coming to a Nursery Near You

I'm sure you've heard of the generation called "Baby Boomers."  They are the generation that followed the Silent Generation and preceded Gen X. 

76 million Americans were born from 1946 to 1964.  Why the spike in births? 

Following World War II, soldiers returned home and sought to resume or restart their lives as civilians. 

Women who had served in the military or worked outside the home during the war, also sought new lives.

For a huge number of soldiers, this meant starting a family.  Because of this, the birthrate skyrocketed following World War II as soldiers returned home.  The boom of new babies that were born comprised nearly 49% of the American population. 

Fast forward to today.  I believe that late this fall and into 2021 there will be another baby boom.  The reason why?  Think about all the couples that have been stuck in their homes for the last 5 months or so.  With this extra time, many couples will have more margin to spend time together. 

The results of this will be seen this fall and into 2021 when there is a spike in births.  Will the spike be as large as the previous baby boom?  Maybe or maybe not.  But one thing is for sure, the number of babies born will increase. 

So what does that mean for the church?  It's good news for churches.  I believe church's nurseries will see an increase in babies.  And that's important to know and be prepared for.  Why?  Because babies are the future of the church.  They are the promise that a church will continue to thrive as the faith is passed down to them.

I often mention these quotes because I believe they are so true.

"If you don't hear any babies crying,
then your church is dying."

"A church without children is terminal."

Babies are a promise that the church will continue to grow and thrive in the generations to come.  But the church must prepare and be ready for the coming boom.  That being said, here are some more articles and resources that can help you get ready.









Looking for more ways to improve your nursery and preschool ministry?  Check out the best-selling book "If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry."  You can purchase it at this link.


Another great resource is the Parent & Child Dedication Class and Ceremony.  You can see more about it at this link.


Why Kids Are So Clingy Right Now

Have you noticed that kids are extra clingy recently? 

You are not alone.  Many parents are dealing with clingy kids. 

So why are kids so clingy? 

The biggest reason is obviously because they are living through the COVID pandemic days. 

When kids feel threatened it can cause anxiety.  And when kids are nervous or unsure, they will cling to their parents to feel safe.

"One major reason why kids cling to their parents is because they are trying really hard to help themselves feel safe and comforted."                                                     

Dr Steven Meyers, Professor of Psychology, Roosevelt University

Clinging is a child's effort to cope with all of the changes and uncertainty in the world.

Normally we think of a clinging child as a toddler or preschooler.  Think about the times you've had a younger child cling to mom and dad when they were being dropped off at their church classroom.  Why were they clinging?  They were trying to deal with the uncertainty they were feeling inside.

But in the current situation we find ourselves in, even older children, who are normally more independent, may become clingy as well.  This may look like them following you around the house or come crawling in the bed with you at night.

Establish routines.  This will look different from when kids were in a school building all day.  Creating these routines does two things.

1. Routines give kids a sense of security.  It provides kids with an established structure for what happens each day. 

2. Routines help kids stay on track with their school work. 

Spend extra time with your kids.  Make it fun.  Board games.  Toys.  Video games.  Telling jokes.  Reading stories.  Give them your undivided attention during this time.  This will help keep them emotionally healthy. 

Chores.  If you already had chores for your kids, then continue them.  If you don't, now's a great time to establish some chores for your child.  Keep track on their involvement and reward them when they do a good job. 

Model the behavior you want to see.  Kids are very perceptive.  They turn to you for direction on how to respond.  They pick up on your emotions.  If your emotions are making them uneasy or afraid, then they will cling to you even more as they look for reassurance. 

Model confidence and calmness.  This will help your children feel more secure and calm themselves. 

They need you right now.  Kids are sad about all the changes they have experienced.  Think about it.  No school, can't see their friends, no sports or music classes, etc.  As far as in person contact,  you're all they've got in many cases.  Be there for them!

p.s. Don't forget to sign up for our upcoming online webinar.  You can register at this link.


Our Words Matter...Talking with Kids Who Curse

One thing I have noticed about Millennials and Gen Zer's is their use of curse words. 

They will pop out a curse word when talking with someone like it is nothing.  They will also write curse words in various social media platforms. 

One of the most common words is the word "F_ck."  Pre-teens and middle/high school students use it without a second thought.

But we know the Bible tells us to watch what we say and use kind words.  Here are a few examples.

"But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth."
Colossians 3:8

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."   Ephesians 4:29

"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so."
James 3:10

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."  James 1:26

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. "Psalm 19:14

It is obvious that God is against speaking words of corruption, cursing and deceit.  It is a sin to curse.

Instead, God wants us to speak words that build up people, that are acceptable before Him and are a blessing to those around them.

Simply put - there is no room in the life of a believer to use words that tear people down, words that deceive people and words that curse people. 

Goes does care about which words we are using. 

I want to encourage you to take some time at church to teach kids what words are and aren't pleasing to God.  Then challenge them to use words that build up those around them. 

There is no room for cursing in the life of a child of God.  Our words are a big part of how we show people we love Jesus. 

Unlikely Friends (Great Curriculum Series Shows Kids How to Grow in Their Faith)

This curriculum series follows the story of a kid named Dave who has just moved into the neighborhood.

He's tries to fit in with the other kids but they want nothing to do with him.

Until a kid named Johnny steps in and offers his friendship.

The narrative leads kids into the story of David and Jonathon in the Bible and teaches them how to have a growing friendship with Jesus.

The series includes videos that feature the art work of a world-renowned artist who also draws for Sports Illustrated for Kids. Lessons are...

  • Week 1 - I Promise to Love and Follow My Friend
  • Week 2 - I Put My Friend First
  • Week 3 - I Share My Heart With My Friend
  • Week 4 - I Stand Up For My Friend

Delivered Electronically - Instant Download

Includes...

  • graphics for posters, social media, promotions
  • graphics for slides for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Keynote
  • 4 weeks of lesson videos
  • 5-minute video countdown
  • 4 weeks of lessons that can be used in large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format, mid-week format
  • lessons are editable and flexible to fit your specific ministry context
  • small group leader guide that's easy-to-use and requires little prep
  • hands-on, experiential, interactive learning
  • connects with all learning styles
  • games that bring fun and learning together
  • take home pages for each week

and much more

You can order the curriculum at this link.

Click here to see a lesson sample.

Click here to see a small group leader sample.

Below is a video sample from a lesson (click arrows to expand & watch full screen).

Parenting Tips During the Pandemic

As the pandemic continues, kids who attend traditional schools are dismissed for the rest of the school year in most cases.

This means children are staying with parents, grandparents and other family members during the time they would normally be at school.

Parenting in this situation is not easy to say the least.  It can be stressful and memorable at the same time.

As children's ministry leaders, we have a great opportunity to come alongside parents and their families and offer support and encouragement.  Here are some parenting tips to share with parents.

If you have more than one child, spend time with each child individually.  Set aside the same time each day to do this.  Your children need one-on-one time with you.

Take a cue from your children.  Ask they what they would like to do and make it happen if it's feasible.

Play games and have fun with your children.

If you have a baby or toddler:
  • Sing songs, make music with pots and spoons.
  • Stack cups or blocks.
  • Tell a story or read a book. 
If you have a preschooler:
  • Read a book.
  • Make drawings with crayons or pencils.
  • Dance to music or sing songs.
  • Do a chore together – make cleaning and cooking a game.
If you have a elementary age child:
  • Cook a favorite meal together.
  • Do a craft together.
  • Build a blanket fort.
  • Play board games together.
  • Put a puzzle together.
Keep smiling.  Use positive words when telling your child what to do.   Instead of saying "get this junky mess cleaned up" say "please clean your room up."

When communicating:  Don't shout.  Speak in a calm voice. Get their attention by using their name.

Compliment them when they do something well.  This will help them see you care and you notice their work. 

Create new routines.  The virus has temporarily taken away much of our normal routines.  Children need routines, especially during a time of crisis.  Put in place some new routines they can follow.  And let them help you make the new routines. 

Get them exercising.  This can help burn some energy and stress.  A few examples are jumping jacks, burpees, running in place, etc.  There are also lots of free exercise routines on the web for kids and their parents.

Reassure your child.  Talk about how you are keeping them safe.  Ask them for ideas on how they can stay safe. 

Be open and listen to your children.  Your children will look to you for support and reassurance.  Listen to your children when they share how they are feeling.  Give them comfort.  Your child may be scared or confused.  Give them space to share how they are feeling and let them know you are there for them.

Teach them to wash their hands regularly.  

See who can touch their face the least number of touches.  Make it a game and reward the winner.

Remember, you must set the example.  Keep safe distances.  Wipe things down with cleaner.  Keep a positive attitude.  Resist the urge to complain.  If you give off a vibe of worry, anger, uncertainty or fear, your children will follow that line of thinking as well.

Children are going to sometimes misbehave when they are tired, hungry, afraid or learning independence.   And that is not easy to deal with when you're with them all day.   Take a deep breath and keep your sanity.

Redirect their attention when needed.  If you see your child getting restless and bored with what they are doing, redirect them to something else that will hold their attention.

Stay calm.  Take a 10 second pause and breathe in and out slowly five times.  This will help you calm down when you've reached your limit.  This is a stressful time.  Take care of yourself so you can care for your children in return.  Taking a pause can also be helpful when you find your child is irritating you or has done something wrong.  It gives you a chance to be calmer.

Find a friend you can talk with.  Millions of people are going through this just as you are.  Find someone that you can talk with over the phone.  What are they personally doing to cope?  What routines or activities are they doing with their kids?

Talk with your children about what is happening.  Be honest and open.  How much you share should be age appropriate.   Allow your child to talk freely.  Ask them open-ended questions and kind out how much they already know.  Answer honestly.

After a conversation about the virus, switch to a game, activity or something fun to help them avoid getting stressed out by dwelling on the virus and its effect.

This is uncharted territory for most of us.  Pray for parents as you share tips and insights about parenting during this time of crisis.

Your turn.  What are some other tips or ways you are helping parents walk through this with their children?  Share them in the comment section below.