Get Off the Stage: Teach from the Heart, Not Just the Platform Authority impresses; authenticity impacts. Learn the secret of connecting eye-to-eye with kids. This Secret of Excellent Kid Communicators is something I rarely see. For those in small ministries, it may not seem immediately relevant—maybe you’re in a room with no stage at all, just a circle of kids and a worn carpet. But trust me, this principle is universal. Whether you’re speaking to a crowd of hundreds or sitting with a handful of wiggly kids on the floor, the key is the same: connection over performance. When you’re on stage, you have authority. But when you’re among the kids, you have authenticity. And while authority can command respect, authenticity captures hearts. Over the years, whether leading ministries of 10 or 100+, one of my favorite and most impactful habits has been to step off the stage—literally. I sit among the kids during worship or videos. Sometimes I just plop down beside a child during a game or activity. The effect is immediate. I’ve seen children’s eyes light up as if someone famous just chose them to sit with. I once overheard a little boy run up to his mom…

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Feelings drive memory — discover how experiences anchor God’s truth deeper than any lecture. Want to make your teaching unforgettable? Then stop aiming only for the head — and aim for the heart. Kids remember what they feel. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”— Psalm 34:8 How many books have you read? How many movies or TV shows have you watched? Countless, right? But which ones do you remember? Without a doubt, it’s the ones that moved you emotionally — the ones that made you cry, laugh, sit on the edge of your seat… or maybe even scream if you’re one of those “scary movie” people. (Not me!) We remember what we experience, not just what we hear. We’ve already talked about creating surprises and involving kids in your lessons. Those are powerful — but now it’s time to go even deeper. The most Excellent Kid Communicators create emotional experiences that help kids feel the truth of a lesson — through wonder, amazement, laughter, challenge, even discomfort. “They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Carl W. Buehner Sometimes you’ll…

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Get Them Involved: Don’t Just Talk — Engage! Learning sticks best when kids move, participate, and experience the truth for themselves. Want kids to remember your lesson long after Sunday? Then stop aiming for their ears — and start aiming for their hands, feet, hearts, and imaginations. There’s an old idea — often presented in various charts and pyramids — that says people remember more of what they do than what they simply hear or see. While the exact percentages vary (and aren’t always grounded in research), the underlying truth is rock solid: passive listening leads to forgetfulness, but active participation creates lasting learning. In kids ministry, this truth couldn’t be more important. If your teaching style is mostly “sit still and listen,” you’re not just missing an opportunity — you’re missing the point. Even adding visuals on a screen isn’t enough. Sure, it enhances your message, but what kids really need is to be brought into the experience. I want to get kids out of their seats, involved with their hands, laughing, thinking, solving, moving, and most of all — engaging. Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and…

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