Showing posts with label kids ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids ministry. Show all posts

Wandering Around Your Children's Ministry

As a children's ministry director/pastor, how should you spend your time on weekends?  Teaching elementary kids?  In a preschool room helping with crafts?  Running a check-in station?  Walking new families to their classes?

All of these are good things, but they are not the best way to spend your time on weekends. 

As the leader, you should spend your time wandering around your children's ministry. 

Wandering?  Yes.  But not wandering just to be wandering around, but rather, wandering around with a purpose.  Wandering around will take you up to 30,000 ft. so you can see what's coming, what needs to be changed, what to invest time and attention toward and what has the potential to thrive.

Wander by the nursery.  What is the atmosphere?  Is it relaxed?  Are the hand-offs from parents to volunteers going well?  Are the ratios being met? 
 
Wander by the check-in area.  Are greeters smiling?  Is check-in going smooth?  Are our volunteers walking them to their classrooms.  Shake hands with a few of the first-time guests and thank them for coming. 

Wander over to the preschool area.  Thank the volunteers for their heart for the next generation.  Smile at the preschoolers.

Wander over by the elementary area.  Listen to the lesson.  Watch the kids response to the message.

Wander over to the kids who are helping lead worship and let them know how proud you are of them.

Wander by the pre-teen area and sit in on a small group for a few minutes.  Are the kids connecting?  Is dialogue happening?  Thank volunteers for serving.

Wander around and look at the facilities.  Anything need tweaked?  Anything need adjusting?  Anything need changed or replaced? 

Wander around after the service and connect with parents.  How was their week?  How are the kids doing?  Anything I can pray about for you? 

Wander around outside of the kid's ministry area.  Connect with adults.  Recruit new volunteers.  Encourage parents. 

Wander.  Wander.  Wander.  When you begin wandering, you will make a bigger impact for the ministry.  Remember your calling is to equip, empower and release people to do the work of the ministry. 

I know what some of you are thinking. 

" I can't get free to wander right now because I have been stuck in a classroom teaching ever since the previous volunteer quit? "

or

"I want to be in the classroom with the kids."

or

"I don't have enough volunteers to wander."

I am reminded of an amazing leader who was on a team that I led.  She always had lots of smiling, positive volunteers in her area.  I asked her what her secret was for building such an awesome team? 

She responded by saying she sees her role as a flight attendant.  She "wanders" around her area and encourages, equips and empowers her volunteers.  She finds out what their favorite dessert is and cooks it and brings it to them.  She gives her personal phone number to each volunteer and lets them know they can call her any time they need something. 

Why does she have such an amazing team?  Because she wanders from room to room in her area.

Here's my challenge to you.  Try to increase your "wandering" time this weekend.  Be very intentional about it.  Start somewhere.  Record what results you got. 

Do this and track your progress for a few months.

There are lots of improvements, updates and changes you should be making.  But you have to wander to see them. 

There are lots of volunteers that need you to encourage them.  But it will only happen when you start wandering.

I "wonder" what can happen if you start wandering? 

p.s. If want more proven ways to build and lead a volunteer team, get my book "The Secret Formula for Building Volunteer Teams.  Here's the link for it.

Where Kids Spend Their Time Online

Today's kids are growing up immersed in technology and social media.  They've never known a world without it.  Some big questions we must ask ourselves are...

How much time are they spending online each day?

Where are they spending their time online? 

How are they using their time online to improve themselves?
 
Are there any harmful sites or interactions that they are involved in?

How can we help them stay safe online?

How can their time online help them grow as a leader and more importantly as a person?

Let's look at the latest trends.  The insight will help us answer some of these questions.

Kids are using:

83% use YouTube 

21% use Twitter

38% use What's App 

33% use Instagram

35% use Facebook

34% use Snapchat

16% use Pinterest

Average amount of time spent online:

YouTube - weekdays -1hr. 25 min. / weekends -1hr. 49 min.

Twitter - weekdays - 1hr. 18 min. / weekends - 1 hr. 22 min.

Instagram - weekdays - 1hr. 15 min. / weekends - 1 hr. 25 min.

Facebook - weekdays - 1hr. 15 min. / weekends - 1 hr. 25 min.  

Snap Chat - weekdays - 1hr. 11 min. / weekends - 1hr. 19 min.  

Pinterest - weekdays - 1hr. 11 min. / weekends - 1hr. 17 min.

What's App - weekdays - 1hr. 6 min.  / weekends - 1hr. 13 min.

What do they do online?

Watch videos  - YouTube - 87%

Communicate with Family Members -  Facebook - 35%

Communicate with Friends - Snapchat - 37%

Post and Feature Photos - Instagram - 33%

Play Games - 62%
  • Roblox is an amateur game-maker/-player system for Xbox, PC, tablets and smartphones. Millions of children play online together because of its varied and unusual games its makers have created. 
  • Battle Royale pits up to 100 players against each other while a mysterious cloud steadily reduces the size of the war zone, creating knife edge and climatic gun fights.
  • Overwatch is a multiplayer shooting game in which two teams of six players compete to capture and defend various objectives.  
  • Star Wars Battlefront II is a game that recreates an authentic Star Wars experience with less violence than the straight-up war titles such as Call of Duty. You play an elite special forces soldier in a new Star Wars campaign that bridges the events between the films Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Usage peaks around 5:00 pm and then drops off after 8 pm.  On weekends, the most popular hours are between 6 to 8 pm.   

As children's ministry leaders, it is important for us to keep parents informed about the good and bad sides of the internet.  There is danger to be found online and we must partner with parents... equipping them to guide their children.

And we should not only warn them about the dangerous aspects of the internet, but inform them about the good side as well.  There are many online Bible programs, games and videos that can help children grow in their faith.  We can guide kids and their parents to these sites and help them grow in their faith.

Why Many Kids Make a Salvation Decision When They Are Young and Again Later When They Become a Teenager

You often see children who accept Jesus as their Savior at a young age, make another salvation decision when they are teenagers.

What causes children to do this?  Were they not saved the first time they prayed to enter a relationship with Jesus?

Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Kids get saved just like adults do.  There is no "Jr. Holy Spirit."  Kids enter a relationship with Jesus just like everyone else does.

The key is making sure they understand the decision they are making.

I often tell parents and children's ministry leaders, that our job is not to be behind children, pushing them to make a decision.  Nor is it to be in front of them, holding them back from making a decision, when God is clearly dealing with them.

What we are called to do is this - walk alongside them.  As we walk alongside them and share the Gospel with them, the Holy Spirit will draw them. 

2. Make sure you are clearly sharing the Gospel with all ages.  It is crucial that we clearly present the Gospel to children.  I wrote "Starting Point" for this very reason.  It gives children a clear picture of what it means to follow Jesus.  You can see it and obtain it at this link.  It is designed for children in grades one to five.

3. When kids get into their teen years, they are questioning a lot of things.  Be okay with that. It's in these years, they often begin owning the faith for themselves. 

4. Take them back to God's Word.  Remind them that feelings come and go.  If they sincerely entered a relationship with Jesus at an early age, God is still with them.  Our relationship with Jesus isn't dependent upon how we feel, but rather on the promises of God. 

5. When they reach their teenage years, often God is dealing with them about surrendering to His Lordship at a new level.  As they are becoming more aware of their thoughts and feelings, the Holy Spirit begins dealing with them about areas of their life they need to surrender to Jesus.  Thus it becomes a matter of surrendering those areas of their life to Jesus.

6.  If a teenager is having a hard time remembering the decision they made as a child, it's okay to pray a salvation prayer with them again, just to be sure.

7.  I personally believe that once you are saved, you are saved forever.  God will never turn His back on you.  If you made a decision to follow Jesus at an early age, He is still with you. But He is constantly dealing with us and conforming us to His image.  Again, this is where the Lordship factor must be emphasized.  It means you are totally committing your life to His will and guidance.

8. How do you know when a child is ready to accept Jesus into their life? What should you look for?
  • They keep bringing it up to you.  If a child is consistently asking about salvation, it's a good sign that the Holy Spirit is dealing with them. 
  • You sense they know they must make this decision rather than just making a decision because of their friends, parents, pastor, etc. 
What are your thoughts?  What do you do when a teenager, who was baptized as a child, asks you to baptize him or her again? 

20 Important Questions to Ask Your Volunteers

Children's ministry is not just about the kids.  It's also about the students and adults who minister to the kids.

One of your top priorities should be developing your volunteers and helping them grow in their faith and service for Jesus.

One of the best ways to help your volunteers grow is by asking them questions.  Open-ended questions that will give them the opportunity to share about what God is doing in their life and ministry as they serve.

Here are 20 important questions you can ask your volunteers.  Most of these are designed to be asked in a personal meeting.  You can use the questions when you meet with your team members individually...both new volunteers and veteran volunteers.  They are in no particular order.

1. Tell me about the last time you saw God at work in your life?

2. Are you serving in your sweet spot?  Is it the right fit for you?

3. What do you enjoy the most about serving?

4. When was the last time you were out of your comfort zone?

5. Can you tell me what you do to grow spiritually during the week?

6. What do you want your legacy to be?

7. Do you feel equipped for your current role?  If not, what is missing?

8. What are you seeing happen spiritually in the lives of the kids you serve?

9. How can I help you get to the next level in your role?

10. What's one thing we can do to make the ministry more effective?

11. What inspires you?

12. What's holding you back from loving Jesus more than you do now?

13. If you could go back in time and be at one of the big events in the Bible, which one would it be and why?

14. Do you feel you currently have opportunities to use your spiritual gifts?  Why or why not?

15. What is a new ministry skill you would like to learn?

16. How can I serve you better?

17. Are you establishing any relationships with the people you are serving with? Why or why not?

18. What do you want to see God do in the lives of the kids in your class/group?

19. What books have you read lately? (give them some suggestions or better yet, have a copy of the
book and give it to them)

20. How can I pray for you?

Your turn.  What are some other questions you ask volunteers?  Share with us in the comment section.

A Child is Born

A child was born many years ago who would change the world.  Isaiah, the prophet, said it like this through the inspiration of God. 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

Because a child was born, we have a bridge back to God.

Because a child was born, we can experience the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.

Because a child was born, we can walk in victory.

Because a child was born, we have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Because a child was born, we have harmony in our home.

Because a child was born, we can have eternal life.

Because a child was born, we have a friend that walks with us through the storms and trials of life.

Because a child was born, history was changed.

Because a child was born, we can bring hope to those who have none.

Because a child was born, we can find meaning and purpose in life.

Because a child was born, we have Good News to share with the next generation.

Because a child was born, we can be born again.

Because a child was born, the miraculous can happen.

Because a child was born...this Christmas season, let's be intentional about sharing with kids what Christmas is really all about - it's about a child that was born.

Because a child was born...let's teach children and families that our best Christmas gift should be given to Him.

Because a child was born...let's slow down from the busyness of the season to worship Him.

Because a child was born...let's celebrate!

I pray you and your children's ministry will have your best Christmas ever.  I pray that kids and their parents will come and hear the message of hope you are sharing.  I pray that new volunteers will flood into your ministry.  I pray that many unchurched kids and parents will come and have their lives changed by the Gospel.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will rest upon your services and outreaches.  I pray that you will come out of this Christmas season refreshed and ready for 2019.

Just think, the reason I am writing this is because a child was born.  The reason we share the same vision for reaching the next generation, is because a child was born. 

A child was born!  Let's celebrate Him...our glorious and wonderful Savior.

Praying you and your ministry will have your best Christmas ever!

Thankful for You...Children's Ministry Leader

Children's ministry leader - one thing I am thankful for today is you.

I am thankful for your heart to see the next generation know Jesus and live for Him.

I am thankful for your vision that helps you see the potential of the next generation.

I am thankful for your faithfulness.  You lean in when others pull back.

I am thankful for how you choose to live for others instead of for yourself.

Some of you reading this haven't heard those two words (thank you) in a long time.  If that's your situation, I want you to know that you matter and your ministry matters.  You might not get many thank you's here on earth, but one day you will hear the words...

"Well done, good and faithful servant.  Great is your reward in heaven."

Thank you for faithfully showing up.

Thank you for nurturing and caring for the little ones.

Thank for helping kids get connected through small groups.

Thank you for giving your most precious possession to children - your time.

Thank you for loving and nurturing children with special needs.

Thank you for leading kids into the presence of God through worship.

Thank you for understanding that it's about passing on the faith to the next generation.  

Thank you for praying for the children you minister to.

Thank you for living for others.

Thank you for seeing what really matters.

Thank you for discipling children and preparing them to spiritually lead their generation.

One day in heaven, you'll hear those words from your Heavenly Father and every investment you made in the next generation will be worth it a thousand times over.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Do Kids Really Need to Go to Church?

Here's a common scenario.  Single young adults head off to college and drop out of church for various reasons. 

They meet someone, get married and have their first child. 

The weighty responsibility of having a baby causes them to go back to church.  They want their child to grow up to be a good person and taking the child to church is seen as a great way to help with this.

But there is also another scenario that is playing out more and more often.  And that's this - parents opt out of church and look for other ways to teach their children various life lessons.  

This is becoming more frequent.  Worldwide, the total number of people who are nones (claim no religion), is increasing.  The number of people who claim no religious affiliation is expected to rise from 1.17 billion to 1.20 billion by 2060.  In the U.S., about 25% of people are nones.  This is up from 16% in 2007.  

Though more and more people are claiming no religion, young couples are still drawn to church on behalf of their kids.  Even in cases where the parents are nones, deep inside they feel an obligation to take their young children to church.  Church is seen as a place that can help instill core teachings so their children can become productive members of society.

But do kids really need to go to church?  Does it really have a lasting effect on their lives?  The answer is YES.  A big, big YES.  Besides the obvious spiritual benefits, attending church has great benefits for kids as they grown up. 
  • less drug, alcohol and tobacco use
  • lower rates of depression and suicide
  • better sleep quality
  • greater hopefulness
  • better life satisfaction
But...there is a clause that parents must keep in mind.  Though many children are attending church, it is inconsistent and sporadic. Look at this.
Inconsistent religiousness seems to bring little to no benefit at all: religion is not especially helpful for the roughly 53% of US adolescents whose faith is sporadic or poorly integrated.”   -Annette Mahoney, professor of psychology at Bowling Green State University.
Sporadic...poorly integrated...sound familiar?  In recent years, we have seen families attending church less frequently.  In many cases, they show up once a month.  Twice a month is considered the new "faithful." 

This means a big percentage of children who attend church, are only establishing a weak, shallow faith due to infrequent attendance.  In other words, it's hard to build a solid spiritual foundation in kids' lives, when they are missing 50-75% of the lessons.

And yes, parents are the biggest influence in their child's spiritual life.  But a parent who is only bringing their child to church once or twice a month, is probably following that same pattern in disciplining their child at home.

Speaking of parents, let's dive a little deeper on that topic.  For young parents, parenting can be hard and exhausting.  The church becomes a place that can help them cope with this and get through the different phases of childhood. The church becomes a support network for them. 

That's one reason why I believe you shouldn't "require" parents to serve in children's ministry.  For a young mom with a preschooler, the last place she needs to be on Sunday morning is in a classroom full of preschoolers.  We must stop "guilting" or "requiring" parents to serve in their child's environment at church.  I'm not saying we shouldn't encourage parents to serve.  We should.  And for many of them, serving in their child's environment is a joy. 

But notice I said "joy."  If it's not a joy. then help them find somewhere else to serve that they can be passionate about.  You want people serving in your children's ministry to be called to that age group.  You want volunteers in your children's ministry who are excited about being there, not someone who is required to be there.  Jury duty and school are the only places people are required to be and I don't see many people jumping for joy when they have to participate.

I believe there are some big questions we must find answers to, if we are going to be effective in making disciples in the next generation as well as their parents.

Questions we must answer like...

How do we see families attend church more consistently?

How do we balance asking parents to serve in children's ministry?

How do we help parents see their role in disciplining their children? 

Your turn.  The floor is yours.  How are you engaging young families in your ministry?  What are your thoughts and answers to the questions above?  Share with us in the comment section below. 

Monologue vs. Dialogue

This past weekend, I was speaking at a church and one of the staff members was talking about small groups.  He made a great point that I want to pass along to you.  And that's this.

Dialogue is more effective than monologue when it comes to learning, understanding and communicating.

From children to adults, people are more engaged when you use dialogue to help them discover the truth you are trying to communicate with them.  

Many of us grew up in a monologue format.  We sat quietly (some of the time) while a teacher verbally taught the lesson.  The problem with using a monologue format is this - it's not the way kids (and adults) learn best.  In fact, studies show that it is the least effective way to learn. 

So why do we keep using a subpar learning method?

I think one reason is because it takes more work to create a good dialogue experience.  You have to get kids to open up and talk about the subject.  This means knowing how to ask the right questions and facilitating a good flow of discussion.  It's much easier to just plan for something you do by yourself while the kids watch and listen to it. But we should be more concerned with being effective than we are with things being easy.

Another reason is teachers are afraid they will "lose control" of the class if they let kids talk.  You have to get comfortable with a noisy classroom.   But done correctly, a noisy classroom is what you want.  When kids are engaged and learning, it is going to be noisy.  

We see ourselves as a teacher rather than a facilitator.  There's a big difference between the two.  A teacher gives out information.  A facilitator guides kids to discover the truth in ways they learn best. 

We miss opportunities to get kids talking.  Every activity should have discussion questions tied to it.  Every game should be used to jump start conversation.  Every lesson should have as much, if not more, questions to prompt discussion. 

Take a look at these stats.  It measures the effectiveness of teaching methods. 

Average Learning Retention Rates:
  • Monologue (5%) - worst method
  • Reading (10%) 
  • Audio visual (20%)
  • Demonstration (30%)
  • Dialogue (50%) - 10 times more effective than monologue
  • Practice doing (75%)
  • Teaching others (90%) 
 Here are some steps you can take to move to more dialogue...
  • Measure the time you spend in class using monologue versus the time you spend using dialogue.
  • Include open-ended questions throughout your lesson.  Effective dialogue moves beyond yes and no answers. 
  • Tell the kids you want to them to talk during designated times.  This shifts away from saying "ssshhhh" and "quiet please" to "let's talk more about what we read in that verse."   
  •  Measure your success based on how much the kids talked versus how much you talked. 
Remember the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher and parents?  It was like "wonk bwonk, codlue, bdgamaiclic, ygamatick, etc.  (that was my attempt at writing confusing garble). When we sit kids down and become a talking head for the next 45 minutes, kids zone out and what they are hearing is something like Charlie Brown's teacher.  

One last thought.  Want to increase the effectiveness of your lessons?  Increase the amount of time you dedicate to dialogue and you'll see the results you're looking for.  

If you're looking for curriculum that gets kids talking throughout the lesson, then check out these series that we created.  One year's worth of curriculum.  Curriculum that is grounded in teaching kids 12 Biblical truths in 12 months.  You'll see a big element we've included in the curriculum, is lots and lots of time for dialogue.  You can get more information at this link and see lesson samples, videos, etc.

Why Kids Are Misbehaving in Your Class (and how to fix it)

Do you have a hard time getting your class or small group at church to listen to you?  Are they constantly talking out of turn, wiggling or interrupting you?

There's a reason why they are misbehaving.  And it might just be the opposite of what you're thinking. 

The "why" behind their misbehavior has more to do with what is happening during the week.  On Sunday, you're simply seeing the culmination of it.

So, what is happening during the week?  One notable factor is kids are being play-deprived.  When I use the term "play," it does not mean playing video games, watching a YouTube video on a phone or a movie on Netflix.  I mean playing pick-up baseball in someone's backyard, building a fort in the woods, playing Barbie dolls with other girls in the neighborhood, etc.

Unsupervised play helps kids develop important people skills that they can use all their life.  When they don't get that, they have a harder time behaving. 
Today's kids are spending more time looking at screens than they are looking into the eyes of other kids they are playing with.
Many kids are also not being given the opportunity to contribute to their family by doing chores like helping cook dinner, cleaning the house and doing yard work.  Lofty goals like playing professional sports or being a movie star doesn't render the same return as working in community.

Kids also have very little control over areas of their life.  Many kids have parents who micromanage every detail of their life.  This can lead to stress and lack of self-motivation.  The more power you give them to make choices, the more they will step up.

Since many kids are not in empowering environments during the week, you have a great opportunity to provide that for kids at church.  And out of that, you can give parents some great tools and tips about how they can do the same thing at home. 

So, here are some practical tips for your class or small group.

Be a guide rather than a commander.  Now you may be afraid of "giving up control of the classroom."  Don't be.  And be okay with a noisy classroom.  It will be noisy and very active.  Your role is to take the kids on a trip into God's Word and then guide them through passages that are conducive for spiritual growth.

Be a facilitator rather than a lecturer.  This is where choice comes in to play.  As we stated earlier, kids have very little control in their life.  They are constantly told what to do, when to do it and where to do it.  Consider giving them several options for Bible activities, crafts, games, etc. and then let them choose what they want to do.  After they are done, you can guide them through some review questions that will help them put what they learned into action.

Some parents are micro managers of their kid's lives.  Remind them that their job is to train up their children to leave.  Success for a parent is bringing up a self-reliant child that can leave and build their own life and family.   

Respond to kids' misbehavior instead of reacting to it.  Reacting is yelling.  Reacting is immediate grounding for 2 weeks.  Reacting is immediately removing privileges.

Responding is calmly talking with the child about contributing to the class through their actions.  Responding is calmly talking with the child about collaborating with the other kids in their group.  Responding is calling up the child to be a good example.

If we respond rather than react to kids' misbehavior, then we'll get the results we want. 

2018 Kids' Choice Awards Gives Great Insight Into Current Kid Culture (the complete list)

The annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards show was held just a few days ago.  The show honors the year's biggest television, movie, YouTube and music acts.  Winners are chosen by kids who watch the Nickelodeon networks.

Since the winners are chosen by kids, the show gives great insight into current kid culture.

Let's take a look at the 2018 winners and what we can learn from them.

Favorite Movie: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
  • Kids love adventure.
  • Kids love the excitement of the unknown.
  • Kids love challenges.
Favorite Movie Actor: Dwayne Johnson (Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)
  • Kids admire people who lead them on an adventure.
  • Kids admire people that have a strong purpose and are determined.
  • Kids admire people that will push them outside their comfort zone.
Favorite Movie Actress: Zendaya (Anne Wheeler, The Greatest Showman & Michelle “MJ” Jones, Spider-Man: Homecoming)
  • Kids admire people who overcome discrimination (Zendaya).
  • Kids identify with the story of an introvert who overcomes not feeling truly accepted and goes on to do great things (Zendaya).
  • Many kids identify with a loner who has few, if any friends and long to be known and loved by others (MJ).
Favorite Animated Movie: Coco
  • Family bonds and ties are important to kids.
  • Kids identify with Miguel, a young boy who pursues his passion in spite of his family being apprehensive about it.
  • Kids love pets.
Favorite Music Group: Fifth Harmony
  • Fifth Harmony is an American girl group based in Miami, composed of Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui.
  • Their music style is pop and R&B.
Favorite Male Artist: Shawn Mendes
  • Shawn is a Canadian singer and songwriter.  He first attracted a following in 2013, when he began posting song covers on the video-sharing application Vine.
  • His music style is pop, folk pop and pop rock.
Favorite Female Artist: Demi Lovato
  • Demi is a singer, songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist.  Her career started young when she was on the children's television show "Barney and Friends."
  • Her struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction, an eating disorder, and self-harm received significant media attention in the 2010s, in response to which she released the book Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year (2013) and a YouTube documentary about her life and career, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated (2017).
  • Her music style is pop, pop rock and R&B.
Favorite Song: "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
  • The melody in this song uses a pentatonic scale, which is one of the most used scales in the history of music.  It is a simple scale made of five notes and can be found in songs like Amazing Grade and My Girl.
  • The song is about physical love and relationships from a secular viewpoint.
Favorite Breakout Artist: Camila Cabello 
  • Camila is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter. She rose to fame as a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, which was formed during the second season of The X Factor US in 2012.  She went on to pursue a solo career and in 2018, her single "Havana" reached number one on the charts.
  • Her music style is pop and R&B.
Favorite Global Music Star: ASIA: BTS
  • BTS (Bangtan Boys), is a seven-member South Korean boy band.  
  • Their music style is K-pop, hip hop, R&B and EDM.
Television Show: Stranger Things
  • Kids love mystery. 
  • Kids love secret experiments.
  • Kids love supernatural forces at work.
Favorite Cartoon: SpongeBob SquarePants
  • SpongeBob is optimistic.
  • SpongeBob is brave.
  • SpongeBob keeps kids' attention by mixing it up with various plots.
Favorite TV Actor: Henry Hart from Henry Danger (Jace Norman)
  • Kids want to be a superhero and identify with him.
  • Kids love gadgets that enable them to do extraordinary things.
  • Kids want to make a difference and Henry helps save people's lives.
Favorite TV Actress: Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven, Stranger Things)
  • Just like Henry Hart, she has superpowers.  Kids want to be powerful and are drawn to superheroes.
Favorite Funny YouTube Creator: Liza Koshy
  • Kids love humor and Liza delivers with ridiculous jokes, facial expressions and comments.
Favorite Musical YouTube Creator: JoJo Siwa
  • JoJo appeals to pre-teen girls. She documents routine, age-appropriate behaviors and activities such as being nice and doing chores. 
  • Kids are drawn to her willingness to be unique. 
  • Kids are drawn to her creativity as she makes dresses out of garbage bags and creates her own line of accessories including hair-bows.
  • She also speaks out against bullying.
Favorite Instagram Pet: Jiffpom
  • Kids love animals. 
  • Kids love pets.
Favorite Dance Trend: Backpack Kid
  • Backpack Kid is Russell Horning.  He does funny dance moves that kids like. 
  • He doesn't claim to be a great dancer and looks like an "average kid."  This gives kids hope that the average kid can achieve great things if they go for it.
Favorite Video Game: Just Dance 2018
  • Kids love to move. 
  • Kids love to show off their skills.
Here are some tips for translating this insight into your ministry and using it to connect with and engage kids in your lessons, events, programs, etc.
Take your kids on the "adventures" found in the Bible.

Bring mystery and the expectation of the unknown into your lessons.

Turn your teachers into fun characters who take kids on Bible Adventures.

Show kids people in the Bible who overcame great difficulties and obstacles.

Bring the entire family together for events and programs.

Use crazy experiments in your lessons.

Show kids the supernatural forces in the Bible that battle each day.

Show kids how they can be superheroes for God and do great things through His power.

Give kids the opportunity to make a difference and show them the impact they can make.

Keep kids interested by mixing things up and consistently bringing in new elements.

Use fun, crazy over-the-top characters in skits, videos, etc.

Give kids opportunities to be creative with crafts, art projects, etc. 

Use humor...lots of humor in your services.
  
Use animals in your lessons.  Here is an "Amazing Animals" series that we created that kids love.  Filmed with legendary animal expert, Jack Hanna, it uses animal examples to teach kids key Bible truths.  Below is a video sample from the series.  Click here for more info.  The series is available as an instant download.

Give kids opportunities to be creative with crafts, art projects, etc.

Let kids move, move, move when they worship.

Use music genres that today's kids connect with. 

Here's one last tip - Kids obviously love awards shows.  That's why we created a lesson series called "The iCan Awards." 

The series takes kids to a Nickelodeon style awards show where they meet four kids in the Bible who made a major impact for God.  From these kids in the Bible, they discover that God can use them to impact eternity as well.  Clear steps are given so kids can know how to be used by God now and when they grow up.
  • Lesson 1 - The Courageous Kid Award (David)
  • Lesson 2 - All Ears Award (Samuel)
  • Lesson 3 - Helping Hand Award (Little Maid of Israel)
  • Lesson 4 - Big Giver Award (Boy with Lunch)
Below is a sample video from the series.  You can get more info. at this link.  The series is available as an instant download.
Bring these elements into your ministry and you'll have kids cheering!

Merry Christmas...You Are a Gift to Children's Ministry

You bring the gift of hope to kids and families who have lost hope.

You share the gift of salvation to families who are far from God.

You bring the gift of prayer to kids who are in the hospital.

You give the gift of your time to serve children and families.

You bring the gift of encouragement to single moms who struggle to raise their kids alone.

You faithfully share the gift of God's Word with children.

You bring the gift of empowerment to volunteers.

You bring the gift of joy to parents as they dedicate their child.

You give words that build up kids who have been torn down by bullies.

You give people the opportunity to make a significant impact through serving in children's ministry.

You bring strength to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

You bring a smile to parents' faces as they see their children excited about coming to church.

You give the gift of a great environment where kids can grow in their faith.

You give the gift of rocking a baby in the nursery so her parents can hear the Gospel in a service.

You give the gift of crafts that help teach preschoolers that God has a special plan for their life.

You give the gift of leadership as you help guide the ministry.

You bring the gift of comfort to families who are going through tragedy and heartbreak.

You bring the gift of partnership to parents who are trying to raise their kids to love Jesus.

You bring the gift of mentorship to students who serve in children's ministry.

You bring the gift of confidence to the child who thinks he has nothing to offer.

YOU...are a gift to the next generation!

YOU...are a gift to children's ministry!

Merry Christmas!  May God fill your heart heart with His peace, joy and encouragement this Christmas! 

20 Largest Children's Ministries 2017

Here's a list of the 20 largest children's ministries in America for 2017. 

Though size and growth are not the only signs of spiritual health, they are important indicators. 

There is much that can be learned from these children's ministries.  I would encourage you to click on the links and check out their websites.

I've had the honor of working with many of these ministries and personally know many of their leaders.  They are the real deal and care deeply about the kids and families in their cities and communities.  They give everything they have to reach people.  It's not about numbers for them.  It's about the individuals those numbers represent.  They know each number represents a person and each person is someone Jesus died for and longs to redeem.

A few years ago, I started a round table gathering for the children's ministry leaders on this list.  We meet once a year and spend two days sharing ideas, brainstorming, praying and learning from each other.  If you'd like to see the notes from this year's meeting, it is available in this recent post.

Though these churches are reaching tens of thousands of kids and families, they're just scratching the surface.  There are still millions of people across the country who need Jesus.  In fact, there are over 74 million children in America right now with 9,000 babies being born each day.

That's why every church, no matter the size, must go all out to reach kids and families.  As long as there are kids and families who don't know Jesus, we must continue to do our best to reach people with the Gospel and help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus.

1. Highland Kids at Church of the Highlands

2. Waumba Land, Upstreet and Kidstuf at Northpoint
    Community Church

3. Gateway Kids at Gateway Church

4. Crossroads Kids Club at Crossroads Church

5. CCV Kids at Christ Church of the Valley

6. Saddleback Kids at Saddleback Community Church

7. CFKids at Christ Fellowship Church

8. Promiseland at Willow Creek Community Church

9. eKIDZ at Elevation Church

10. Southeast Kids at Southeast Christian Church

11. Kid-O-Deo and Elevate at Eagle Brook Church

12. Second Kids at Second Baptist Church

13. Kingdom Kids at Mt. Zion Baptist Church

14. Summit Kids at Flatirons Community Church

15. Port Mariner's Kids at Mariners Church

16. Bayside Kids at Bayside Church

17. K12 at 12Stone Church

18. kidVenture Island at LCBC Church

19. Family Christian Center Kids at Family Christian
      Center

20. Rock Kids at Rock Church

*This is based on Outreach Magazine's Largest Church Report 2017 and is comprised of churches who reported their attendance to the editors.

That Kid

Years ago, there was a little girl named Annie.  She lived in an institution.  The workers there had written her off as helpless.  She was out of control and no one could handle her.  

Except for an elderly nurse.  She believed there was hope for this wild child.  She thought the little girl could change if only someone would let her know she was loved.  The nurse started visiting little Annie each day.  The little girl gave no indication that she was even aware that the nursery was there.  But the nurse didn't give up on her.  She keep visiting her and even began bringing cookies and leaving them for the little girl.   

Over time, the doctors in the institution began to notice a change.  Eventually the day came when the little girl...the wild child...the hopeless case, was released from the institution.  

Little Annie...Anne Sullivan...was filled with compassion for others because of how the nurse had gone out of the way to help her.  When Anne grew up, she played a crucial role in helping another child who was blind, deaf and rebellious.  The child's name was Helen Keller.  Anne loved her, prayed for her, invested in her and worked with her.  Helen went on to become an inspiration to the entire world!  

Look back down the path and you will see that it started with an elderly nurse who was intentional about helping a child that everyone else had written off.  

Who is "that child" in your ministry?  You know the one I'm talking about.  The child that disrupts the class.  The child that doesn't seem to fit in.  The child who pops out a swear word.  The child who comes from a terrible home life.  The child who doesn't dress as nice as the other kids.  The child who pushes your nerves to the limit.  The child who has made you question if you should be in children's ministry or not.

But perhaps, that's the kid God wants you to invest in.  Perhaps that's the child God wants you to teach His ways.  

Often, you'll find that kid, sitting by himself / herself in a corner.  You'll find that kid in the office due to getting in trouble.  You''ll find that kid disrupting other kids during worship time.  You'll find that kid running down the hallway when she's supposed to be walking.  You'll find that kid tearing up the handout you just gave him.  
 

In the story of the lost sheep, Jesus modeled so well how we should treat "that kid."  Think about it.  The lost sheep was "that kid."  The sheep that didn't obey the rules, wandered off, did his own thing and got in trouble.  But the shepherd loved the sheep unconditionally and went the second mile to rescue him and bring him home.  

Another example is the story of the prodigal son.  The prodigal son was "that kid."  He broke his father's heart, ran away from home, wasted his inheritance in sin and even got so low he ended up in a pig pen.  But the father never turned his back on him.  He loved him unconditionally and showed him grace and mercy when he returned home.  

It seems Jesus specialized in helping "that kid."  Zacchaeus.  Mary Magdalene.  The woman at the well.  The man possessed by demons. 


Be like Jesus.  Invest your time, love and efforts into "that kid."  He or she may grow up to change the world.  "That kid" may become your greatest legacy.

Why Your Children's Ministry Facilities Matter

This past weekend, I spoke in the weekend services of a church that is about to enter a major children's ministry building project.  They are investing millions of dollars in a new children's building.  I shared with the congregation that this is one of the wisest investments they can make as a church.  Why?  Because children's ministry facilities matter...a lot.  

Need convincing?  Okay.  A recent study showed that 13% of Gen Z said they decided to become a Christ-follower after they visited a church.  The influence of a church building was more significant than attending a youth group, going to a wedding or speaking to other Christians about their faith. 

Your children's ministry facilities matter.  While we know facilities alone won't bring Gen Z to Jesus, it does play a role.  I can personally attest to this.  In ministries I have led, each time we built new children's ministry facilities, we took off and started growing exponentially.  When you invest in your children's ministry facilities, you make a statement.  The facilities say "Kids matter here...we care about your children...children's ministry is a priority at our church...we believe in investing in the next generation." 

Some of you reading this may be thinking, "I don't have a big budget to build a new children's ministry facility."  I get it.  I've been there.  But, here's the good news.  No matter what size budget you have, you can do something to improve your children's ministry facilities.  Fresh paint in kid-friendly colors makes a big differenceYou can project graphics on the wall and paint them in.  You can get props and other theming objects at yard sales.  All you need to do is pick a theme, Google for ideas and go for it.

I'll never forget one of the first children's ministries I led.  It was in a small, country church.  We had no budget and no resources.  The children's ministry space was in a dark, damp basement.  We only had 2 to 3 kids attending.  I decided to turn the children's ministry room into a clubhouse.  I went out and gathered free wood, branches and any other free prop I could find.  I hand-painted a sign and placed it at the entrance of the room.  The kids loved it and began inviting others to attend.  We started growing and reached several kids in the community. 

All that to say this again.  Your children's ministry facilities matter.  Take what God has placed in your hands and use it.  You will attract kids and families and see their lives changed by the power of the Gospel when they walk through the doors.

Is Sunday School Dying a Slow Death?


Sunday School.  Some churches still use this term for their Bible study hour at church.   But a large percentage of church leaders would say the term is an ancient relic that has been lost in the progressions of change. 

Is Sunday School an ancient term?  Well,  it is over 230 years old.  It originated in Britain in the 1780's.  During this time of the Industrial Revolution, many children spent six days a week working in factories, which resulted in them being illiterate.  Christian leaders of the day wanted to do something to change that.  Sunday was the only available time for these children to gain some education.  Robert Raikes, an English Anglican evangelical, was a key leader in starting the Sunday School movement.  The first "Sunday Schools" were literally schools.  They were places where poor children could learn to read.

Soon Sunday School spread to America.  Churches everywhere began to create Sunday Schools and the movement became so popular that by the mid 19th century, Sunday School attendance was part of most children's lives.  Even parents who did not regularly attend church themselves sent their children to Sunday School.   Although Sunday School started as a way to educate illiterate children,  religious education was, of course, always an important part of it.  The Bible was the textbook used for learning to read.  Children also learned to write by writing out Bible passages.

As child labor laws grew and children started going to school during the week, Sunday School shifted toward being totally about religious education.  Sunday School also became an evangelistic tool for reaching children with the Gospel.

Over the last 30 years, the term "Sunday School" has been used less and less.  As mentioned earlier in this article, churches have shifted toward more contemporary wording and methods.  While children used to attend one hour of "worship" and one hour of "Sunday School," many now attend one hour that is a hybrid of the two.

Many churches have replaced the description with names like "Life Groups" or "Bible Fellowship" or "Connection Groups" or "Small Groups."  I don't think it is a negative thing that the term "Sunday School" is being used less.  The word "school" is not appealing to most kids and the last place they want to go on a Sunday is where they have been all week.

The important thing is not that the name "Sunday School" is dying.  The important thing is that kids and parents are taught the Word of God, are part of a smaller group of believers where they are known and cared for and have the opportunity to engage in discussion about God's Word.  These are key components that you just can't get in a large group only format.  Whatever you call it, we must provide an opportunity for kids to be part of these elements that are a vital part of discipleship.  Discipleship happens through relationships and that doesn't happen staring at the back of the person sitting in the pew in front of you.

Your turn.  Do you still use the term "Sunday School?"  If not, what do you call your discipleship opportunities for kids and families?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

What To Do When Your Church Doesn't Value Children's Ministry


Are you in a church that doesn't value children's ministry?  Do you feel like you are the only one who really cares about reaching the next generation?  Is there little to no money budgeted for kids?  It can be frustrating when God has placed a passion in your spirit for children's ministry, but you find yourself in this situation.

So, what should you do? Here are some steps you can take.

Champion children's ministry.  I believe in every church God raises up someone to be the voice for the next generation.  If you're reading this and it resonates with you, then you're probably that person.  God wants to use you to raise awareness for the children's ministry.  Lead the way.  Share the vision.  Pray bold prayers of faith for the ministry.  Many times a church is just waiting for someone to be a champion for children's ministry.  Be that person!

Have an honest conversation with church leadership.  Ask to meet with your Pastor, elders and other key leaders in the church.  Share with them your heart to reach the next generation.  Cast vision for how children's ministry can be a blessing to the entire church.  This should not be done in a spirit of complaining or disunity, but with a humble heart of a servant.  If you need help gathering some thoughts to share, here's some articles to read.  

How to Build a Thriving Children's Ministry in Small Town, U.S.A.

The Importance of Children's Ministry

8 Things Most People Don't Get About Children's Ministry 

How a Dynamic Children's Ministry Helps a Church Grow
 
In most cases, leadership wants to reach the next generation.  They are just waiting for someone to step up and lead the charge.  And this starts by getting it on their radar.

Get others involved.  Don't think you can do this alone?  You're right.  You need other people to come alongside you.  Pray for divine appointments and approach the people God leads you to about helping in children's ministry.   Remember to make the ask with vision instead of desperation.  The more people you can get involved, the more momentum you'll build.

Do your best with what God has placed in your hand.  Rather than whining about what you don't have, use what God has place in your hand.  Don't fall into the trap of comparing your ministry to other ministries...your budget with other budgets...your facilities with the facilities of the church down the street. 

Years ago, I was leading a children's ministry in a rural church.  The only room available for children's ministry was an old room in the basement.  Block, grey walls.  Concrete floors.  Inadequate lighting.  Zero budget.  A handful of kids attending.  I went out and gathered branches, vines and old wood and used these free items to turn it into a clubhouse.  When kids came into the room, they felt like they were in a clubhouse in the woods.  And they loved it.  In just a few weeks, we doubled in size. 

See, I believe God wants to take what He has placed in your hands and do great things with it.  It's not about the size of your budget, it's about the size of your belief.  It's not about your facilities, it's about your faith.  It's not about how cool your videos are, it's about how big your vision is.

Stay faithful.  When you're in a church that doesn't value children's ministry, it's easy to get discouraged and quit.  Don't give up.  Stay faithful.  Without faithfulness, the above steps will fall flat.  God rewards faithfulness.  And remember faithfulness is not proven overnight.  It takes time.  In some cases, it takes years. 

Faithfulness leads to increase.  It is a huge key in seeing your children's ministry take off and become a priority in your church.  If you want to see children's ministry be a big part of your church, you must first be faithful while it is a small part. 

I trust this has been a help and encouragement to you.  I hear from many of you who are in this situation.  You are not alone.  God is with you.  We believe in you.  Be the children's ministry champion in your church!