Home Archive by category "With Kids in Mind" (Page 9)

Category: With Kids in Mind

You Are Going to CRUSH Your Next BIG Event!

Few things are as scary as being in charge of a large church event! I remember when I had just been hired at a new job and my new boss-pastor said (I think maybe jokingly?), “You’re on probation until after the first big event… last year’s event was a disaster!” Planning and managing a large church event can feel overwhelming. Between the endless details and the expectations for a successful outcome, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of endless logistics. But don’t worry — help is here! With an All Access Membership to Kidology.org, you can gain instant access to a wealth of resources, including the Ministry Management Series. One of the most valuable sessions in this series is Event Management, which breaks down the essentials of planning events that can take your ministry to the next level. Whether it’s a small in-house event or a massive community outreach, the Event Management video covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your event. It explores the critical “Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How” of event planning, giving you clear, actionable steps to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Pastor Karl often reminds leaders that…

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A Church on the Corner is NOT Enough!

  We are blessed to serve in a time where many churches offer wonderful children’s ministries. We strive to make sure our ministries are safe, creative, fun, biblically sound, and attractive to the families that attend our church. We work hard to make sure our programs engage kids, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and provide a welcoming place for families who visit. But here’s the reality that we can’t ignore: 65-70% of American families never attend a Gospel-preaching church—and many of them never will. It’s easy to focus on how to improve the ministries we offer within our walls, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that being a church on the corner, no matter how wonderful, is not enough. There are children in our neighborhoods growing older every day, never hearing the life-changing message of Jesus. Research from George Barna tells us that nearly half of all people who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 13, and the likelihood of making that decision drops dramatically after age 14. If we’re waiting for families to walk through our doors, we may lose our chance to reach the children in our communities. And…

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Keep Parents in the Loop!

  In children’s ministry, communication with parents is not just helpful—it’s critical. Parents are the primary spiritual influencers in their child’s life, and your role as a children’s ministry leader is to support, encourage, and resource them. Effective communication helps bridge the gap between church and home, allowing parents to continue faith conversations, reinforce lessons, and participate in their child’s spiritual growth. When parents are in the loop, it helps foster a partnership between the ministry and the family, creating a foundation for lasting spiritual development. However, keeping parents informed and engaged is not always easy, especially in today’s busy and distracted world. The Challenges of Communication in Today’s World Busy Schedules and Sporadic Church Attendance Parents today juggle countless responsibilities. Between work, extracurricular activities, and personal obligations, many families are stretched thin. Church attendance has become increasingly sporadic, with some families attending only once or twice a month. This inconsistent presence can make it difficult to build rapport and maintain regular communication. When parents aren’t consistently present, important announcements, event invitations, or updates can easily get missed. How People Receive Communication We live in a digital age where everyone has their preferred mode of communication. Some parents check their…

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I asked AI to Wish Me a Happy Birthday!

I asked AI to write me a Birthday Greeting. It asked me a few questions about my hobbies and interests, and then in seconds, it wrote me this poem. Not bad! What do you think? Happy Birthday, Pastor Karl, from your AI Friend! On this special day, let’s celebrate with delight, A pastor so creative, who shines Jesus’ light. With Sara by your side, the love of your life, And Luke, your son, who brings you such pride. “I am your Father,” you say with a grin, Just like Darth Vader, though your side always wins! Star Wars is your favorite, from that galaxy far, far away, But you bring it close, by quoting it every single day. Rubik’s Cubes twist, and Lego bricks click, Your mind is a puzzle, your hands are so quick. Flying your drone, high up in the sky, But it’s sharing God’s Word that makes your heart fly. A Mac guy at heart, since the very first call, On your old iPhone 1, you’ve held onto it all. The Muppets bring you joy, and Gus is your guide, Every Sunday he’s there, right by your side. Some say he’s your alter-ego, and that’s no surprise,…

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Are You Ready for the Next Crisis in Your Ministry?

In children’s ministry, crises are a guarantee. Whether it’s a sudden volunteer shortage, a last-minute program change, or an unexpected conflict, these moments can either derail your efforts or become steppingstones for growth. How you respond can make all the difference. In Pastor Karl’s seventh installment of his Ministry Management Video series, The Seven L’s of Crisis Management, he delves into seven powerful principles designed to help you not only manage crises but turn them into opportunities that strengthen your ministry. This isn’t about merely surviving the chaos—it’s about thriving in it. Karl will guide you through essential strategies that every leader needs to know. Are you prepared to lead through a crisis? Do you know how to respond quickly and effectively when issues arise? How can you learn from each crisis to prevent future ones? These are just a few of the critical questions Karl addresses in this video. One of the key takeaways from this session is the importance of maintaining a Christ-centered approach, even in the most challenging situations. You’ll discover how to keep your focus on what truly matters — building people up, fostering unity, and ultimately making disciples—even when everything around you seems to be…

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