Teaching Tips Archive
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” —Rudyard Kipling Stories capture our imaginations. Stories clarify abstract concepts. Stories imprint long-term memories. A well-told tale will both instruct and motivate any audience. Jesus often laced unforgettable stories into His sermons. Via stories, the Lord related truths that rebuked His detractors and energized His followers. As educators who grasp the …
“I love coming to church, ‘cause I get to see my friends!” Trevor announced to his mom as they entered the children’s area. As Trevor walked into his kindergarten classroom, he immediately greeted Caleb and Mei. They invited Trevor to help build a tall block tower; then he regaled his friends with a new joke. At ages 5 and 6, children typically love to make …
Many church members believe that churches are places of support and acceptance to all families. Most would be surprised to find that families of children with disabilities have difficulty establishing and maintaining church relationships. As a general rule, faith communities struggle in their response to this growing population. This article addresses the spiritual implications for families of children with disabilities and how faith communities can …
En·gage: occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention) Ever had that moment when you feel like you’re herding cats? In this article by Greg Baird, discover six keys that will help you engage, impact and create life change. Leading in children’s ministry involves many things. Aligning vision. Growing ourselves. Recruiting leaders. Equipping our team. Managing programs. Ensuring safety in all environments. And we could list a …
By James C. Wilhoit and Linda Rozema, Wheaton College Introduction In this paper, the authors suggest that anointing is not just an optional enrichment to teaching, but its defining mark. The Puritan writer and preacher Richard Baxter (1674) used an apt expression when he spoke of the anointing on Christian communication as “tincture,” by which he meant it was like a dye that colored the …
Real Life Heroes Television and other media often exalt sports starts, super-models, and Hollywood celebrities. Nearly every child today idolizes these heroes and wants to emulate the rich and famous. Jesus could have established a cult-following. He could have basked in His popularity and His power. But Christ’s mission transcended the lures of wealth or status. The greatest people in God’s kingdom are those who …
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV). Caring for a bonsai requires time and patience. Nurturing children takes no less effort. In this article, Dr. Scott Turansky, co-founder of the National Center for Biblical Parenting, helps us learn how to train children in godliness. The word “discipline” used in …