This post was guest-written by Kayla Smith from Reach Hurting Kids Institute. “Big feelings don’t last forever!” My nephew, Noah, spoke these words over and over again, holding my son’s hand as he cried about his scraped knee. We had been hiking for all of five minutes when Owen fell, and naturally, it resulted in […]
Healing Hurting Hearts – Teaching Empathy to Children in the Church Read More »
The word “trauma” arises more and more often among communities invested in caring for children.
It is a heartbreaking reality of our world – two out of three kids will experience at least one traumatic event during their childhood.
These events have devastating effects on children’s minds, hearts, and spirits, leaving them feeling afraid, out-of-control, rejected, and worthless.
Helping Hurting Kids Learn and Heal From Trauma Read More »
This is the second of two articles in a series on Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry by INCM board member Kim Botto. Read the first article here. If you’ve worked with kids for any time, you’ve had “that” kid. You know who I’m talking about. The kid who brings the energy level up as soon as they
3 Practical Trauma-Informed Responses Read More »
This guest post was written by INCM board member Kim Botto. I’m often asked by children’s ministry leaders, “When is the right time to train volunteer teams on how to respond to kids who have experienced trauma?” My answer is always the same – NOW. Regardless of the size of your ministry, the church’s location,
Where to Start with Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry Read More »
This post was written by Rob Hall, Ed.D, President of Trauma Free World Melissa is a regular every week. Sunday School every Sunday morning and, more often than not, Middle School youth group on Wednesday nights. Her Grandma Ruth, who Melissa lives with, is careful to drop her off at check-in and return promptly when
The Undeniable Need for Trauma-Informed Kids Ministries Read More »
Charlottesville. I’ve been drawn repeatedly to Paul’s opening words to the church in Corinth. He writes, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV What Paul is getting at
Two Things We Can Show Children in the Aftermath of Charlottesville Read More »
by Dale Hudson Last month I shared insight about ministering to children who are fearful or anxious because of a disaster that happened somewhere else. This month I want to talk about ministering to children and families who have been directly effected by a disaster. These are tips you can share with parents and kidmin
Talk To Kids about Disaster (Part 2) Read More »
by Dale Hudson I grew up in an area of the country that has been called “Tornado Alley.” My great grandmother was once blown through the air by a tornado and thankfully survived. A tornado recently devastated the small town where my father is a pastor. The storm took the lives of some of his
Talking With Kids About Disaster (Part One) Read More »
by Dr. Scott Turansky We are Christians. We know that the heart of a person is the most important thing. We know that Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their over-emphasis on behavior while neglecting the heart (Matthew 15:8-20). But what does that mean to us in practical terms as we work with children each week?
by Jesse Joyner As children’s pastors, one way we can minister to kids is through hospital visits. Being at the hospital is usually a very frightening experience for both a child and the child’s family. Showing up in person to offer prayer and some listening ears can do wonderful things. I’ve had a few recent
Keys to an Effective Hospital Visit Read More »
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