Why kids are precious in God’s sight

DiscipleLand Note: The following is an advance paper for the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism held in Cape Town 2010. It outlines the realities, needs, importance, and emerging trends of children’s ministry in the Body of Christ. Suggested Use: encouragement for you, volunteers, staff and your church leadership. Children are being reached from every angle by political parties, other faiths, secularism, corporations and a …

Growing mighty oaks from little acorns

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 …

Teach Kids the Real Thanksgiving Story

Fresh baked pumpkin pie. Corn on the cob. Sweet potatoes. Green beans. Golden brown turkey. What a feast! 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. …

6 Keys: Teaching children discipline

Kids protest, “Why are you punishing me?” Children only see that correction results in a rebuke, spanking, or loss of privileges. They cannot yet appreciate the long-term value of godly discipline that molds, strengthens, and perfects their character. “An effective, Biblically sound children’s training process must be comprehensive and ultimately help kids know God intimately, love Him passionately, and serve Him selflessly.”   Children are …

Children’s ministry: Are we failing our kids?

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 …

Power UP your children’s ministry.

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 …

Monkey See, Monkey Do: How to grow Christ-like kids.

We’ve all heard the saying “Monkey see – monkey do.” This statement describes the process by which a young child imitates the conduct of others, especially his or her parents or siblings. Do the words we speak, the behaviors we model, and the expectations we convey shape our children’s character? The Apostle Paul penned these inspired words to his friends in the church at Philippi, …