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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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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Make Table Talkers a Part of Your 2025 Family Ministry Strategy!

  In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for meaningful family moments around the table seems nearly impossible. Between school, sports, work, and tech distractions, many families struggle to connect — not only with each other but also with God’s Word. That’s why Kidology.org created Family Table Talkers, an easy-to-use, reproducible tool designed to help families disconnect from their screens and reconnect with each other and God. These conversation starters are perfect for busy families who may not have the time for daily devotions but still want to make mealtime matter.   Each month, your Family Table Talker provides a theme, a motto, a memory verse, goofy games, chat prompts to foster fun and faith-filled discussions, and even a family challenge to put their faith into action. With over 40 different topics to choose from, ministry leaders can easily align them with their curriculum or seasonal focuses. Plus, All Access Members can download the current Table Talker for FREE each month! Whether you’re looking to kickstart family conversations or give them a practical way to incorporate spiritual growth into everyday life, Table Talkers are the perfect solution. Families will love the simple, engaging format that turns ordinary meals into moments of…

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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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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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