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Never forget that your efforts in children’s ministry have long-term implications. George Barna concluded, “By the age of nine, most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place.” Though head knowledge is important, Bible truths are only part of the discipleship process. Information must lead to transformation—new attitudes and actions. To form genuine disciples, churches must make an intentional, integrated, and concerted effort.

Spiritual Transformation = Knowledge + Character + Conduct Read the rest of this entry »

Great things come from small beginnings.

Yep—I’m “seasoned” enough to be an eye-witness to much of what has taken place during the last 30 years of children’s ministry. Nope—this article is not about the history or “roots” of ministry to kids. That’s a topic for another day. Instead, I’d like to take a whack at the “roots” of “who we are”—our very identity.

Have you ever cut down a tree? Generally, it’s very easy to do—and plenty of fun. Just grab a sharp ax or chain saw—and the job is over in a few minutes. Watching a huge oak crash to the ground or splash into a river is thrilling! But have you ever taken the time to dig out the roots of that mighty oak tree? Generally, it’s a very difficult job—with plenty of headaches. I strongly suggest that you leave the roots in the ground to rot!

As I see it, the 21st century Church is ignoring a “root” problem that dramatically affects families and children’s ministry—we have lost our identity. We are experiencing significant breakdowns at the basic level of defining who we are and why we exist. To get the tree to produce healthy acorns (children) that can grow into a flourishing forest, we must first address and solve our identity crisis. It all boils down to three basic definitions. Read the rest of this entry »

Fresh baked pumpkin pie. Corn on the cob. Sweet potatoes. Green beans. Golden brown turkey. What a feast! Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

How did this wonderful tradition begin?

The Biblical Basis of Thanksgiving

President Abraham Lincoln officially declared the last Thursday in November to be a national holiday for the purpose of giving thanks to God. Thanksgiving remains one of the most popular family traditions in the United States.

The Pilgrims Gave Thanks

Nearly 400 years ago (long before Lincoln’s 1863 declaration), devout Christians established the “feast of thanksgiving.” This hardy band of English settlers invited Native Americans from the region to join them in Plymouth for several days of feasting and celebration. Why? Read the rest of this entry »

Though a vast number of children’s ministry resources are available today, many of those products may not receive “passing” marks. Listen to the insights of John H. Walton, PhD, professor at Wheaton College and former professor at Moody Bible Institute for 20 years: “It has been my practice over the years to work with the Children’s education program in my church to evaluate curriculum and train teachers for the pre-school through elementary grades. What I find in curricula is consistently shocking from a hermeneutical standpoint. I should hasten to say that curricula are often excellent from an educational standpoint—for that is the expertise of those producing curriculum. In the area of hermeneutics, however, the violations of sound method are frequent and obvious.”1

Scholars, like Walton, who study Biblical hermeneutics are concerned about correct and consistent Bible interpretation. Principles of hermeneutics help us know how to interpret, understand, and properly apply the Bible. Removing Bible verses from their cultural context leads to all kinds of misunderstanding. That is why sound Biblical hermeneutics is essential. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember thinking, “I’ve accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. I know that the Holy Spirit came into my life. Why does my daily experience reflect so little power – no true transformation?” God directed me to His Word where I discovered a powerful promise: “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” Romans 8:26-27 (NASB). This promise changed the rest of my life and ministry! Read the rest of this entry »