Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody – A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children

Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody – A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children Dwight L. Moody is a name that stands tall in the history of evangelism. Known for leading immense revival meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, Moody brought tens of thousands to faith in Christ during the 19th century. His legacy includes the founding of significant institutions like the YMCA, Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Press, each a testament to his tireless devotion to spreading the Gospel. Yet, despite all his remarkable achievements, at the end of his life, Moody reflected with profound clarity: “If I had my life to live over, I would devote it entirely to the evangelization of children.” This statement holds an extraordinary challenge for children’s ministry leaders. Moody’s wisdom stems from both his personal experience and his understanding of the potential within a child’s life. Reaching children is not a steppingstone for ministry—it is the ministry. A Humble Beginning Born on February 5th, in 1837 in Northfield, Massachusetts, Moody’s childhood was marked by tragedy and hardship. His father passed away when he was just four years old, leaving the family in dire financial straits. To help support…

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Kidology Lab Notes: Corrie ten Boom – Lessons in Ministry Courage

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” – Corrie ten Boom When I was a child, one of the stories I learned in Sunday School that stuck with me for life was the story of Corrie ten Boom. I remember sitting in a circle with my classmates, listening intently as my mom shared how a seemingly ordinary woman became a hero of the faith. It wasn’t because she had superhuman strength or wealth or status, but because she trusted in God no matter the cost. Even as a young child, I was struck by her courage, her unwavering belief in doing what was right, and her incredible forgiveness. As I grew older, I came to appreciate how her story speaks directly to the challenges we face as believers, especially as leaders in children’s ministry. Corrie ten Boom’s life is one that inspires courage and faith. She was born in the Netherlands in 1892 into a Christian family. Her father, a watchmaker, taught her to love God and others. During World War II, Corrie and her family became deeply involved in the Dutch resistance, hiding Jews from the Nazis in a secret room in…

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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…

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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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