Home Archive by category "With Kids in Mind" (Page 6)

Category: With Kids in Mind

The Kidmin Covenant

My Kidmin Covenant 12 Commitments for a Ministry that Pleases the Lord   Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. 1. I will start each day in prayer—first for my own walk with God, then for my family, and finally for my ministry. Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning… Jesus got up… and prayed.” Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer… present your requests to God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” 2. I will be in the Word daily—first to grow spiritually, then to grow in biblical knowledge for teaching others. Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped.” Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…” 3. I will submit my daily plans to the Lord, seeking His priorities before mine so that I remain intentional. Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 3:5-6 –…

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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 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…

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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…

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