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Category: Christianity

Kidology Lab Notes: Henrietta Mears – Pioneer of Modern Sunday School and Children’s Ministry

You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. – Henrietta Mears We minister today on the shoulders of those who came before us. There are leaders who paved the way, set an example and inspire us to devote our lives to the evangelization and education of children. My mother will always be my greatest influence in children’s ministry – but a woman who had a profound impact on my mom was Henrietta Mears, and so by extension, my ministry is a continuation of the ministry soil she broke, sowed and watered. Let me tell you about her – because whether you realize it or not, you minister in her shadow as well. Children’s Ministry might not be what it is today were it not for her timeless impact. Henrietta Cornelia Mears (1890–1963) was one of the most influential Christian educators of the 20th century, shaping the future of Sunday School and profoundly impacting children’s ministry. As the founder of Gospel Light and the visionary behind Forest Home Christian Conference Center, Mears’ passion for biblical teaching and innovative methods revolutionized how churches approach education and discipleship. Her legacy continues to inspire children’s ministry leaders today,…

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The Story of Three Trees (God’s Trees)

I can still remember being the Lumberjack in the Sunday School Christmas Play and watching my mom direct the play. Her clipboard in one hand and her flashlight in the other, she guided the children through their different roles at rehearsals until the Big Night, when we performed the play for the entire church. Of course, my favorite part was the Cookie Reception after the play! Of all the plays she wrote and directed, my favorite was the one where she took the simple story of God’s Trees and transformed it into a Christmas Play. I still feel a little bad being one of the lumberjacks who cut down the trees, but in the end, each of the Three Trees did their part to point people to Jesus. That’s why it was such a special and memorable experience for me to recreate this story — as my mom told it — and create this tool for you, so that you can share it just as she did and tell the Christmas Story like few kids have heard it before. The Story of God’s Trees provides three unique methods to present this timeless tale: A Story Script for reading aloud and…

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A Church on the Corner is NOT Enough!

  We are blessed to serve in a time where many churches offer wonderful children’s ministries. We strive to make sure our ministries are safe, creative, fun, biblically sound, and attractive to the families that attend our church. We work hard to make sure our programs engage kids, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and provide a welcoming place for families who visit. But here’s the reality that we can’t ignore: 65-70% of American families never attend a Gospel-preaching church—and many of them never will. It’s easy to focus on how to improve the ministries we offer within our walls, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that being a church on the corner, no matter how wonderful, is not enough. There are children in our neighborhoods growing older every day, never hearing the life-changing message of Jesus. Research from George Barna tells us that nearly half of all people who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 13, and the likelihood of making that decision drops dramatically after age 14. If we’re waiting for families to walk through our doors, we may lose our chance to reach the children in our communities. And…

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Meet Noduh the Wise One!

Have you ever wished Yoda could lead your lessons? Everyone loves Yoda, but unfortunately, with his new age mumbo jumbo about the “Force”, he’s really not very biblically sound. Well, meet Noduh the Wise One, the puppet sage who’s here to bring biblical teaching — with a twist! Noduh is a master of wisdom, humor, and, of course, a distinctive voice that makes scripture come alive in the most unexpected ways. Noduh’s videos are more than just entertainment — they’re packed with biblical insights that make following God feel like a total “no duh!” Whether you’re looking to enrich your curriculum or just want a fun way to engage with scripture, Noduh’s got you covered. From his classic lessons to some exciting spin-offs, there’s something for everyone on Kidology.org. And if you can’t get enough of Noduh, you’re in luck! Noduh also hosts a podcast where he reads scripture in his iconic voice, making the Word of God as memorable as ever. Whether you’re listening at home, in the car, or sharing with friends, Noduh’s wisdom is always just a click away. Check out his videos, explore the curriculums, and don’t forget to tune into Noduh’s podcast. Because when it…

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Boost Your Volunteer Recruitment with the Back to School Checklist

As the fall season approaches, children’s ministry leaders across the country are preparing for a familiar challenge: the return of full classrooms. With kids heading back to school, families are settling back into familiar routines, and churches are seeing a surge in attendance as parents seek to reestablish their children’s spiritual growth alongside their academic education. This seasonal influx is exciting, but it also brings a pressing need for more volunteers.Finding creative and effective ways to recruit new helpers is crucial, especially during this busy time of year. That’s why we’ve developed a tool that can help you meet this challenge head-on: the Back to School Checklist. Introducing the Back to School Checklist Recruiting Tool The Back to School Checklist isn’t just a handy reminder for parents – it’s a powerful recruiting tool for your ministry. It’s designed to creatively engage families and encourage them to get involved in their children’s spiritual education by volunteering in your ministry. Here’s how it works: 1. Distribute the Checklist to Families: As families return to church this fall, give them a Back to School Checklist. It’s more than just a list of school supplies; it’s a guide that includes spiritual resources their children…

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