Training — parents

Our kids are growing up in a world today that is so much different than the world we grew up in. It is a world that seems to be growing more and more evil. As well, there seems to be more persecution against Christians. Several of us who are veterans of children’s ministries have been praying and discussing ways we feel we can strengthen the walk of our kids who are living in this world. We are praying that God will give us keys for deepening the spiritual roots in our kids. My book Strong Enough to Last (which in...

It is not uncommon for children’s ministry leaders to heavily emphasize other ministry program components and avoid basic doctrine as dry and uninteresting. However, children need to be instructed in basic doctrine. Doctrine is what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, heaven, Satan, angels, and Christ’s second coming. This is basic doctrine. Purposeful teaching of doctrine can be accomplished not only through direct teaching, but can be incorporated into music, games, and other activities. Keep in mind that every denomination or church may have specific doctrine distinctives that they will also want to have taught to...

God has given us His Word to help us remember who He is and what He has done. And within His Word, we find numerous examples of God providing all kinds of reminders for His people. When the flood waters receded, God gave Noah the rainbow as a reminder of His promise never to flood the whole world again. When God rescued the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt, He told them to remember the One who had saved them by eating the same meal on the same day every year. And when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River,...

It is never too early to help children learn how to pray and provide ways for them to make their prayer life strong and meaningful. Here are some ways to engage children in prayer. Prayer Models: When Jesus’s disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He gave them what we know today as “The Lord’s Prayer.” That prayer is a great model for teaching children how to pray. Don’t hesitate to change the wording to be more meaningful to children according to their age. Our Father who is in Heaven: God in heaven, You are the Creator of...

We all want life-long faith for children. But ministry is not one-size-fits-all. Each community, congregation, and family is unique. What’s more, every child is unique. That means each map that guides the spiritual formation of a child will also be perfectly unique, even within each family. As a children’s ministry leader, I appreciate organizations that have set specific age-based outcomes for the spiritual development of children. It helps me to set a median goal for a group of kids. As a parent, looking at each child in my home, these goals have been less helpful. My firstborn not only met...