Mercy and Grace: What Kids Need to Know

Children love fairness—but the Lord’s grace and mercy are certainly not based on “fairness.” As you help your children grasp God’s mercy and live out God’s grace, their lives will never be the same. How Kids Think Kids sometimes wonder, “Do I deserve this?” They feel wronged after receiving “unjust” or “unfair” treatment. On the other hand, children have trouble processing special favor that is …

7 Things to Show Parents You Care

Veteran Children’s Pastor Barney Kinard provides seven practical keys that will help you improve your serve. Please share with your team.__ We all talk about partnering with parents, but what does that look like for the teacher? How is it that teachers can partner with the parents of the children in their class? It is quite easy to concentrate on the lesson preparation and class …

Encourage Your Volunteers: One-Minute Motivators

With the start of a new school year, there is simply too much to do! Urgent phone calls to parents, issues with curriculum, classroom decorations, and promotional events all press for your time. Caring for volunteers often falls to the bottom of the priority pile. Though preparation and planning are valuable aspects of leading a ministry, you cannot afford to neglect the health and welfare …

Transformational Discipleship

“Many churches equate discipleship with knowledge … but the essence of discipleship is transformational not informational. Jesus did not merely ask us to teach everything He commanded. He asked us to teach people to obey everything He commanded, and the difference is massive (Matthew 28:19). The end result of discipleship is not merely the knowledge of all Jesus commanded but the obedience to all Jesus …

6 Keys to Disciple Children, According to Jesus

“What is our plan for making disciples?” “Does our plan work?” Examine your disciple-making strategy and practices. Jesus trained His twelve disciples to transform the world. He became a “life-coach” who directly discipled others. The six sections below summarize an effective method to introduce Jesus’ disciple-making strategy to kids. Within weeks of practicing these steps, you’ll begin telling others, “This is my most significant ministry!” …

Prayer Blessing for Teachers

Prayer Blessing For Teachers As the new school year begins, it is our hope and prayer that God fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We pray that your classroom is a haven of love and peace where children, coworkers, and parents discover His grace and truth. Lord, thank You for every new teacher as they begin this …

7 Reasons to Be a Disciple-Making Church

by Rick Howerton 1 Churches across the globe have begun to realize the importance of the biblical mandate to make disciples (Matt. 28:19–20) and are imagining the transformation of the lives and culture where their church exists. Church leaders are dreaming of a congregation and community saturated with mature followers of Christ willing to do whatever it takes to further God’s Kingdom. Some have asked, “Why …