RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY: #children's ministry curriculum

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5 Gen Z Trends You Need to Know About

10:48 AM Dale Hudson

Gen Z are people who were born between 1997 and 2012. This means they are between the ages of 8 and 23.

They are are growing up in challenging times. A world-wide pandemic, demonstrations against injustice, and an upcoming election that is polarizing. There is uncertainty, fear and challenges. This is the tumultuous world they are growing up in.

Ministry as "normal" may or may not return. It is definitely a time when we should be looking at our ministries and asking the hard questions about the best route to take for ministry in the days, months and years ahead.

Let's look at 5 important trends that you need to know about as you have these discussions and make your plans for the future.

These trends are from the Barna company and represent in-depth research and strategies that can help you navigate what's ahead for us.

1. Gen Z Navigating More Screen Time. The average Gen Z'er uses media for entertainment an average of 8 hours per week. And this was amplified once the pandemic came. Millennial parents and their Gen Z kids have increased their screen time significantly.

Barna's research shows that the majority of pastors (85%) are concerned about this increase of screen time but do not yet have a plan to help families have wise tech usage.

Much of this increase is from Millennial parents trying to keep their Gen Z kids occupied during the day at home. Media has become a handy babysitter for Gen Z kids.

Is this going to be the "norm" moving forward?

Will churches step up and help families decide how much screen time is the best for their family situation?

Once "normal" returns, will the viewing patterns from the pandemic continue?

2. Responding to Injustice.

Gen Z wants to hear the stories of injustice and wants the church to respond and answer the important questions regarding this.

Gen Z is more ethnically diverse and more politically progressive than their elders. Recent data shows that 38% of Gen Z believes we have a race problem and 68% want to address racial injustice in our country.

3. Loneliness and Anxiety.

Even though Gen Z is the most digitally connected generation of all time, they have feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress. Mental health issues have grown since the pandemic disrupted their lives.

They are searching for connections and are looking to the church for help with this. The church must step up and give Gen Z lots of opportunities to make meaningful connections.

4. Continued Faith Growth.

Research shows that Gen Z is likely to not see church as important. 59% say that church is not relevant to their life. 48% say they find God elsewhere. 28% say they can teach themselves what they need to know.

While 22% have left the faith, 38% are faithful churchgoers.

We must help Gen Z see how important it is to be a consistent church-goer. This will help their faith continue to grow.

5. New forms of outreach and sharing their faith.

Gen Z kids are often hesitant to share their faith. Alarmingly, a poll revealed that 47% say evangelism is wrong.

What they may or may not realize is that sharing their faith is vital. If they will look around, they will see that unbelievers are curious about spiritual matters and are open to having discussions about it.

These 5 trends give us a glimpse into the ever-evolving myriad of ministry opportunities. A great starting point is to sit down with Gen Z kids and listen to understand what they are facing and talk with them about the best says to engage and disciple young people in this day.

Your turn.

Do you see these trends happening in your ministry?

What can we do to effectively minister in the context of these trends?

Share your thoughts with everyone in the comment section below.

Your Role in Leading Kids to Christ

10:55 AM Dale Hudson

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 To Do When a Child Has Doubts About God's Existence

7:30 AM Dale Hudson

Did you know that 13% of Gen Z kids are atheists? The percentage of Gen Z kids who identify as atheists is almost double the percentage of adults (6%) who claim to be atheist.

Most of the 13% are Gen Z teens and young adults. But you will occasionally also meet younger children who say they are atheists. I have had several kids that claimed to be atheists when I asked them about their salvation.

The vast majority of the time, kids are very open and receptive to the Gospel. But occasionally, you will meet a child who claims they don't believe in God.

What should you do if you meet a child who doubts the existence of God? Let's look at some steps you can take.

1. Stay calm. Losing your composure will likely do little good. Getting angry and "preaching" to the child may deepen his or her opposition to believe in God.

"If your child has rejected your faith,

do not reject your child."

2. Listen. Listen to the child. Let them speak. Allow them to tell you how they arrived at their atheistic conclusions. Don’t yet offer comment or criticism. Just listen. Find out what brought the child to this point. Was it something they were taught at school? Was it something a friend explained to them? Was it an injustice that sent him or her spiraling spiritually? The child has a story. Invite them to dialogue and ask them to share their story with you.

3. The dialogue cannot turn into an argument. That will only push them farther away. Treat the child with respect, patience, love and kindness. Let them talk and ask them questions.

Ask questions like...

What contributed to their disbelief?

Were there specific things they read or heard that caused them to no longer believe in God?

How do they feel now that they claim to be an atheists? Has it caused any changes in their life?

4. Don't argue with him/her. Arguing will only produce more arguing. Instead, let them know you care about them as does God.

5. Show them by your beliefs and actions that you believe in Jesus and model the change He has made in your life. Simply put...be a living example of what it means to follow Jesus. The child can argue with the facts, but they can't argue with the change God has brought about in your life.

6. Pray. Only God can change a young person's heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring conviction and draw the child to Jesus. Our job is not to push a child into making a decision nor is it our job to hold them back as they explore and get the right answers to their questions. Our role is to simply walk beside them, have the conversations and ask God to draw them to salvation.

We have a great curriculum that teaches kids what it means to follow Jesus. It's called Starting Point and you can access it at this link.

7. Teach kids apologetics. Is it to early to teach kids apologetics? Absolutely not. Many kids want to see proof that God exists, that salvation can really happen and that Jesus was the Son of God. You can get this 4-week teaching series that helps kids see that the Bible is the Word of God. It covers key questions like, "Why does God allow pain and death? How do we know the Bible is the Word of God.

It is critical that we start teaching kids these things now when they are young. Remember what George Barna said?

"In the race to a child's heart the first one there wins."

We must get there first if we are going to reach today's kids.

8. Remember that everyone has a free will. God does not force us to accept His love and forgiveness. If we had no choice we would be mindless robots. Rather, He gives us the choice to love Him or not. There is no true freedom without the option to love or not.

9. Don't give up. Know that God is at work. He loves children more than you and I do and He wants them to come to Him. In my own personal ministry, I have seen several atheists come to faith in Christ and it changed their life completely.

What a great privilege we have to partner with God in the redemption of children. Remember the old song...

"Jesus loves the little children. All the children

of the world. Red and yellow, black and white,

they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the

children of the world."

He even loves those who won't personally acknowledge Him. And He is sending you to share His love with children...even those who say they are atheist.

How COVID-19 Is Changing Family Time

9:11 AM Dale Hudson

COVID-19 has been disastrous on so many levels. Family members have been lost. Grandmothers and grandads have had to say good-bye to their grand kids prematurely. Families are having to scale back or even shut down their family business. Family finances have been crushed. Jobs have been lost. We could go on and on listing the damage the virus has caused and will continue to cause for an uncertain amount of time.

That being said, when it comes to families, there have been a few positive things that have emerged. A big one is this - in many cases, families have been able to spend more time together. And that is a big win.

In the toy industry, game and puzzle sales are up 228%!!! Building set sales are up 76%!!! Arts and crafts sales are up 70%!!! And sports toy sales are up 20%!!! Board games have doubled in popularity among kids ages 5 to 18 in the last few months.

Can anyone say "Family Game Night?" Yes, these sales are strong indicators that families are spending more meaningful time together. Sales of products that families can do together is on the rise.

As you interact with families and provide parents with resources to lead their children spiritually, be thinking of ways you can use this time to help them grow relationally and spiritually.

Here are few ideas...

Create some simple family games that they can play. Tie the game into key Bible truths that you want them to grasp.

Provide questions where families have to use their Bible to find the answers.

Create some fun Bible memory games that can help kids memorize Scripture.

Provide families some fun, family devotions they can do together.

Bake some cookies together and enjoy eating them...fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk. Talk about some key spiritual ingredients that it takes to help you grow spiritually. Prayer. Bible study. Serving. Going to church. Sharing your faith.

These are just a few of the hundreds of ideas that families can use to grow together. If you want more ideas, a simple Google search for "family Bible activties, games, etc. will give you hundreds of options.

Encourage parents to take advantage of every moment and be intentional about spending extra time with their family while they are hibernating from the virus.

I know...the days are long. But remember the years are short. Families may never have an opportunity like this to spend lots of extra time with their kids.

I'd love to hear what you are doing at home with your kids during this time. In the comment section, share any games, crafts, activities and intentional play that you are using with your kids to help them grow in their faith.

Invest in Yourself (why you need a ministry coach)

11:00 AM Dale Hudson

Do you feel like you've hit a leadership lid in your ministry?

Do you feel stuck as a leader?

Do you want to improve as a leader?

Do you want to take your ministry to a new level?

Have you been so busy investing in other people that you haven't been able to invest in yourself?

Do you feel the need for a coach who can help you navigate the challenges and struggles you are facing?

Are you looking for someone who can help you get to the next level as a children's ministry leader?

Do you want someone who will personally invest in you and your ministry?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, then the ADVANCE CHILDREN'S MINISTRY LEADERSHIP COACHING EXPERIENCE is just what you are looking for.

Dale Hudson is one of the leading voices and leaders in children's ministry. He can help you grow as a children's ministry leader. Whether it's your first year or thirty year in ministry, he can help you and your ministry get to the next level.

Much, if not most of ministry wisdom and knowledge cannot be learned in a college classroom. Dale's coaching is grounded not in theory alone, but in proven, hands-on leadership experience. For the past 30 years, he has helped build and lead some of the largest and fastest growing children's ministries in the nation.

Dale works with all sizes of churches. Whether your church is 200 or 20,000, he can add great value to you and your ministry.

Advance Children's Ministry Coaching includes...

6 months of coaching.

Monthly group coaching call. Live, one-hour sessions on the important topics listed below. Each session includes teaching and group discussions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topics with Dale and other leaders in the group.

All sessions are recorded so you have access to them on demand in case you can't attend a live session.

Self Leadership

Leading Staff and Volunteers

Leading Through Change and Challenges

Keys to a Growing Ministry

Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture in your Church

Staying Relevant in Ministry

Dale will personally invest in you and your leadership. You will have a personal one hour phone session with Dale to help you identify areas of growth and development. From this, he will work with you to create a growth plan in those areas.

Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Plan includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations, action steps, setting goals and measuring progress.

There is also the opportunity to set goals and measure your progress.

You also get a copy of Dale's books: ($46 value)

If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry
The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams
Lead Well in Children's Ministry

FAQ's:

Next session runs from July to December, 2020. Registration ends on June 30.

How much does the Advance Coaching Experience cost? For a limited time, the cost is only $499. Upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable deposit of $99 is due to hold your spot. Then $100 is due on the first of each month until your remaining balance is paid in full. If you pay the entire amount before the program begins, you receive a $50 discount.

How can I be selected to be a part of Advance?

Complete an application (click here to access).

Upon acceptance, make your deposit or complete payment at this link .

Dale will connect with you to set up an initial one hour, personal phone call to access your need.

Over 50 children's ministry leaders have already been through the coaching program. Here is some of the feedback from those who have completed the experience.

"I am so thankful for the coaching experience I was able to have with Dale Hudson. I have learned tools that will help with leadership, growth and structure. I know that this information will help me today, tomorrow and many years to come. I would highly recommend anyone in Children's Ministry to take part in this amazing coaching experience."

Michelle Carly - 5 Points Church

"I found the Advance program very helpful! I’m convinced everyone would get something out of it- both those with formal training and those without. Dale was affirming of the role of children’s ministry in the church, as well as provided encouragement to us as participants. Having been in children’s ministry he can relate to the challenges, but also shares his expertise and gives practical insight into building an awesome kids ministry! If you’re a children’s minister, you’ll be glad you were a part. If you’re a senior pastor, you should have your kids pastor participate."

Eric Gayer - Life Gate Church

So what you are you waiting for? Now's the time to invest in yourself. Let's go on this leadership journey together. I promise you that you will come out the other side fired up and ready to do ministry at a new level.

p.s. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to call me at 561-222-9903.

How to Raise a Child Who is Generous

10:50 AM Dale Hudson

I believe if we can teach children to be generous, then they can experience God's blessings as they obey Him.

I'll never forget...it was right after an earthquake hit Haiti. We found out there was a need for children's shoes for the children in Haiti.

We put out a collection box where people could donate shoes for the kids there.

One Sunday, I watched as a girl walked up and saw the sign. She stood there and pondered for a minute or so. Then I saw her look at her mother. Her mother nodded with approval.

The girl reached down and took off her shoes. They were expensive "Sunday church shoes." She placed her shoes in the container and left barefooted.

I remember another time when I saw an example of a child being generous. We were in the middle of raising money to build a new children's building. One of the 3rd grade boys in our ministry saw the need and decided he wanted to be generous. He and his family had been saving up money for months for a birthday trip for him to Orlando.

He asked his parents if they, instead of going on the trip, could donate the money ($1,500) to the new children's building. He gave the money and God used it to inspire the entire church to be generous. The money was raised and the building became a reality.

Explain to kids that generosity can be a way of life. Help kids understand that generosity is not always about money. You can be generous with your time. You can be generous with your talents. And sometimes generosity is shown in the little things like opening the door for a senior adult. Helping your brother finish up his chores. Helping mom put the dishes away when you could be playing video games.

Set the example. The best way to show kids what generosity means is leading by example. Be a tither. Give to special offerings. Support missionaries. Help others who are in need with food. Take time to invest in other people. Your kids will never forget seeing you being generous.

Teach lessons about generosity. Teach a series about giving. Give kids a Biblical basis for generosity. Here are a couple of series that I developed that teach kids to be generous.

Money Talks is a 4-week series that gives kids a foundation for a lifetime of generosity. This series is also great if your church is doing an adult series on stewardship such as Financial Peace University. Kids learn...

Week 1 - Money Talks About Owning
Week 2 - Money Talks About Tithing
Week 3 - Money Talks About Sharing
Week 4 - Money Talks About Planning

The Money Talks lesson can be purchased at this link.

Here is a video sample.

The other series is called "Kid Bank President." In this 4 week series, the Kid Bank President teaches kids how to manage their money with God's wisdom and plans. This is a great series to use when your church is doing a giving series. Lessons include...

Week 1 - Tithing Account

Week 2 - Saving Account

Week 3 - Spending Account

Week 4 - Investing Account

The lessons can be purchased at this link .

Here is a video sample.

Our Words Matter...Talking with Kids Who Curse

8:10 AM Dale Hudson

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.

You Are More Valuable Than You Know

1:28 PM Dale Hudson

One of my wife's hobbies is buying items locally and then selling it on Ebay for a profit.

She especially likes to find items that are discounted. Last week she found a small statue of two horses. It was $5. She took it home and listed it for sale on Ebay. Just a few hours later, it sold for $75.

The people who sold it to her didn't realize how valuable it really was. They looked at it as a cheap item to get rid of.

But it was worth far much more.

I say that to tell you this. I have a message for you.

YOU ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN YOU KNOW!

Perhaps you heard the words "You are dumb!" No, you aren't dumb - you are more valuable than you know.

Perhaps you were belittled by someone at school as a kid and after all these years, it still haunts you. You are nothing like what that person said. You are more valuable than you know.

Perhaps you have felt unworthy...unable to accomplish anything...feeling like a failure. No you aren't - you are more valuable than you know.

Perhaps your self-esteem has been shattered. You are more valuable than you know.

Perhaps you have pulled back from Jesus. You don't spend time with Him like you used to. You don't read this Word consistently. He's wants to draw you back close to His side. Why? Because you are more valuable than you know.

Or maybe you were fired from a job. It was humiliating and it cut you deeply. Wait a minute. You don't need to feel like that. You are more valuable than you know.

God values you so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for you.

You could put all the riches, cars, houses, bank accounts and fame on one side of God's scales and on the other side put you - and God says you are more valuable than all the riches and fame of the world.

In Matthew 10, Jesus says this...

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny.And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Walk in this promise today. You are more valuable than you know. Don't let anyone or anything convince you otherwise.

God said it and that settles it. You are more valuable than you know.

Even though the person who sold us the horse only saw $5, we saw that is more valuable than that.

People will put cheap "values" on you at times. Ignore it. You are more valuable than that...far more valuable.

The Power of a Common Vision

9:09 AM Dale Hudson

ESPN recently produced a 10 part documentary about the career of Michael Jordan. It was very interesting to watch.

One thing was very clear about Micheal and the Bulls. They were laser focused on winning an NBA championship. This resulted in the team winning 6 titles.

I am reminded of this quote from Michael Jordan.

"Great players win games, great teams win championships."

When you get your team aligned and focused on a common vision, you can dominate. Let's look at a few tips on how to do that.

Make sure everyone knows what the vision is. It's hard to align behind a common vision when you don't even know what the vision is.

So, the starting point is creating a common vision. Keep the vision short (one or two sentences at the most). Make the vision laser-focused. Say it every time you meet. Put it in writing on all your communication pieces. Repeat it. Repeat it. Repeat it. Repeat it. Repeat it. Repeat it. Repeat it.

Want to know if your team knows what your vision statement is? It's easy, just ask them. Fulfilling the vision should be part of their DNA.

Everything you do should be a step toward fulfilling the vision.

Your ministry calendar should reflect this.

Your event schedule should reflect this.

You budget should reflect this.

Your team should reflect this.

Your programs should reflect this.

When team members get to the point where they have memorized the vision statement, are committed to it and are living it out, you will be positioned to make a big impact.

I'd love to see your vision statement. Share it with us in the comment section below.

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

9:51 AM Dale Hudson

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).

What Parents Are Looking For in a Church

1:01 PM Dale Hudson

Kids may be small, but they are a big factor when it comes to parents choosing a church.

Researchers at Barna found that 58% of parents say children's ministry programming is the primary reason they chose their current church.

One interesting factor - parents that take their children to church on a regular basis are also involved in their children's other activities.

Children that are active participants on Sunday tend to also be involved in spiritual growth activities during the week. They are twice as likely to engage in church outreach activities, Bible studies, camps, etc

So the big question is this - What are parents looking for when they walk in the doors of your church? What are some of the determining factors that they are looking for?

Safety and Security
We live in a new normal when it comes to safety and security. Safety and security is one of the biggest reasons why parents choose a church. They want to know that their child will be safe in your care. This includes things like drop-off and pick-up processes, doors locked down after service begins, a policeman on duty in uniform, being able to contact them during service, etc.

I would encourage you to share your safety and security process to new families as you are walking them to their room.

We must be prepared for this. Attacks can happen at any time and at any place.

Kid-friendly Facilities
Facilities aren't everything, but it does make a big impression with new families. Without even saying anything, it makes a big statement to parents. It says you value the next generation and are investing time and resources into the place where they meet.

The Fun Factor
Parents are looking for a church where their children actually like attending. If the kids complain about the service being boring, parents will take them to a church that isn't boring. When I refer to "fun" it simply means that the service keeps their attention and they are allowed to be kids.

Volunteers
If a new parent gets to the 4-year-old room and there are 30 kids and 2 adults, they will probably not come back. When they drop off their child they are looking at all of the elements involved. Make sure you keep your ratios in balance.

Relevant Lessons
Kids should be able to tell their parents on the way home what they learned. I'm not talking about the standard - we learned about "God" or "Jesus." If you are teaching lessons that kids engage with, they should be able to share the main point at the minimum.

I would encourage you to look at these five parts of children's ministry and see how your ministry is doing. What do you need to change, start doing or tweek? Or it may mean a total makeover.

Your turn. What are some other things parents are looking for when they visit your ministry? Share your thoughts, ideas and insight in the comment section below.

Why Screens Can't Replace Face-to-Face Children's Ministry

7:57 AM Dale Hudson

I love using videos in children's ministry. But not for the entire teaching time. Some curriculum use videos to bring the entire teaching part of the lesson. I don't believe that is the most effective method of teaching.

Why? Because screens can't replace face-to-face children's ministry.

Developmental psychologist Georgene Troseth, PhD, studied 176 toddlers, ages 23 to 32 months. The children were divided into younger and older groups. Some of the toddlers from each group watched a teacher, in person, label an object that the kids had not seen before. The name of the object was made-up.

The other toddlers watched the same teacher doing the demonstration by Skyping through a video screen. Then a researcher asked the child to choose the named object. “Whether the person was actually Skyping, pausing, or waving for the child’s attention, they still did not learn the novel word for the novel object when it was on video,” explained Troseth.

This and other studies lead to the conclusion that kids learn best from face-to-face interaction.

Now as I said, I'm all for using videos for worship and for setting up the teaching time. But for the actual teaching and small group time, I believe the majority of the time should be face-to-face with a caring volunteer.

Yes. Gen Z connects well with images. Someone said, "Today's kids hear with their eyes." And that is true...to an extent. But I also believe that nothing can take the place of face-to-face interaction.

As the study suggested, this is especially true in your nursery and early childhood areas. The volunteers that serve in these areas have the opportunity to make a huge impact in children's lives. If you are reading this and you serve in the nursery and early childhood areas, you are not babysitting. You have the opportunity to make a big difference in the children's lives. Look at them face-to-face and tell them Jesus loves them. Look at them face-to-face and quote a verse from God's Word to them. Look at them face-to-face and sing a song to them.

Elementary volunteers. Look into the eyes of the kids and tell them how important they are to you and God. Let them know God has big plans for their life as they follow Him. Talk with them. Let them share prayer requests with you. The more face-to-face time you invest in the children, the bigger impact you will make.

Years from how, the grown up children who used to be in your ministry, will look back and remember something. It probably won't be a video lesson you showed them. It won't be the cool on-screen graphics that you used. It probably won't be the fun worship song they sang.

What they will remember is that you were there. You were there and you took a personal interest in them. You looked at them face-to-face and prayed over them. You looked at them face-to-face as you quoted a Bible verse together. You looked at them face-to-face as you gave them the opportunity to ask questions about the lesson.

Why is it so important that your ministry has great ratios? Because kids need volunteers who can make a personal connection with them. And that's hard to do when the ratio is 15 to 1 in elementary and 3 to 1 in the nursery.

Spiritual growth for kids happens best when they are able to make a face-to-face connection with a caring volunteer.

Relationships are more easily formed when volunteers are given time to make face-to-face connections with the kids. And we know that discipleship happens best when it is face-to-face.

As I said earlier, I'm all for using videos, graphics and cool worship videos. Below is an example of this from the Connect 12 curriculum I created. But videos are not the main thing. They are used to seque into face-to-face teaching and discussions. Videos are used to start a face-to-face conversation about a topic.

Here's an example.

The set up for this video is asking kids how they feel when they are lined up and are waiting to be picked for a team. Waiting...hoping...that they will not be picked last or even be left out. This leads to a face-to-face lesson and discussion where kids learn that Jesus has picked them. He says "I love you. I picked you when I died on the cross for you and I pick you now as my child. You are special to me and I love you."
If you are reading this by email and cannot see the video, you can access it at this link.

The curriculum is also available at this link.

Think about it. If you grew up in church, you probably can list the people who really impacted your life. It was the people who invested in you face-to-face. You can still see their face and can remember how they personally showed you how to be a follower of Jesus.

Videos? Yes.
Worship videos? Yes
Video skits? Yes
Video illustrations? Yes
Videos taking the place of a live volunteer teacher? No

Uses screens to disciple children is not an either or. It's a both and. Screen some. Face-to-Face time just as much or more.

Your turn. What are your thoughts about using screens to teach and disciple kids? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.