Children’s Ministry
How can we shape learning experiences that will empower our children to explore the Christian Faith and make it their own? How can we show them that they are valued members of the church today? This forum will be a place for us to share the joys and challenges of Christian Education. Come and join us as we share ideas and resources, ask questions, and encourage each other in this vital ministry.
You Want to Talk About What?
The word “sin” is one of those churchy words that can cause difficulties for Christian educators. To be sure the whole notion of sin and forgiveness is an important Biblical idea, but it can be a tricky concept to teach. Part of the problem is that the word is used in our liturgies and it tends to pop up in our Bible readings, but it is an umbrella term that seems to have a myriad of meanings and associations, some helpful, some awful, and some downright scary. Continue reading
Children’s ministry – Resources for Lent
he season of Lent beckons us on a journey of discipleship. The Lenten texts remind us of God’s unwavering love as we find the courage to look truthfully at ourselves and make changes. It is a time of preparation and reflection. It is also a challenging season for those of us involved in Christian Education. Some of the Lenten themes and stories are difficult, especially for younger children. How can we help them embrace the rich traditions and stories of Lent? How can we help provide an experience of Lent that will be meaningful for them? Continue reading
Some helpful video resources
Do you ever use videos in your children’s ministry? Here are a few that I have found useful. Continue reading
Christian Education and Outreach
Christian education provides us with a wonderful opportunity to help children learn how to connect belief and action. Linking instruction with mission opportunities allows young learners to experience the connection between what they are learning in church and the real world. Community is strengthened as children learn how to work together and develop their gifts. It also creates the opportunity to see God at work, as God has a way of multiplying our efforts and bringing transformation. These kinds of activities are exciting and build faith. Continue reading
What are the children hearing?
What do the children in our churches need to hear and hear often? What should we be saying to them over and over? What words would encourage and affirm them as precious children of God? Continue reading
Celebrating the season of Epiphany
Some children (and adults) will experience this time of year as a bit of an anticlimax. Christmas is over, the decorations are coming down, and now it is time to get back to the normal routines of life. One of the things we can try to convey is that Christmas may be over, but the birth of Jesus is the start of something really incredible. In the church the season of Epiphany is one of glory and wonder. It is filled with wonderful stories and rich imagery. How will you celebrate this season with the children? Continue reading
Talking about the Incarnation
At this time of the church year we have the opportunity to focus on the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. This is a challenging task for Christian educators. While most children will readily identify with the baby in a manger, they may have difficulty in grasping the more abstract concepts of the incarnation. So where do we start? How do we begin to introduce this topic with children? Continue reading
What should I say?
A helpful article “Dealing With Grief: Five Things NOT To Say And Five Things To Say In A Trauma Involving Children ” Continue reading
