RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY: #childrenschurch

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The 5 Biggest Challenges Children's Ministries Will Face in 2024

11:11 AM Dale Hudson

As we prepare to enter a new year of ministry, there are some challenges we will face. Here are the 5 biggest.

Infrequent Church Attendance

We will continue to see families attend once or twice a month or even less.

This has some serious consequences. When parents choose to make church attendance an option instead of a top priority, kids will grow up and treat church attendance like an option you choose when nothing else is happening.

What one generation deems as optional, the next generation will deem as unnecessary.

Somehow we have to get through to parents and help them realize this. I believe the earlier we can instill this into parents, the better they will set the right priorities. Once kids reach elementary school and are entrenched in weekend activities outside of church, it is hard to see them readjust their priorities.

I have found success in helping parents understand this when their children are in nursery or preschool ages. This can be accomplished by being intentional to communicate this to young parents. If they can make the decision to prioritize church in their child's early years, they can establish a godly foundation that will help them as their children grow into their elementary years.

Here is the milestone class I created to help with this. It is called Parent and Child Dedication Class. You can check it out at this link. Don't let another dedication pass without having a class attached to it for parents to attend. It will help you connect with parents and help them establish the right priorities. The class spends about 15 minutes teaching about what the dedication means and then 30 minutes teaching parents about how to raise their children to love Jesus.

Shallow Faith

If a child only went to school once a month, what kind of education would they have? They would obviously be way behind.

The natural result of infrequent church attendance is shallow faith.

The majority of children who attend church today are Biblically illiterate.

We must be very intentional about what we teach. Our lessons should point kids to Jesus and how to live for Him. If I were to ask your church kids what they have learned in the last 12 months, what would they say? Would they be able to say, as a minimum, what they have learned and started living out in the last 12 months?

I use Connect12 curriculum and the children can tell me from memory the main points we have learned in the last 12 months. There are several keys that make this happen. Check out Connect12 curriculum and you can see more about this amazing curriculum that helps kids develop a strong and solid faith foundation. You can see more at this link.

Wrong Priorities

This ties into the first point. Parents are not making the things of God a priority. Rather, the things of God are usually an afterthought.

We must partner with parents and equip them to raise their children to follow Jesus and put Him first in their lives. We know that most of what children grasp comes not from what we say, but from what we do.

The pastor of a church can be a big help when it comes to helping parents set priorities. The pastor can teach parents about setting the right priorities. When it comes to parents, the pulpit does carry a lot of weight. Connect with your teaching pastor about this.

Lack of Volunteers

Every children's ministry faces this. No matter the size of the children's ministry, it needs more volunteers.

This will continue to be a challenge for all of us as we head into 2024. But don't lose heart. You can build a dynamic volunteer team.

In my book, The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams, I share some key steps you can take to build a great volunteer team. It is the formula I used to build a volunteer team of over 2,000 in 9 years. You can get an ebook or paperback at this link.

Unwillingness to Change

How we do ministry continues to change with each passing year. I am sure 2024 will reflect this as well.

The challenge for many churches is they don't want to change. They refuse to take a hard look at what they are doing and adjust as needed. They keep doing the same thing the same way and wonder why they lose momentum each year.

What we teach doesn't need to change. But how we teach and communicate with kids and parents must change if we want to stay relevant and effective. The "what" is not optional and cannot be put up for a vote. But the how can be.

2024. What other challenges do you see coming? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Excellence...Showing Kids They Are Worth It

10:33 AM Dale Hudson

A while back, I wrote an article entitled "It Doesn't Matter...They're Just Kids."

I talked about the importance of being committed to excellence...especially when it comes to kid's ministry.

I'd like to expand on that thought in today's article.

Let's dive deeper into why we should be committed to excellence when it comes to children and their parents.

Be committed to excellence for children. Children are often the decisionp-makers when it comes to deciding what the family will do. Where the family will eat (that's why the family drives past the steak house and goes to McDonalds instead). What movie the family will watch. Where the family will go on vacation. And yes...what church the family will attend.

An excellent children's ministry is a major factor when it comes to growing a church. Stats show that one of the top reasons why parents choose a church is based on their children's ministry.

When we are committed to excellence in our children's ministry, it sends a message to parents that their children are worth it.

In the last 20 years, we have seen many churches invest heavily in the look, feel and decor of their children's ministry. They have spent major money on creating environments that are welcoming to children. For many of them, it has helped their church grow and reach more families. Your facilities and investments send a message to families.

Walt Disney was known for his commitment to doing the little things well. He had an eye for detail and he wanted those he worked with to be just as committed to the details.

Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do. -Walt Disney

Here are a few examples of their commitment to excellence...

The manhole covers are specially designed with a Mickey Mouse logo in the center.
The Merry-Go-Round is painted with real gold paint.
Handrails that get a lot of wear and tear are re-painted every single night.
If you have never heard the story about the birds in the Tiki show, read it here.

When kids are made to feel important and welcomed, they will return. Walt knew this. Check out what happened as they were developing the Disneyland stage coach ride.

The stagecoach ride was the first attraction built for the park. As the stagecoach was being put together, the Imagineers, who built it, were getting very frustrated with Walt. As they were working on the final piece, the stagecoach leather straps, they simply could not get Walt to sign off on it.

Legendary Imagineer, John Hench, couldn't get Walt's final approval for the leather straps. He said this to Walt.

“Why don’t we just leave the leather straps off, Walt? The people are never going to appreciate all this close up detail.”

Walt responded by saying this.

“John, you’re being a poor communicator. People are okay, don’t you ever forget that. They will respond to it. They will appreciate it. And they will keep coming back to the park again, and again and again.”

The result? According to Hench, he ended up putting “the best leather straps on that stagecoach that you’ve ever seen.” Just as Walt said, people keep coming back again and again and again.

Being committed to excellence and showing kids they are worth it keeps you focused on the small details that lead to excellence.

In Disneyland, there is a store on main street called Coke Corner. If you look closely at the light bulbs in the store, you will see a bulb affectionately known as "Walt's Light bulb." The light bulbs in the store are a series of alternating red and white bulbs. The shape of the store requires an odd number of bulbs. Walt didn't want to break the alternating pattern so he personally grabbed a paintbrush and painted the last bulb half-red and half-white.

Walt was obsessed with the details and his extreme commitment to excellence led to extreme excellence in family entertainment. The kind of excellence that causes kids and families to return over and over again.

As we finish this article, I want you to remember a quote that came to me as I was pondering excellence in children's ministry.

Extreme attention to the details whispers excellence.

Excellence. Be committed to it. Pursue it. Strive for it. Show kids they are worth it.

5 Big Reasons Why Kids Pick a Church to Attend

11:03 AM Dale Hudson

Kids are a big determining factor when it comes to picking a church to attend.

Parents can visit a church and like it, but if their child doesn't like it, they won't be coming back.

Studies show that people pick a church based on 2 reasons.

1. How friendly are you?

2. What do you have to offer my child?

That being said, let's talk about 5 big reasons why kids pick a church to attend.

1. They either have a friend that already attends or they make some new friends on their first or second visit. Kids are just like adults. It's all about relationships. If they don't make friends with someone, they will feel lonely and not want to return.

Here are some practical ways you can help kids make friends at your church:

Be intentional about helping guests find a friend.

Introduce guests to other children that are their age.

Do icebreakers and other relational activities that help kids connect.

Train some children to be "guests' hosts." Their ministry is to stay with guests for the entire time and get to know them. This is a great way for children to serve and reach others.

2. The lessons are engaging.. If you want children to pick your church, then present engaging lessons. Learn how to capture kids' attention and get them involved in the lesson. Here are great tips on how to do this:

How to be a Captivating Storyteller for Kids

Gen Alpha...What They Like and Connect With

Welcome Gen Alpha

When parents come to pick up their children, 9 times out of 10 you will hear them ask this one question.

"Did you have fun today?"

What are parents asking their child by referring to the service, class, etc. as fun? They are asking if it was relevant? They are asking if it was engaging? They are asking if the child learned anything? They are asking if they want to come back?

3. There is a teacher, small group leader, volunteer, etc. that takes an interest in them and shows them kindness and care.

As you read through these 5 reasons, you will notice that I did not include buildings or facilities. While it is great to have a cool children's ministry space, that is not the primary reason kids want to come back.

The number one reason they will return is because they heard someone call their name. They had someone who listened to their prayer requests and prayed for them. They had someone who genuinely showed they cared about them and took interest in them as a person.

I love this quote by Walt Disney. He said this right before he opened Disneyland in California.

You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.

As you think about this, here are some questions to ask:

How are our ratios? Are our current ratios able to accommodate individual attention?

Do we have a prayer time in the lesson where kids can share prayer requests and be prayed for by name?

Are we sending follow-up postcards, letters, etc. that are handwritten and addressed to the guests by name?

4. They feel safe in your care. Today's kids are growing up knowing they and their world can be attacked at any time. Terrorists. Kidnappers. Bullies. Bombs. Shooters.

And remember...being at a church is no guarantee you won't be attacked. We realize this after seeing many shootings that have taken place at a church. Even in a small, country church like the one in Texas where 26 people were killed.

The safety measures you have in place to protect children are so important. Kids and parents may not say anything about this up front, but it is a concern that you must address. Share with them the measures you take to keep kids safe in your care.

5. They didn't hear a lot of ssssshhhhhhsssss. The leaders know that kids learn best by dialogue instead of monologue. Kids are encouraged to get involved by talking, using their learning styles, laughing, engaging in hands on learning and lots of opporutunties to move and just be a kid instead of being forced to "sit still and be quiet."

You are surrounded by children and parents in your community that don't know Jesus. Let's go all out to reach them with the Gospel. To see this happen, your church must become a place where children are welcome and children's ministry is a top priority.

God may be calling you to be the person who grasps this and helps your church live it out.

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.

What to Do When a Parent Asks If Their Child is Ready to Accept Jesus

11:37 AM Dale Hudson

When a child starts asking his or her parents about entering into a relationship with Jesus, the parents will often come to you for advice.

Is my child old enough to understand this?

How can I know it's the right time to pray with them for salvation?

Should I tell my child to wait until they are older?

What should you do when this happens? Here are some pointers that will help you know what to say.

If their child continues to come back to them about accepting Jesus, that’s a good sign that God is working in their life.

They must understand what sin is and that they have sinned.

You sense this is something they know they need to do rather than just something they want to do. Do you see the difference? If they just want to be baptized because their friend did, that would be wanting to be baptized. But when you sense they know this is something they need to do, it’s a good sign.

While there is no exact age a child must be to accept Jesus, I will say this. Around the age of 7 ½ - 8 years-old, kids begin to understand not only concrete, but abstract ideas as well. Here’s an example. If you tell them Jesus is the bridge to heaven, they will understand it’s not a real bridge, it’s just an illustration to help you understand the way to heaven.

I often tell parents this...

Our job is not to push kids to make a decision. I have seen parents try to push their child to be baptized, even though they didn't understand what they are doing.

Our job is also not to hold kids back from making a decision. I have seen kids who understood the Gospel and were ready to step across the line of faith, but their parents wanted them to wait until they are 12 or 13.

Our job, as parents, is not to push or hold back. Rather it is to walk alongside our child. Have the spiritual conversations. As you do this, you will see the Holy Spirit working in their life and drawing them to salvation.

I believe the most important thing we do is equipping parents to lead their children to Jesus.

10 Questions To Ask When Hiring a Children's Ministry Director

11:50 AM Dale Hudson

This past weekend I was consulting with a church that is hiring a children's director.

I was helping them conduct interviews with the people who had applied for the position.

I have a list of questions that I asked the candidates. Thought I would share the questions with you.

These questions can also be used with a volunteer who is stepping up to assume more leadership responsibility as a volunteer.

1. Can you tell me about your relationship with Jesus? When did you enter a relationship with Him? What do you do to grow in your faith?

2. Why are you applying for this position? What drew you to this? Why do you want to be a children's director?

3. What are your strengths? What comes easy for you?

4. What are some things you are working on to get better at?

5. What are 3 goals you would set and try to accomplish in your first year?

6. Can you tell me about a time when there was conflict in a previous job and how you handled it?

7. Children's ministry is about the volunteers who make the ministry happen just as much as about the kids who are part of it. How would you build and equip a volunteer team? What experience do you have leading adults?

8. How would you partner with parents and equip them to disciple their children?

9. Have you taken a personality test? If yes, what were the results? If you haven't would you be willing to take one?

10. What have I not asked you that I should ask you?

The children's ministry director is one of the most critical hires you can make. Get the right person and they can help the children's ministry become a major growth engine for the church.

And think about this. No one, besides the Pastor, has more contact and influence with the people in your church. The children's director ministers to babies, preschoolers, elementary, pre-teens, students who serve, adults who serve, parents and grandparents.

This is not an exhaustive list of questions. What are some other questions you ask potential hires? Share your thoughts and insight with us in the comment section below.

One of My Favorite Worship Songs for Kids

11:22 AM Dale Hudson

It's an awesome thing to see kids who are immersed in worship...worshiping God with all their heart.

I have seen God's presence fill the room when kids lift up their voices to God in praise.

One of my favorite songs is from our new kids' worship album.

It's called "My Best Friend." Throughout the song, you will hear a young girl praising Jesus with all her heart.

Need to be refreshed before you rush into another weekend of ministry? Need to be encouraged? Need to have your passion for ministry ignited again?

Then take a minute to listen to this song....you'll be glad you did.

Let the Kids Lead

9:44 AM Dale Hudson

It's time we start giving kids the opportunity to lead in the church.

As you look through Scripture, you will see that kids were often given the opportunity to lead.

Here's an example found in Matthew 21.

...and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things He did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. "Yes,” replied Jesus, "have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
Jesus was all for children helping lead the way in the Temple that day.  And I believe He is also for kids helping lead the way today.  
Here are a few things to consider about this. 
1. There is no "Jr. Holy Spirit."  Kids can be led and controlled by the Spirit of God just like any adult can.  Throughout scripture we see kids being used by God.  The boy giving his lunch to Jesus.  David defeating Goliath.  The little maid helping Naaman get healed.  As we just read, children leading the way to praise Jesus in the temple.
2. Kids have a heart to serve.   Have you ever asked a group of kids who would like to help with something?  Hands will shoot up everywhere.  Kids naturally have a heart to help others.  It is when they get older, that they stop raising their hand as often.  Why?  In some cases, they have been told they are too young.  That they don't have the abilities needed.  That they should sit still and be quiet.  That they have to wait until they are a certain age.  This type of treatment causes kids to eventually stop raising their hand and saying "no" to serving as adults.
3.  Kids will act like kids.  Kids are wired to move.  They are full of energy.  Don't expect them to turn it off when it's time to serve.  This may mean putting them in a role that allows them to use their energy.  It might be helping with worship so they can jump around.  It might be helping lead a fun, energetic game or activity.  Instead of squelching them, help them grow and flourish with the gifts God has given them.  
4. Make a list of the different ways kids can lead in your congregation.  Take the initiative in this and create a list of ways kids can serve at church.  Share the list with kids who want to serve and help guide them into a role that matches their gifts and talents.
5. Provide them with coaching and feedback.  Don't stick them in a role and forget about them.  Be intentional about encouraging and challenging them.  Use this as a time to help them grow spiritually.  
6. Realize that kids who serve are more likely to not walk away from the faith when they get older.  Stats show that kids who get involved in serving are less likely to walk away from their faith when they are grown.  There is something about serving that activates your faith.  That brings a passion for Christ into your life.  That brings joy as you watch God at work through you.  
Your turn.  Do you give kids the opportunity to serve at your church?  What are some roles you allow them to serve in?  What are some other guidelines you follow for kids serving?  Share your thoughts, ideas and insight in the comment section below. 

Building Kids Faith in the Bible

9:00 AM Dale Hudson

The B-I-B-L-E...yes that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God...the B-I-B-L-E.

If you grew up in church, you remember that song. It was an attempt to instill the Word of God into the hearts of children.

We are living in a day when the Bible is under attack. Just this past week, protestors in Portland, Oregon made a spectacle out of burning a pile of Bibles. While that was a physical attack, it doesn't end there. All across the country and the world, the Word of God is under attack.

People who say it's just like any other book.

The removal of Bible verses from public monuments.

Professors who stand in their classroom and belittle the Bible.

Television shows and movies where the Bible and those who follow it are portrayed as nutcases.

Go ahead. Say the Bible isn't the Word of God. You have the right to be wrong.

I believe the Bible is the Word of God.

I believe it is true from cover to cover.

I believe it is historically accurate.

I believe it is error free.

Burning a few copies of God's Word won't stop it.

Have you ever read the story of the French philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778)? Voltaire, in his writings against Christianity and the Bible, predicted in 1776, “One hundred years from my day, there will not be a Bible on earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity-seeker.”

But within fifty years after his death, in an ironic twist of fate, the very house in which Voltaire once lived and wrote was used by the Evangelical Society of Geneva as a storehouse for Bibles and Gospel tracts and the printing presses he used to print his irreverent works was used to print Bibles.

You can't stop the Word of God and you can trust it.

It is crucial that we transfer this belief into the hearts of the next generation that is following us. Let's look at a few ways you can do this.

Tell the next generation the Bible is the Word of God over and over and over and over...

I know a well known pastor who took a strong stand on the Bible being God's Word. He traced his strong stand on the Bible all the way back to when he was a child. Every night before going to bed, his mom would come and tuck him in. She prayed with him and read a few Bible verses with him. And then she held up the Bible and had him say this phrase over and over and over...the Bible is the Word of God!

Show the next generation the proof that the Bible is God's Word.

Hundreds of prophecies fulfilled.

Endurance for thousands of years.

The Bible is self-authenticating.

People who gave up their life for saying the Bible is true. People don't give their life for something they know is not true.

Take a look at some of the verses that agnostics say are errors. Have kids work through those verses and come to the conclusion that the Bible is true. We did this with the Pranksters Series. We actually had kids look at verses and passages that atheists say are errors and find out for themselves why the verses are not errors. You can get this teaching series here - Pranksters.

You can also reinforce that the Bible is God's Word with music. When kids hear a song that emphasizes that the Bible is God's Word, then it helps impress this truth. Check out this song that teaches kids that the Bible is true and you can trust it through and through.

Teach kids to memorize key verses/passages that will help them defend their faith. The Bible tells us that we must be ready to give an answer when someone attacks the Word.

Get tools and resources into the hands of parents, so they can disciple their children with the Bible.

Our faith hinges on the fact that the Bible is God's Word and you can trust it. It must be a top priority to teach kids that they can trust it in all areas of life.

Millennials and Online Church Attendance

8:30 AM Dale Hudson

We are definitely living in challenging times right now. In the midst of this national and international crisis, we must help parents keep their eyes on Jesus and His love.

And it is vital that we provide them with clear steps for staying connected to a local church.

It is extremely important to track how Millennials are responding spiritually to COVID-19. The reason - it's not just for their own personal spiritual health, but for their children's (Gen Z) as well.

Barna recently released a report that reveals that 50% of Millennial (young parents) churchgoers are not attending online services. 35% of Gen Xers and 26% of Boomers have also stopped attending online services.

When Millennial parents are not attending services, it means in all likelihood their Gen Z children are not either.

Yes, I know that attending church in person has been all over the board as churches try to navigate starting in person services back. Many churches are also providing great online programming for kids and students. But the truth is, at least half of parents are not watching the online services and I would say the same holds true with their children as well.

Barna has identified 3 groups during this COVID-19 world:

People who have continued to engage by watching their home church.
People who have started watching the online services of another church.
People who are not watching anything online.

One big thing to note is this - the younger people are, the more likely it is that they stopped attending church during this lock down.

Contrast that with this. People who have stopped attending church online during this time, report higher levels of anxiety and stress. While those who are staying in church (online or in person), report having a higher level of security.

We must remember that as parents, our children are watching us.

Where are we going for encouragement and Biblical teaching?

Are we modeling what it means to be faithful to our church, either online or in person?

Are we using the children's discipleship tools and resources that our church is providing for us?

Are we taking time to pray with and for our children?

Are we showing our children what it means to trust in God and let Him be our peace?

Encourage the parents in your ministry to be the spiritual leaders God is calling them to be.

Our kids will look back one day and remember how we handled this crisis. Let's leave a legacy of faith and trust in God.

The Potential That's Sitting in Your Ministry

9:03 AM Dale Hudson

If you read my articles, you know I believe in the importance of investing in the next generation.

And I have often said, you never know who is sitting in your class or small group.

I have often been surprised when I find out that one of the kids who was in my ministry years ago, is all grown up and doing amazing things.

I had one of those moments this past weekend. I was back visiting with some ministry friends and catching up on some of the old times. We were talking about how some of the kids who grew up in our ministry have gone on to do some amazing things.

I asked how the ____________ family was doing? They had 3 sons that I taught and coached in basketball many years ago.

The people I was talking with informed me that those 3 boys (along with a cousin) had started a band in their garage. They went on to become a famous, nationally known band that has received multiple awards and accolades. Can you guess what band they are? Leave your guesses in the comment section below to find out.

It was interesting to me. I never knew they could sing when I was investing in them. I also never knew they played musical instruments.

I wonder if there have been other kids that had gifts and talents that I have failed to recognize and encouraged to pursue.

You see, you never know who is sitting under the sound of your voice. It may be a future president, doctor, nursery volunteer or godly business man or woman?

You have so much potential sitting in your room or small group. Invest in the kids God has brought across your path. You may be discipling a future world-changer.

Multi-Site Online Children's Ministry Conference with Some of the Top Leaders in the Nation

8:16 AM Dale Hudson

Do you lead a multi-site children's ministry?

Is your church considering going to a multi-site model of ministry?

Do you already have multi-site campuses and need some help?

Have you hit a lid in your multi-site ministry?

Do you need some fresh strategies and insight in leading a multi-site ministry?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, then this online conference is for you.

I have invited two of the top multi-site ministry leaders to share with you about leading a multi-site ministry.

Kim Botto is the Next Generation Director at Crossroads Church in the Cincinnati metro area. She leads the next gen ministry at the church's 11 campuses. She will be talking about one of the biggies that must happen if you want to have a thriving multi-site ministry - Leading Volunteers. Enlisting and equipping volunteers is a must if you want to grow a multi-site ministry.

Also joining us is Justin Edge. Justin is the Central Team Leader of Life Kids at Life Church. Life Church has 35 campuses. Yes, it read that correctly, 35 campuses. It takes some serious leadership skills to lead that many sites. Justin is going to talk about "The Keys to Leading a Multi-site ministry.

This webinar will be live and we are building in lots of time for Q & A. So bring your questions and we will talk about it.

Can't make it on July 22? No worries. The entire webinar will be recorded and you will have access to it after the conference is over so you can watch on demand.

The cost for the webinar is only $19.99. That is a steal for what you will be getting. Teaching and access to these amazing leaders. And as a bonus...when you register, you will receive a FREE ebook copy of my latest book - Lead Well in children's and family ministry.

Get signed up today and join us. Due to the pandemic, we can't go to in person events of this size. That's why we are bringing the conference to you. Grab a cup of coffee. Sit back and enjoy the teaching. Take notes and get your multi-site questions answered on the spot. It doesn't get any better than that!

You can register now and immediately get your ebook. Here's the link to register - can't wait to see you there.

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).

The Slippery Slope of Families Not Attending Church Consistently

11:08 AM Dale Hudson

There is a trend happening in churches. Families are attending church less frequently. In most cases, families that used to attend twice a month are now attending once a month. Families that used to come once a month are now only showing up at Christmas and Easter.

There are many reasons why this is happening. Here are a few key ones...

Sports. Kids are more often involved in sports leagues and traveling teams. Nothing wrong with sports. I played sports when I was in elementary and high school. But not on Sunday. On Sunday, nothing trumped being in church.

Many parents today do not share that same value. Anytime there is a sports event on Sunday...church gets left out of the picture.

Busyness. Families are very, very busy. This means they have a smaller margin for activities. In many cases, the small margin they have is used for kids' activities such as dance, sports, karate classes and on and on we could go.

Whereas Sunday used to be looked at as a day to focus on worshiping God, today it is the overflow day where families catch up with things they couldn't get to during the weekdays.

Another factor with being so busy, is being tired. But Sunday, parents are exhausted from their busy week and just want to rest. They look at what it will take to get the kids up, get everyone dressed and then drive to the church and they decide to skip.

Online. Online church services are such a great way to spread the Gospel and grow people in their faith. But it can also be an outlet for families who don't feel like going to church in person on Sunday.

"Let's just watch online today" has become a valid option for families.

Priorities. Church has been removed as the top priority on Sunday. Families look at church as just another option and if the other options aren't appealing on a Sunday, then they will go to church.

Family situations. Many children have parents who are divorced. Many time, this means they can only attend church when they are with one of the parents. This translates to attending church every other week.

I believe that when families skip church they are entering a slippery slope.

They are sending a message to their children that church is not important.

They are sending a message to their children that says church is just another option on Sunday and participation is optional.

They are sending a message to their children that Jesus is not worth worshiping on Sunday.

They are sending a message to their children that Jesus is a part of our life, but not the center of our life.

They are sending a message that says learning God's Word is not a priority.

They are raising children who will be Biblically illiterate.

They are raising children who will have a very shallow faith that cannot stand under pressure.

So what can we do?

How can we help parents bring their children to church faithfully?

How can we help parents invest in their children during the week?

How can we encourage parents to make Jesus the center of their schedule?

Speak into their life early on. You may or may not be able to change the priorities of parents who have elementary kids. But you can speak into the lives of young parents who have nursery and preschool children. You can plant spiritual truth into their life through a Parent & Child Dedication class, a parenting class, social media posts, YouTube videos and more. Here's a great resource for Parent & Child Dedication class that has seen great fruit among parents.

Young parents are looking for guidance, insight and resources for this new role they find themselves in. Influence them early on and you can help them make Sunday a priority.

Make church irresistible for kids. Pester Power is a real influence on parents. When a kid decides he or she wants to go somewhere or do something, they will pester their parents until they get what they want.

I made the mistake one time of not getting batteries ahead of time for a gift I bought for my son at Christmas. He was about 5 years old at the time. When he found out we needed batteries, he begin asking me over and over and over and over, when we would get the batteries. He kept pestering me until I went and found a store that was open on Christmas day and bought him some batteries.

If you will make church the place to be on Sunday mornings, kids will drag their parents with them to church. Remember, "a child shall lead them."

Show parents how important it is to make Jesus the center of their life.

Jesus doesn't just want to rent a room in our life. He wants to move in and do a total makeover.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 that if we will "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

What does that look like when it comes to attending church? It means Sunday morning at church is not something we do if there's nothing else on the schedule. Rather, it's at the top of the list. No questions asked. Sunday morning belongs to God and His house.

Encourage parents to walk the talk. We must help them remember that...

"Our kids may not always do what we say, but they never fail to emulate what we do."

We must realize that if we make church a second or third option on Sunday, our kids are going to grow up rarely or never attending church.

When we don't model this, we are placing the next generation on a slippery slope. Forsaking God's house when we are commanded to "not forsake the assembling of ourselves together" is sending a message to the next generation that coming together for worship is not necessary to have a growing, strong relationship with Jesus.

Let's leave them a legacy of loving God, putting Him first, walking with Jesus and making church a top priority.