Articles

5 Ways to Invest in Volunteers (So They Invest in Kids)

Every children’s ministry relies on volunteers. I’m always wondering, “How can we invest in these people in ways to bring out their best?” I learned most of what I know from an incredible leader named Kim Gunderson. 1. Time Several years ago I was on…

Kids and Communion

I grew up going to church every Sunday with my parents. For nearly 20 years, we would sit in the same pew (second row, right side) for the 8 o’clock service. In our church context, the faith community celebrated communion once a month. Until I was 7 years old,…

Unconventional Sunday School Ideas: 5 Ways to Change It Up

1. Make it Midweek The modern family schedule is becoming more and more crowded. Many churches are looking for unique times to offer services and programming not only from a scheduling standpoint, but also to meet space issues as well. I know churches that are…

When a KidMin Volunteer Just Isn’t Working Out

I’ve met with hundreds of children’s and family ministry leaders and pastors. I’ve toured countless church buildings and Christian Education departments. I have never encountered a children’s ministry that pays everyone who serves in the ministry. Have you? Every children’s ministry depends on volunteers. That…

3 Team-Building Tools That Keep Us Healthy

At INCM, we’re committed to investing in the leaders who minister to children and families. We want to see God inspire you to great leadership—personally, professionally, and pastorally. One of the foundational truths we’ve learned over the past 30 years of training children’s and family…

3 Things You Didn’t Know about the Start of Children’s Ministry

Sometimes we take the things we see regularly for granted, forgetting the history because it is so far from where we are today. Children’s ministry has a deep but recent history. Below are three interesting facts about how children’s ministry began.1 1. Children’s ministry started…

Creating A Memorable Fall Festival

by Karen Apple Fall Festival is one of my favorite children’s ministry events. Because parents are looking for Halloween alternatives, it’s one of the best times to invite neighborhood kids to enjoy the fun. Scarecrows and hay bales illuminated with carved pumpkins shout “Fall Festival!”…

Making Special Events Rock with Jamie Statema

by Amanda Brady Children’s Pastor, Amanda Brady is a guest writer for INCM. It’s already October! Where has the year gone? Kids have gone back to school. We have made it past promotion weekend and getting all of the kids into their new rooms. We have chosen…

Articles

5 Ways to Bully-Proof Your Kids’ Social Media