Home Archive by category "Family" (Page 2)

Category: Family

Why Patience Is One of the Greatest Leadership Skills

Patience may be one of the most overlooked leadership qualities in children’s ministry. We want quick growth. Quick results. Quick behavior improvement. Quick volunteer development. But discipleship rarely happens quickly. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that patience is part of the Fruit of the Spirit—not simply a personality trait. Patience grows as we walk closely with God. James 5:8 says: You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Patient leaders create room for growth. Kids need time to mature spiritually. Volunteers need time to build confidence. Parents need grace while navigating challenges at home. And honestly? We need patience with ourselves too. One impatient response from a leader can discourage a volunteer or embarrass a child in ways that linger longer than we realize. But patient leadership creates safety. It communicates: You matter more than your mistakes. Romans 12:12 says: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. That verse feels tailor-made for ministry leaders. Patience doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means leading with grace while trusting God to work over time. Remember: God is patient with us every single day. We have the opportunity to reflect that same patience to others. And if…

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The Best Tool for Kids Choirs!

Hey! I just discovered little JAM Sessions, and it is wonderful! I know in kids ministry, we are often looking for fresh, original, fun kids choir songs – but we also want to disciple kids and help equip families to raise kids that love Jesus! little JAM Sessions – brings it all together with fun but meaningful songs, but they go the extra mile with curriculum to help teach the Truth behind the songs! I asked it’s creator, Brenda, if I could share it with my audience, and she was delighted to offer a coupon code: KIDOLOGY for 20% OFF any 6-week series! Here is an overview of what little JAM Sessions offer: PLUS: Learn more at Little JAM Sessions – and tell Brenda I sent you!

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Leading With Joy When Ministry Gets Hard

Every ministry leader has difficult days. Low attendance. Volunteer shortages. Unexpected criticism. Tech failures five minutes before service starts. The question isn’t whether challenges will come. The real question is: What spirit will we carry into those moments? Galatians 5:22 reminds us: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Joy is not pretending everything is perfect. Biblical joy is confidence that God is still at work even when circumstances feel messy. Nehemiah 8:10 says: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. That changes how we lead. Joyful leaders create environments where volunteers feel encouraged instead of pressured. Joy brings emotional stability to a ministry team. It lowers tension, builds resilience, and reminds everyone why we serve in the first place. And peace matters too. Kids today carry far more anxiety and stress than many adults realize. A calm, peaceful leader can become a stabilizing presence in a child’s week. Philippians 4:7 says: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Ministry leaders who walk closely with God often bring peace into chaotic environments simply…

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Helping Kids Shine Their Light in a Dark World

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 see. They do not have to wait until they are older to make a difference. Right now, through their kindness, their words, and their actions, they can point people toward Jesus. We see this in Peter’s life. After failing, he was restored and went on to boldly share his faith. God used him to impact thousands. That is what God does. He takes ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways. So we help kids make it personal. Think of one person. One friend, one classmate, one neighbor. Someone they can pray for, encourage, or invite. Because shining your light…

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Pastor Karl’s Recommened Kids Bibles

Hello Parents! Pastor Karl here. I’m asked often, “Which Bible should I get my child?” Here are my recommendations for Bibles and some other tools to help your kids get excited about God’s Word! EARLY CHILDHOOD The MY AWESOME GOD Story Book Bible is ideal for parents to read the key stories of the Bible to their young children. Includes a topical index as well as helpful discussion questions to spur some spiritual conversations. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE  YOUNG ELEMENTARY As your kids start to read on their own, it’s important to get them a Bible they can read and enjoy. Please, if you want your child to learn and grow from God’s Word, don’t buy them one with tiny print, no pictures in an ancient translation. I recommend The NIrV Adventure Bible! The NIrV is the young readers edition of this fun, interactive Bible that helps children learn about what they are reading through helpful info presented throughout the Bible. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE UPPER ELEMENTARY Your preteen children can really start to master the Word of God! Here are some exciting options for them! The Action Bible is the entire Bible presented in very cool comic…

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A Mother’s Birthday Legacy

Happy Birthday, Mom Celebrating Patti Eileen Bastian: A Legacy of Faith and Joy Today marks the birthday of my incredible mom, Patti Eileen Bastian. Though cancer took her from us far too soon, (1996, age 53) her impact on my life and countless others remains immeasurable. She was not only my mom but also my first mentor and the reason I dedicated my life to children’s ministry. Her unwavering belief in my potential and her passion for making faith fun and engaging have become the foundation of my life’s work. As a young boy, I once told my mom that I wanted to be a children’s evangelist “when I grew up.” Without hesitation, she replied, “Why wait until you grow up? You can start this week!” True to her word, she helped me write my first lesson and encouraged me to turn my magic tricks into object lessons. Next, she found a puppet at a thrift store, gave it to me and suggested I use it to do announcements at our weekly kids’ club. “Harry Jinkle, my first puppet, became the first of many, sparking a love for creativity that still drives me today. Mom was a master of seeing…

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