Children’s ministry leaders talk about love constantly. Love kids. Love families. Love your team. But biblical love is far deeper than simply being nice. The Fruit of the Spirit begins with love because love shapes every other fruit. Joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the rest all flow from a heart transformed by God. Galatians 5:22 says: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And Jesus raised the bar even higher in John 13:34: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must...

I snapped the photo below of my friend Zach while hiking in Yosemite. At first glance, it looks like he’s holding up a massive boulder. His face says it all—strained, burdened, fighting to keep the weight from crushing him. Of course, He’s not really holding up the rock. The rock is holding itself up. But isn’t that exactly how ministry can feel sometimes? There are seasons when it seems like we’re carrying everything. Recruiting volunteers. Writing lessons. Scheduling teams. Solving staffing problems. Ordering supplies. Managing budgets. Answering parent emails. Training leaders. Following up with guests. Planning events. Putting out fires....

Most kids do not think of themselves as influencers. They are just trying to figure out life, friendships, and where they fit. But the truth is, every child is already influencing the people around them, whether they realize it or not. This week we are helping kids understand something simple but powerful: their life is a light, and they can shine for Jesus. Light does not have to be big to make a difference. Even a small light stands out in the dark. It guides, it reveals, and it points the way. That is the picture we want kids to...

Every child will experience hurt. Sometimes it is small, like an unkind word or being left out. Other times it runs deeper. No matter how it shows up, how a child responds to hurt will shape their relationships for years to come. This week we are helping kids understand a truth that is simple to say but often difficult to live: forgive others quickly, just as Jesus forgave you. Forgiveness does not come naturally. Our instinct is to hold on, protect ourselves, or make sure others understand how much they hurt us. But when hurt lingers, it does not just...

We live in a world that celebrates independence. Kids are constantly hearing messages like follow your heart, do what feels right, and go your own way. And if we are honest, that sounds appealing. None of us naturally lean toward obedience because it can feel restrictive or limiting. But Scripture offers a very different perspective. It reminds us that there is a right way and a wrong way, and more importantly, that the path we choose actually matters. That is why we are helping kids understand a truth that may not always be popular, but is incredibly important: obedience today...