Kidology Lab: Tina Houser: A Creative Champion for Children’s Ministry

Tina Houser, who recently graduated to Glory on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2024, was one of the most creative and prolific content creators I have ever known. But more than that, she reflected Kidology’s mission more than anyone else I’ve known. My passion in life is to BOTH “Equip and Encourage,” those who minister to children, and that is exactly what Tina did – constantly. I can’t even count how many times Tina sent me a kind note of encouragement out of the blue. Often, as an author, I’ll ask people for a quote or endorsement of a book or resource to help promote it – but with Tina, she was constantly reaching out to me to send a compliment or word of encouragement about something I had created, posted or written. And coming from her, it always made my day!

If you didn’t know her, there is a good chance you have used one of her books. Tina Houser was a well-known and well-loved leader in the realm of children’s ministry and Christian education. She was recognized for her creative, hands-on approach to teaching the Bible to kids.

You may have run into her at the Children’s Pastor’s Conference or the KidzMatter Conference. She served KidzMatter as part of the Magazine editorial team. She has left an incredible footprint on the world of children’s ministry.

Known for her creative, hands-on approach to teaching the Bible to kids, she has left an impact that will be greatly missed. With decades of experience working with children in church and ministry settings, she earned a reputation for highly interactive lessons, served on church staffs in leadership roles, and partnered with organizations to train and equip volunteers, parents, and fellow leaders. A prolific author, Houser produced numerous books and resources that encourage engaging, memorable ways to teach the Bible—often highlighting hands-on, object-based learning, thematic lessons, and creative storytelling techniques. Among her popular titles are Unforgettable Object Lessons and Unforgettable Illustrations, along with various activity resources published by Christian publishers like Standard Publishing and Warner Press.

Tina was also a frequent speaker and workshop leader at a wide variety of conferences where she equipped and encouraged countless leaders and volunteers with practical teaching strategies, and innovative ideas for both small and large group settings and provided ways to partner with families in faith formation. A hallmark of her ministry was active learning: crafts, games, and science experiments that get kids directly involved, reinforcing her belief that children learn best when they can see, touch, and experience biblical truths for themselves. Ultimately, whether through her books, training sessions, or one-on-one consultations, Tina’s passion was always to equip local churches and families with the tools to nurture a lifelong faith in children, and she was a faithful voice encouraging intergenerational ministry models that position children to play active roles in worship, service, and community life.

If there was a single defining characteristic of Tina Houser’s life and work, it was creativity. She believed wholeheartedly in the transformative power of teaching children in ways they can connect with immediately. Rather than relying on lectures or rote memorization, Tina’s approach fostered imaginative thinking: “What can kids do, make, or see that will help them grasp spiritual truths deeply and personally?” This foundational question drove her lesson development.

Practical, hands-on activities sat at the heart of her style. She often used everyday household items—wooden spoons, balloons, plastic cups, flour, water, or even leaves and stones from outdoors—to illustrate key concepts. Whether it’s constructing a “Paul and Silas Prison” out of craft sticks or using a simple water-and-oil experiment to demonstrate how sin separates us from God, the focus of her materials is on engaging children’s senses. Her lesson plans also weave in storytelling techniques, ensuring that biblical narratives feel immediate and relevant.

I bet you could randomly visit almost any church, and if they’re doing ministry creatively, you’ll find a Tina Houser book somewhere on a bookshelf, if not near the desk of the children’s ministry leader. Countless kids have benefited from her creativity and generosity without ever knowing it. And they will continue to do so. 

A Challenge to Live and Lead Like Tina

In light of everything we can learn from Tina Houser’s life and ministry, let her example inspire you not only to adopt creative teaching methods but also to share your own insights with others. Her legacy reminds us that creativity is most powerful when it’s passed along—when we multiply our impact by equipping those around us. More importantly, follow her lead in carving out moments from your busy schedule to extend personal encouragement to someone else. Never underestimate the power of a simple email, text, or handwritten note. There are people who look up to you, admire you, and appreciate your ministry, and a few caring words can leave a lasting mark on their hearts.

Tina’s influence goes beyond her published works; she invested in people through timely gestures of kindness—reaching out with a card, a quick message, or a phone call. That genuine connection is what truly changes lives. Take a cue from the old AT&T commercials: “Reach out, reach out, and touch someone.” Think of someone who has impacted your ministry and send them a word of thanks or encouragement today. Why not do it right now? We all leave an impact through our actions and words—make sure yours is one that builds others up, just as Tina did for so many.

I will miss seeing Tina at conferences, but I am so thankful to have counted her as a friend. She made me a better pastor.

Listen to Karl’s latest podcast as he shares a special message about Tina!
You can also download a PDF of this article when you visit Kidology.org!

Because Jesus Loves Children… and leaders like Tina,

Pastor Karl Bastian
Kidology.org

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