Ministry-to-Children.com

Sunday School Rosters = Ministry To Do List

Tony — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:17:06 +0000

Sunday School Revolutionary is a blog hosted by the Kentucky Baptist Convention on the topic {you guessed it} Sunday School.

I just read the latest post and wanted to share it here. It’a full of practical help for turning your Sunday school attendance list into a ministry list. Here’s a great quote:

Revolutionary Sunday School cares for people in class and in the community. Revolutionary Sunday School desires to add more people to the enrollment and care for more people in order to love them to Jesus. What steps can you take in the next month to move your classes toward “ministry list” enrollment? What is the first or most important step? Lead boldly to care for people for whom Jesus died. Be revolutionary!

Here’s the link - Sunday School Enrollment: Attendance List or Ministry List?

How Does My Income Compare With The Global Poor?

Tony — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:45:00 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to get kids attention about global poverty. But once you can show them that American’s are super rich, it can really help them let go of the wealth idols in their life.

So, let me point out a cool web calculator. You enter your annual income and it shows where you rank among the income earners in the world. It’s a little sobering to see my skinny salary puts me in the top 2% of gloabl wealth.

Here’s the link – Global Rich List

What Is The Average Salary For Children’s Ministers?

Praise Party VBS from Abington Press for 2010

Tony — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:46:16 +0000

This is the first year I’ve taken a look at the VBS offering from Abington Press, which also produces the Cokesbury VBS theme. This year they offer a block party theme titled Praise Party. It has an urban feeling and serves churches from a more diverse background, especially historically black congregations. The tag line for Praise Party says, “Worshiping God with head, heart, hands, feet, and SOUL!”

Praise Party Daily Content

Willing Hands (Exodus 35: 4-10a, 22, 25-26; 36:2-3a) The Hebrews offer gifts to God.
Stomp (1 Chronicles 13:1-8) David and the Hebrews praise God by dancing.
Stand up Straight in Praise (Luke 13:10-17) Jesus heals a bent-over woman.
Breakthrough (Acts 16:25-34) When Paul and Silas pray and sing, a jailer’s household receives salvation.
Sing a Song (Ephesians 5:15-20) Instructions on a Spirit-filled life

My Review of Praise Party

Later this summer, I’ll take a closer look at this VBS theme and offer my opinion.

Resources for Praise Party VBS

In this section, I’ll add link out to resources that will help churches who are using Praise Party from Abington Press. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website from 2010 Abingron Press VBS. They will have decorating ideas, and other suggestions as VBS 2010 gets closer. You can also sign up for their email newsletter.
Follow Cokesbury VBS on Twitter
Read my interview with Michael Auliso from Cokesbury / Abington Press

Galactic Blast VBS from Cokesbury for 2010

Tony — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:06:04 +0000

Cokesbury has announced their VBS themes for 2010. Galactic Blast is a space themed curriculum for Vacation Bible school. The tag line says, “A Cosmic Adventure Praising God.” What sets this VBS material apart is the added environmental science elements. According to the description, cadets will “gain a new perspective on our planet Earth, and learn easy “green” earth tips they can practice at home.”

This is the first “going green” elements that I’ve seen from a major VBS publisher. Global warming, climate change and environmental awareness are issues many denominations are still ignoring. But caring for the creation is a value with good support in traditional Christian theology. I’m interested to see how they integrate these green elements into the Biblical lessons.

The official website for Galactic Blat VBS is now online. You can see daily Bible content, listen to VBS music samples, and pre-order the curriculum.

Video Announcement of Galactic Blast

Galactic Blast Daily Content

Mission 1: Creation of the Universe, Genesis 1:1-2:4
Our God is wonderful! Praise God!
Mission 2: Elijah at Mt. Horeb, 1 Kings 19:4-18
Our God is incredible! Praise God!
Mission 3: The Woman at the Well, John 4:1-42
Our God is amazing! Praise God!
Mission 4: A Blind Beggar in Jericho, Luke 18:35-43
Our God is magnificent! Praise God!
Mission 5: Two Disciples in Emmaus, Luke 24:13-32
Our God is awesome! Praise God!

My Review of Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School

I’m waiting for more information. Cokesbury will be sending me a review copy of the Galactic Blast curriculum sometime this Fall.

Resources for Cokesbury’s Galactic Blast VBS

In this section, I’ll add link out to resources that will help churches who are using Cokesbury’s Galactic Blast. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Visit the official website from Cokesbury VBS. They will have decorating ideas, and other suggestions as VBS 2010 gets closer. You can also sign up for their email newsletter.
Follow Cokesbury VBS on Twitter
Read my interview with Michael Auliso from Cokesbury / Abington Press

Music Review: To Be Like Jesus (Sovereign Grace Music)

Tony — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:05:05 +0000

Finding children’s worship music that has biblical depth and musical excellence can be a challenge. That is one reason why I was excited to learn about the new CD for kids from Sovereign Grace Music. To Be Like Jesus contains 12 worship songs about the fruits of the Spirit. The album is inspired by Galatians 5:22-23, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

You can listen to samples and order the CD on the Sovereign Grace Website. Please check it out and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Morality Rooted in the Gospel

Normally, I am cautious about children’s resources that focus on being a good person. That kind of approach can leave out the Gospel and makes right morals the goal of Christianity. “Be a good little girl and God will love you” is never the message of the Bible.

But Sovereign Grace Music is always about the Gospel, and this album is no exception. Every song on this CD points listeners back to Jesus and his cross. Consider the words from the title track:

I don’t always do what’s right

Jesus lived a perfect life

And for sins like mine He died

Teach me to obey Your Word

Help me to put others first

Holy Spirit, change my life

Theology Set To Music

I also appreciate the God-centered focus of this music. This album shows that true Christian character must be rooted in the character of God. Every song celebrates the Glory of God and several praise his specific attributes. Children will sing about God as the Creator, Provider, and Savior. They will exalt in his goodness and gracious attitude toward humanity. This music will help kids think rightly about God and grow in their love for Him.

Powerful Music That Enhances The Message

The music is excellent. The clear melody and frequent use of a children’s chorus will encourage kids to sing along. Most songs have an upbeat contemporary style, complete with a powerful bass rhythm, lead guitar, and drums. But there is variety, especially with the more contemplative songs that feature a piano accompaniment. The musical style of each song complements the lyrics.

Suggested Ways To Use This CD

I have ordered several copies of To Be Like Jesus to encourage families devotions in our church. We will also integrate a some of these songs into our regular children’s worship time during children’s church. Many older children will want to listen to this CD on their own.

Sovereign Grace Music offers discounts for church orders and does give a price break on larger orders. This is their second children’s worship CD. The first was titled Awesome God and is available on their website.

Video: Revelation Song

Tony — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:35:04 +0000

One of my favorite new worship songs is called the Revelation Song. This may be a little off topics, but I wanted to share the the video and lyrics here on our site. This might be something to show in your children’s church or Sunday school if you have time. Or you can just enjoy the Revelation Song and have some private worship time.

Revelation Song Video With Keri Jobe

The Revelation Song Lyrics

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah…

(Chorus)

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I – will – adore YOU…

(Chorus)

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

Chorus (Repeats)

The Story Behind Revelation Song: Phillips, Craig & Dean

About The Revelation Song

Keri Jobe has been singing this song at worship events for several years, but it is now getting really popular because of Phillips, Craig & Dean. The song was written by a woman from Texas named Jennie Lee Riddle. She writes about it on her MySpace blog.

How To Help Kids Memorize The Bible

Tony — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:59:17 +0000

Sometimes I’m discouraged about how few children are really being taught the Bible at home. But as a parent, I need to think about my own home first. Am I an example for my children in memorizing the Bible?

I ran across this very practical and encouraging blog post on memorizing the Bible with your kids. It gives day-by-day instructions for learning Paslm 23 with your children. There is even a cute recording of their 3 year old reciting the Psalm.

This reminded me of a very important principle: we must teach kids by our words and by our example. There are few things so powerful as a parents example in the life of their child. There is no better legacy for your kids.

If you want to help your children memorize the Bible, join them and do it together.

The New Kidology: A Great Children’s Ministry Resource Gets Even Better

Tony — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:07:57 +0000

One of my favorite Children’s Ministry websites just got a makeover. The upgraded Kidology website is now live – and Pastor Karl and company have made a great resource even better. If you are new to Kidology, it’s a membership based website that is offers practical training, creative teaching resources, and an outstanding forum. The whole thing was started by Karl Bastian, who has become the go-to guy for best practices in Children’s Ministry. His creative and entertaining personality comes out in every aspect of the site.

How I Discovered Kidology

Back in 2005 during my first weeks as a Children’s pastor, I found Kidology bookmarked all over the church’s kids ministry computer. I had been to Bible College and Seminary, but was clueless about the nuts and bolts of the ministry. The help I found kept me going, and saved me from so many mistakes. Karl (and others) took a personal interest in me, and have been a real blessing in my life.

Become A Kidologist

Now is a great time for you to discover Kidology. They have introduced some even more affordable membership plans (it was an aweseom value before and now it’s even better).

Children’s Sermons In A Sack

Kristin Charles — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:38:24 +0000

I’m not certain who first coined the idea of “Sermons in a Sack,” but if you need a break from the usual children’s sermons, this is a good alternative for summer. These kids messages in a sack are creative, interactive ways of sharing Bible lessons, scripture passages, or characteristics of God. It’s an object lesson, utilizing an object of the child’s choosing.

Typically, one child is given a brown paper lunch bag to fill with any item. The “sack” is then given to the teacher. It is the teacher’s responsibility (and challenge) to teach about God, using that particular object. Children will love the opportunity to stump the teacher! If the message is given during the regular service, adults get a pretty good kick out of this as well. Everyone appreciates a good visual; the more random, the better.

Using Children’s Sermons In A Sack

1. Introduce the concept.
Start off with a random item of your choosing in a paper bag. Use that object to teach a lesson. Remember to always end up at the cross, sharing the crux of the gospel. Be creative!

2. Select a child to be the recipient of the first paper bag.
Encourage him/her to stump the teacher with an item of their choosing. Have the child return the bag the following week.

3. If you are good on your feet, teach the object lesson utilizing the child’s item.
If not, have a second item of your own selection ready to go for the Bible lesson. Then at the end of your lesson, reveal what the child brought in as a “teaser” for the next week.

4. Distribute an empty bag to another child in order to keep the sermons going.
The whole church will look forward to this each Sunday, especially if you can do tie the object back into the Gospel story.

5. It’s always good to keep a spare “Sermon in a Sack” ready to go, in the event that the child with the bag is not present.
Being prepared will save you and the forgetful child from being embarrassed. Another option is to hand out the bag to a child during Sunday school, this means they will have to think quick with their classmates help.

Optional: Put Pastoral Staff On The Spot
If your church’s ministry will play along, have a different staff member attempt to give the children’s sermon each week. This can be a easy & fun way for the other ministers to be more involved in the children’s ministry.

Share Your Children’s Sermon Ideas?

Have you tried sermon’s in a sack? What creative objects have you utilized for teaching purposes? What are some of the most random things you have used to share the gospel?

“ABC’s of God” Sunday School Curriculum (Children Desiring God)

Tony — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:00:41 +0000

Over the last few years, our church has come to love the Sunday School curriculum from Children Desiring God. We have used their God-centered material in several formats including Sunday School, Children’s Church, Nursery, and the Wednesday night children’s ministry. I am personally very glad to promote Children Desiring God. Our kids (and Sunday School teachers) have discovered the Glory of God through this material.

The “ABC’s of God” is a 40 lesson curriculum designed for 1st – 3rd grade Sunday School. Although it can be adapted a little for age in either direction. It uses different letters to teach the character of God. The official description says:

Right thinking about God is essential for the life of faith. Using the alphabet as a framework for teaching the attributes of God, this study explores the delight that God has in Himself as the source, means, and purpose of all things. Each lesson asks and answers three key questions, “Who is God?” “What is He like?” and “How should I act toward Him?” as it presents a theology of God for children.

You Can Win The ABCs of God

This contest ended 3 July 2009 – after 498 entries it was the most popular giveaway we’ve ever done. Check the giveaway page for the latest contests.

Here is what the people from Children Desiring God have generously donated for this contest. This is everything you need for 40 weeks of Sunday School. The retail value of this giveaway is over $217.

The “ABC’s of God” Teachers kit (regular price $130)
10 student workbooks (regular price $8.75 each)

How You Can Enter

Just leave a comment below saying something like “I want to win.” For extra fun you can say why you would be excited to win. If you are new to Children Desiring God, check out the samples online and share your thoughts. I can only ship this one to US addresses. Next Friday 3 July 2009, I will randomly draw one winner for the comment section below.

First time commentators are held for my approval – usually within a few hours – after that they will display immediately. Thanks for entering!

Video “1 Timothy 4:12″ Bible Memory Song

Tony — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:46:11 +0000

Seeds Family Worship just added a new video on YouTube based on their 1 Timothy 4:12 Bible verse song. It’s based on the NIV for that scripture that reads, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Scripture Song: 1 Timothy 4:12

These Kinetic Typography videos by Seeds Family Worship are very popular with the children at our church. This might be a great learning activity for your Sunday School or Children’s Church – not to mention the way these scripture song videos could help in Family devotions.

Family Discipleship In The Summertime

Jeri Tanner — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:59:16 +0000

Summertime is a more relaxed season of the year for many families (although with vacations, baseball, and family reunions our schedules can still be hectic!) But summer is a good time to remind ourselves as parents that growth in the grace and knowledge of God doesn’t take summer breaks. The summer months present a great opportunity for Christian moms and dads to faithfully model disciplines of Bible study, prayer and fellowship to their children. Here are a few tips to help encourage parents to keep up with their family ministry:

1. Keep consistent habits of Bible study and prayer.

Summer schedules are often such that it’s easy to let things slide, but it’s good to teach our kids that God is central to our lives no matter what else is going on. Reading His word and praying together each day, whether we are at home or on vacation, models our dependence on Him to our children, and proves we practice what we preach.

2. Try to schedule vacations and other activities so that, as often as possible, you can attend your local church.

It is encouraging to pastors and congregations when members make it a priority to be present, and it shows respect for God’s command (Hebrews 10:25). We help our children when we teach them that we don’t view church attendance as “seasonal.”

3. If your family is away from home on Sunday, try to find a good church in that area to visit with.

This may seem a novel idea initially, but it is consistent with the desire to model to our children the priority of hearing God’s word preached and meeting with His people on the Lord’s day. It’s fun, and interesting, too.

4. Even when (especially when!) on the road, don’t neglect those good habits of daily Bible reading and prayer.

Making God your highest priority each day teaches your children true things about Him that words alone will not.

Share Your Summertime Family Discipleship Ideas

What are some experiences you’ve had as a family in maintaining church attendance and family Bible study and prayer over the summer months? Please share your thoughts on this topic!

LifeWay’s Route 254 Club VBS Theme

Tony — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:20:17 +0000

LifeWay has announced their VBS materials for 2010. In addition to their main Saddle Ridge Ranch theme, they offer a simple option designed for smaller churches. Route 254 is an updated version of the popular Ramblin’ Road Trip VBS theme. It features broadly graded Bible lessons that fit well in smaller Vacation Bible School settings, or in evangelistic Backyard Bible Clubs. Churches who use Club VBS for 2010 will go on a wild cross-country adventure from the nation’s capital to Southern California on Route 254.

The VBS scripture is Psalm 2:54, “Make Your ways known to me, LORD; teach me Your paths.” (HCSB) The VBS motto is , “Know! Follow! Choose God’s Way!”

Resources For Route 254 VBS

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use LifeWay’s Route 254 VBS theme. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.

Official LifeWay VBS blog
LifeWay VBS community website
LifeWay’s Route 254 VBS official website

LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS Theme

Tony — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:09:09 +0000

After several weeks of hints and teaser videos, LifeWay has announced their VBS themes for 2010. Their main theme is a Western VBS curriculum called “Saddle Ridge Range” and includes all the expected cowboy, rodeo, and Southwestern elements. The key verse is James 1:5, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” (HCSB) And the VBS motto is “Need Answers? Ask God!”

One interesting note, their website positions this as “an evangelistic VBS.” This is the first time I’ve noticed that in the marketing. This might be a good approach for LifeWay to set it’s VBS apart from others. Most curriculum publishers seem to be shying away from the evangelistic component of Vacation Bible School.

They have the official website for Saddle Ridge Ranch online. It has the theme song available for download. After my first listen, I liked it. Expect more information later this summer. You can also read the news release on LifeWay’s website.

My Review of Saddle Ridge Ranch Vacation Bible School

I’m waiting for more information, but check back later this summer for my detailed opinion and review of this Vacation Bible School curriculum.

Resources For LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS

In this section, I’ll add links and resources that will help churches who choose to use LifeWay’s Saddle Ridge Ranch theme. If you know of more resources, leave a note in the comment section below.