Round About the Church!

Free Resurrection Sunday Lesson!

2012-02-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I originally posted this lesson last year . . . but, thought since you all may be looking for ideas for Resurrection Sunday 2012, I'd share it with you again! April 8, 2012 is Resurrection Sunday . . . the most important day in the history of man! If Jesus didn't rise from the dead then our faith would be in vain. But He did rise from the dead! This is one of the things which sets Him apart from all the other religious leaders throughout time! I Corinthians 1512-22 . . . "We have preached that Christ has been raised from the dead. So how can some of you say that no one rises from the dead? If no one rises from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, what we preach doesn't mean anything. Your faith doesn't mean anything either. More than that, we would be lying about God. We have given witness that God raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if the dead are not raised. If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith doesn't mean anything. Your sins have not been forgiven. Those who have died believing in Christ are also lost. Do we have hope in Christ only for this life? Then people should pity us more than anyone else.But Christ really has been raised from the dead. He is the first of all those who will rise. Death came because of what a man did. Rising from the dead also comes because of what a man did. Because of Adam, all people die. So because of Christ, all will be made alive." (NIrV)

But in fact, Jesus has been raised from the dead and in Him we shall be made alive! This is absolutely something worth celebrating! I'm delighted to give you a free Resurrection Sunday lesson for Preschool/Early Elementary and a free lesson for Elementary age children. You could use them in your Sunday or Mid-Week ministries . . . or anywhere you like!

Resurrection Sunday Lesson for Elementary Age Children

Resurrection Sunday Lesson for Preschool/Early Elementary Age Children

Resurrection Sunday Fliers for Elementary Age Children

Resurrection Sunday Fliers for Preschool/Early Elementary Age Children

Resurrection Sunday Family Fliers

I'm also including reproducible fliers for use in small group for both the preschool/early elementary and the elementary age levels. Use these to engage the children in thinking through the lesson and how it lives out in their every day lives. Encourage the children to select a "Live-it" activity so they can be focused on taking what they learned, out the doors of the church and live it in their lives all week long! Send the Family Fliers home to get families talking, learning and growing together!

You may have visitors in your church on Resurrection Sunday so be sure you are well staffed and that your volunteers are ready to share with children how they can trust in Jesus for forgiveness and new life!

Resurrection Sunday . . . the most important day in the history of man! Jesus did rise from the dead and our faith is real and life changing!

Same Lake, Different Boat

2012-02-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Interview by C4EC with Steph Hubach

When we approach someone who is dealing with circumstances different than our own—for example, a disability—I think we have a tendency to head toward one of two extremes. On the one hand, we may adhere to the American melting pot idea—that “we’re all in the same boat”—and by focusing exclusively on what we have in common, we fail to acknowledge the genuine differences between our life experiences. Or, we may follow the postmodern concept that real understanding of others is not truly possible, and we exaggerate the differences as if “we’re indifferent lakes entirely.” But as Christians, we need to practice identification that is like God’s example to us: one that’s not based solely on what we have in common, or exclusively on how we’re different, but identification that’s intentional. That’s the idea behind Same Lake, Different Boat. This approach recognizes that as human beings, we’re essentially the same but experientially different. So identifying with each other is a choice—a choice that can have tremendous blessings.

Read More @ Church4EveryChild: Same Lake, Different Boat: Guest Blogger Steph Hubach

Church Planting: Exegeting Your Community

2012-02-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

By Matt Steen - churchthought.com

When we were preparing to plant The Garden Community, we were pretty certain that we knew what we were doing, and who we would be serving. As we moved into Baltimore, and began to better understand our surroundings, we began to tweak our understanding of what we were up to and who we would be intentionally investing in. We came to a realization that we would most likely NOT be made up primarily of artists, but would be more intentional about bridging two neighborhoods, and cultures.

Parent Resources . . . Parenting Point - Courage

2012-02-28T18:46:00.003-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I thought I'd share one more Character Matters video clip with you today . . . this one is on courage - helping our children learn, "it takes courage to say no to ourselves and mean it!" Follow Dr Scheibner's advice and share with children the example of Esther and how she showed courage - even when her actions did not benefit her directly! It does take courage to really live as a Christian in this day and age. We need to equip parents so they are able to help their children learn to be courageous.

Parenting Resource - Character Matters . . . Consideration!

2012-02-27T18:56:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I really like the website Character Health as a resource for parents. Consider highlighting one of their "Character Points" each week - or at least each month - in your church and involve parents, children - and everyone - in learning to live Christlike lives! If everyone in your church learned about - and focused on showing - these traits, just imagine what your families and church would be like!
When we are able to point the parents in our ministries to resources to help them think though their parenting and how to be more intentional, we are serving not only the parents, but their children as well!

Put Feet to Their Faith . . . Operation Baby Rescue from WorldHelp

2012-02-27T18:26:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

In the country of Guatemala, half of the children under the age of 5 suffer from malnutrition. "In rural areas, 80 percent of children suffer from chronic malnutrition. Most malnutrition is caused by water-borne illnesses.

Operation Baby Rescue is an initiative which provides life-saving treatment to thousands of children battling the effects of malnutrition in impoverished communities. Oftentimes the children are brought directly to the Baby Rescue Center where they are treated for malnutrition, parasites, or other life-threatening illnesses. In some cases, the need is so severe the child must be rushed to a nearby medical facility for extensive care. Over 4,000 children have been restored to full health through Operation Baby Rescue."

Watch the video and then come up with a project to put feet to their faith and involve the children - and families - in your ministry in joining together to save the lives of babies and children in Guatemala. It is very simple, first, set up your own fundraising page and spread the word - it is very easy, even I was able to do this! :^) (I set up a Grandma's Cookie Jar page for my other blog, grandma's cookie jar) - and involve the children and families in your ministry in raising money for your project! You could have them make photo frames to sell and then donate the money they raised to your project - after all, parents and grandparents do buy photo frames! You could raise money by having an "art show" - have children/families create their own masterpieces and then auction them off to raise money for your project!

Resource for Parents . . . Character Matters - Geneorsity

2012-02-26T15:29:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I'm delighted to share another resource with you which you could use with the parents in your ministry . . . Character Health! As they say on their website, "Character health is what Christlikeness looks like in practice! Stated simply, character health is the balance which characterizes Christlike believers as they consistently elevate virtues above feelings when faced with a moral dilemma. Character healthy people put God's Word first. Character health (Christlikeness) should be what we are seeking when we look for happiness or satisfaction. The reason most of us do not live character healthy lives is because we are taught to approach character as a means to an end, rather than a Biblically and morally satisfying end in itself."

They have resources for Character Matters and Parenting Matters - which we will look at in the coming week. Today I want to share a short clip with Steve Scheiber talking about Generosity . . .

We want our children - and adults - to be people who are generous! People who love to share and who care about helping others. If we equip our parents so they are able to teach their children to be generous people, they will also be equipping their children to be Christlike!

Character Health offers a free daily e-newsletter which shares a "Character Health quality of the day" . . . all they have too do is follow this link to sign up!

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - Summer Minute to Win It!

2012-02-26T15:19:00.005-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I love Lindsey Whitney's ideas for "Minute to Win It" for church and her Summer Edition gives even more ideas to help you hold your own "Minute to Win It" at your church! Thank you Lindsey for allowing me to re-post these articles from your site - Growing Kids Ministry. Please be sure to take a minute to check her site for more excellent ideas for your ministry!

This week, there were some great summer themed games on NBC’s Minute to Win It. I like the new team approach.

Hoop De Loop: Roll Hula Hoops towards soda bottles in an attempt to loop three of them. This would be a great game if you have LOTS of hula hoops laying around. Otherwise, those buggers are expensive. You could also go with the traditional ring toss on this one and use diving rings; which come in packs and are cheaper.
High as a Kite: Contestant wears a hat with a kite attached and then has to run in a circle in order to keep kite up in the air. Excuse me while I laugh my head off! Talk about a torturous task! I’m sure a minute never seemed so long to the sorority sister on this week’s show! Good one as far as simplicity is concerned, but I can see kids refusing to do it or getting tired after say… 12 seconds. Your call!
Spare Me: (Team Game) Contestants drop marbles into the top of a pool noodle and then try to aim the other end in order to knock down 5 pieces of chalk placed across the playing arena. Simple enough to set up and play, but if your church is anything like mine, the elderly will be cruising through the kids play area about 10 minutes after Kid’s Club is over and I just don’t want to take any chances with all those marbles rolling around. However, if your old people are especially agile, you might want to try it out!
Tilt-A-Cup: Catch a ping pong ball in the top cup of a 6-cup stack, after bouncing it off the ground. Take bottom cup from the stack and place it on top of stack (it will be sitting on the ping pong ball). Repeat until all the cups are filled with balls. (Level One game). Simple. Pretty easy. Perfect for kids!

Not all the games are on the NBC website yet, but check their site for the specifics. I think that’s all for now! Enjoy.

Once again, thank you Lindsey for these great ideas and for allowing me to re-post them here for my readers! What do you think of these summer games?

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - More Minute to Win It!

2012-02-26T15:08:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Again, I'd like to thank Lindsey Whitney for allowing me to re-post her "Minute to Win It" articles from her site - Growing Kids Ministry. This post goes on to build on the first with more ideas for games!

I stumbled upon a great little game book which contained some real gems — some of which would be great for Minute to Win It. I thought I’d share them here!

Broomstick Balance - A bridge is made by laying broomsticks on the seat of two chairs a slight distance apart. With the aid of a cane, contestants sit on the broomsticks and cross their legs. When they are nicely balanced, they use the cane to try and remove two hankies which have been hung on the back of the chairs behind them. No falling allowed.
French Scissors Game - From a clothesline strung across the playing area (can be held up by two helpers), hang twenty small trinkets with string. Blindfold the player, whirl them around, and give them a pair of blunt (safety) scissors. They must cut down all the prizes in a minute without hanging onto the clothesline with their free hand.
Ring Pan Ping Pong Toss - Set an angel-food cake tin (bundt pan) on a table and give players a bucket of ping pong balls. Standing on the opposite end of the table from the cake tin (about 6 feet away), the contestant must toss or bounce the balls into the pan. Balls in the outer ring get 5 points each and balls in the inner ring get 15 points. Players must get 30 points in one minute.
Bouncer - Similar to the game above. A wastebasket is placed on a chair (small wastebasket). A line is drawn about six feet away which the contestant stands behind. The game is to bounce three balls into the wastebasket. You may use ping pong balls or bouncy balls, depending on what kind of effect you’re going for. Not as easy as it sounds!

I have one more post to share from Lindsey - "Minute to Win It - Summer Edition!" Thank you again, Lindsey - please be sure to check her site for wonderful ideas, information and resources for children's ministry!

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - Minute to Win It!

2012-02-26T14:56:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

First of all I want to thank Lindsey Whitney for graciously allowing me to re-post her article on "Minute to Win It for Church!" Lindsey writes Growing Kids Ministry - be sure to take a minute to check her site for all the great ideas, articles and resources you will find there! As you think about the ministry opportunities you want to offer the children and families from your church and community, think about having your own "Minute to Win It!"

Great Idea for Family Event

This past weekend, we had our annual Missions Conference. Saturday night was family night with the “Minute to Win it Theme”. Our Missionary, Steve Clouser, talked about the “one-minute” opportunities we have throughout life to plant the seed of the gospel, to water it, or sometimes to even see the harvest. The event was great. Here are few things I learned:

DO THESE THINGS:

Have a variety of games. We had 10 games picked out, one for each level, with a few alternatives in case the crowds got restless. Well, after watching the level 1 game three times everyone was completely tired of it. We did not consider the fact that our Level 1-3 games would be played A LOT as people got eliminated and new contestants started. So, plan for 4-5 Level 1 games and 2-3 Level 2 and 3 games. Plan to have Level 4-8 games interchangeable and reserve a few super hard ones for Level 9 and 10. About half-way through the game, we just started throwing games at the contestants without rhyme or reason because we wanted to keep things interesting. Not exactly fair to the contestants, but much more fun to watch. Oops! :^)
Have sign-ups ahead of time. We had sign-ups the week before and then put everyone’s name in a bowl (one bowl for kids and one bowl for adults). This prevented the “Oh oh! I want to play! Pick me! Pick Me!” phenomenon.
Play the cup stacking game. For some reason, no matter when we brought this game out, people loved it!
Have simple prizes, if any at at all. People were way more interested in playing the game and attaining the prestige of the next level than they were about any prizes. Most forgot to pick theirs up and had to be reminded. I wish I would have known that before my $80 trip to Sam’s Club. Oh well, you can also use chocolate!
Have separate divisions for adults and kids. We played a few games simultaneously to keep the audience engaged, but mostly we played the kid side while the adult side was getting set up. Then we immediately went to the adult side and set up for the next kid game. Etc Etc Etc. so there were no lulls in the program. Our arena looked like this: minute to win it set up (We used masking tape to mark it out).
Have someone running the music. My husband downloaded a techno CD from itunes for $10 with 30 songs on it or something. They were perfect for the games, but they needed to be turned on and off so we could hear the host announce what was next.

DON’T DO THESE THINGS:

Don't give people extra lives. We only allowed players one life, but we had a few contestants playing for 30-40 minutes and ended up running out of time (not everyone got to play). So, one shot folks! The games were pretty easy, so maybe if you pick harder games, an extra life is needed.
Don't bother giving out practice packets. We picked out 14 possible games, copied the instructions, made packets and handed them out to all the Sunday School classes. Then, on the big night, pretty much everyone confessed they hadn't even looked at them. You can always make a list of potential games and direct everyone to the website or just keep them guessing!
Don't play "Fishhead". It’s impossible to set up and even more impossible to play!

What about you guys out there? Any tips you want to share? I’ll love to hear it, because we’ll be repeating this event as a Family night in the furture. Thanks!

Thank you again, Lindsey, for this idea! My next post will include more of Lindsey's ideas!" So . . . what do you think about having your own "Minute to Win It" at your church? Have you done this? Are you planning to do it?

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - We Have Talent!

2012-02-26T14:47:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

All this week I've been talking about some family ministry possibilities you could offer the children and families in your church . . . all on a shoe-string! I have one more idea for you . . . you could plan a "(your church's name) got talent" show and involve children and families in sharing their "talents" . . . you could even do this in conjunction with your picnic in the park for "entertainment" at your picnic!

Regardless of when and where you have your talent show, promote it with posters in area businesses - and if you want to open your talent show up to the community include this information on your flyers. Ask people to pre-register their talent (be sure to make clear if you have any parameters for potential talent, such as, must be family-friendly, etc) and see if any area businesses would be willing to donate a gift certificate or item for a prize.

Make a "big deal" of your show - be sure to have your judges and mc - you could even film "contestants" before they perform to give a little "background" info on them. Be creative and use your imagination! Make it a fun event for your church and community! Oh, and be sure to have information available on your children's ministry, youth ministry, family ministry and opportunities for adults at your church for any community people who may attend your event and be curious about who you are and how they might become part of your church!

How and when might you have a talent show in your church?

Finance Fridays: Taxes and the Housing Allowance - churchthought.com

2012-02-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

It is sometimes viewed as a badge of honor.

After years of study, much heartache, and a life-changing commitment to Jesus, a clergyman finally reaches a Pastoral milestone – your church board declares that you are awarded a Housing Allowance as part of your compensation. Praise God!

Well, maybe…

Sunday Morning Commercials - churchthought.com

2012-02-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Our new Lead Pastor and a complete stranger both shared the same observation.. and it wasn’t good.

Special Needs and Divorce: What Does the Data Say?

2012-02-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

By Dr. Grcevich

It’s not unusual to attend presentations at disability ministry conferences where statistics on the impact of specific disabilities are quoted or repeated and accepted as fact, without citing the original source of the research. I’ve been guilty myself of citing or repeating statistics I’ve heard at conferences without verifying the primary source…I’d NEVER be able to get away with spouting statistics without references if I was presenting at a major medical conference.

Discipline and Children

2012-02-26T12:48:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Child discipline can be such a difficult topic . . . there are those who believe in spanking and those who do not. I think there are a great many who are just confused and not sure what the best "plan of action" is when it comes to child discipline. If we are serious about equipping the parents in our ministries so they are able to confidently raise their children to know, love and walk with God, then we need to address the area of child discipline. Certainly we all want our children and grandchildren to grow up as people who are able to show self-control and make wise decisions, but how do we best accomplish this. And what does the Bible teach about it?

I found an excellent article on this topic - I won't quote all of it here, but will provide the link and give a "condensed" version . . . this article presented three "interpretations" of child discipline/spanking and looked at three views of "the rod" mentioned in Proverbs.

The first interpretation held to the view the "rod" was a wooden stick used to strike a child and inflict pain. Basically they believe, "The purpose of a spanking is not to cause any lasting bodily harm, but to cause spiritual correction....Parents should not fear spanking will hurt or cause their children to die, although some scream loud enough it sounds that way. On the contrary, it is a kindness to a child, as they will respect authority, if it is done properly."

The second interpretation - which is the one I personally believe - says, "the Hebrew word 'shebet' used throughout most of the Old Testament refers to God's authority. If you read the 'shebet' passages in Proverbs, you will see you can always substitute the word 'authority' for 'rod.' If 'rod' can be referring to God's authority or a nation's authority in some of these verses, then it is referring to a parent's authority as well. You cannot kill someone with your authority. You can be striking (beating) them with your authority by using your authority to discipline (teach, disciple, educate, instruct) and guide them. I hold to the figurative interpretation of this .....So many Christians have taken FIVE verses and hung a whole child rearing philosophy on them! Parents are told to use this as a primary form of punishment (what these experts refer to as discipline). Some use the words 'punishment' and 'discipline' interchangeably when they mean two entirely different things. These people are basing their theology on nothing more than the traditions of men!"

In explaining the second interpretation they quote Laurie Morgan who refers to Proverbs 22:15: "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." She writes: "Here, the rod is very clearly a metaphor for correction itself. It is very plain English, but many people still do not understand. Saying the 'rod OF correction' means it is correction -- being described to be like a rod -- which drives folly from the heart of a child. The 'rod of correction' is like the 'long arm of the law'. Is the law literally a long arm?? No. Is correction literally a rod? No."

In addition, they quote Nancy Hastings Sehested, pastor of Prescott Memorial Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, -- a Southern Baptist congregation -- who when referring to Proverbs 13:24, said in a 1995 broadcast: "When you hear the word 'rod' from this passage, what do you think of? Perhaps a stick for beating and brutalizing, right? But what happens - what happens when we understand the rod in this Proverb is the same kind of rod and staff which comforts in Psalm 23? 'Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.' The rod and staff are the shepherd's tools for comforting the sheep. It is for caring and protecting, never for beating them to death. A good shepherd delights in his flock. The shepherd will go to whatever lengths necessary to provide the finest grazing, the rich pastures and cleanest water. The shepherd will do whatever is necessary to provide shelter from the storms and protection from enemies and diseases which sheep are susceptible to. Jesus said, 'I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep.' This Good Shepherd's rod and staff comfort the sheep. The rod is thrown out on a path to startle the sheep warning them they are in danger of wandering into an unsafe place. The shepherd uses the rod to drive off coyotes and wolves. Being stubborn creatures, sheep often get themselves into ridiculous dilemmas, like our children. Children are in need of shepherding like sheep so they don't stray off into paths which will hurt them or destroy them."

The third interpretation is one which says, "the rod is to inflict pain, but Proverbs is to be ignored". This view says, "Discipline is about instruction, not beatings. A child cannot listen to someone he/she is afraid of. Lessons cannot be integrated by one who is in shock from having been struck. What they learn is distrust, fear, and violence." They quote Grace Chou who studied the passages in Proverbs after receiving a suggestion from her mother to stop spanking her son. She writes: "I found the perfect example of grace-filled discipline in Jesus. [Author Rick] Creech notes, 'Some of the things of the Old Testament were done away with when the New Testament came into place. Take the adulterous woman in John 8:3-11 for example. The law of the Old Testament stated very clearly if anyone committed adultery, they should be put to death. But Jesus did not allow the men to put her to death. Instead Jesus said to the men, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Jesus did not change the moral principle which was in the law, because he still told the woman, "Go now and leave your life of sin." But Jesus did change the way the requirement of the law was enforced. Jesus did away with the harsh physical punishment, but he still upheld the moral standard.' I knew it was my job as a parent to do the same."

So . . . which "intrepretation" do you agree with? How do you view and approach child discipline? What do you do to help equip the parents in your ministry in this important area?

Discipline with the Gospel in View

2012-02-25T21:07:00.001-08:00

Guest Post by Nate Wagner

I recently asked Nate Wagner, the pastor at Sparta Baptist Church, to write a guest post for me about parenting and discipline and am delighted for the opportunity to share it with you . . .

Parenting is a lot like fishing for a big fish with a very small rod. The goal is to get the fish into your boat without breaking the string. The boat represents an authentic Christian life and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading in their lives, your child the fish, string the relationship, and the rod discipline. If you misuse or overuse the rod you will break the string, and with it, the primary means of getting the fish into the boat.

Paul talks about “life in the boat” by instructing the church in Phillipi to, “Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly to the message of life” Philippians 2:14-16a HCSB. In response to who Christ is and what He has done, as children of God we are to “shine like stars in the world” because of the way we do life. Parenting, raising kids, discipline, and family life as a result should look different than what is deemed “normal” in culture, because our goal in parenting should be radically different.

Our approach to parenting must flow from the recognition God gives children to families by His grace and for His glory. Solomon reminds us of this in Psalm 127 after speaking of the meaninglessness of building a family without God. “Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.” Ps 127:3-5 MSG. Ultimately, according to the Great Commission and Great Commandment in Scripture our parenting is designed to equip children to do two very specific things: 1) Love a Great God; 2) Respond to a Great Call.

If our goal in parenting revolves around these two goals, it forces us to re-evaluate everything we do, the priorities we establish, the core values we espouse, and even the way we approach discipline. Our greatest desire must be for our children to know God in their minds, trust God in their hearts, and obey God in their lives so they will “shine like stars in this world”. In Deuteronomy 6 parents are instructed to impress upon their children what they learned and to pass their faith on to the next generation. This “impress upon them” is consistent with the idea of whetting their appetites for the things of God and His Kingdom. Parents play the primary role in inspiring and motivating their children to be open and responsive to the work of the Spirit in their lives. If they are to be successful in accomplishing this, they must carefully consider the difference aspects of parenting/discipline and find a balance between several key elements, understanding some aspects will be more a part of parenting younger children and others will apply better as their children grow. They must also know their children as some things work well with one child which may not with another.

Discipline
Punishment
Obedience
Subjection
Trusting our children to God
Controlling their life experiences
Consistency
Child-Oriented
Freedom
Responsibility
Influence
Control
Taught (with words)
Caught (Modeling)

To help our children be ever more receptive and open to our shepherding and willing to submit their lives to a God who desperately desires relationship with them there are a few strategic maneuvers in the area of discipline we can make which can have maximum impact.
Develop a system with less overt conflict
Move toward a system with less deprivation techniques (taking something away) as kids move toward puberty.
Use less punitive techniques
Limit number of rules – establish 4-5 primary expectations for the home
Develop a timetable for kids to establish independence (freedom)
Progressive and conditional
Discuss the process with kid rather than deciding for them
Increase the number of disciplinary tools used – the more techniques used the more useful they become
Institute the “victims always benefit” policy within the family
Approach discipline as a training process rather than simply punishment
These maneuvers with our kids in their formative years will help us to maintain our relationship with them, as a result our influence in their lives, and ultimately make a significant difference in their responsiveness to having God work in and through them.

Thank you Nate. So, how do you approach equipping the parents in your ministry in the important area of parenting and discipline? Do you provide resources and guidance to help parents learn how to be most effective in getting and keeping the "fish in the boat"?

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - Family Picnics in the Park!

2012-02-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

If you are looking for something you could do to engage children and families in your church and reach out to your community at the same time . . . all on a shoe-string budget, think about offering Family Picnics in the Park! Think about the following -

Most communities have a park you could use as the location for your picnic, so plan at least one family picnic in the park . . . if not more!
If your church has a nice yard you could also have your picnic at your church . . . this is a great and natural way to invite your community to experience your church in a non-threatening way.
Even if you are a city church, without a yard, set up portable carports for shade and use foam core to make "trees" - place these around your parking lot and "create" your own "park/yard"!
Promote your picnics throughout your community and invite families to join you for your "picnic in the park" for a picnic lunch, games and just a time of fellowship and fun!
Always bring extra sandwiches, bags of chip, lemonade and cookies to share with anyone who shows up without a lunch - you could ask church families to bring enough for their family and to share with another family.

As people see your picnics it will generate interest and curiosity and by the end of the summer, there is no telling how many community families may join in on the fun! (Move your picnic inside on rainy days) Family Picnics in the Park are a great way to engage the children and families in your church and community . . . and it is very easy to do this on a shoe-string budget!

How might you engage families in and out of your church with picnics this summer?

Family Ministry on a Shoe-String - Family Service Squads!

2012-02-25T20:34:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

When we think about family ministry we most often tend to think about providing ministry opportunities for the children and families in our church and community, and while we certainly want to do this, family ministry can also - and should also - include opportunities for our children and families to serve others! We can serve others "on a shoe-string" . . . consider the following ideas -

Local Opportunities -

Community Brighteners - send squads of families into your community to clean a park, paint/repair a playground, or plant flowers . . . if you approach area business owners you may find some who would be willing to donate paint, plants and other supplies - or at least sell them to you at a reduced cost!
Lunch Packers - involve squads of families in packing sack lunches for children in need and work with your school to distribute to children in your community - again check with area business owners to see if they might be willing to donate bread, sandwich fixings and other items!
Sweet Treaters - involve squads of families in making cookies, muffins or baskets of fruit and then give them to your community fire fighters and/or police officers - include a note to thank them for their service and let them know you will be praying for them - this can easily be accomplished on a "shoe-string" as each family prepares the baked goods or donates the fruit!
Pantry Party-ers - involve squads of families in assisting with food pantry distribution. Assign some families to the tasks of handing out food and others to select books to read to children and games to play with them while their parents get the food (be sure to follow your church's volunteer screening policies for any who will be working with children)

World-wide Opportunities -

Car Washers/Cookie Bakers - involve squads of families in activities to raise money for ministries such as Samaritan's Purse and WorldHelp - check my "Put Feet to Their Faith" for an on-going list of ministries you could team your children and families with to make a difference in the world.
Care Packagers - involve squads of families in preparing care packages to send to the missionaries your church supports.

These are just a few ideas, use some of them or think of your own, but as you plan your family ministry opportunities, don't forget to involve the children and families in your church is serving others - and make serving others the highlight of your family ministry!

How do you involve children and families in your church in serving others in their community and world?

Family Ministry on a Shoestring - Family Amazing Race!

2012-02-25T20:09:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Last year I asked people on CM Connect what they were planning to do during the summer with the families in their church and community. Derek Weaver is the Kid's Pastor at Remedy Church in Delmar, MD and he mentioned they held their own version of "The Amazing Race" for their children and families. I told him I'd love to hear the specifics and asked if he would be interested in writing a guest post for my blog . . . he was kind enough to do so! I'm going to share Derek's guest post with you again, with some ideas on how to do an event like this - on a shoe-string!

"A year ago, I sat down to plan summer events for Remedy Church . . . I especially wanted to plan an event which would be fun for all ages and bring families together. I racked my brain for weeks trying to plan the perfect event. Just when I thought I wasn’t going to have any ideas, the Amazing Race came on the television.

If you haven’t watched The Amazing Race, the concept is simple. Pairs of contestants race literally around the world. As they move from country to country they have to follow clues and complete sometimes silly and often unique challenges as they compete against other teams. With each clue and task the team completes they receive a new clue. At the end of each show a team may be eliminated until there are only three teams racing for the million dollar prize! As I watched each team compete there was a common thread between them all; they enjoyed the time spent competing with their teammate. With teams consisting of parents and children, brothers and sisters, dating couples and best friends, everyone genuinely enjoyed the competition.

In that moment, I knew this was the idea I had been searching for. What started as a simple hour-long event, turned into an all day competition between the families from Remedy Church. The rules were simple…

“Take the provided list of clues and find each location.
Travel to every location and take a family picture at each one.
But don’t forget to complete any of the tasks on the way.

Families not only received points for each picture taken at the correct locations, but also for creative pictures along the way. The first family to the finish before the set time limit receives an additional 15 points!

With every event, there are always key elements which must be taken into consideration. Here are a few essential elements which will help make your Amazing Race a success with the families in your church….

LOCATION! - You can make this event as big as you like. We set it up last summer all around the surrounding city where our church is located. Whether families are all stationed in one central location racing to the finish or spread out all over the city, the right location can make your event a success.
THE PRIZE - While the main "prize" for this event is the opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and unique opportunity to spend time together, a prize at the end adds to the excitement. The prize needs to be something fun which involves the entire family. Our church meets in a movie theater, so we gave away gift certificates to the first, second, and third place families. This not only gave families a goal to focus on, but gave them an opportunity to share some quality time with each other.
POINT SYSTEM - The point system can change the ebb and flow of the race. Take this scenario for example. If each picture taken at every location is worth five points, most families will end up with the same point totals. To help with this problem, I suggest adding some creativity points into the race. At Remedy Church, we gave families the opportunity to score more points by taking fun and visually creative pictures at the locations.
CLUES - This by far is the most important element of The Amazing Race. If you make the clues to the locations too hard, the families won’t be able to find them. If you make them too easy, every family will end up with the same number of points. The key is to find the balance in between. A clue that stumps most families, but not all of them, could be the deciding factor between first and second place.

Here are some additional ideas which may help make your Amazing Race more fun for all ages…

Have families pick colors. Give them creativity points for supporting their team colors!
Include hidden clues in the race which families may receive extra points for by answering trivia questions.
Select locations which hold special memories for families (Like the local zoo or museum).
Involve as many people as possible. This is the perfect opportunity to get your whole church involved in making the event a memorable moment for families.
Most importantly, have fun with the creative process. Some of these ideas may not mesh well with your demographic. Pick and choose the elements which will make your church’s Amazing Race a success."

Thank you Derek for sharing this great idea! If you decide to use this event in your church, remember, as Derek suggests, to feel free to modify and tweak it to make it the best "fit" for your church and community!

Now for some ideas on how to plan a Family Amazing Race on a shoe-string -

approach area businesses, explain your event and ask if they would be willing to donate a gift certificate - or specific item to use for a prize. Most will!
approach area restaurants and ask if they would be willing for you to use their restaurant as one of the "locations" for your race. For example, if an area restaurant serves cookies and fries, you could have a clue which sends racing families to the restaurant where they would have to have their youngest team member choose between "one sweet cookie" or a "small fry". For "one sweet cookie" the youngest team member would have to take a cookie and without using their hands move the cookie from their forehead to their mouth - they could have three tries and then the next youngest could try, etc until the team succeeds - or the youngest team member would have to eat a small order of fries. Once the task is completed, the team would receive their next clue. The restaurant would need to be willing to donate cookies/fries and have an employee hand out clues. It would be lots of fun and great exposure for the restaurant and their customers - sure to have the community talking for weeks and even months!

Think about the businesses in your community and approach them to see if they would be willing to donate a prize item and/or have their business be a "stop" on your race! This will take time, but if you have more time than money, the time you spend will be well worth it as families from your church and community race through your community on your Family Amazing Race!

Free Family Parenting Resource . . . Freedom Parents!

2012-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Last month I asked the question on CM Connect, "What resources do you provide for parents and grandparents in your ministry?" and Ben Fowlkes replied with a link to an amazing resource, which I have to share with you! Ben said, "We find that resourcing parents is very important. Sometimes they have the desire to raise their children the right way they just don't know where to start. So we came up with a resource website which has been very successful." He shared the link to freedom parents and I can not recommend it highly enough!

If you follow the links you'll find a wealth of resources, including ParentFurther from the Search Institute. They say, "From time to time, all parents need a little help. Sometimes, a piece of solid, encouraging advice can help you have an “a-ha” moment which changes the way you think and act. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with kids, our positive, strength-based approach to parenting focuses on what’s right with kids (and parents), and the small, everyday steps you can take to help kids be successful in the future.

Learn more about Positive Parenting

Providing practical, everyday parenting tips and helpful advice for difficult situations, ParentFurther is your online resource that will help you

teach your kids positive values;
set clear boundaries and enforce reasonable consequences;
find the support and knowledge you need to help your kids grow up successfully;
focus on the things which matter most to your family."

You'll also find links to LifeWay's Levels of Bible Skills and links with movie and video game reviews and so much more! Just as with grandma's cookie jar and Splink, this is another free resource you can make available to the parents and grandparents in your ministry which will support, encourage and equip them as they strive to pass on a heritage of faith to their children and grandchildren!

Family Ministry on a Shoestring - VBS!

2012-02-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

So . . . I've been posting all month about family ministry; this week I want to focus on ideas for family ministry events/activities . . . all on a shoestring - so any church can do these things! Do you plan family ministry events/activities? While there are some which can be very expensive, there are also lots of ideas which are very affordable . . . just may take some planning. With Summer just a few months away and kids out of school, it is the ideal time to kick your children's and family ministry into high gear! Add to this the rising gas prices . . . and rising everything prices . . . and you are likely to have children and families looking for things to do on a very limited budget. This gives you additional opportunity to reach out to children and families, so all this week I'll look at some ideas for children's and family ministry you could do on a shoe-string!

Let's begin with Vacation Bible School . . . yes, VBS! Many churches plan VBS each year . . . most of you are evaluating curriculum, planning to recruit your volunteers and have your week of VBS scheduled. If you have not already done this, take a moment to think about how you might be able to offer a VBS ministry to the children in your church and community . . .

Use VBS for Sundays - this will allow you to utilize volunteers you already have and will give a shot of energy to your Summer Sundays!
Plan your week of VBS for the second or third week in August - by August kids are feeling bored and are looking for something to do to get out of the house.
Determine which VBS resource you would like to use - check my reviews and comparison chart - and then purchase just the Director's guide and the station leader books for the learning stations you want to use. This allows you to offer a VBS on a shoe-string! Have the people in your church donate the supplies for crafts or in place of crafts, focus on serving others and involve your children in a hands-on service project . . . they could assemble coloring books for children in a local shelter - check all the free coloring pages you can download from Ministry-to-Children.

It isn't too expensive to offer VBS to the children and families in your church and community! Tomorrow I'll talk about another family ministry on a shoestring idea - involving the children and families in your church and community in Summer Service Days!

Leadership Non-Negotiables - churchthought.com

2012-02-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

An article by Matt Steen

In one of the coaching cohorts that I am helping to facilitate we have been talking about our leadership histories. As the conversation went on, the group pushed me to share with them a list of what I value in the leadership culture of a church, and the ministries that I lead. Now, the understanding here is that orthodoxy is not at question…

Read more @ Leadership Non-Negotiables - churchthought.com

Put Feet to Their Faith with Children's Heart Project . . .

2012-02-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I've been sharing all month with your about Samaritan's Purse's Children's Heart Project and am delighted to let you know they have produced a movie about how Children's Heart Project helped three children from Mongolia . . . and I am going to give one Three Hearts dvd away! In this DVD Children's Heart Project shares how "graduating college senior, Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham, takes on an internship at Samaritan’s Purse working with the Children’s Heart Project. This project is dedicated to saving the lives of children by providing medical procedures which are not available in many countries. Cissie is charged with supervising the arrival and surgeries of three Mongolian children suffering from fatal congenital heart defects. But the task is not easy and filled with unexpected challenges. Cissie balances responsibilities as a newly married wife to a professional football player and her tasks with the internship. Meanwhile the Children’s Heart team turns to a Texas family who travels to Mongolia for the adventure of a lifetime to help bring the children to San Antonio for their surgeries. In Texas, two host families make sacrifices to care for these children and their mothers, while a team of doctors and nurses volunteer their time only to stare directly into the face of life and death. How far would you go to save a life? It’s a fight for survival, a fight of faith, and a fight for a new life for these three hearts."

This dvd does a wonderful job telling the story of children and families whose lives have been saved and changed through the Children's Heart Project. If you are looking for a project to help "put feet to the faith" of the children in your ministry, the Children's Heart Project is a great one to consider. Get this dvd and show it to the children and families in your church as you launch a project to raise money for the Children's Heart Project.

I'm happy to announce not only was I given the opportunity to watch this movie, but I also am able to give one Three Hearts DVD away. If you have "liked" About the Children's Department using the tab in the "find us on facebook" box ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in the drawing for this dvd. If you have not "liked" this blog yet, please take a moment to do so and you will be entered in the drawing which will be on Feb. 24th! It is this simple! Thank you for reading About the Children's Department and please share it with the people you know!

Bible Review . . . my first Hands-On Bible!

2012-02-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I have had the opportunity over the years to review quite a number of Bibles for children. I'm happy today to share with you a new Bible for preschoolers . . .

My First Hands-On Bible
Publisher - Group/Tyndale
Ages 3+

Favorite Features -

Bible includes 85 Bible stories . . . I understand the ones they chose to include, but am somewhat baffled by the ones they did not include . . . for example, they begin - of course - with Creation and Adam and Eve, but stop with Adam and Eve sinning and covering themselves with leaves. They do not tell about God removing them from the garden, providing clothes for them and promising to send a Savior.
love the "How to Use My First Hands-On Bible" - great info will help parents know how to create a love for reading God's Word with their young children
I especially love the design - each Bible story has activities for children to do as the story is read and then finishes with questions for parents to help parents talk with their childrne about the Bible lesson, a fun activity to do with their children, a prayer and some end with a jesus Connection to help children see Jesus is the "center of Scripture"
colorful illustrations
New Living Translation for ease of understanding

If you are looking for a Bible to recommend to parents which they can use with their preschool children - and actually learn from, take a serious look at the my first Hands-On Bible! Be sure to encourage parents to use the discussion and activities so they can help their preschoolers learn God's Word is something they can understand and live in their everyday life every day!

A Prayer For Your Ministry - Pray For the Most Important Thing!

2012-02-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

There are certainly many things for us to pray about when it comes to praying for the children, families and volunteers in our ministry, but I think we can take a cue from Jesus as to the most important thing for us to pray about. In Matthew 22:37-40 someone asked Jesus which command was the most important; He said, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Loving God with our all and loving others as we love ourselves. Jesus said these were the two most important things . . . so if they are important to Jesus, certainly the are important for us to be praying about these two things, too! Just think what the children and families would look like in your ministry if they were able to love God with their all and loved others as they love themselves! Imagine what your volunteers would be like if they loved God and others as Jesus said! Prayer is the most important thing we can do in our ministries and Jesus said these two things were the most important things for us to do, so make this prayer your prayer for the children, families and volunteers in your ministry!

Dear God, first I want to thank You for Your incredible love for me, for the children and families in my church and for the volunteers. Thank You! Please help me make the choice to love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind . . . with my all! As I serve the children, families and volunteers in my church, please help me show them how to love You. Please help them make the choice to love You with all their heart, soul, mind . . .with their all! Please help us all know there is nothing more important than for each of us to love You with our all! As we experience Your love and make the choice to love You, please cause this love to overflow our lives and to be generously given to all the people You bring us into contact with! Please help my life, and the lives of the children, families and volunteers in my church be known for the way we love You and love others! Please help us look at others with the eyes of love with which You look at us! Thank You for Your love! Amen!

VeggieTales Robin Good and His Not-So Merry Men . . . I'm Giving One Away

2012-02-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

This new Veggie DVD, Robin Good & His Not So Merry Men, releases on March 3rd and is one children and families in your ministry are sure to love . . . and you will love the way it gives you so many opportunities to talk with them about important lessons!

It all begins with the short - Lenny and the Lost Birthday, in which Lenny thinks everyone has forgotten his birthday. He doesn't know about Leap Year and how it pushed his birthday back one day and ends up feeling like he is not special to anyone. "Of all of my days, mom, this was the worst. My family, my teacher my friends all agree. There's nothing at all that's special about me." His mom sings, "But this is the day the Lord has made. You're special to me and you'll be okay. Tomorrow will dawn and I'll love you still. Things will get better, I promise they will! When your days been a mess and you feel it intensely, don't forget Whose you are and Who loves you immensely! God made you His child and you're treasured as such. You're precious, you're treasured, He loves you so much! And this is the day the Lord has made. You're special to Him, you'll be okay! Tomorrow will dawn and He'll love you still! Things will get better, I promise they will!"

While we may not "misplace" our birthdays, we all have bad days from time to time. This little short story gives you the opportunity to talk with children about how they feel when they have a bad day . . . and share with them how you feel when you have a bad day, too! Just as Junior's mom encouraged him with the truth God made him His child and he's treasured as such, you can share this incredible truth with the children in your ministry! They are special to God and He will love them each day and each tomorrow! (And be sure to remember this yourself of this truth when you have a bad day, too!)

This video goes on with the new Silly Song - Bubble Rap- which you can see in the box on this blog!

As with many Veggie stories, Robin Good is a Veggie version of Robin Hood and has all the humor and fun we have come to know and love with Veggie stories! Robin "fundraises" from the rich to help the poor, but with the economy as it is, this day, "times are as tough as granny's shoe leather!" Robin Good makes the point even when times are tough and people are hurting, "there's no hurt too big for God!" When the ham Robin and his merry men bought for a needy family is "purloined" by Prince John, his men get discouraged and angry and decide to turn to robbery - "Rob from the rich and give to the poor." Robin tries to tell them stealing is wrong, but they don't listen and leave Robin, which leaves him wondering if the hurt and burden of losing his friends is a hurt which is too big for God. Robin learns to give his burdens to God by, telling "God your heart is hurting. Tell Him you're feeling blue. You can't make it yourself and you need His help to comfort and see you through. He'll care for you. He'll care for you. He loves you and He's always there for you. His burden is light His promise is true. God will take care of you. God will take care of you!"

Bouts with the dungeon of despair, which takes all your hope, and giants ends with a funny and powerful lesson about sharing, helping others and trusting God because "there's never been a hurt too big for Him, God will take care of you!" This story also makes the point it is never okay to steal. As always, this Veggie story ends with a verse, this time from Psalm 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, for He will take care of you."

One of my favorite things about VeggieTales is not only do they tell a fun story with a point, but they provide opportunities for families to live what they learn from these stories by helping others! Once again, VeggieTales "has teamed up with long-term partner World Vision^®, to continue building a greater awareness of how families can help care for those in need with opportunities to sign up for child sponsorships through World Vision at www.worldvision.org, as well as in person at numerous Christian retail stores across the country. A promotional clip on the DVD will encourage families to learn more about World Vision’s child sponsorships along with information in World Vision’s Spring Gift Catalog." I especially love the gift where for just $25 you can help provide $125 worth of food for a family in the horn of Africa where people are starving and for $30 you can provide a family in need with five ducks which they can use for eggs, raising more ducks and for food! These are do-able projects which make a huge difference in the lives of children and families around the world. Talk with the children in your ministry about what they can do to help others and then select a project out of the World Vision gift catalog, work together to raise money and send the money they raise to help others!

I'm happy to announce, not only did VeggieTales make a copy of Robin Good available for me to review, but they are also making one available for me to give away! If you have "liked" About the Children's Department using the tab in the "find us on facebook" box ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in the drawing which will be on February 24th. If you have not "liked" About the Children's Department yet, please take a moment to do so and you will be entered in the drawing. It is this simple! Thank you for reading About the Children's Department and thank you for sharing it with the people you know!

Free Family Event . . . My Bible Journey - Trusting God Journey!

2012-02-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

One reason we do not offer family ministry opportunities, is because we do not stop and think to plan ahead. We are so busy with the day-to-day ins and outs of our ministry, we don't take the time to plan ahead for a special event. So, today I'm delighted to give you a back-to-school family event . . . My Bible Journey - Trusting God Journey! As children return to school they often feel apprehensive and even afraid - what will their new classes be like? What will their new teachers be like? Will they have friends? There are so many questions . . . potentially so many things to be concerned about. Parents also have many concerns . . . will they make the right decisions when it comes to raising their children? Will they be able to keep their jobs? If they do not have a job, will they be able to find a job? Will they be able to make their house payment? What will they do if gas gets even more expensive? So many potential things to be concerned about.

I'd like to invite you to download a free copy of My Bible Journey - Trusting God Journeyand plan to involve the people in your church in presenting this family event for the families in your church and community the end of August or beginning of September. Fall is a busy time of year for church and for families as everyone is preparing for the start of the new school year and ministry year. Trusting God Journey is an ideal opportunity for churches to involve families in ministering to one another as they learn together about how they can always trust God; even if things are frightening and busy with the start of a new school year!

Trusting God Journey is a maze event with four stations families “journey” through to discover what trusting God is all about. They will learn why David was running from King Saul at the first station/stop in their maze! The second station/stop will allow your families to think about the reasons David was afraid of King Saul and allow them to also think of things they may be afraid of. Their third station/stop will challenge them to think about the choice David made to trust God and wait for God’s timing and plan. In the party room families will celebrate how they can trust God and give to others as they present the school supplies they brought for kids in need. Each station involves families in learning, activity and discussion so this isn’t just another “event”, but rather an opportunity for everyone to learn about Trusting God and how doing so changes our everyday lives!

As you plan your Trusting God Journey, consider the following options –

Present your journey as a special event for your mid-week club ministry.
Present your journey as a special event on a Friday evening or Saturday before School begins or just after the start of school.
Present your journey as a special event on a Sunday morning.

Decide how and where you would like to involve the families in your church and community in a Trusting God Journey and then decide how you would like to present this event. It is an ideal opportunity for you to involve families – some could sign up to help build and set up your maze while others may want to help with decorating each station. Some families could sign up to prepare the activities everyone completes as they journey through the stations. Other families could sign up to help with brief mini-dramas or to lead some of the music. There are many opportunities for families to help in the preparation and presentation of this event; decide how much help you want from the families and let them know how they may be involved and where to sign up!

Trusting God Journey is a unique opportunity you are able to tailor to “fit” your unique church and ministry! If you have a small church and a limited number of staff and volunteers you can still present aBible Journey’s event by involving your church families in serving together in simple activities that when put together provide a ministry to other families in your church and community! This plan will work for churches of any size as not only can families give to others by bringing school supplies for needy kids, but they can have a part in preparing and presenting this ministry event as well! Trusting God Journey is also an event your children’s ministry leaders, an adult Sunday School group or youth group could prepare and present to families if this would be a more effective way for your church to minister to the families in your church and community.

You will find time-lines for planning, complete instructions and dramas for each station - In addition there is a community service project for this Bible Journey . . . a school supplies drive. On your promotional flyers and invitations be sure to encourage each family to bring new school supplies for children in your community. You could team up with your school district or contact a local homeless shelter and see if you might be able to help with school supplies for families in need. Plan a My Bible Journey - Trusting God Journey for your church this Fall!

Don't Forget . . . Two FREE Resources for the Parents & Grandparents in Your Church!

2012-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

If we are serious about equipping parents so they are able to be the primary teachers, leaders and disciplers of their children, then we need to be "sharers of resources"! Let your parents - and grandparents - know of resources which provide information, ideas and tools which they might take advantage of as they strive to lead their children. So, today I have two free resources you could let the parents and grandparents in your ministry know about!

grandma's cookie jar . . . this is a free blog (actually, it is my other blog) which is, "full of good ideas, information, activities and reviews of things to help grandma . . . and grandpa, mom and dad too . . . pass on a heritage of faith to the children in their lives!" The parents and grandparents in your ministry will find book, music and movie reviews with a focus on the messages in these things and how parents and grandparents can have "teaching moments" with their children/grandchildren as they read, listen to and watch the media of today. They will also find ideas for crafts and recipes they can make with their children/grandchildren and again, will most often find suggestions about how to connect what they are doing with God and His word! In addition, there are lots of fun give-aways (I'm currently giving away one American Girl Doll, McKenna) and things which make you smile along with important things to pray about. Encourage the parents and grandparents in your church to check out grandma's cookie jar! (grandmascookiejar.net)
Are you looking for a simple way to link your family together spiritually? Do you long for some way to help the families in your church link their families together as well? Well . . . I'm thrilled to share with you a resource . . . one which is free . . . which will do exactly this! The folks at D6 have developed Splink and it is an amazing tool for families! They describe it best as, "A Splink is a SIMPLE way to LINK your family together spiritually. It's a FREE weekly email packed with ideas to help connect your family. Splinks are creative ways of interacting with your children with family devotional starters and ideas for family time. Splinks can also help you use teachable moments to pass along spiritual truths and life lessons while making memories or just having fun together. No matter where you are, it can always be time for a Splink!" I think Splink is a tremendous tool for families and am beyond impressed with the people from D6 for making this resource free for anyone anywhere! All you do is go to the Splink site and sign up so they can email your weekly Splink each Tuesday to your inbox - use the link in this article or the one in the "Splink box" on my blog. Each Splink has three creative and fun ideas designed for fun and to get families talking! So, as D6 says, "What are you waiting for? Get Splinking!"

Share these resources with the parents and grandparents in your church this week!

How Do I "Shift" My Church's "Resource Base" to "Change the World"?

2012-02-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I found a video clip of George Barna asking an important question - "Do you need to shift your "resource base" from "maintenance" to "changing the world in ways you've never seen in your lifetime"? This is a question we all need to give serious consideration to. So . . . how can you tell if you need to shift your resources in your church, what does it mean to shift your resource base and how might you do this? Consider the following -

First of all, does your church need to shift it's resources?

If the children's ministry is mostly "out of sight" of the church, you may very well need to "shift" your resources.
If the people in your church - including church leaders - are not able to share with others the vision for your children's ministry, you may very well need to "shift" your resources.
If your children's ministry is not a place where children want to be, you may very well need to "shift" your resources.
If you family ministry is pretty much non-existent, you may need to "shift" your resources.

Secondly, what does it mean to shift your resource base?

Take a serious and honest look at where you spend your resource of money - budgets are tight, but take a close look at where you spend money and honestly evaluate as to if the money is being spent in the most effective manner. If a program/expense is not really needed or not really effective, then seriously consider what you might do instead with this resource to reach children and families and "change the world"!
Take a serious and honest look at where you spend your resource of people/volunteers - you need people to accomplish the things you want to accomplish in your ministries. You can only ask so much of them - we are all busy with work, families, and all the other things we do, so you need to know what the people/volunteers are doing in your church and what do you need them to do?
Take a serious and honest look at where you spend your resource of time - you only have so many hours available each week . . . what do you do with these hours? What ministry opportunities do you offer to children and families? What would you like to offer?

Finally, how can you shift your resource base?

Clearly if you want people to see the value of children's and family ministry, you have to be firmly convinced of their value yourself. How do you communicate it's value to those in your ministry?
Consider the impact it could have on your ministry and on your ability to "change the world" if you were able to get the people in your church to refocus their attention on the value of the children's and family ministry. If they were able to "catch" your vision for the children and families how might this change everything? For one thing, they might become involved, and if they are involved in serving children and families, wouldn't they grow in ways they might never grow with some of the other things you are currently doing?

Shifting your "resource base" from "maintenance" to "changing the world in ways you've never seen in your lifetime" does not have to come at the "cost" of other areas of your ministry . . . it can instead breathe new life into your church as a whole! What will you do to "shift" your focus?

Show Your Community You Care . . . Offer Free Parenting Classes!

2012-02-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Have you ever "skipped" church to drive on the streets surrounding your church building to get an idea of how many people do not attend your church? Who are they? Where do they live? Are there children riding their bikes and playing in their yards? Clearly if they live on the streets around your church, they must know your church is there, so how do we show these families in our communities we really care about them?

There are many ways to show, really show you care about others, but one way is to help equip parents. I truly believe parents - whether they are church parents or not - care about their children. Often parenting can be very overwhelming . . . children do not come with "instructions" attached to them, so it can be very easy for parents to feel "lost" and at a total loss as to how to parent their children. Consider the following ideas as ways to reach out to these parents in your community -

offer free new parent classes . . . you could get a nurse to come in and show new moms and dads how to bathe their child, change diapers, feed them, what to look for when they run a fever and when to call the doctor. Talk about how to find affordable clothes, offer resources and show you care by answering their "how do I . . ." questions. Provide refreshments and consider involving ladies in your church in crocheting/knitting booties and/or blankets to give new parents in your community as a gift. Just be a support and encourage them!
offer free classes for parents of toddlers . . . provide a Q & A time - ask "experienced" parents from your church who were able to raise their children and do it well to be part of your "expert" panel. Provide resources on child discipline - I especially love the approach of Love & Logic Magic for Early Childhood - and provide encouragement for things like potty training and how to stop tantrums! Just giving these parents the opportunity to talk is sure to be greatly appreciated! Again, provide refreshments and consider giving each family a book to share with their child - I especially love the Jesus Storybook Bible.

offer free classes for parents of school age children . . . again, a Q & A time is sure to be appreciated, but focus on things like how to be careful not to over-schedule their kids and how to help children with homework - I especially love the book The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make - it would make a great book to work through and what parent doesn't want to know about the 10 best decisions they can make?!! If you have any church members who are school teachers, get them to come in and share with parents how to help their child stay focused and do their best at school. Address issues related to bullying or being bullied and things for parents to watch for. Offer help for families experiencing divorce and be ready to refer families to those who can help them with serious needs/problems. Be sure the coffee pot is full and provide refreshments to create an atmosphere where parents feel comfortable opening up with their questions.

The most important thing is to open the doors for communication and to show you care. Allow parents to come with "no strings attached" - don't "preach" to them. Let your actions speak louder than your words - show them you care and they are welcome at your church!

Show Your Community You Care . . . Offer Free Family Fun Events!

2012-02-16T21:16:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Churches used to be the center of community life - families went to church on Sunday, children went to church for school all week and the community used the church for gatherings and special events. Times have certainly changed. In far too many cases, today our churches are viewed as places for "church people", not places for the community. Let's think about how we can "throw open the doors of our churches" this Fall, welcome our community in and see if we can re-establish our churches as the place where everyone goes and finds the center of their community life!

Consider some of the following "door-opening" ideas and see if any of them might "fit" your church and community!

Saturday Picnics at the Church - if your church has a nice yard and the weather is nice, this is a great and natural way to invite your community to experience your church in a non-threatening way. Even if you are a city church, without a yard, set up portable carports for shade and use foam core to make "trees" complete with blossoms for the Spring, green leaves for the Summer and colored leaves for the Fall - place these around your parking lot and "create" your own "park/yard"! Promote throughout your community and invite families to join you on the first Saturday of the month for a picnic lunch, games and just a time of fellowship and fun! Always bring extra sandwiches, bags of chip, lemonade and cookies to share with anyone who shows up without a lunch - you could ask church families to bring enough for their family and to share with another family. As people see your picnic each Saturday, it will generate interest and curiosity and there is no telling how many community people may join in on the fun! (Move your picnic inside on rainy Saturdays)
Monday Morning - Pick-Me-Up! - Involve your church "early-birds" in this opportunity to provide coffee for people in your community who are on their way to work! Promote throughout your community and invite people to swing by your church on their way to work for a free cup of coffee. You could even set up a small "cafe'" in your foyer for any who want to sit and enjoy their coffee, but for most if you have a table with a coffee pot, cups and lids you will be all set to hand out a cup of coffee with a smile and warm greeting to any who stop by!
Family Movie Night - Choose one month and then promote your church as "the" place to be each Friday evening for Family Movie Night! Ask families to bring lawn chairs and blankets - have extras for anyone who shows up without them - set up a projector and show the movie on the side of your church as soon as it gets dark! Provide popcorn and lemonade and you have an opportunity for the entire community to come together for family fun! Be sure to get a license to show videos by contacting Swank Motion Pictures - 1.800.876.5577 for info on how to get this license for your church.
Chili Cook-Off or Cookie Bake-Off! - Open the doors to your kitchen and invite families in and out of your church to prepare their best chili recipe in your cook-off! Provide a prize, trophy or ribbon for first, second and third place and plan for a lot of fun! Bring in chips, corn bread and chili toppings for a huge dinner/picnic after the cook-off . . . after all, you have to do something with all that chili! :-) You could have a simultaneous Cookie Bake-Off in your church kitchen - provide a prize, trophy or ribbon for this, too and then the cookies will be able to serve as the desert for your dinner/picnic!
Plan an Egg Hunt, Summer Water Festival, Fall Festival or a Snowman building competition complete with game booths, plan to paint faces, set up a photo booth and allow families to dress up for a photo, make a maze in a classroom or out in your parking lot - use your imagination and have fun! (Check the director's info in your VBS and look at the Kick-off event for ideas of what to do)

These are just a few ideas for ways to make your church the center of community life in your town. With the economy as it is, families may not have the resources do go out and do things as a family. Take the opportunity to make your church the place where families gather for fun as a family and with others! Get a team of creative people together and see if any of these - or something you come up with on your own - might "fit" your church and be a way for you to show your community you care!

What Do I Need to "See"?

2012-02-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

In our children's and family ministries "imparting information" is important, but it is infinitely most important for us to pray for "eyes to be opened". In our ministries we "impart" a lot of "information". We teach Bible lessons, we train volunteers, we encourage parents . . . we "impart" a lot of "information". But, do we focus on asking God to "open eyes"? What are some things we need to have our eyes . . . and the eyes of children, parents and volunteers . . . opened? Consider the following . . .

All or our eyes need to be open so . . .

we are able to "see" and know God!
we are able to "see" the things in our lives which keep us from walking with God.
we are able to "see" where God is leading in our lives!

In addition, the children in our ministries need their eyes to be open so . . .

they are able to "see" and respond to God's love!
they are able to "see" how to grow in their walk with God!

In addition, the parents in our ministries need their eyes to be open so . . .

they are able to "see" how to lead and disciple their children
they are able to "see" how to make wise decisions as parents

In addition, the volunteers in our ministries need their eyes to be open so . . .

they are able to "see" how to connect with the children in their groups/classes

And finally, in addition, I need my eyes open so . . .

I am able to "see" each child, parent and volunteer in my ministry and how God wants me to impact their lives!

What do you need your "eyes" to be "opened" so you are able to "see"?

Make Prayer THE Priority

2012-02-16T20:44:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I recently heard a sermon from Dr. Jim Samra about the most important thing we can do . . . Pray! (You can check this link to hear the sermon - it just takes 26 minutes and 48 seconds to do so . . . you'll be glad you did!)

So, Dr. Samra said we need to do the most important thing . . . pray. Yes, teaching the Bible - giving information - is important, but the first thing we need to do is pray. Do you pray, really pray, before you do anything else in your ministry? It can be far too easy to just go about the work of the ministry and plan, organize, train, prepare, teach . . . all without really spending time in prayer. Consider the following ways to make prayer not just A top priority in your ministry, but THE top priority . . .

make prayer the first thing you do in your personal life before you begin to "work" on any part of ministry.
recruit a team of "pray-ers" - people who will commit to pray regularly . . . and make it the priority for you to pray with them for your ministry, for the children and families in your ministry and for your volunteers
always begin and end each and every meeting you have with prayer
do as Dr. Samra mentioned . . . have a team of people who pray during Sunday School, Children's church, mid-week and any other ministry opportunity for "eyes to be opened"

If we are going to be genuinely effective in our ministry to children and families, we have to pray. So, pray. Don't just talk about praying, but really pray. Make this your prayer . . .

"Dear God, on this day as I see the 'armies' which surround the children, families, volunteers in this church . . . and the armies which surround my own life, please help me to 'not be afraid'! Please 'open my eyes' so I am able to see, 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' Please open the eyes of the children so they will see You! Please open the eyes of the families so they will see You! Please open the eyes of the volunteers so they will see You! Thank You, Amen!"

How Does Your Children's Ministry Support Parents With Special Needs Children?

2012-02-16T20:22:00.001-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I've been posting all month about family ministry and how to be intentional and effective in your family ministry, but what about your ministry to families where they have a child with special needs? Does your children's ministry provide the support and encouragement these parents need? Loretta Baughan wrote a powerful and thought provoking post on Modern Day Eugenics on her blog, STRAIGHT4ward with Loretta Baughan. Please take a moment to read this post and then consider the following . . .

what are you doing to communicate the value of all babies, children and adults? Are you intentional about taking every opportunity to teach and show just as God loves all of us, you also made the choice to do the same? Do you make opportunities to stand for the value of all life?
when a parent receives the difficult news their child will be born with challenges, what do you do to come alongside these parents and walk with them through the many decisions they will need to make. How do you support, encourage and help these parents? What do you do to make sure these parents know they are not alone?
what do you do to walk with a parent as they raise their exceptionally challenged child? Do you provide a support base for the parents? Do you make sure these valued children are welcome in your children's ministry? Do you educate and train volunteers so they know how to best engage these children as they enter and move through your children's ministry?

What is your plan? If you do not have one, you will not only be unprepared when a family in your ministry faces this "road", but you will miss out on the opportunity to show to a watching world your ministry is real and it lives what it teaches . . . this being, just as "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world", so do you!

Church Planting: The People You Meet (part one) - churchthought.com

2012-02-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

By Matt Steen

One of the coolest parts of planting a church is how many people you get to meet and connect with. One of the most challenging parts of planting a church are the people you meet and connect with. I realize that these statements are true of any ministry opportunity, yet something about church planting seems to crank up the intensity of these statements a notch.

Church Planting: Before You Start (part two) - churchthought.com

2012-02-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

By Matt Steen

Last Tuesday I started a series sharing some of what I learned while planting a church. My top secret plan in all this is to turn the comments section of these posts into a powerful resource for planters, and potential planters… so please, share your wisdom, insight, and experiences and let’s walk through this together.
Read more @ Church Planting: Before You Start (part two) - churchthought.com

What is Real Worship and How Do We Help The Children in Our Churches Understand It?

2012-02-14T19:52:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

What is worship? In many churches singing on Sunday morning is what we do for worship; but is this real worship? Certainly there’s Biblical precedent for worshipping God with songs and music focused on Who God/Jesus is. John 4:24 instructs us to worship in spirit and truth – focused on the truth of Who God is. Singing/music is a legitimate and important part of worshipping God, but isn’t the only component of or way to worship God. If worship is more than singing on a Sunday morning how can worship leaders/teachers lead children . . . and adults, into a fuller understanding of worship both in their class and in the church service?

If we’re going to involve children in a fuller experience/understanding of real worship, then we have to know what worship is. Let’s look in the Bible and see what we can learn about worship. I love the account of Abel and Seth – not Bible people who you would initially think of as having much to teach us about worship? Oh, but they do! The reason Abel’s offering pleased God and was an act of worship is because it was an act of obedience. Cain didn’t worship as God wanted him to; he disobeyed and disobedience resulted in a life filled with anger. When we obey God, as Abel did, then worship becomes the result of our obedience. As we know, Cain killed Able and God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth. Seth and his sons obeyed God and Genesis 4 ends by telling us, “that was when men began to call on the name of the Lord”. Just a few of the obeyers/worshippers from Seth would include Noah, David, Josiah and ultimately Jesus.

If we want our children to become daily worshippers of God, then first of all they need to see worship as more than just singing songs on Sunday morning. Help your children understand daily obedience is a major part of daily worship because without obedience they can’t worship God. I’ve long been a huge “fan” of providing specific ideas for children to take what they learned out the doors of the church to live in their everyday lives. The first step to making worship a part of children’s everyday lives is to celebrate acts of obedience!

Ÿ Worship in class –

o Allow children to share in their small groups what they did that week to worship God through obedience.

Ÿ Worship in church –

o Provide time at the beginning of your church worship service for children to share their experiences of obedience and worship!

Ÿ Worship in class and church –

o Allow children who share to also select a song to lead others in worshipping God together!

As children understand how obedience is lived in their everyday lives they’ll see worship as the natural outflow of obedience and a major part of their everyday lives!

If we want the children in our churches to have a fuller understanding of worship they also need to know real worship involves giving of our whole selves. The Book of Leviticus is all about instructing and teaching people how to worship God through their offerings. The offerings were a gift brought to God as an act of worship. Children need to know the offering of our whole selves is a fragrant sacrifice of worship and pleases God – Ephesians 5; I Peter 2. This is a major part of worship; in fact, if we do not give our all to God we can’t worship Him. How can we encourage the children in our church to make daily giving their all to God part of their worship of Him?

Ÿ Worship in class –

o Allow time for Small Group Shepherds/teachers to share with the children why they give their all as a volunteer.

o Talk with children about what they can do each day to give their whole selves in worship to God.

o As leaders model worship through giving their all, allow them to lead the children in a time of worship through music.

Ÿ Worship in church –

o Present volunteers as people who worship God with their all. Along with worshipping with music set aside time each week, every other week or at least once a month to showcase those in your church who give with their whole selves as worship to God!

Ÿ Worship in class and church –

o The purpose of the Psalms are for prayer, praise and teaching so allow children/classes to give their all by volunteering to choose a psalm and lead their class/church in praying it back to God.

o On the Sunday you focus on worship as the result of giving your all, allow children and their Small Group Shepherds/teachers to lead the musical worship or at least one or two songs.

Finally remember, along with worshiping by obeying, giving our all and music, we worship God by loving others. In Mark 12 Jesus said the most important command of all was to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. He said the second command was to love others as we loved ourselves and this loving of God and others with our all was more important than offerings. We can model real worship of God by loving/serving others. When we elevate loving and serving others as the ultimate act of worship our faith will be real and active and will result in joy and worship with music.

Ÿ Worship in class –

o Involve children in quarterly or at least semi-annual service projects and be sure to share these acts of service/worship with their class.

Ÿ Worship in church –

o Make the big commitment to presenting a full picture of worship by beginning each week’s music worship with sharing how children showed love/service for others and then allow the music worship to flow!

As the children . . . and adults . . . in our church have the opportunity to experience a fuller, more complete worship they’ll understand worship of God is a real part of their everyday lives!

A Must-Have Resource for Parents . . . The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make

2012-02-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Part of having a children's ministry is focusing on ministry to their parents as well because if you want to be genuinely effective at reaching and discipling children, you have to come alongside their parents so you workwith their parents to accomplish this goal. There are many things you can do to come alongside parents, but one very simple one is to recommend resources for parents. Consider finding and selecting one book/resource each month and then recommend it to the parents in your ministry.

There certainly is no shortage of books and resources on parenting . . . some are excellent and others are not, so today, I'd like to share one excellent - and common sense - resource with you!
The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make
Authors - Bill & Pam Farrell
Publisher - Harvest House

Favorite Features -

each chapter ends with a decision point and questions to help you think through and apply the concepts learned in each chapter
book challenges parent to be proactive parents by choosing to deliberately focus on pursuing God's Wisdom
love the chapter on deciding to be consistent/having dad and mom on the same page . . . they do an excellent job of walking the reader through a very workable and effective plan for discipline . . . I love their "checklist to consider before you discipline your child" - Is this my problem or my child's? What is the simplest answer which will keep the boundary or rule in place? Can I reason with him? Does she feel penned in? Is this more of an issue with immaturity than defiance? Does this defiance or dangerous situation warrant a spanking? Would natural consequences make a longer lasting impact?
the chapter on character - developing an inner compass - focuses on four areas - spiritual skills, character qualities, relational skills and life skills and provides excellent questions to help parents evaluate and decide on who cares for their children
excellent evaluation questions for deciding where to send your children for school with outlining strengths and weaknesses for public school, Christian school, private non-Christian school and homeschool
the chapter on how to have a plan for your children - knowing your children and helping them love God, be a learner and leader - love the idea for a yearly Learner and Leader Day . . . after all, I love to celebrate and when you combine it with blessing your children - this is a tremendous idea!!! (One churches could even facilitate!)
love the chart/list of what children can do at different ages!
love the chapter on being creative and finding the treasure inside your child!
excellent chapter on being a student of your child
chapters on partnering with God challenges parents to be parents who pray and chapter on how to build a network outlines how to help a child in trouble or in pain
chapter on transferring trust has a great chart on the age of your child, their approach to life, their needs and your role as parent - how to "work yourself out of a job"
love the chapter on celebrating the decisions and choices your child makes as well as their gifts and callings

This is a must-have book for all parents. It not only makes sense, but it is very doable; one in which parents will find things they actually can do with their children! I would however say there are eleven best decisions every parent can make . . . the first one being to get and read this book - and implement the solid information they'll find in it! Get one, read it and be sure you have several copies in your church library! (It would also make a great book for a parent's Sunday school class to work through!)

Another Resource for Families - 150 Quick Questions to Get Your Kids Talking - I'm Giving One Away!

2012-02-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

I'm delighted for the opportunity to share another resource you could recommend to the parents in your church . . . and I will be giving one away!

150 Quick Questions to Get Your Kids Talking
Author - Mary E. DeMuth
Publisher - Harvest House

Favorite Features -

book has 150 open-ended questions designed to prompt lively discussions for the entire family
intro does a great job of explaining "conversational parenting" and how it helps parents know their children's hearts and minds
book has ten chapters and each chapter has fifteen questions and each chapter begins with a few thoughts about the topic
some questions are silly, some are serious - all will make people think and generate conversations
book ends with ten ways to have your house be a home where your kids want to be!

Grab this book and sit down with your family - preferably at the family dinner table . . . and if you are not eating at least five meals a week as a family, change you schedule and do whatever it takes to have at least five meals a week as a family - pick a topic and question and let the conversation begin! Encourage parents in your ministry so they understand how essential it is for them to engage their children in conversation . . . and be sure you are doing this with your own family so you can set the example and share your own experiences!

Harvest House sent me one of these books to review and another to give away! If you have "liked" About the Children's Department using the tab in the "find us on facebook" box ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in the drawing which will be on February 29th. If you have not "liked" this blog yet, please take a moment to do so and you will be entered in the drawing. It is this simple. Thank you for reading. Please share this blog with the people you know!

5 Essentials for Your Volunteers #4 – Provide Training! | Kidmin1124

2012-02-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Last week I said, “There certainly are a lot of things we need to give our volunteers, but for the next few weeks, I’m going to share my top five essentials for us to give our volunteers.” Then I posted about the #5 essential thing for us to give our volunteers . . . give them resources! Today I want to take a few moments to consider the #4 essential thing for us to give our volunteers, training!

The Power of Clarity in Your Church's Vision - churchthought.com

2012-02-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

By Matt Steen

Tears were streaming down his face as he silently wept:

“I can see it so clearly… I just haven’t had the ability to put it into words… which makes people think I don’t know where we are going.”

Clarity is powerful.

One of my most favorite things to do through my work with Church Simple is to help church leaders clearly communicate what it is that they are called to… and then helping them do it. In this case, the process was incredibly moving. Read more @ The Power of Clarity in Your Church's Vision - churchthought.com

Make Intentional Prayer the Cornerstone of Your Family/Children's Ministry

2012-02-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

By Lynda Freeman

Okay, I'm all for praying for one another, but how often when we pray for others do we pray "generic prayers" opposed to prayers specifically for someone? Even when we know someone has things we can pray about, how often do we actually talk to them to find out what they would most appreciate being remembered in prayer on their behalf? Yes, it takes time to sit down and actually talk to someone, but if we are serious about praying intentionally for those in our church and ministry, how can we do so if we do not first talk to the person we are praying for?

So, how can I be intentional about praying for families and children? Consider the following . . .

be intentional about praying for the children in your ministry . . . watch for visitors, children who are missing, children who are sick, children who you know are experiencing difficult times and ask specific people to pray intentionally with you. Again, approach the children and ask for specific prayer requests. Ask for their permission to share the requests with your prayer team and again, take a moment to pray with the child. If possible, have one prayer-er for each child - this one person could be the child's prayer-er for the entire school year! Just imagine what your ministry would be like if you had people specifically praying for each child on an individual level!!!! (of course you could do the same thing for each of your volunteers, too! Wouldn't your children's ministry be amazing if you did? You'd just have to stand back and watch with amazement all the things God would do!!!)
be intentional about praying for families . . . again, follow the steps above for parents, too!
while you are at it, be intentional about praying for each of your volunteers individually and specifically . . . approach, call or at least email a volunteer and tell them you would like to pray intentionally for them for the coming week. Ask them for a few specific prayer requests you could pray about for them and then take another moment to pray with them.

Yes, we need to pray for others, but when we are intentional about our praying and invest the time to find out specific needs, concerns and happenings for us to pray about the results will be beyond anything we can imagine! Make intentional prayers the cornerstone of your family and children's ministries!

Family Resource - 365 Ways to Say "I LOVE YOU" to Your Kids!

2012-02-12T15:51:00.001-08:00

Resources. We are always looking for resources to use in our children's ministries, but how often do we look for resources to put in the hands of parents and grandparents? If we are serious about being as effective as possible in our children's ministries, then we need to be serious and intentional about looking for, finding and making available to parents, resources which will better equip them as the primary teachers and disciplers of their children. I'm very happy to share one such resource with you today . . .
365 Ways to Say "I Love You" to Your Kids
Author - Jay Payleitner
Publisher - Harvest House

Favorite Features -

great introduction explaining and showing how love is a verb, as the author says, "Becoming a parent is biology. But being a parent is not science at all. It's about unexpected discoveries, sweet serendipitous moments, heart-wrenching confrontations, breathless bouts of confusion and quiet soul-satisfying triumphs. Mostly, parenting is about just being there and showing your kids you love them somehow every single day.
provides 365 ways to say, "I LOVE YOU" - some serious, some no-brainers, some unique and many simply silly!
some ways you say you love your kids involve teaching them important things - like telling the truth, being responsible, respecting others

This little book is one all parents should have - and use! Recommend it to the parents in your ministry and refer to it often! (And, recommend it to your volunteers as well as many of the 365 ways to say "I LOVE YOU" would be great for volunteers to use with the children in their classes/groups, too!)

Put Feet to Their Faith with Samaritan's Purse Children's Heart Project

2012-02-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I've been sharing about Samaritan's Purse's Children's Heart Project and today I'd like to share another example of how they are helping children . . . and families around the world!

Bolormaa has endured many challenges in her brief two years of life. Sickly since birth, the toddler was weak and malnourished and constantly battled respiratory problems. When she was only 6 months old, her parents asked an aunt and uncle to take Bolormaa because they were too poor to provide for her. Fortunately, she was lovingly welcomed into their home and legally adopted by the couple, who also have a 15-year-old son. Bolormaa’s aunt and uncle were willing to do whatever was required to help this precious child. Concerned about her continued poor health, they took her to a doctor in their remote province of Arhangai. He diagnosed a heart defect and recommended the little girl be examined by a pediatric cardiologist in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city located hundreds of miles away. The cardiologist said Bolormaa’s condition would only worsen unless she had corrective surgery, and referred her case to our Children’s Heart Project staff in Mongolia.

“We found out she urgently needed to have surgery,” said Moogie, Bolormaa’s aunt. “It was a shocking moment and it turned our lives upside down. I had so many questions about how we would find a hospital and how we would find money. We had no hope.” The opportunity for a miracle soon became a reality. The Children’s Heart Project arranged for Bolormaa, along with six other Mongolian boys and girls, to receive heart surgery at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The evening before she was scheduled to fly to the United States, Bolormaa slipped and fell onto an open fire pit in her family’s home. Still in pain, she endured the long flight with barely a whimper but required medical attention when she arrived in San Antonio. Moogie traveled with Bolormaa and an interpreter to Texas. She feared the little girl’s surgery would be delayed or possibly canceled because of her injuries. But once again, God took care of them and performed a miracle. Remarkably, Bolormaa’s burns healed quickly and her surgery was postponed for only one week. The operation was a complete success, and the child who used to tire easily was now bouncing with energy and beaming with joy.

Moogie was experiencing a heart transformation of her own. She and another one of the Mongolian moms, Tiggy, enjoyed participating in their host family’s daily Bible study and prayer time. Sometimes Moogie would find quiet moments to sit by herself and delve into God’s Word. One evening the group discussed God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Moogie marveled that she could be forgiven of her sins and everything in her past. God was tugging at Tiggy’s heart too, and that night both moms prayed to receive Jesus as Savior. The women were so excited that they called their husbands in Mongolia to tell them! The mothers and their children were baptized before they left the United States last year, and they continue to share the Good News of the Great Physician with people in their home villages. Moogie is praying that her husband will be the next family member to receive Jesus as Savior.

As for Bolormaa, she is now an active toddler who enjoys playing outdoors and “helping” her aunt around the house. In October she will celebrate her third birthday, a gift her family dared not hope for a year ago. “The work of Children’s Heart Project has touched many lives in Mongolia, and given so many kids back to their families,” Moogie said. “Thank you to all who were involved with everything that has happened in my life.”

You could involve the children in your ministry in a project to raise money for the Children's Heart Project . . . have a day focused on love . . . teach children about God's love for them and how they show God's love by sharing it with others. Then involve the children in creating a variety of "heart crafts" (check this link for lots of ideas for heart crafts) then have an "auction" where parents, grandparents and people in your church/community can come and "bid" for the artwork. Donate the proceeds to the Children's Heart Project! Oh, and be sure to serve heart cookies, cakes, cupcakes . . . you get the idea!

By Lynda Freeman

Fathers Matter . . . How Do We Translate This to Children's Ministry?

2012-02-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

If our family ministries are going to be genuinely effective, we have to engage, educate and equip dads. I watched a short clip on YouTube about how fathers matter to a child's education. Take a moment to watch it and then consider the questions below . . .
So, if . . .

a father is a top influencer in a child's education, isn't it reasonable to conclude a father is a top influencer in a child's spiritual growth???
a father's one point increase in his involvement in parenting resulted in a four point increase in a child's academic test scores, isn't it reasonable to conclude if a father even slightly increases his involvement in discipling his child it would increase the child's spiritual growth???
fathers are the second most influential person in inspiring a child to read, isn't it reasonable to conclude a father is highly important in inspiring their child to read the Bible???
fathers read, their children will want to read, so isn't it reasonable to conclude if a father spends time reading his Bible, his children will want to read their Bibles???
the frequency a father reads books to their 1 to 2 year olds is linked with their greater interest in books later in life, isn't it reasonable to conclude if a father spends time reading the Bible to his very young children, they will have a greater interest in the Bible later in life???
how fathers spend their time with kids today directly impacts how they will behave in the future, isn't it reasonable to conclude if fathers spend time with his kids today, they will have a greater interest in God in the future???

So . . . how do we get dads to engage and take spiritual leadership of their children today? Consider the following . . .

realize while we certainly have a role in the discipling of children, we can not have the impact on children their own dads can have
share this information with the dads - if most of them knew these things, most of them would take their role as dad more seriously
provide opportunities for dads to be equipped - give them the tools they need and the confidence to use them
pray, pray and pray some more . . . pray for and with dads

Family Ministry Resource . . . everyday talk!

2012-02-12T15:31:00.001-08:00

As I've been saying, if we are serious about equipping, encouraging and supporting the parents in our church and community, we also need to be serious about finding, and getting the word out about, excellent resources to help parents be more effective in passing on a legacy of faith to their children. I just had the opportunity to review one such excellent resource . . .

everyday talk
Author - John A. Younts
Publisher - Shepherd Press

Favorite Features -

provides "talking points" so parents will know how to guide everyday conversations about everyday life to opportunities to point children to God
challenges parents to consider what kind of thoughts "live in their hearts" - to think about what they think about
challenges parents to use everyday events to talk with their children about God's world, what He is doing in the world and how they can respond to God
outlines how to "impress" God's Word on their children
each chapter ends with application questions to help you think about the focus on the chapter and how to implement the concepts in your life
excellent info on challenging parents to be sure their "talk" does NOT communicate to children God will only be happy with them if they are "good"
focus on helping parents understand their everyday talk needs to communicate grace to children - God's grace - rather than "performance"
author says to "delight in your children simply because God gave them to you and you love them"! - I LOVE this!!!
the author says the purpose of this book is to help parents "reflect the power of gospel grace in their everyday talk"! - I LOVE this, too!
powerful information on helping your child learn to pray by teaching them word-for-word how/what/when to pray, like Jesus did with the Lord's prayer!
challenges parents to be good listeners - so they do not miss opportunities to tell their children about God's faithfulness!
excellent reminder, the Bible says, "pleasant words promote instruction" - we all need to remember this! Anger will NOT get the job done!
challenge to make your everyday talk "holy" and not "ordinary" by being talk which points to God and His holiness and not us
helps you understand the role of your home to prepare, protect and cultivate your children to help them grow in God's way
wisdom about how to respond to the world, entertainment and how to talk to your kids about sex and music

As you can see, there are a lot of things I really like about this book! It is an excellent tool and resource for you to recommend for the parents in your church. Consider using it as a book for a parenting class to work through and give parents opportunity to practice specific talk in small groups. If all the parents in your ministry are learning to use everyday talk with their children, just think how much more effective the parents will be - and this everyday talk will overflow into your church and children's ministry as well!

As the author says, "The challenge is great. The power of God is even greater. His power can make your everyday talk what He wants it to be - talk which reflects where your heart is, where your treasure is."

Free Family Ministry Event - Resurrection Sunday Bible Journey!

2012-02-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

When it comes to reaching families in and out of your ministry, you need to have vision, passion and a plan so you will be effective at reaching out to the families in your church and community. Today I'm going to talk about planning family events as special outreach opportunities to the families in your church and community. I'm not going to talk about children's ministry vs. family ministry because I was invited to write a guest post for Ministry-to-Children and I do so in there; (Feel free to check the post out by following this link) other than to say, we need to "come alongside" parents as they teach their children by being intentional in our ministries and building on and reinforcing what the parents are teaching their children. This is where a vision statement comes in. What is it we want to accomplish in our children’s ministries? What is our plan to get there? When we join up with the parents by equipping and coming alongside them, we will experience real and measurable results.

I believe an intentional children's ministry should plan a family event at least once a quarter. While we need to be sensitive to not "over-programming" and pulling families in too many different directions, a family event gives us the opportunity to minister to both the children and the parents in our church and community at the same time. This can be a very good thing.

Family events can vary from the simple . . . such as planning family game nights or picnics in the park . . . to events which take more preparation, such as my "Bible Journey Events". (Again, see my guest post on Ministry-to-Children - you can download my Resurrection Sunday Bible Journey Event for free!) The goal behind my "Bible Journey Events" is to provide an opportunity for parents and children to work together to prepare, present and participate together in an event for families in the church and community. This allows them to experience God’s Word together. Not only will families experience God’s Word together, but they will also be able to serve Him together by helping with the event and by participating in a service project to help families in their community.

Family events can provide excellent opportunities to reach out to families in your church and community and bring them together so they can experience and learn God's Word together - this can generate great enthusiasm for both families in and out of your church! The key word for family events is "together"! Children's ministry tends to provide opportunities for children - just as adult ministries tend to do the same for adults. Family events allow you to minister to parents and children together! This can only serve to build and strengthen families, so check out my Resurrection Sunday Bible Journey Event and see if it might be an opportunity which would fit well in your church and community!

By Lynda Freeman

Finance Fridays: How Many Cattle? - churchthought.com

2012-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Jon shared his thoughts on how churches use their vision and financial situations in their decision making processes. Since that time I have been soaking a good bit his thoughts, and I have had a bunch of conversations that bring me back to a lot of what he shared.

By Matt Steen

Are you growing—or dying—as a leader? 8 questions to ask yourself

2012-02-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

“Growth is what separates living things from dying things,” explain Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller in their new book Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life. “Growth brings energy, vitality, life, and challenge. Without growth, we’re just going through the motions.”

Read more @ Are you growing—or dying—as a leader? 8 questions to ask yourself
David Witt

Provide Those Resources . . . Wise Words for Moms

2012-02-12T15:08:00.001-08:00

When it comes to equipping, encouraging and supporting parents, one of the most important things we can do is provide, or at least point out, resources which will help parents know how to effectively raise their children so they know and walk with God. There are many, many resources out there - some are better than others, so today I'm going to share a resource with you so you can share it with the parents in your ministry.
Wise Words for Moms
Author - Ginger Plowman
Publisher - Shepherd Press

Favorite Features -

this resource is presented in a "chart" format which makes it very easy for moms - and dads, and grandparents, and teachers - to refer to it and makes it very usable
the chart identifies a child's behavior - such as disobeying, tattling, worry, bad friendships, complaining, etc - provides "heart probing" questions and then "Reproof" (put off) and "Encouragement" (put on) from Scriptures
very usable!

As the author says, "This chart was designed for the purpose of aiding you in using the Scriptures to drive out the foolishness 'bound up in the heart of a child' (Proverbs 22:15)" She also says, "It is not a parent's right to judge the thoughts and motives of their children. Wise parents will teach their children how to search and evaluate their own hearts for sinful motives. By asking your child a few well thought out questions, you can assist him in pulling out the foolishness which is bound up in his heart."

I appreciate how the author reminds parents, "It is not enough to use Scriptures to rebuke wrong behavior. Rebuking wrong behavior without teaching right behavior will exasperate your children. Teach your children how to 'put off' sinful behavior and how to 'put on' righteous behavior." Far too often, parents tell their children about the wrong things they are doing, but they do not take the time to point them to Scripture and help them learn to evaluate their choices in light of God's Word so they learn what to do in place of what they should not do. This chart is an extremely valuable tool and will help parents learn how to ask probing questions and point children to God's Word!

You could use this resource in a parenting class - put parents in groups and have one of them be the "child" who misbehaves. Have the others identify their misbehavior then use the chart to talk with the "child"! If they practice using the chart in a class, they will be much more comfortable, and likely, to use it at home!

And as the author says, "Remember: wise words are to be spoken with a loving heart and a gentle voice. 'If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.' Galatians 6:1a"

I highly recommend this tool . . . please check it out and get it in the hands of the parents in your ministry!

What Church Planting Taught Me - churchthought.com

2012-02-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I helped to plant a church in Baltimore called The Garden Community. Planting a church was an incredible roller coaster ride, teaching me about dependence on God, effective leadership, how to care well for people of different backgrounds, and my own spiritual condition. A friend of mine once told me that everyone should start a church at least once in their lives. While I may not fully buy into that line of thought, I do highly recommend that if you are called to do so that you pursue it with everything in your being, and don’t stop until you hear God telling you to. Read more @ What Church Planting Taught Me - churchthought.com By Matt Steen

VBS 2012 - Dollars & Cents of VBS - Part 3

2012-02-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

As I talked about the past two weeks the realities of the Dollars and Cents of VBS can impact if a church is able to go ahead with VBS for summer 2012 as the Dollar and Cents of it all will come into play as you determine which resources you will use. In this economy with so many people out of work our churches are struggling to meet their budget. VBS can be expensive and yet it is a very important - and in many cases the only - outreach all year for many churches.

Today I'm going to once again take a look at the Dollars and Cents for the final five VBS resources I reviewed. I'm happy to see in many of the director's materials some fun ideas of ways to raise money for VBS, but again, when so many people are unemployed and living pay check to pay check, there just may not be additional dollars for them to give to VBS. Obviously a starter kit is the first place to begin when purchasing VBS materials and from there you'll need to determine what - if any - student materials you will also utilize. As far as student materials I like the idea of being able to give children something each day which will remind them of the Bible lesson. I especially like the objects/cards which can be clipped or pinned to a backpack as they make great reminders! I also like the idea of being able to give children their own copy of the music . . . of course these things take money and your budget just might not have room for them. So, what will it cost and how can we move ahead with VBS on a budget?

VBS for 2012 - Operation Overboard
Cokesbury
cokesburyvbs.com

Value –

Two kits are available for $49.99. and $89.99

Cost per student . . .

Music is not reproducible, so you would have to purchase CDs to give kids at a cost of $3.99 per CD
Scripture Treasures range $14.99 for a package of 12 sets of five
Mesh Dive Bag - $8.99 for a package of 12.
Name tags - $3.99 for packages of 24
Name tag holders - $15.99 for 12
Student Journals - $2.99 per student
Crafts range in price from $10.99 to $23.99 for packages of 12

My Dollar & Cents Thoughts . . . Cokesbury does offer two kits, so you are able to choose the kit which best fits your budget and needs. I'm happy to see an affordable CD so children can have a copy and I like the Scripture Treasures for the kids - this would run about $7 per child - unless you decided to give one CD per family instead of one per child.

VBS for 2012 - Go Big!

David C. Cook Publishing

http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106678&source=search

Value –

this year it is only available bundled into the price of the Tru Unlimited and Combo Unlimited memberships. Tru Unlimited is $200/Mo or $1200/Year per age level of the curriculum (Pre/K & Elementary). Combo Unlimited is $300/Mo or $3000/year for both age levels plus a Toddler age level. All student materials are reproducible.

My Dollar and Cents Thoughts . . . if your church is already using Tru curriculum, Go Big! is a great option and value for your church. I'm really looking forward to seeing their VBS resources next year and to finding out where it is priced for churches where they do not use Tru.

VBS for 2012 - Zapped
Orange

http://secure.rethinkgroup.org/store/product.php?productid=1161&cat=294&page=1

Value –

one kit is available for $200.00 ($160.00 through Feb. 29, 2012)
Cost per student . . .
- Music is not reproducible, so you have to purchase CDs to give kids at a cost of $15.00 per CD if you want them to have music (maybe one per family)
- Zapped Bottom Line Buttons – I could not find prices/ordering info, but once this is available, I’d definitely get them for the kids
- Student Books - $11 for a pack of ten student books
- Zapped Slap Bracelets - $10 for ten bracelets

My Dollar and Cents Thoughts . . . it does not look like you are able to purchase any portions of this resource separately, so you will have to buy the kit if you want to use Zapped. You will receive resources for eight lessons, so while you could use it for VBS, I'd be more likely to use it for Sundays in the Summer as one of the resources for mid-week ministry. I really love the Zapped Bottom Line Buttons, so depending on where they priced, I'd definitely get them for the kids.

VBS for 2012 - Olympion

VBS Reachout Adventures

http://www.vbsreachout.com/vbs/d/build.asp?page=Home

Value –

one kit is available for $49.99
Cost per student . . .
- Music is not reproducible, so you would have to purchase CDs to give kids at a cost of $12.25 per CD (20% discount if you purchase 20 +)
- Student Pack with a training manual, stickers and name button- $3.75 per student

My Dollar and Cents Thoughts . . . if you use this VBS the kit is affordable at $49.99, but student materials are an integral part of the VBS, so you would need to purchase the student pack for each child - $3.75 per child.

VBS for 2012 - Sonlight Express

Bogard Press –

http://www.vbs.bogardpress.org/

Value –

one kit is available for $159.99

Cost per student . . .

music is not reproducible, so you would have to purchase cds to give kids at a cost ranging from $8.35.
student activity pages/stickers are $1.85 per child
Live-It Cards - 95 cents per child
Daily foam crafts - $3.95 per child (enough for one child for five days)

My Dollars and Cents Thoughts . . . Bogard Press doesn't provide a basic kit - which I'd really like to see - if however; budget is an issue, get the Sky Ultimate Go-To Director's Guide - $15.95; Game book - $4.90; Craft book - $5.75; Lesson & Music DVD - $22 for approximately $47. You will be able to plan and present your VBS with those materials. For the children get the Live it cards and the crafts for $4.90 per child.

Expand "Faith Talks" and Equip Parents to Leave a Spiritual Legacy!

2012-02-12T07:42:00.001-08:00

In my last post I shared an amazing free resource . . . "Faith Talks" and I encourage everyone to implement this as a core part of your ministry to children and families. I also want you to take the idea of "Faith Talks" and expand them to include the following . . .

along with providing a few questions and application thoughts/activities with each sermon for families to talk about at home, include questions and application thoughts/activities related to what children learned in Sunday School and Children's Church so parents know how to talk with their children about what they learned
sit down before a new quarter begins and go through each week's lesson to pull a few main thoughts/applications and write a couple questions for parents so they can have these important "Faith Talks" with their children
make these questions available each week - include them in the bulletin and before you dismiss everyone from the service, hold it up and read the questions - challenge parents to make a point to talk with their children about these things before they go to bed Sunday night
have families share what they talked about and how they had their "Faith Talks" - have the share how doing this is changing their lives!

Make "Faith Talks" about Sunday School, Children's Church and the Sunday sermon all part of your core ministry to children and families! Emphasize it, focus on it and hold it up before your church. The more you do this, the more families will take it serious and understand how essential it is for them so they will know how to be the primary faith trainers of their children and know how to, "impress God's commands upon their children, talk to their children about them, as well as show them how to live them out in the ordinary tasks of life." Make equipping parents so they are able to lead, "consistent, meaningful faith talks and will leave a spiritual legacy in their children which will imprint their entire lives and their eternity." After all, is this not why we are serving in children's ministry in the first place?

Equip Parents and Strengthen Families with "Faith Talk"

2012-02-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I shared Legacy Milestones with you and today I want to encourage you to take a serious look at another of their resources . . . "Faith Talk". "The biblical reason for having Faith Talks is found in Deuteronomy 6:5-9. As primary faith trainers, we as parents are commanded to impress these commands upon our children, talk to our children about them, as well as show them how to live them out in the ordinary tasks of life. In Proverbs 22:6, spiritual training takes place one step at a time in the context of everyday life. Relationship is your priority, the Bible is your handbook, and life is your classroom. Teach your children about God, the Bible, salvation, and how to live by having family night devotions."

So, what is a Faith Talk? "It is one night set aside each week as a sacred night. It is fun and exciting! Keep it simple and age appropriate. Make it happen consistently. Teach a biblical truth by making memories and lasting impressions. Faith Talk is the consistent spiritual investment from parent to child between Legacy Milestones. Faith Talks is what prepares a child for the coming milestone."

On this site you'll find resources to help you implement a "Faith Talk" focus for your ministry. Just look at the wealth of resources the provide for you, for free - just ask them for permission to print copies . . .

Faith Talk Seminar - "The biblical reason for having Faith Talks is found in Deuteronomy 6:5-9. As primary faith trainers, we as parents are commanded to impress these commands upon our children, talk to our children about them, as well as show them how to live them out in the ordinary tasks of life." The first step to getting your parents to have "Faith Talks" with their children, is to teach, equip and train parents so they know how, why, when and where they can have "Faith Talks" with their children. On this site, you'll find a complete seminar resource you can print out and use to equip the parents in your ministry!
a complete list of Faith Talk Resources - books, devotionals and other resources for parents, children and families
information from Bay Area First Baptist Church on how they equip parents so they are able to have Faith Talks with their children. They say, "Here at Bay Area we are excited about pouring the Scripture into your every day life. Every Sunday we provide a short guide in conjunction with the sermon called a 'Faith Talk' to help you lead a discussion with your family or friends about the very words of God. We make it simple and practical. If you attended the worship service or watch the sermon online, the Faith Talk will challenge you to talk with others about how to live out the Bible passage you learned. The Bible teaches us as parents and grandparents we are to be intentional about raining our children in the faith. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 tells us to impress the truth of God on them as we sit at home as we walk along the road, as we lie down and as we get up. These Faith Talks are a tool for you to use as you lead your own children spiritually. If you have ever struggled with knowing how to lead a family devotion, let Faith Talk be a first step in your journey to parent biblically. Come to church and lead a Faith Talk based on what you learned. In this way you will equip the next generation growing up in your own home."

Faith Talk seems so basic, a no-brainer, and yet in far too many churches we do not "connect the dots" so parents and grandparents are equipped and able to equip the children growing up in their homes. These resources from Legacy Milestones/Bay Area First Baptist Church will help you "connect the dots". As they say, "Leading consistent, meaningful faith talks will leave a spiritual legacy in your children which will imprint their entire lives and their eternity."

If I Sang a Silly Song . . . Family Fun Night and I'm Giving One Away!

2012-02-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's a Silly Song Telethon . . . and since it's a VeggieTales Silly Song Telethon, it is sure to feature the silliest silly songs ever! This new dvd from VeggieTales, If I Sang A Silly Song, features 20 of their all time silliest silly songs from twenty years of Veggies! In addition you'll find "extras' including the Karaoke versions of each song so children and families can join in the fun and sing along! And, if all this isn't enough silly fun, an all-new silly song debuts on this dvd . . . Bubble Rap with the return of Boyz in the Sink!

You'll find all-time favorite silly songs including; I Love My Lips, The Pirates Who Don't do Anything, Belly Button, His Cheeseburger, Endangered Love, The Water Buffalo Song, The Song of the Cebu, Dance of the Cucumber, Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps, The Hairbrush Song, Monkey, The SUV Song, Biscuit of Zazzamarandabo, Lance the Turtle, Gated Community, Where Have All the Staplers Gone, Sippy Cup, Pants, Pizza Angel and Goodnight Junior - all, most certainly, silly songs!

This DVD is one the whole family can enjoy together! Plan your own Family Silly Song party where you can pick your top ten favorites, then play your own countdown and join in the fun singing along with the families in your ministry! You could even make VeggieTale character hats (just draw the face of your fave veggie, cut it out and tape paper strips to the sides which you can "fit" to each person's head to make a "hat") so everyone could "dress" as their favorite veggie! Have fun and enjoy the chance to sing silly songs together!

I'm delighted to announce, I'm giving one If I Sang a Silly Song DVD away in a drawing on February 10th! if you have "liked" About the Children's department, using the tab in the "find us on facebook" box ON THE BLOG, then you are entered in the drawing! If you have not "liked" this blog yet, please take a moment to do so and you will be entered in the give away! It is this simple. Thank you for reading About the Children's Department - please share this blog with the people you know!

Celebrating Milestones - Welcome Little Ones to Your Children's Ministry!

2012-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I've been posting about celebrating milestones and reviewed two amazing resources to help your church do exactly this . . . Legacy Milestones and Group's Family Faith Celebrations. Both of these resources provide the information and tools you need to help the parents in your ministry understand their God-given role as the primary faith influencer in their child's life and to involve your entire church in celebrating milestones - Baby Blessing, Faith Commitment, First Bible and Preteen Passage . . . all important moments in a child's and family's life and most certainly worthy of celebrating!

Today I'd like to encourage you to celebrate another moment in a child's and family's life most certainly worthy of celebrating . . . when a child leaves the nursery and enters your children's ministry! Let's welcome children into our children's ministry . . . and use this moment to introduce their parents to the children's ministry in a way which will be proactive and potentially engage those parents from the "get-go"! Use this opportunity to . . .

Introduce parents to your curriculum. Explain the scope and sequence and the reasons you use the curriculum you use. Walk the parents through any materials their child will bring home and help them fully understand how to get the most out of those resources by talking about them with their child.
Explain any children's ministry policies . . . what are your policies for dropping off/picking children up? How do any of your policies differ from those they are used to in the nursery?
Introduce the parents and the children to the volunteers and the new classrooms.
If you regularly involve the children in service projects to "Put Feet to Their Faith" - explain this aspect of your ministry to the parents and let them know which service projects their child will be involved in and give them some ideas of how they and their child might work together on those projects.
Share your vision, passion and plan for the children's ministry and how you want to come alongside the parents to help equip them as their child's primary faith influencer!

Too often we overlook this important moment, this milestone in a child's life and yet it is a wonderful opportunity to further equip parents and warmly welcome children to your children's ministry! Consider the following ideas for welcoming children to your children's ministry . . .

Decorate the Three Year Old's Classroom with photos of the children who are entering the children's ministry!
Decorate the classroom with balloons (as long as there aren't any children with latex allergies), streamers and bright colors!
Have volunteers ready to warmly welcome children and invite them into their new classroom!
Plan a class time of "get-to-know-you" activities.
Invite parents to stay the first week so they are able to participate in the welcoming party as well.
Provide a special welcoming treat - something special for this important day!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Make this moment, this milestone, something special as it is the beginning of a relationship with these children . . . a very important relationship in a very special place! We truly want to join with the parents in introducing their children to the most special relationship they will ever have . . . a personal relationship with Jesus! Most certainly worth celebrating!

VBS 2012 - Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

2012-02-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

I'm my updated and completed 2012 Side-by-Side VBS comparison chart today for the fifteen kits I've reviewed for VBS 2012 - you'll find the chart at this link. (If you have trouble opening this link, email me and I'll email you a pdf of the chart)

So . . . how is this helpful to you? Use the kit as a tool to help you . . .

narrow down the kits you are most interested in taking a closer look at. You'll be able to see all kinds of information on this chart - from price and version of the Bible used to scope and sequence.
identify the strengths and weakness of the curriculum you choose. For example, if you decide on a kit for your VBS, but see in the chart it doesn't offer information on screening your volunteers or how to lead a child to Christ, then you'll know you need to find this information from other sources.

I hope you'll find my chart a helpful tool for you as you evaluate these curriculum options for use in your ministry.

Celebrating Milestones - Family Faith Celebrations...

2012-02-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

About the Children's Department: Celebrating Milestones - Family Faith Celebrations...: Today I'm looking at some resources from Group Publishing designed to help your church equip parents to celebrate milestones in their child...

Discipline	Punishment
Obedience	Subjection
Trusting our children to God	Controlling their life experiences
Consistency	Child-Oriented
Freedom	Responsibility
Influence	Control
Taught (with words)	Caught (Modeling)