Since I began the children's church ministry website in October 2006, I have received hundreds of questions from children's ministry workers all over the world. I strive to answer each question personally and quickly, and I thought I would share some of the commonly asked questions and answers with all of my subscribers.

May 20, 2008

Issue #4

1. Children's Ministry Questions & Answers

2. How To Submit a Question

3. Surprise Announcement!

Children's Ministry Questions & Answers

Do you have a suggested schedule for the midweek Bible Study hour like you have for Children's Church?

My husband and I don't currently participate in our church's Wednesday night children's ministry, but I believe that a program such as Master Club or Kings Kids would serve you well.

If those are out of your budget, I would suggest that you simply use the same schedule format that we use on Sunday morning and that is suggested on our website. You can always switch things up a bit and include more resources such as videos, puppets, and skits. You might also provide a time of refreshments for the kids.

I am a children's pastor who is working on developing a short and brief set of information on keeping children safe at the same time knowing what the right discipline would be to use with children in a church setting. Do you have any information that you could email that would help train children's workers for ministry?

I think it's tremendous that you are implementing procedures that will increase the safety of the children and workers in your ministry. I would say that the best place to go for information along these lines in Christian Law Association. I had the privilege of interviewing one of their attorneys last year, and you are welcome to read that interview in my newsletter archives. Simply go to the "Free Newsletter" link on my nav bar and then click on "View Back Issues of the Children's Church Treasure Chest." The July 2007 issue is the one with the CLA interview.

I am a Sunday School teacher...my class ages are 2 years to 8 years, quite a span, but we are having a very difficult time getting anyone to help myself and the pastor's wife. Any suggestions on how to confront our congregation for help?

I can certainly relate to your frustrations; we have been in your shoes MANY times! My husband and I are currently the only ones in our congregation of 100-200 that have any interest in participating in the children's church ministry. Even recently when I had a baby, my husband worked the ministry one Sunday without help; and the following week I was right back in there, newborn in tow. I've had similar situations at other churches.

While it is a shame that more are not interested in this tremendous opportunity of service for our Lord and His precious children, praise Him that He has called and enabled US! Don't worry about the others ~ just give Him your best, and He will keep His promise to supply all your need. God bless you, and don't hesitate to contact us any time!

I have been involved with Children's ministry for a long time. My husband now has a new church, most of the people are retired or are only here for the summer and leave during the winter. What suggestion could you give me as I can go 4 to 5 weeks without children, then all of a sudden I get 6 to 7 children all various ages at once, then we don't see them until they come to see grandma and grandpa again. Any ideas? So there is no consistency. I am unable to go from one lesson to another and build on it. Once or twice that's its. Thanks. P.S. I've started going along with holidays because that when they usually visit, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day, Christmas, Easter, President's Day. Thanks again and God bless you and your ideas and thoughts, they are a big help.

You do have a bit of a challenge with your ministry, but nothing that isn't simple to overcome and work around.

Number one, I'd advise you to work hard and build your children's church with permanent members. I'm sure there are *some* children who live there year round. Hit the streets, look for bikes and toys outside, and reach kids. Don't let up until you've built a good core (and then still don't let up!). Don't let your circumstance become your excuse.

Number two, until you have a group of faithful kids, just focus on individual lessons rather than series or campaigns. I recommend www.fishersofkids.com for such lessons; or if you have a budget, you could purchase individual lessons from CEF.

Don't get discouraged, and don't give up. Make the best of what you have, sink your heart into it, and make a difference to children. Those kids who have the unstable lives of going back and forth between parents, grandparents, and whoever else need it the most!

How To Submit a Question

Surprise Announcement!

I am about to complete Volume One of "Four Weeks of Children's Church," an all inclusive e-book with every single detail that you would need to conduct children's church for an entire month, from the schedule to the detailed game instructions to the whole entire lesson completely outlined for you. We are talking seriously WAY more detail than anything that is currently on the website. I am devoting literally hours to this project, trying to remember that average workers do not have the background and closet full of materials that I personally have access to. I am very excited about launching the finished product and hope to have it available by June 30! So please stay tuned!

I hope you gleaned some good ideas from this publication! You can find more helpful FREE info at www.childrens-church-ministry.com , as well as photographs and summaries of the weekly and quarterly activities in our personal ministry.

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