How can your church intentionally engage with families this Advent season? This is already a high-volume, overly scheduled time of year. Even so, I would argue that the need for community relationships has never been greater. Here are a few ideas to leverage the opportunities and relationships you have with families toward a richer, more … Continue Reading
Advent is coming! Advent is coming! Do these words send you into a stress-induced fetal pose or are you more in the elf camp? Like most people, I am positioned right in the middle! With so many extras at this season of the year, is it possible to partner with parents and encourage families to … Continue Reading
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are already creating our lists. We are focused and detail-oriented, thoughtful and precise. Wait! To be sure you and I are on the same page—I’m not talking about the Thanksgiving dinner shopping list or the Christmas wish list! No, right now I am pondering the list of all of … Continue Reading
Consider the scene: Goldfish crackers, a tub of largely mismatched (read: broken) crayons, a half-used container of partially dried hand wipes, and the unmistakable smell of something vaguely sour. . . . Do you see it? What kind of space am I describing? No, NOT Pastor’s office! I’m talking about the preschool room of Sunday school kiddos at … Continue Reading
Thank you for volunteering in your church! You probably hear this all the time from the parents you work with and the staff at your church, but just in case they are running around crazy trying to handle all of the details for the week, here’s a little encouragement for you: What you do makes … Continue Reading
Your Sunday School lessons are planned, you have been praying for your sweet kiddos, and your time together with them is something you look forward to all week! Watching their eyes light up as they connect their hearts to the fact that our awesome God absolutely loves them is an epic experience! Thank you for … Continue Reading
With the school year back in session, families are constantly on the move. It can seem daunting to make time for family devotions. That’s why I wanted to share some of my favorite books that make it easy for busy families to connect with God’s Word. Search and Find Bible Stories Search and Find Bible … Continue Reading
I don’t know about you, but this particular season of the ministry year is kind of weird for me. Recently we mailed out Ministry Letters of Intent to all of our Small Group Leaders (SGLs) and volunteers. These letters allow them to each think and pray over where God is guiding them in His ministry … Continue Reading
Have you ever heard the expression, the days are long but the years are short? If you are a leader or volunteer in children’s ministry, you can relate to the truthfulness of this expression. I can vividly remember a young boy named Kevin, who was always moving as though he had a battery pack of endless energy. … Continue Reading
Take a look in your wallet. If you are like me, you likely have at least a few cards that identify you. Maybe you have a Costco card with a grainy, slightly out of focus photo that you might not have been ready to take. This card is important. It allows you entry into a … Continue Reading
