It’s often a struggle to understand, let alone teach, the freedom that we have in Christ. In the United States we enjoy a standard of living and degree of freedom unmatched in human history and unparalleled in the modern world. When one can enter a grocery store and find an entire aisle devoted to nothing … Continue Reading
As Lutherans baptize infants, it’s possible that children could pass their entire childhood before learning God’s truth about baptism during confirmation instruction. We teach God’s Word regarding baptism for the same reasons we baptize: 1) God commands that we do; 2) We need it. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all … 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
Father’s Day is fast approaching! Here are three fun activities from DADventures: Activities for Dads to Lead. Use these ideas to celebrate the dads, granddads, and other male role models in your church. Popsicle-Stick Flingers Materials: Five popsicle sticks or tongue depressors for each person. Description: Demonstrate how to make the flinger using this short video. … 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
Parables are some of the most engaging portions of Scripture and are ideal for use in the Sunday School classroom. Understanding Jesus’ purpose in teaching through parables takes us to John’s words in chapter twenty of his Gospel,”. . . but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of … Continue Reading
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25) There was a time when my clothing didn’t look very dignified to others. With a toddler and newborn in tow, spit up often adorned my shirt, and there were times I couldn’t even remember the last time I showered. No … Continue Reading
It seems that late winter and early spring afford us nothing but letdowns. Thanksgiving starts the Christmas season. With Advent our hearts gear up for the coming of Jesus! Then the decorations come down, the hymns are gone. Wait, we’ve still got New Year’s! If that’s enough to repulse the winter blahs, how about the … 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
Before you can effectively recognize your children’s ministry volunteers, it’s a good idea to ask, Why do people choose to volunteer for children’s ministry? What motivates them to serve in the first place? Small gifts are nice, and the occasional “thank-you” is appreciated, but children’s ministry volunteers really want to know they are serving God and … Continue Reading
