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Category: Teaching

Supporting Kids with Special Needs in Your Children’s Ministry

Every week in our children’s ministry, we are entrusted with the incredible privilege of loving and leading God’s precious children. Each one is uniquely created by God, and every child matters. Jesus made that clear when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). At The Outpost, our goal is for every child to feel safe, loved, and welcomed — and that includes those who may need a little extra care and support due to special needs or behavior challenges. But as any leader knows, inclusion also comes with complexity. Sometimes the needs of one child can unintentionally disrupt the experience for others. That’s why I created a short, practical guide for my volunteers to help them navigate these situations with wisdom, patience, and compassion. The goal is to empower leaders to care for children with special needs while still maintaining an engaging environment for the entire group. It also reinforces important safety guidelines to protect both the child and the adult in every scenario. This guide includes helpful tips on how to handle disruptions, utilize sensory tools, and provide redirection in…

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The IF ONLY’s of Kids Ministry

  Let’s be honest. Kids Ministry is TOUGH. Yes, it is full of joy, but it seems equally loaded with challenges. There are moments of laughter, life-changing conversations, and the privilege of guiding kids toward Jesus. But there are also long days, unexpected hurdles, and seasons where things don’t go the way we hoped. And if we’re honest, in those tough moments, it’s easy to slip into ‘If only…’ thinking. If only I had more money… If only I had more workers… If only I had more support from parents… If only I had more space… If only my pastor understood kids’ ministry better… If only I had more time… If only I had better resources… If only the culture wasn’t so against us… If only kids weren’t so distracted… If only I had more energy… These thoughts creep in when we feel like we’re not measuring up, when we’re stretched thin, or when we see another church that seems to have everything figured out. But here’s the problem with “If Only” thinking: it keeps us focused on what we don’t have rather than what we do. The Trap of “If Only” Thinking It’s easy to believe that if we…

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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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The Story of Kidology Continues in 2025!

The Story of Kidology: From Internet Beginnings to a Global Ministry In 1994, the Internet was still a mystery to most people. There was no eBay, PayPal, YouTube, or Google, and Amazon had just barely launched. It was that year during Christmas break while discipling a tech-savvy kid that I was introduced to this new digital frontier. My first website featured a space-themed background of stars with Star Wars images and movie sound bites. Discovering Community Online My second webpage, “Kingdom Karl,” was a quirky idea for connecting people who spelled “Karl” with a “K.” To my surprise, the site attracted nine members, half from Germany! This early project opened my eyes to the internet’s global reach, even in its infancy. It was exciting to connect with others who shared my interests, and I quickly realized the internet’s potential to bring people together. As I marveled at the possibilities, I felt God nudging me to use this tool for my life’s mission: “To reach and teach as many children as possible with the Good News of God’s love and to enlist, equip, and encourage others to do the same.” Introducing: The Object Lesson Zone Inspired by my Life Mission, I…

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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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