Articles

Surprised by the Gift

A few weeks ago my church started a series called, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Together we looked at the way each Gospel tells the story of Jesus. I’m always looking for striking things when I read and study God’s Word, so what stood…

Five Steps to Building Relationships

Start Simple When meeting someone new, start by simply saying “Hi.” Introduce yourself. A conversation must start somewhere and a simple hello and introduction is a good place. Sometimes people stand awkwardly in a group hoping someone will simply give them a kind word or…

Can I Pray?

Just a few hours ago, my family invited a 10-year-old girl into our home. Through Safe Families, we have opened up our home to a lot of kids over the years. Some stay for a weekend, others for weeks, one stayed for two years. But…

Allergy Management for Children in Your Care

Today’s post comes from John Dunstan, a key member of the support team at KidCheck. Allergies have increased steadily over the last fifty years1, and this increase affects your ministry. Eavesdrop on a typical conversation among a group of parents, and the issue of allergies will likely…

Your Name

In children’s ministry, your name tag is a big deal. You have to wear a name tag. It not only identifies you to visitors and your church family; it signifies you are safe. You belong here. If someone is hanging around the children’s ministry area…

Five Tips for Smiling Parents and Safe Kids

Today’s post comes from Alex Smith, the CEO of KidCheck, a data security and child safety expert, church safety team leader, and former police officer. Children’s ministry continues to face the challenge of balancing a fun, welcoming environment with today’s growing security demands. You have to…

The Power of the First Impression

Today’s post comes from Angela Lewton, the face behind the KidCheck blog and expert on the latest child safety research and trends. In children’s ministry, a parent’s first impression of the ministry is important and difficult to overcome if it’s not positive. People make either conscious or unconscious judgments…

What New Parents Want You to Know about Their First Time Leaving Their Child in Nursery

It was a little bit like walking into the dentist’s office as a little kid — nerve-wracking, unknown possible outcomes, and crying children. That’s a little dramatic, but pretty close to what I remember it felt like as new parents walking our son to nursery…

Top 10 Summer Ideas for Kidmin

Ideas fuel children’s ministry. Thanks to the Dispatch content team, we put together a list of the TOP 10 Summer Ideas for Kidmin. Check it out! Time management is your best friend in the #kidmin world. Try the 30/30 App to organize your day and…