Encouragement

As we watch the babies, toddlers, and elementary school children around us we have the unique opportunity of influencing and speaking into a brand-new generation. It is a privilege to be the adults responsible to educate, guide, love, enjoy, and lead this generation as they take their significant place in history. Generation Alpha is growing up before our eyes. Born between 2010 to 2025 these kids will become the largest generation yet. Nearly 3 million Gen Alpha babies are born each week on our planet! Of our 8+ billion people on this earth, Gen Alpha will soon make up over...

With life so busy, our relationship with God sometimes seems like just another “task on our list.” Do you dedicate enough personal time with God, getting to know Him and seeking His counsel and direction? Or, an even better question is: Do you teach the importance of spending time with God to the kids you serve? I once heard a pastor say, “I have such a busy schedule today, I will have to double my quiet time with God to make sure I get everything done that I need to.” What a different mindset! Too often, we relegate our quiet...

My missionary journey started with a clothing drive and a school poster. The way my parents supported my small efforts led to a dream I am still living today, serving orphaned and vulnerable children full-time. Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin” (TLB). When encouraging children to use their gifts for others, don’t measure the size of the project, or who it will help. As Pastor Andy Stanley said, “Do for one what you wish you could do for them all.” Think about what interests your...

  Do you often wonder if it is worth the time and effort that you spend developing programs and preparing Bible lessons for teachers and children? Do you question whether you are having an impact in your ministry and if the children are even listening or learning anything? Unfortunately, today’s environment and family habits/beliefs are quite different than they were a few years ago and this can make having a successful ministry even harder. Attendance for church and children’s ministry is at an all-time low in most areas and is no longer deemed a priority. Many children would rather stay...

5 Questions I am Asking as We Prepare for the Back-to-School Season Usually, this time of year I am peppering my kids with questions. Are your backpacks still good from last year? Do you need new shoes? This year feels different. This year I am driven to cut the fluff. Who cares about backpacks and shoes? What matters is what we believe, how we will act, and who we will be in this school year. With that in mind, my questions sound a little bit more like this: 1. Where are you getting your information? When my kids come home...