Tag Archives: Educational Ministry

harnessing the wild, not taming it

Isn’t it ironic that so many adults spend time lamenting the wildness of children, trying vainly to tame them into docility at the same time they wring their hands at the quiet tameness (at least in terms of church involvement; we … Continue reading

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the benefits of free play at church

There are seasons during the year in children’s ministry where I encourage the children to enjoy a certain amount of free play. It might seem to be such a waste. Free play? At church? What about teaching them the Bible? What about teaching … Continue reading

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Bible story telling technique

I created a new (to me, maybe not to others) Bible story telling technique this morning for my older kids, grades two through six. I have two general types of kids. Those who are generally self-motivated to listen and participate and … Continue reading

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Giving Responsibility to Children in Kids Church

Recently I took a calculated risk during Kids Church. I ceded some element of control of a puppet show to four children. I asked them to do an improvisational puppet show. I explained to them that they were to provide the words for … Continue reading

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Fishers of Men

Jesus said, “Come with me. I will make you fishers of men.” After a puppet show put on by four students in PowerClub Kids, I asked all of the children last night, “What does ‘I will make you fishers of … Continue reading

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The Difference Between Choices and Mistakes

If I pick up a rock and then accidently drop it dangerously close to a friend’s foot, that is a mistake. If I pick up a rock and throw it at my friend’s foot, that is a choice, albeit a very … Continue reading

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music to my ears

The other day I tagged several friends for a note I posted on facebook. The note requested that they relate memories from the past which we shared together. Several of my friends were once in my children’s ministry years ago. As … Continue reading

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Involving Children in Worship and Learning

Today in the children’s worship hour we celebrated Jesus with dance, song, movement, puppets, prayer and play. We maintained a fast pace, alternating between the elements in a way that engaged their interest. The result was a celebratory atmosphere which … Continue reading

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Bribing Students to Get Good Grades

Greg Toppo, writer for USATODAY provides a report about how many public schools around the USA are bribing their students with cash incentives to get good grades. As his article title so succinctly puts it, Good Grades Pay Off Literally. This topic … Continue reading

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"What Would You Do?" Children’s Bible Study Series

I am in the process of writing a new children’s church Bible study series for the kids in my church. It is called, “What Would You Do?” We are working chronologically through the biblical text using key stories–some well known, … Continue reading

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