Identity: A Personal Reflection
As a wife, mom, aunt, sister, daughter, friend, children’s minister, sheep farmer and boundary pushing enthusiast, I wear several hats at once on any given day. Some of those hats can be heavier than others and the weight of all of them is too much for me most of the time. Lately I have noticed that I struggle just figuring out which one I am supposed to wear, what order some of them go on my head or if I am really qualified at all to even own the hat. The enemy has a way of sneaking in and laying down confusion like a tornado in the dark. You can only see it when the lightning flashes, but you can feel its effects all around you.
A little of my backstory is required for my journey to make sense. See, I am an adoptive mother of four beautiful children. All of them are unique, wonderful and frustrating in their own way. We have had them since the oldest was 6 and the youngest was 2. My oldest son recently shared that he wanted to pursue meeting his biological family. I know that there are a thousand different opinions on what everyone would do but for this moment we are going to use what I actually did. I explained that before he met them I would really like him to read parts of his case file. This file contained details of my children’s case from the very first time CPS was called until they were placed in our home with the intent of adoption. My husband and I agreed that from day one we would try to be as honest as we could with them but we would never “bad mouth” their bio family. That is what we did. We would answer their questions as they came throughout the years as honest as possible, always taking special care to not speak ill of their bio family.
As I prepared myself to prepare him to read some very real statements about the people he wished to meet I prayed that God would give me the right words to say so that he would understand that my heart was not angry in any way but it was very cautious. We sat on the couch together and I flipped through showing him the details of his case. We spoke little and the air was heavy and thick as I choked down tears rereading the horrific things my children had experienced. I was reminded that I could not in any way understand his curiosity. I still don’t know what I would do in his shoes.
I asked him, trying to understand, why he wanted to meet them so badly. He explained that he needed to understand why he was the way he was. (Like many teens and young adults, he had struggled with making poor decisions) My heart broke. How had I failed so miserably to show him who his identity was in? I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked him in the eyes. “ Your identity is not in those people who made you. Your identity is not in your dad and I who have raised you. Your identity is in Christ.” I was screaming those words in my heart as I spoke them. How could he not know this? I followed with a reassurance that I wasn’t mad at him for wanting to meet them, I was terrified. All of the horrible things that he had just read was the only thing I knew about them. He’s 20 and didn’t want his dad or I to accompany him. I was scared to death. But he went anyway and the only explanation for what happened next is God.
His job requires that he travel and be away from home for weeks and sometimes months at a time. Over the next few weeks I began to see changes in him. He texted more and asked for advice (and actually took it). Our prayers were answered. The bright joy filled kid from years ago seemed to be peeking through those dark brown eyes of my 20 year old son.
Now remember the tornado I mentioned before, well lightning struck and that twister landed in my lap on a Sunday morning right in the middle of check in. That same 20 year old had made another poor decision and the fall out was making landfall at church on a Sunday morning 15 minutes before I was scheduled to lead 40 plus kids in their large group lesson. All of the questions were racing through my mind so fast I couldn’t even separate them. Why here? Why at my job during the worst time ever? How could he be so stupid? What was he thinking? What were people going to say about him? What were they going to say about me? Luckily I have an amazing team of volunteers that quickly caught on that I was not in a place to lead anything and they jumped in and never missed a beat.
As I sat with my head in my hands crying, I heard a whisper. “Your identity is not in your kid and it is not in the decisions he makes, it is in Me.”
Two things we are really good at is giving other people the power for the decisions we make in our life especially when they are not our best decisions and we are exceptional at giving really great advice that we are not willing to take ourselves.
I, like so many others, am relearning the lesson of what it truly means for my identity to be in Christ. To truly understand who our identity is, we have to know who He is and if our identity is in Christ then He is in us.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3: 1-2
Permanent Marker Sin vs invisible ink sin
Let’s take a look at sin through the simplistic eyes of a child. Most church attending kids can tell you the basic truth that sin is bad, and without diving down the rabbit hole of what all religious groups believe about levels of sin and whether they exist or not we will discuss the “sin is bad” part. Sin is often defined as any thought, action, or behavior that goes against God's will or falls short of His perfect standards.
When teaching kids about sin I personally want them to understand what it is and how it affects them, but I also want to point out that all sin is bad whether you can see it clearly or it is easily hidden. This brings us to the analogy of sharpie sin vs invisible ink sin.
Permanent Marker Sin:
Imagine Permanent Sin" as actions or behaviors that are very noticeable and leave a clear mark. It's like using a permanent marker; once you've done it, the mark is there for everyone to see. These might be more obvious or outward actions that are easily seen or felt by others.
These can be those make or break us sins that either make us feel really good about ourselves because we haven’t personally dealt with them or horrible because we have.
Permanent marker sins set unfortunate traps for believers to fall into unwarranted judgment of our fellow believers.
Invisible Ink Sin:
On the other hand, "Invisible Ink Sin" could represent actions or thoughts that aren't immediately visible to others. It's like writing with invisible ink; the mark is there, but it's hidden. These sins might be more internal, like thoughts or feelings that others may not be aware of.
These sins are just as dangerous but for the same reason as sharpie sins. They allow us as believers to lie to ourselves. We convince ourselves that because no one can “see” those particular sins that they don’t really exist, when the reality is that God can see and knows all of our sins whether sharpie or invisible ink.
The Permanent Marker Sin vs Invisible Ink analogy is just one way to look at sin and help children understand it. Here are 10 key reasons why teaching kids about sin is significant.
Teaching children about what sin is holds significant importance in the context of moral and spiritual development. Here are key reasons:
1. Moral Guidance:
Understanding sin provides children with a moral compass, helping them differentiate between right and wrong. It instills a sense of ethics and guides their behavior in various life situations.
2. Spiritual Awareness:
Teaching about sin introduces children to spiritual concepts, fostering an awareness of their relationship with a higher power. It lays the foundation for understanding religious teachings and principles.
3. Personal Responsibility:
Learning about sin encourages a sense of personal responsibility. Children become aware that their actions have consequences and develop accountability for their behavior.
4. Empathy and Compassion:
Knowing about sin enables children to empathize with others who may be affected by their actions. It promotes compassion, kindness, and consideration for the well-being of others.
5. Social Harmony:
Understanding sin contributes to the development of social harmony. Children learn the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, fostering positive relationships within families, communities, and beyond.
6. Forgiveness and Redemption:
Teaching about sin includes the concept of forgiveness and redemption. Children learn that mistakes can be rectified through repentance and that they have the capacity to grow and change positively.
7. Character Development:
The awareness of sin plays a crucial role in character development. It helps children build virtues such as honesty, integrity, and humility, contributing to the formation of a strong and virtuous character.
8. Guidance for Decision-Making:
Knowing about sin equips children with a foundation for making wise and ethical decisions. It provides a framework for evaluating choices and understanding the potential impact on themselves and others.
9. Cultural and Religious Understanding:
For children raised in religious traditions, learning about sin is integral to understanding the cultural and religious values of their community. It fosters a connection to their heritage and a sense of belonging.
10. Life Skills:
Teaching children about sin contributes to the development of essential life skills, including self-reflection, empathy, conflict resolution, and moral reasoning. These skills are valuable for navigating various aspects of life.
In summary, teaching children about sin serves as a foundational element in their moral, faith and social development. It provides them with the tools needed to navigate ethical challenges, form positive relationships, and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others based on biblical concepts.
Immersive Prayer Station Ideas For Kids
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on my page.
Immersive Prayer Stations are a great way for a kid to understand prayer and feel more connected by engaging in multiple senses while removing the stigma of prayer being a “grown up only” option. We have used ideas we have found on sites like Pinterest but have also come up with some on our own. Listed below are some of our favorites and links to the supplies we used.
Lego/Duplo Prayer of Thanksgiving - Start with a container of the large blocks (paid link), sharpies, Lego mat (paid link) and instructions of what they do at this station.
Take a block and hold it in your hands.
Pray and tell God how thankful you are for something in your life.
Write on the block with the sharpie what you are thankful for and place it on the mat.
2. Sandbox Petition Prayer - We use three totes, but you can use as many as you need for your size group. (We have a group of about 50 to 60 kids, and they are usually offered 3 different prayer stations.) You will need shallow bins or totes (paid link), colored sand (paid link) and the instructions.
Place one color sand in each tote.
Instruct kids to think about one thing that has been weighing them down or that they need God to take from them (you can provide examples for better understanding)
They will then choose one word to represent what they want to give to God and write it in the sand with their finger.
Tell them to pray to God and ask that He take what they have thought about and ask that His will be done.
When they are done praying tell them to wipe the word away and believe that God’s will will be done.
3. Photo Prayer of Intercession - This one is super easy. Print pictures of your leaders, church staff, volunteers and tape them to the wall. Get small heart stickers (paid link) and have them lying next to the station.
Discuss and explain the word intercession. To pray on the behalf of or for someone else.
Tell them to choose a leader and pray for them.
When they are done place a heart sticker on the printed photo.
(bonus-I printed pictures of our staff with their families for this station and gifted them with a small explanation of what each of the hearts were and everyone loved them)
4. Foot of the Cross Emoji Prayers - Kids can struggle understanding what and how they are feeling especially if there are big feelings involved. I printed cards with emojis representing basic feelings (happy, sad, angry, confused and one that didn’t have a face in case one of the other emojis didn’t cover what they felt) . We also printed a poster sized cross to put on the wall and provided pencils.
Explain to kids that what they write on these papers are private and for their eyes only.
They need to choose an emoji card and write on the back the reason they feel that way.
Pray about it and when they are done drop their folded slip at the foot of the cross giving it to Jesus.
We retrieve these after kids have left and pray over them without looking and then discard them safely.
5. A Light for a Life - Fire Safety Warning! We man all stations with a volunteer but especially this one. We set up a small table with votive size candles in glass containers (paid link) and had the volunteer light a long match (paid link) for the kid and a small container of water to douse out the match.
Explain that our job as believers is to share the light of Jesus to everyone we know, so that everyone we know may come to know Him.
Ask them to pray for God to show them someone they can share the love of Jesus with.
When they are done praying, they light a candle to represent the life of that person they prayed for.
Unveiling Hope: Teaching kids the wonder of revelations
Teaching kids about the book of Revelation in the Bible can be approached with sensitivity and creativity. Revelation is known for its symbolic language and apocalyptic themes, making it important to present the material in an age-appropriate and engaging manner. Here are some tips for teaching kids about Revelation:
Introduction to Revelation:
Begin with a gentle introduction, explaining that Revelation is a unique book in the Bible filled with visions and symbols. Emphasize that it provides a glimpse into God's ultimate plan for the future.
Use Age-Appropriate Language:
Choose language that is suitable for the age group. Simplify complex concepts and use analogies or stories that children can relate to. Avoid using frightening or intimidating language that might be too overwhelming.
Focus on Key Themes:
Highlight key themes such as God's love, victory over evil, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth. Emphasize the message of hope and assurance found in Revelation.
Interactive Storytelling:
Transform the teachings into interactive storytelling sessions. Narrate the visions using creative storytelling techniques, visuals, or props. Encourage questions and discussion to keep the children engaged.
Visual Aids and Illustrations:
Use visual aids and illustrations to depict the symbolic imagery found in Revelation. Show pictures or draw simple representations of key elements to help children visualize the concepts.
Explore Symbolic Elements:
Break down some of the symbolic elements found in Revelation, such as the lamb, the scroll, and the white horse. Relate these symbols to their meanings and how they convey important messages about faith and victory.
Interactive Activities:
Incorporate interactive activities that reinforce the lessons. For example, create crafts related to symbols in Revelation, allowing children to express their understanding through art.
Focus on God's Love and Protection:
Emphasize the comforting aspects of Revelation, especially the assurance that God loves and protects His children. Highlight the role of Jesus as the Lamb who conquers and leads to ultimate victory.
Connect with Everyday Life:
Relate the teachings to everyday life situations that children can comprehend. For example, discuss the concept of good overcoming evil in simple terms that they might encounter in their daily experiences.
Encourage Questions:
Create an open environment where children feel comfortable asking questions. Revelation can be challenging, and addressing their curiosity helps in fostering a deeper understanding.
Incorporate Songs and Music:
Introduce songs or musical activities that echo the themes of Revelation. This can be an enjoyable way for children to internalize the messages through rhythm and melody.
Interactive Games:
Develop games that reinforce the concepts of Revelation. This could include puzzle games with symbolic elements or group activities that emphasize cooperation and unity.
Reinforce Positive Themes:
Continuously reinforce positive themes, such as God's faithfulness, the importance of love, and the hope for a better future. Keep the focus on the overarching message of Revelation.
Celebrate Victories and Triumphs:
Celebrate the victories and triumphs highlighted in Revelation. Emphasize that God's plan ultimately leads to a world where there is no more pain, sorrow, or tears.
Remember to be mindful of the emotional and cognitive abilities of the children, adjusting your approach accordingly. By presenting Revelation in an engaging and age-appropriate manner, you can help children grasp the core messages of hope, love, and victory found in this challenging yet significant book of the Bible.
Revitalizing Children’s MInistry: same heart, new beat
In the ever-evolving landscape of children's ministry, there's a beautiful challenge and opportunity to breathe new life into the familiar. Let's explore ways to revitalize the same old children's ministry with a fresh perspective—a journey that retains the heart of the ministry while infusing it with a new and exciting beat.
Reimagined Spaces:
Give your children's ministry a makeover by reimagining the physical space. Introduce dynamic zones that cater to various age groups, each designed to engage and captivate young minds. Consider flexible seating arrangements, themed corners, and interactive displays that spark curiosity.
Digital Integration:
Embrace technology to enhance engagement. Create a digital hub for lessons, resources, and interactive activities. Utilize multimedia elements to bring stories to life and connect with the tech-savvy generation. Virtual challenges, quizzes, and interactive apps can add a contemporary touch to the learning experience.
Thematic Learning Series:
Take a page from episodic storytelling. Implement thematic learning series that unfold over several weeks, creating a sense of continuity and excitement. Each series can explore different aspects of faith, with lessons building upon one another, encouraging deeper understanding.
Child-Led Worship:
Empower children to take the lead in worship experiences. Encourage them to share their talents, whether through singing, playing instruments, or even creating visual arts. This not only fosters a sense of ownership but also showcases the unique gifts each child brings to the community.
Family Integration Events:
Strengthen the bond between the children's ministry and families through integration events. Host family workshops, picnics, or themed gatherings that allow parents to actively participate in their children's learning journey. This builds a sense of community beyond the ministry walls.
Creative Storytelling Platforms:
Bring Bible stories to life using creative storytelling platforms. Consider live performances, puppetry, or even animated storytelling sessions. Diversify the narrative delivery to cater to different learning styles and keep children eagerly anticipating each new story.
Outdoor Adventure Days:
Take the ministry outdoors! Organize adventure days, nature walks, or picnics that integrate lessons with the wonders of the natural world. Learning becomes an adventure, and children get to experience faith in the context of the broader creation.
Interactive Prayer Stations:
Transform prayer time into an interactive and personal experience. Create prayer stations with hands-on activities that help children express their thoughts, feelings, and prayers in a tangible way. It turns prayer into a dynamic and engaging practice.
Customizable Learning Tracks:
Recognize that children have different learning paces and styles. Implement customizable learning tracks that allow each child to progress at their own speed. This ensures that no one feels left behind and provides a sense of achievement for every individual.
Incorporate Child Feedback:
Invite children to share their ideas and suggestions. Whether through regular feedback sessions or suggestion boxes, involving them in the decision-making process creates a sense of ownership and ensures that the ministry evolves based on their needs and preferences.
Revitalizing the same old children's ministry is about preserving its timeless essence while embracing the dynamism of the present. By infusing creativity, technology, and a sense of community, we can transform the familiar into an exciting and relevant space that captures the imagination of every child, fostering a deep and lasting connection with their faith journey. It's the same heart, now dancing to a new beat.
The Church Service Model: How and why it’s IMPORTANT for your children’s Church
The Church Service Model
When adapting a children's church service to resemble an adult service, it's important to maintain a balance between making it engaging for children and incorporating elements that mirror an adult service. Here are some tips:
1. Simplified Liturgy:
Keep the structure of the service similar to an adult one but simplify the language and shorten the duration of each segment.
Introduce simplified versions of common liturgical elements like greetings, prayers, and worship.
2. Interactive Worship:
Include interactive worship elements such as sing-alongs, simple hand motions, or visual aids to make the experience more engaging for children.
Use age-appropriate worship songs that convey meaningful messages when available. However don’t get caught up in trying to make every worship song fit a kids perspective. Worship is a heart act not lip service.
3. Biblical Stories:
Choose relevant and age-appropriate Bible stories for the sermon. Consider using creative storytelling methods, visuals, or multimedia to capture children's attention.
Include practical applications of the biblical lessons that children can relate to.
4. Inclusive Participation:
Encourage children to actively participate in the service through age-appropriate activities like drawing, simple discussions, or short reflections.
Incorporate opportunities for children to share their thoughts or experiences related to the message.
5. Visual and Multimedia Elements:
Use visually appealing slides, props, or multimedia presentations to enhance the message and maintain the children's interest.
Ensure that visuals are colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate.
6. Sermon Adaptation:
Condense the sermon content and present it in a way that is easy for children to understand.
Consider incorporating object lessons or real-life examples to illustrate key points.
7. Prayer Time:
Include a prayer time that is interactive and encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings.
Keep prayers concise and focused on themes that resonate with children.
8. Youth Involvement:
Involve older children or youth in leading certain segments of the service, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership. This is two fold in that it allows teens to actively participate in being the church through serving and gives the kids they are serving an attainable goal of wanting to one day do the same.
9. Fun and Fellowship:
Incorporate elements of fun and fellowship, such as games, snacks, or short breaks, to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.
Remember to continually assess and adjust based on the feedback and reactions of the children to ensure that the adapted service effectively meets their needs while resembling an adult service.
creating a vibrant kids ministry: where learning meets adventure
Welcome to the exciting world of Kids Ministry! In this blog post, we'll explore the key ingredients that make a kids ministry truly special—a place where children not only learn about faith but also have a blast doing it. Let's dive into the adventure of creating a kid’s ministry that captures the hearts and imaginations of the youngest members of our community.
Interactive Learning Spaces:
Kids love to explore, touch, and experience. Designing interactive learning spaces within the ministry engages their senses and makes learning fun. Incorporate colorful visuals, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate technology to create an environment that sparks curiosity.
Captivating Bible Stories:
Transforming biblical narratives into captivating stories brings the Scriptures to life for children. Use creative storytelling techniques, visuals, and even drama to make the stories relatable and memorable. Encourage participation and discussions to deepen their understanding.
Joyful Worship Experiences:
Kids are natural worshippers, and creating a joyful worship experience tailored to their age group is key. Include lively and age-appropriate worship songs, dance, and interactive elements to instill a sense of joy and celebration in their hearts.
Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere:
Ensure that your kids ministry is an inclusive space where every child feels welcomed and valued. Embrace diversity and create an atmosphere that celebrates each child's uniqueness. Building a strong sense of community fosters lasting friendships and positive connections.
Hands-On Activities and Crafts:
Kids love to get their hands busy! Incorporate hands-on activities and crafts related to the lesson themes. This not only reinforces the learning but also provides a creative outlet for their energy. Display their creations proudly to celebrate their efforts.
Exciting Events and Special Days:
Plan special events, themed days, and interactive workshops that make the kids look forward to attending the ministry. From holiday celebrations to mission projects, these events create lasting memories and reinforce the values taught in the ministry.
Engaging Games and Challenges:
Kids are natural adventurers, and incorporating games and challenges adds an element of excitement to the ministry. Create age-appropriate games that reinforce key lessons or values, promoting teamwork and friendly competition.
Empowering Leadership and Volunteers:
A passionate and committed team is the heartbeat of any successful kids ministry. Empower your leaders and volunteers with training, resources, and a shared vision. Their enthusiasm and dedication will be contagious, creating a positive impact on the children.
Parental Involvement and Communication:
Keep parents in the loop about what their children are learning and experiencing. Regular communication, parent workshops, and family events create a strong partnership between the ministry and families, fostering a supportive community.
Celebrating Milestones:
Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones in each child's spiritual journey. Whether it's a baptism, memorizing verses, or reaching a certain age group, recognizing their achievements reinforces their sense of belonging and accomplishment.
Building a kids ministry that children love is not just about teaching lessons; it's about creating an environment where they encounter God's love in every moment. By combining interactive learning, creative expression, and a sense of community, we can cultivate a kids ministry that not only educates but also inspires a lifelong journey of faith. Let the adventure begin!
Ministering to “Those Kids”: from a parent of one of those kids
Children's Ministry truly stands out in numerous ways. From fostering a nurturing and supportive environment to delivering engaging and educational programs, it excels in creating a positive impact on the lives of young ones. The commitment to their well-being, coupled with innovative and enjoyable activities, sets the Children's Ministry apart as a leader in providing a holistic and enriching experience for children. However, if you have been in the ministry for any time you have encountered one of “those kids.”
Let me begin by giving you my definition of what I consider to be one of “those kids.” I consider those kids to be any child that does not learn or experience the way that the majority of children do and get labeled as discipline problems because they cannot always communicate what their needs are or why they can’t understand or fulfill a task the same way as their classmates.
As an adoptive parent of 4, I am the proud parent of one of those kids. My youngest son has been diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, OCD and mild Tourette Syndrome that presents as motor tics. From an early age my son was labeled a discipline problem in public school and church classrooms alike. As a parent there were many times that I felt helpless in advocating for my child because I was walking the very fine line of trying to accommodate for his diagnosis and also not allowing him to use that same diagnosis as a crutch. As a parent I began to loathe calls from the school or being pulled aside on Sundays or Wednesdays to discuss his behavior. I prayed that when God called me into the ministry He would lead me to “Do Better” for kids like my son. Here are 5 impactful ways I try to advocate for “those kids.”
Parent Communication
Parent communication is a priority. Parents should be made aware of when a child has been redirected, experienced social struggles with conflict resolution and any other occurrence that the teacher, leader or volunteer feels necessary.
What to communicate:
What occurred without opinion or embellishment
How their child was redirected
How the child reacted to redirection if necessary
Ask for suggestions of what works at home if parent indicates the behavior is not new
What NOT to communicate:
Your suspected diagnosis
Your opinion of their parenting
Your unwillingness to see past their behavior
Also, make sure that not all of your interactions with parents of those kids are negative. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me as a mom to hear a teacher or leader brag on my son. I like to use the sandwich method. Something nice, the struggle, something nice.
2. Inclusivity Without Drawing Attention
Social struggles and feeling left out can be a major factor in a child acting out. Making classrooms safe and free of exclusion diminish outbursts or the need to “show out” out of nervousness.
Things to be aware of during class or free time.
Only call on those who want to read aloud. You have no way of knowing who struggles with forms of dyslexia, social anxiety or learning disabilities.
Assign partners to avoid clicks and exclusivity. Odd numbers does not always mean those kids are your partner.
Most, if not all kids are most productive when given a job.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
Take mental or written notes of situations or activities that seem to encourage best behaviors or classroom etiquette and those that seem to escalate unwanted behaviors.
Examples: Brian really responds well when we have organized play as opposed to free play, or Emily does not respond well to loud chaotic environments.
4. Child Communication
Be straightforward with what is expected of the child and avoid using language that leaves room for ambiguity. Kids are smart and they know how to read adults better than most of us think. I am reminded of a specific example with my son when he was in first grade. He was in a class with a first year teacher and she was very soft spoken and wanted to nurture my son through all of his inappropriate conduct. He saw those particular character traits as loopholes.
At home my son was expected to have good behavior and when he exhibited undesirable behavior there were consequences. If I communicated to him that he did not stop picking on his little sister or destroying furniture in his room there would be a consequence then I held to that.
At school however he would display disruptive behavior and because the teacher had 18 other students who were not being disruptive to teach, my son would be sent to the office where he would escalate into a fit, I would be called to come to the school and by the time i arrived he would be sitting there smiling with a sucker. While I understand that public schools hands are tied when it comes to discipline, these particular actions were training my son to exhibit bad behavior and receive a reward. I say all of that to simply say this; be concise in your expectations across the board of what you expect while a child is in your care and follow through with consequences.
5. Love Them
Expressing love towards a child can manifest in different ways. Children know love through compassion as well as they know it through discipline. A child that is shown love regularly tends to reciprocate that. A child that is labeled and shown distrust regularly tends to want to over-prove their labels or lack of labels by acting out.
For as long as I have been in ministry I have gravitated towards “those kids.” They hold a special place in my heart. Most likely because I am the parent of one of “those kids,” but perhaps partially because I was one of “those kids.”
Sensory Sanctuaries: A Hands-On Kids ministry experIENCE
Welcome to a groundbreaking approach to kid’s ministry—where learning isn't just seen and heard but also touched and felt. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of creating sensory sanctuaries that provide a tangible and immersive experience for children, fostering a deep connection with their faith journey.
Tactile Teaching Tools:
Infuse the learning environment with a variety of tactile teaching tools. Incorporate textured surfaces, soft fabrics, and hands-on materials that invite children to touch and explore. This multisensory approach enhances engagement and helps reinforce key concepts.
Interactive Storytelling Stations:
Transform Bible storytelling into an interactive journey. Create storytelling stations with props, costumes, and sensory elements that allow children to physically engage with the narratives. For instance, let them feel different textures representing elements from the stories.
Sensory Prayer Corners:
Design prayer corners that appeal to the senses. Include scented candles, prayer stones, or textured prayer mats. Encourage children to touch, smell, and feel as they connect with their spiritual side in a tangible and personal way.
Aromatic Worship Experiences:
Enhance worship sessions with aromatic elements. Consider using essential oils, incense, or scented playdough to create a multisensory worship environment. Certain scents can be associated with different aspects of worship, making the experience more memorable.
Messy Art and Craft Stations:
Embrace the messiness of creativity! Set up art and craft stations that allow children to get their hands dirty. Finger painting, clay modeling, and other messy activities not only stimulate creativity but also provide a hands-on approach to expressing faith.
Nature-Inspired Learning:
Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating nature-inspired elements. Use natural materials like leaves, twigs, or stones in crafts. Create sensory bins filled with sand, soil, or water to evoke the sensation of being in nature while learning about God's creation.
Sensory Scripture Exploration:
Explore scriptures through touch and feel. Create textured scripture cards or tactile books that allow children to run their fingers over words and images. This approach reinforces memory retention and provides a unique way to engage with biblical texts.
Sound and Rhythm Workshops:
Introduce sound and rhythm workshops where children can explore musical instruments, create rhythms, and participate in sensory-rich musical experiences. Connecting faith with music enhances the emotional and spiritual impact of the lessons.
Kinetic Learning Zones:
Develop kinetic learning zones where movement is encouraged. Incorporate activities like yoga, dance, or even simple stretching exercises into the lessons. Physical movement enhances engagement and creates a holistic learning experience.
Garden of Gratitude:
Cultivate a "Garden of Gratitude" where children can plant and nurture seeds, connecting the growth of plants with the idea of nurturing their faith. As they witness the tangible growth, it becomes a living metaphor for their spiritual journey.
A sensory sanctuary in kids ministry invites children to engage with their faith on a whole new level—touching, feeling, and experiencing the teachings in a tangible way. By incorporating tactile elements into the learning environment, we create a space where every child can connect with their faith journey in a deeply personal and memorable manner. It's not just a lesson; it's an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact on young hearts and minds.
How to recruit and retain volunteers
Children’s ministry is unlike most other core church ministries. Not just anyone can step into that role and be successful or beneficial to the ministry. So, I am going to tell you what I have learned over the years that has helped me build and keep great volunteers in my kid’s ministry. This is just how I run my ministry at a medium size church with around 40 to 60 kids on any given regular weekly activity. I hope you can use all or even parts to make your ministry an optimized volunteer opportunity.
Advertising for the right kind of volunteer.
We never want to discourage someone from volunteering; however, we can’t just take warm bodies. It is important to get the right people in place ministering to the next generation of the Church. What has worked best for me is the direct invitation approach. Announcing from the stage or even a creatively designed slide is great but when you are fishing for a specific fish you need specific bait. You don't want volunteers that scare easily or who have zero experience with children of any age. Let’s face it, that would be like throwing steak in a lion's cage. Far be it we scar someone for life in volunteering for any ministry. Think of people in your church who fit into some of these categories.
Teachers - Current or Retired
School Employees
Preschool Workers
Vetted Babysitters
Foster and Adoptive Parents
Homeschool Parents
Active Grandparents
Responsible Older Teens
These are all great places to start because you know they will have some experience with children in some way. Search them out before or after a church service and just ask them. I have been told yes way more times than I have been turned down with this method. I usually “invite” them to be a part of our growing ministry and give some different examples of how we could use them. Let them know we use Ministry Safe for Sexual Abuse Awareness Training and back ground checks, then ask them to pray on it and get back with me next week.
Start with those but definitely don’t stop at them. A ministry friend of mine once told her youth pastor husband, “Don’t count someone out before you give them the opportunity to make the choice for themselves because then you are making the choice for them and could be costing them the opportunity for God to use them.”
2. What are you offering
Why should they volunteer in kids’ ministry rather than other ministry opportunities in the church that might be less scary or involved? Here are my top reasons why volunteering in kids ministry is the best.
Children are like sponges and watching them soak up the word of God is one of the most rewarding experiences
Being a constant good in the life of a child for one week or 12 years makes all of the work worth it.
No other ministry allows you to play games, do crafts and have snack time pretty much every time you meet.
Seeing a child get excited about coming to church.
Having a child minister to you through the love of Christ.
Being on the ground floor of teaching a child who Jesus is and how much he loves them.
Holding babies and crawling on the floor with toddlers.
3. The fish took the bait. Now what?
Set your volunteers up for success. No one likes to be unprepared when starting something new. If your new volunteer is going to be running your check in system, set aside a time when you can fully show them how all of it works. I have a laminated copy of step by step instructions that stays with our stations just in case a new volunteer gets lost or I am not available. If they will be teaching, have them shadow a current teacher. Give them plenty of time and material for what they will be doing. I like to have a gettogether to refresh and check in on volunteers twice or more a year.
Introduce them to some of your well established core volunteers. Depending on the size of your church and your ministry, new volunteers may not know anyone on your team.
4. Don’t get’em and forget’em.
They are resources and need to be taken care of, used and replenished. Kids ministry can be mentally, physically and emotionally challenging at times. Keep a check on your volunteers. Give them breaks, appreciation (in the form of cards, words of encouragement, gifts, and social events that are kidless but provide childcare for those in need) Let them know that their efforts can have eternal dividends. What they do matters and if your ministry is anything like mine it surely is not a solo act. My ministry is what it is because I have amazing volunteers.
Bonus: Here’s a link to download my printable Notes for the G.O.A.T. ‘s
5. Change up not burnout!
Burnout is one of the leading causes for volunteers leaving. As a ministry leader I never want my volunteers to get a bad taste for my ministry. Periodically ask your volunteers to fill out a survey to let you know if anyone is wanting/needing a change of age or responsibility, time off or want a change of curriculum or discuss any new ideas they have. Here is a link to mine. (Volunteers have given me some of the best ideas) If a volunteer seems burnt out before it’s survey time, pull them aside and talk. Odds are they don’t want to let you down and are trying to make it through but that can be damaging. Sometimes life happens and volunteering full time in a ministry doesn’t fit and that is okay. Take care of them now so they can and will want to volunteer again in the future when life isn’t in full tornado mode.
6. The right post for the right peep
Making sure you have the right job or post for your bag of very different volunteers is key to running a smooth ministry and keeping those volunteers happy. In my ministry I have 4 main categories that my volunteers fit into and 3 sub categories.
Weekly teaching/discipling volunteer - these are my most comfortable volunteers with the most experience and the schedule availability to be reliable on a regular basis. These volunteers are my second in command and have volunteered long enough with me to fill in pretty seamlessly at any post including mine from time to time. These volunteers definitely have their favorite place to volunteer but are the most versatile.
Rotation teaching/discipling volunteer - Like the weekly volunteers these are reliable and comfortable in their positions but they do not have the flexibility in their schedule to volunteer on a weekly basis. Their schedule is regular and these are the people who I call on first to sub for weekly teachers that are out.
Rotation secondary helper volunteers - Not every volunteer is confident enough or feels called to teach but they are great at class management. Most of these volunteers in my ministry are older teens who are learning what it means to be an active serving member of a church. Because of our Ministry Safe Guidelines and Rules these teen volunteers are not permitted to be the main leader or teacher in the class and work under one of our more seasoned adult leaders. Their responsibilities include participating during discussion as an example to the children, passing out snacks, reminding kids to stay seated and to not talk during the lesson, being an extra set of eyes and ears during play time, etc.
Tech and Check In - Again, these volunteers are on a rotation and consist of mainly older teens. These volunteers are what I like to refer to as “kid adjacent.” They do interact with the kids in a limited and minimal capacity. Our curriculum on Sunday mornings during our regular worship time has digital components. We have a computer, projector and bluetooth sound system that allows us to incorporate countdown videos, digital stage games, video bible lessons, worship and more. All of this is run by one of these volunteers. Another job that is covered by our tech volunteer is making sure our nursing room is unlocked, lowlights are on and our live stream is playing so nursing moms don’t miss any of the service. Check in is the last responsibility of a tech volunteer which simply involves checking in all returning and new kids, printing their name and pick up tags and welcoming them to the Children’s area.
Listeners - The first of the sub categories are used on an as needed basis for our mid-week service. We use the Awana Clubs program for our Wednesday nights and we have a special group of people who very simply come and listen. They listen to kids recite scripture and sign off completion when they reach goals. These volunteers are vetted the same as any and have included staff, elders and members of our over 50 ministry.
The Givers - This is the only children’s volunteer that doesn’t have to be vetted through our Ministry Safe program because their volunteering doesn’t put them in contact with children. These volunteers simply give to support our ministry. Children’s ministry can cost money and sometimes more than you have budgeted. We rely on these volunteers to give and support our ministry based on what God calls them to give. I am blessed to be at a church that has such a giving spirit. If we have a big need we just put it out to the church and these special Giver volunteers come through for us every time.
The Holders - The last of the volunteer groups but probably one of the most fun. Pretty much any vetted volunteer can do this job. Hold and rock babies in our nursery. Like other churches we go through waves of having tons of babies to few babies. This is another place where we station our older teens and our over 50 volunteers.
Volunteers are a vital part of any ministry, however they are a priceless and non-negotiable necessity for children’s ministry. Children require so much love and instruction and discipleship, how could we expect for one person to be able to provide it all. Even Jesus had peeps!
Children’s Ministry: Big, Crazy Ideas and How to make them happen
Growing up, I have always been a little “out there” when it comes to how I see and experience the world around me. My personality is loud to say the least. So much so that my family used to joke that a picture of me as a child didn’t exist without my mouth open. Since entering adulthood, raising 4 children and being called into the ministry my mother has confessed that she used to pray when I was growing up that God would somehow use my difference to glorify Him. Prayers were answered through my call to ministry, first through volunteering with teenagers and later through volunteering and eventually leadinging in children’s ministries as the Director of Children’s Ministries. (That’s my “official” title)
Volunteering in children’s ministry was unlike anything I had ever done. The Director at the time was great and I learned a ton from her with the most important thing being to just take a breath and have a plan but expect it to change. I had been volunteering for a few years when she announced that she was stepping down. Long story, wrestling with God, (He won) and a different blog later, I was hired as the new Director of Children’s Ministries at the very church that I had grown up in.
Let me just say that, as I mentioned, I learned a lot from the previous director but we were two very different people. I didn’t want to uproot a perfectly good children’s ministry for the sake of being different but I also knew that change, when prayed on and carefully planned, can be a good thing. So, I prayed and began to plan a slow transition of what the Children’s Ministry was to what I felt like God was calling the ministry and I into.
Jump forward a bit and the crazy train was rolling full steam ahead. What kind of crazy are we talking about, you ask? Let me tell you if it was out there, affordable and I could talk my pastor into it, we did it.
The Mud Pit
When I first started volunteering in the children's ministry the director came to me and asked if I thought we could do our own summer camp. We had very few options where we lived and the kids had several complaints about the camps they had previously attended. It sounded like a fun challenge and before I knew it I was answering. “Sure we can,” the words came out of my mouth before I knew what had happened. My first two camps under the previous director were great learning experiences. My first camp as the director came with some hurdles. The camp we rented was doubling in price and I didn’t want to have to charge the kids double what they had paid the year before so “camp at church” was born. I went to the pastor and asked what he thought about me having camp at the church. Let me just point out how blessed I am to have a pastor who supports my “out there” ideas. He thought it was a great idea. We would sleep in the classrooms and have worship and lessons in the sanctuary, we have plenty of land for outside recreation and I had found an option for showers through a nearby ministry with a shower trailer.
Now just to plan EVERYTHING! Theme…check, volunteers…check, speaker…check, swim time at a church members pool...check, not finding a curriculum to fit my crazy theme…check, writing my own curriculum to fit my crazy theme…check.
Now being the “out of the box” thinker that I am, I knew that if I was going to sell camp being at the church to all the kids, I was going to need some pretty amazing and crazy activities. Enter “The Mud Pit.” Our theme was “Walkabout,” as in the Australian Aboriginal walkabout. What better way to experience a “rite of passage” themed camp than mud games. Now to just convince my pastor to agree to me creating a mud pit on the land behind the church. I figured the cost of laying down a barrier, having a dump truck load of top soil brought in and keeping the ants out of it until camp could start. I tried to answer any questions that could be thrown at me and then made the appointment to meet with my pastor.
He said yes……..He said YES!
Camp was amazing that year. I had over 70 kids at that camp. Some of those kids are teenagers now and they still stop me in the hall and ask if I remember the mud pit. It was so great we revived it the next year even though it didn’t really match our theme. The point is to think BIG, think out of the box and just ask. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
You read that right. Enter our FEAR FACTOR themed winter retreat. I had stumbled upon this great curriculum that centered around conquering fear and 2 Timothy 1:7. I loved the T.V. show and wanted to base our activities around some of those ideas. We did some blind taste testing of some weird sodas, rolled the dice and put our feet in some pretty questionable concoctions and had to blindly trust our team through some blindfolded challenges. Sticking to my true form I knew I could do a better job of really making “conquering our fears” a tangible thing that the kids would forget.
If you have ever seen the show Fear Factor then you know they use Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches several different ways; everything from being buried in them to eating them. (Calm down. I didn’t feed roaches to a bunch of kids.) I did go back to the pastor and get permission to order two Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches for an object lesson (and photo ops). It needs to be said that my pastor in particular is not fond of anything creepy or crawly and I was given two very important stipulations before ordering. 1. I could only order them if they were delivered to and lived at my house before and after the event. 2. They would at no time be in the church and more importantly anywhere near his office. I love my job so these were very attainable.
A few short weeks later I received two male Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. My kids and I lovingly named them after “Men in Black” characters Edgar and Neeble. When it came time to introduce them to the kids there were obviously very different reactions. Everything from “whoa cool” to “absolutely not Mrs. Kim.”
At the end of the retreat, everyone, including some of my very reluctant adult volunteers had all posed for a picture with Edgar or Neeble and conquered a fear or two along the way.
Both of the above scenarios are big crazy ideas. Some might even say a little too crazy for their taste. So why is it important to think big and sometimes crazy? Kids today experience everything of a grand scale and are rarely impressed with or remember things that don’t jar their senses in some way. I am glad they remember crab walking through the mud pit and holding a giant hissing cockroach for a picture but more importantly I hope that when they remember those things, that the Bible truths and life applications that accompanied them come flooding back with them. I pray that God used my big, crazy idea to leave a lasting stamp of Him on their lives.