Home Archive by category "Spiritual Growth"

Category: Spiritual Growth

Kidmin Covenant #2: The Foundation of God’s Word

I didn’t step into ministry for applause or approval, but because I was called by God to love and lead His children. That calling demands more than skill—it requires a healthy soul, daily surrender, and a deep commitment to growth. This covenant reflects my desire to be inwardly healthy so I can be outwardly fruitful. It’s a declaration that before I teach, I will listen; before I lead, I will follow; and before I serve others, I will spend time with the One I serve. These 12 commitments will guide me in pursuing a ministry that truly pleases the Lord. Covenant Commitment #2: I will be in the Word daily—first to grow spiritually, then to grow in biblical knowledge for teaching others. One of the easiest traps in children’s ministry is substituting spiritual preparation with lesson prep. We open our Bible to plan, to teach, or to create—but not always to be fed ourselves. Eventually, that leads to dry teaching and worse, a dry soul. If I’m not first filling myself with God’s Word, how can I expect to have anything of eternal value to pour into others? The Bible isn’t just a ministry tool—it’s our daily bread. “Your word…

Continue reading

Kidmin Covenant #1: The Priority of Prayer

As a children’s ministry leader, I recognize the incredible privilege and responsibility of shaping young hearts for Jesus. I cannot do this in my own strength. That’s why I commit to a daily walk with God that fuels both my personal life and public ministry. This covenant outlines the values and habits I strive to live by—rooted in Scripture, empowered by grace, and aimed at pleasing the Lord above all. My desire is to be inwardly healthy so that I can be outwardly fruitful. These 12 commitments are intentional choices to keep my heart soft, my hands diligent, and my focus faithful to Christ. Covenant Commitment #1: I will start each day in prayer—first for my own walk with God, then for my family, and finally for my ministry. Before we answer to anyone else—our boss, our team, the parents, or even the kids—we must remember who we ultimately serve: the Lord. We aren’t just clocking in for another day of tasks. We are ambassadors of the King. That’s why how we start our day matters so much. Before the emails, before the texts, before the prep—we pray. Not out of duty, but because prayer re-centers us. It reminds us…

Continue reading

GUYS ONLY – Time to UNPLUG and Reconnect!

Have you ever wanted to UNPLUG from the hectic busy pace of ministry life? That is the entire point of Yosemite Summit. It is a week where you are unplugged in every sense of the word. No computer, no e-mail, no phone calls, no work, no deadlines, no ’emergencies’, no pressure. Better than a day off spent catching up on personal things – it is a complete break for the sake of complete rest and renewal. I was once told by a very wise mentor, “Karl, you need to stop being a human doing, and learn to become a human being.” That is what Yosemite Summit is all about. It is an annual cessation of activity. Too often we confuse busyness with what God is truly seeking from us. Not that we aren’t busy doing good things! But we get so busy doing these good things that our relationship with God can grow distant, and soon God is wondering, why or who we are truly busy for. Stopping completely, once a year, is an opportunity to recalibrate. It is a time for reflection and renewal. It is not a time of evaluating ministry goals and seeking a new “ministry vision”…

Continue reading

Kidology Lab Notes: Abraham Lincoln – An Example for Today’s Children’s Ministry Leaders

Abraham Lincoln is a name that evokes respect and admiration, not just in the annals of American history, but in hearts across the world. His story is one of humble beginnings, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the value of all people. Born into poverty, Lincoln lost his mother at the tender age of nine. His access to formal education was limited, yet his hunger for knowledge was insatiable. By candlelight, he read borrowed books, teaching himself everything from law to leadership. Despite immense personal struggles and countless setbacks, he rose to become the 16th President of the United States, leading the country through its greatest moral and constitutional crisis. While much has been said about Lincoln’s presidency, his childhood and character hold timeless lessons for us, particularly as we consider how to impact the next generation through children’s ministry. Lincoln’s leadership was rooted in his focus on people — all people — especially the undervalued and underprivileged. His belief in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is a principle that resonates deeply with the mission of children’s ministry. One fascinating moment in Lincoln’s life that underscores this commitment was his visit to D. L. Moody’s…

Continue reading

Kidology Lab Notes: A Rational Faith – What I Learned from Josh McDowell

When I was in seventh grade, my dad made a decision that would profoundly shape my faith and my understanding of Christianity. He pulled me out of school for a Friday and Saturday seminar called “Six Hours with Josh,” led by evangelist and apologist Josh McDowell. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of this decision, but looking back, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My dad explained that it was crucial for me, even as a young man, to own my faith—to believe not simply because it was the faith of my parents, but because I had examined it for myself. He told me that while we come to Christ “by faith,” it is not a “blind faith,” as many critics suggest. Instead, it is a rational faith, grounded in evidence and able to withstand scrutiny. Josh McDowell’s story itself is compelling. A former atheist, he set out to disprove Christianity. However, as he investigated the claims of Jesus, he encountered evidence that changed his life. His journey of skepticism transformed into a vibrant faith, and he has spent decades sharing this transformation with others. His book More Than a Carpenter has…

Continue reading