It was a very tough time for me. I was planning my first church-wide intergenerational event and it looked like there were still about 5,000 details to figure out, and our registration was nearly twice what I had anticipated. The year was 2001, and my church had absolutely no idea how afraid I was! Feeling … Continue Reading
“Redemption” and “salvation” are two words which many unbelievers and even Christians throw around interchangeably, supposing that they both refer to the same concept: that God makes it possible for us to go to heaven. In reality, although they are related, there is a crucial difference between the two. “Redemption” refers to undoing the effects … Continue Reading
“I’m stuck.” “I used to love setting up the fall programs for children and their parents. Last year it was so much work getting folks on board, and even though the events turned out well, I feel like I missed the beautiful parts of them, and once they were over, I felt dry and almost … Continue Reading
If you’ve ever been the “new kid” at a school or church, you probably remember butterflies in your stomach as you walked into the class. Being in a new situation where you don’t know anyone can feel scary and unsettling. Sometimes as Sunday school teachers and leaders, we can forget what “being the new kid” … Continue Reading
“We wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:21) Every Sunday School teacher wants to help her students see Jesus’ love and care for them as their Savior. But every child is different. So what is the best way to reach out to your students? How do you encourage other teachers? Here are four books that every … Continue Reading
Do you remember the popular clothing line, Garanimals®? This innovative children’s clothing company designed their clothes in a way that would help children learn to dress themselves with shirts and pants that match. With a variety of matching tops and bottoms in a set, children could pick from their wardrobe without parents worrying that they … Continue Reading
Sunday morning will be here before you know it, and that means you’ve got to find a way to engage your students. Teaching your children the Word of God and sharing the Gospel with them is undoubtedly your goal. Yet, some sort of crafts, games, and activities need to be incorporated, lest your students decide … Continue Reading
I don’t sing well enough to lead singing. I never could play guitar and sing with kids at the same time. My tortured instrumental teachers and generous musical friends identify my piano and guitar skills as “rudimentary.” This lack of musical skills might have killed my hope to serve as a Director of Christian Education. … Continue Reading
School-supply aisles are packed, heads are sporting new coifs, and pools are advertising their last few weeks of the swimming season. It’s that time of year! A new class in school often means a new class in Sunday School as well—or at least a time to regroup and get ready for a new season of … Continue Reading
Evaluating Sunday School Materials As shared in the first post about evaluating Sunday School materials, curriculum is a key ingredient in the recipe for a good Sunday School. This post offers additional theological guidelines that pastors and other congregational leaders should use in discerning whether or not to utilize a particular curriculum in the Lutheran Sunday … Continue Reading
