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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Kid’s Pastor Seeking Lead Pastor, Apply Today

Kid’s Pastor Seeking Lead Pastor, Apply Today By Kid’s Pastor, Karl Bastian When churches post job listings for children’s pastors, they often include detailed descriptions of the role, the expectations, and the qualities they’re looking for in their next hire. But have you ever thought about flipping the script? What if a children’s pastor could post a listing for the kind of lead pastor they’d like to work for? Let’s take a fun and insightful dive into what such a listing might look like and explore the biblical principles behind it. Position:                 Lead Pastor Job Description:        Leading and supporting a thriving children’s ministry by embodying the following qualities. Values and Prioritizes Children A kid’s pastor is looking for a lead pastor who takes Matthew 19:14 to heart: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This pastor understands that children are not just future members of the church—they are an integral part of the Body of Christ TODAY. They recognize that a church that prioritizes its children’s ministry is not only following Jesus’ example but also laying the groundwork for a vibrant, growing congregation.…

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In the heart of a hidden forest, a lone lamp post casts its soft glow, barely piercing through the mist. A wardrobe, tucked nearby, stands half-open, inviting curious adventurers to step inside. Somewhere in the distance a roar echoes — the unmistakable call of a mighty lion. High upon a hill, a castle towers in the distance, promising grand discoveries and noble quests. And just now, emerging from the wardrobe are a parent, a teacher, and a children’s pastor, each ready to embark on an Adventure of faith and discovery, guiding children through some of the greatest stories ever told. Welcome to the Narnia Curriculum Series, where you’ll journey alongside your children into the world of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. These downloadable companion studies will help you plan, organize, and teach the spiritual truths woven into these classic tales. The first stop on your adventure? The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where good battles evil in an unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Through this curriculum, kids will discover parallels to the Gospel, the power of Christ’s sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. This beloved story sets the stage for deeper biblical conversations, providing not…

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Adventure in Kids Ministry – Chapter 2

Chapters: 1 | 2 |   Chapter 2: First Sunday Behind the Curtain The morning began in stillness. Nadia pulled into the church parking lot while the sky still blushed with the first light of dawn. She parked close to the building, partly for convenience and partly because the empty lot, framed by tall oaks, felt both serene and eerie. Nadia was surprised to notice she had arrived first, even before her pastor. She stepped out of her car, holding the jangling keys the pastor had handed her earlier that week. They felt heavy—not just in weight, but in the trust they symbolized. She was now the gatekeeper of a space she’d grown to love as a member, but this was different. She unlocked the door, feeling a rush of cool air hit her face. Spring might have arrived, but the church building had yet to catch up. Inside, the church was dark and cold, but it wasn’t lifeless. Nadia moved through the hallways with purpose, flipping on lights and setting rooms to rights. Chairs were shuffled back into place, stray papers tucked into recycling bins. Evidence of shared use was everywhere. Nadia chuckled as she retrieved a stray dodgeball…

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This Isn’t Just a Great Tool… It’s the Whole Toolbox!

Ever wish there were blueprints for building a successful children’s ministry? Well, now there are! Imagine having access to time-tested plans that guide you through every aspect of ministry, whether you’re building from the ground up, remodeling ministry, or trying to make much-needed repairs. The Ultimate Toolbox for Children’s Ministry is written FOR YOU by a veteran leader who has led ministries of all sizes — from a church plant to inner-city ministry to larger suburban churches. I’ve wrestled with the same issues you face week after week, and here’s the best part — I’m still in the trenches as a full-time children’s pastor, so I deal with the challenges you are facing week-in and week-out, firsthand. I’m in the trenches with you. Enjoy this quote from the leader pictured here, who stepped into her first role in Children’s Ministry and found the Toolbox an invaluable guide. (Notice the bookmarks!) She sent me this recommendation: As someone that was new to Children’s Ministry but with a background in organizational development, I was thrilled to have had an opportunity to read Karl’s, “Ultimate Children’s Ministry Toolbox”. It’s a rare gem that seamlessly blends practical advice with theological insight. Even complex operational…

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