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, my mom and dad did something that I did not […]
Kids and Communion Read More »
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 moving their primary worship experiences throughout the week, making a
Unconventional Sunday School Ideas: 5 Ways to Change It Up Read More »
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 dependence is critical, especially when the kidmin is dealing with
When a KidMin Volunteer Just Isn’t Working Out Read More »
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 ministry leaders is also the most simple: Great Leaders Build Strong
3 Team-Building Tools That Keep Us Healthy Read More »
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 in mid-1700’s in England. The first Sunday schools were held
3 Things You Didn’t Know about the Start of Children’s Ministry Read More »
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!” That’s the easy part. The challenge is making meaningful memories
Creating A Memorable Fall Festival Read More »
This article was written by guest writer Amanda Brady. She interviews Marie Kuck, Founder of Nathaniel’s Hope. I remember singing a song during Sunday school as a child that began: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” The words of that song remind me that we are the same in God’s
5 Ways to Improve Ministry to Kids with Special Needs Read More »
by Amanda Brady Children’s Pastor, Amanda Brady is a guest writer for INCM. All children’s ministers cringe when they hear the word, whether it is coming from the mouth of a parent, a pastor, or some other person that just doesn’t have a clue. Come on, say it with me: childcare. Another word that gets
Teaching the Littlest Learners God’s Word Read More »
by Teresa Welch During my 15-year tenure as a children’s minister, I was proud of how much Bible content the children learned. But now I wonder if that was enough. Whether it was through Sunday school, kids worship, youth groups, or summer programs like church camp and Vacation Bible School, I knew children were learning
In Spiritual Formation: Who’s the Hero Read More »
This article was written by Yancy, a guest writer for INCM. Whether we’re 8 or 80, worship is a vital part of our connection with God. That’s why songs and music are such an important part of your VBS program as tools to connect with kids and to help connect those kids to God. It
In Worship: Making Music Matter at Your VBS Read More »
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