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Category: Discipleship

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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Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist

Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His name is synonymous with groundbreaking theories, profound discoveries, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations. However, before he became a household name as the physicist who developed the Theory of Relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, Einstein was a curious, unconventional child whose early experiences profoundly shaped his later achievements. His story not only offers insights into the development of genius but also provides valuable lessons for those who minister to children today. Could there be an “Albert Einstein” in our children’s ministries waiting for someone to nurture their potential? Einstein’s Early Life: Curiosity, Struggles, and Resilience Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. As a young child, Einstein’s intellectual gifts were not immediately apparent. In fact, he was considered a late talker, with some sources suggesting he did not speak fluently until the age of four. This delayed speech development caused concern for his parents, but it would later come to be understood as part of his unique cognitive style—one that allowed him to…

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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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The UNconference for Kid’s Pastors

Back in 2008 God gave me an idea. It was a crazy idea. But then, that’s how you know it’s from God, right? It was to create an “UNconference for Children’s Pastors.” In time, I welcomed other Christian leaders, but most were children’s pastors, because honestly, it’s one of the most challenging jobs in the Church. The title “Kid’s Pastor” sounds fun – and it is – but it’s name hides the challenges it brings. Often, it is the largest ministry of the church; overseeing the largest group of volunteers, the most hours of programming, every single week of the year (no breaks like other ministries enjoy) and often with special programming and the list could go on, but I won’t play the violins because we LOVE every minute of it. The hard reality is, burn out isn’t just common, it is standard and expected, and the average length of tenure for children’s pastors is three to five years. Many go back to being volunteers, while some quit altogether. I know, I was there. In the midst of “great success” from all ministry metrics, my soul was running on empty. I didn’t need another conference. I needed something different. If…

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