Articles

Church Based Special Needs “Individualized Education Plans” (IEPs)

by Amy Fenton Lee Many children with special needs have an Individualized Education Plan or “IEP” in their local school systems. The purpose of this tailored plan is to create agreed upon educational goals and outline their means of achievement for a child with any…

The Building Blocks of Kids Worship

by Bob Singleton, President of God’s Kids Worship® “I’m a teacher, not a worship leader. I have no talent. I’m too shy. I can’t sing. I don’t know the motions. I barely have time to get my curriculum ready. We don’t have enough volunteers for…

Collectors: Kids Ages Six through Nine

by Karyn Henley “Sometimes we say, ‘I’m not playing with you ever again!’ But me and you say that all the time, but come back in about an hour and say, ‘Sorry.’ Besides, friends are friends and friends we’ll be forever.” – 8 year old…

What to Do with The Movers And Shakers in Your Sunday School Class?

by Jackie Mills-Fernald We all know the child who comes into class and it’s like a massive tornado just hit – things go from calm to chaos. What was a room of order has now morphed into a state of confusion. Dealing with a child…

Pregnant Pastor

by Danielle Christy Most people have been pregnant with an idea and one that is especially close to them that takes time to develop and come about. As a children’s pastor I have found myself pregnant with ideas many times but this time not only…

Focus on Leaders Encouragement Meetings

by Cindy Sanders One of the most important things you can do for your children’s ministry is to encourage the leaders that pour their lives into the boys and girls. Building relationships with them and giving them a chance to get to know each other…

Equal But Not The Same

by Alan Nelson Dr. William Damon, Stanford University professor, author of “The Moral Child” and director of the Center for Adolescence said, “The United States is the only country that values equality to the extent it does. Even though it is a good value, values…

Using Teens as Special Needs Buddies

by Amy Fenton Lee Joel Wallace, Director of Briarwood Presbyterian Church’s (Birmingham, AL) “Special Connections” Special Needs Ministry recently sat down with me to share how his church has created a tremendously successful buddy program. “Two years ago the parents of our participating children with…

Teachable Moments Make Bible Principles “MINE” for Preschoolers

by Karen Apple Definition: A teachable moment is when an abstract concept meets a real life situation. “What did you learn today at church?” Mom asks Jacob who’s safely tucked in his car seat. Mom can expect one of two answers, either “Nothing,” or “Well,…