Where are today’s Christian kids? Once upon a time, Christian parents asked their children after church, “What did you learn about God?” Today, the question is often, “Did you have fun?” Not too long ago, churches offered Bible training for all ages—wanting to fully equip children to serve Christ. Today, many churches offer high-energy, entertainment-based programs—wanting to keep kids happy and to make recruiting easy. …
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:1, 6, ESV). How Kids Think “Can you prove it?“ Some kids are taught to believe that the scientific …
“One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’ was his response. ‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the cat, ‘it doesn’t matter which way you go.’” Where do you want to go? Visionary leaders see the big pictureOne of the most …
Dick Crider, DiscipleLand Field Trainer, shares his wisdom: In more than thirty years of ministry, I have known children’s ministry leaders who crash and burn after a few years and I’ve known those who run the race for 30, 40, and even 50 years. What distinguishes those who run for a lifetime from those who do not? Paul told Timothy that he had fought the …
John Piper, pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, provides the following article entitled “Jesus and the Children.”1 One thing to watch for when assessing a person’s spiritual fitness for ministry is how he or she relates to children. Put a child in the room and watch. This is what Jesus did to make his point. Children are the litmus paper to expose the presence of pride. …
The following article by Tony Kummer is timely and practical. In most churches, finding volunteers for children’s ministry is a constant struggle. Most children’s ministers spend hours recruiting for Sunday school, church nursery, vacation Bible school, and other ministry programs. This shouldn’t be the case. If people really understood the spiritual blessings of serving God’s kids, we would need to start a volunteer wait list. Children’s Ministry …
The Shoulders of Giants Sir Isaac Newton (English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist. and theologian) was one of the most brilliant men who ever lived. He told a fellow scientist who wondered how Newton was able to accomplish so much, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Children, at every point in their development, stand on the …
