Wondering which children's church curriculum would best suit your Sunday school? This resource covers a carefully selected list of the top 5 children’s curriculums. Updated for 2022. ✓ Read now!
Giving people at church a special shoutout is a great way to show your appreciation for all of your congregants. Everybody likes to feel important. And that’s because everybody is important, especially in the eyes of God. If you aren’t sharing member stories at your church, it’s time to start doing it.
Transform the way you interact with your congregation with digital signage for churches. You can utilize your digital signage solution to reach further than ever, supplying relevant information on-demand. Digital signs are a must-have. They provide your church with interesting community information boards that you can add social media broadcasts to too.
If you are looking for a new signage solution in 2022, Mac mini might be what you need. It combines the power of a desktop computer with the size of a mobile phone, making smart TVs portable and accessible. Mac mini digital signage is one solution for multiple screens, streamlining your technology while simplifying the process.
It sometimes feels like everything exists on the cloud, from our personal photos to the content we consume. Nowadays, there is no need for physical DVDs, and physical photo albums have almost become a retro kind of sentimentality. So, why should our signage solutions be any different?
Streaming sticks are the future, giving us access to more shows and movies than ever before. But as there are countless options out there, how do you know which one to choose?
October is almost upon us, which means it is nearly time for Pastor Appreciation Month! This exciting time is dedicated to sharing our gratitude for clergy members and pastors, recognizing their relentless efforts for the church. Families and visitors of the church might get a gift for their church leader, but how will the kids of your ministry get involved?
As pastors do the most for our churches and communities, having a day dedicated to their appreciation just makes sense. It’s always a good day to say “thank you” to your pastor or preacher, but this date offers a specific space dedicated to expressing our gratitude.
Pastors are the backbone of our ministries. Their commitment to God and the Bible encourage and inspire so many others, connecting Him with people everywhere. One foolproof way of showing appreciation is with a heartfelt gift to put a smile on their face by letting them know you care. Just like volunteers need to feel appreciated, so do our leaders, and these gift ideas for pastors will help them feel valued.
As the leaves begin to turn their stunning fiery shades, it only means one thing for churches – a fall festival! Choose exciting fall festival ideas for churches to ensure everyone feels joyous at your celebration. Open your church’s doors to families and friends from all corners of your community and enjoy the harvest season together.
The new school year is here, which means new friends to make, opportunities to embrace, and lessons to learn. If you are wondering how to prepare for back to school, you are in the right place. Keep reading for our top ten tips on how to get ready for back-to-school, and give your children the best start possible.
Fall is almost here, which can only mean one thing. The new school year! Kids love the feeling of having a stylish pencil case packed with new pens and pencils, a new favorite outfit, and a lunchbox to show to all their friends. Get your kids ready to learn with these essential back-to-school supplies.
Children with special needs will require special care to feel safe and supported in your ministry environment, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Follow these seven tips to get your special needs ministry up to scratch.
Build a healthy church culture at your ministry by putting the people first. Exciting opportunities and rewards are a bonus, but clear roles are a must. Follow these seven guidelines and build an effective and hardworking ministry team.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the workload at your church? The answer could be closer than you think.
Nowadays, Mac and iOS power many churches across the world. If you have ever made the switch from Android to Apple – you will know how drastic this technological shift can feel. A different style of operating system means different points to consider when selecting your church software.
Back in the day, church ministry was simple. All it required was the word of God, and people would gather wherever they could. Although disorganization was probably rife, people were happy to share moments of prayer with God together with people in their communities.
And 3 Ways To Speak Into the Lives of Your Small Group. Small groups in kids’ ministry offer a safe space for children to develop their faith. Providing a more personal environment allows young minds to explore their relationship with God by asking questions and building camaraderie with their peers.
First impressions are everything. New parents’ initial experiences of your kids’ ministry will make or break their trust in your church. If a family has an average first experience at your ministry, they may never return. But if they have an exceptional one, they may share their positive experiences far and wide with friends, family, or acquaintances.
The way the members of your church interact on your church social media adds up to create your online community. Every church wants its online community to be a vibrant place of love and support, but this isn’t always how it pans out in practice.
Kids’ ministry is far more complex than pointing youngsters in the direction of God, as it encompasses the entire family. Parents are a fundamental part of their children’s development, so you must include them in the very fabric of your ministry.
The holiday season is a time of love, laughter, and joy, but it can also be a time of disarray and chaos. As much as we enjoy them, the festivities can become shrouded in stress if we approach them unprepared. What better time to get prepared for the holiday season than months beforehand?
Meeting the Monday after a Sunday sermon at church offers the chance for reflection on how things went, keeping you guided for the coming week. Conducting regular church evaluation is an essential practice for keeping a close eye on your church culture and maximizing the success of your ministry.
Every church has programs or environments for regular worship. Nowadays, many churches are defined by their programs rather than their vision or mission. It is easy to frame almost any church program to align with your ministry strategy, but keeping it on track and relevant can be difficult. Keeping relevancy at the forefront of your strategizing is essential if you want to maximize your church’s influence in the world.
Your church is a central pillar of the community, as it acts as a safe haven for those seeking refuge and a hub for worship and prayer. As everyone is accepted in the eyes of the Lord, everyone is welcomed through church doors. Partnering with other community leaders will strengthen your church’s role in the community and widen your reach of influence.
Have you ever struggled for hours to find the movie you swore was on Netflix, only to spot it days later on Amazon Fire TV? You are not alone. Nowadays we have countless streaming services available, each with different shows and movies, and navigating through them is a chore.
Cultivating a thriving church community as it exists behind closed doors is one thing, but how do you extend those connections into the wider community? Ministry is all about helping the needy and spreading the Word of God, which requires partnership with local businesses, schools, NGOs, and more.
Partnership with families has become a buzzword in ministry circles, but making it a reality is far from easy. Most ministries find that working ahead without the parent's involvement is a far more straightforward process, but valuable connections get lost along the way.
Who shows up every week without fail? Church volunteers. Who is so generous with their time that they work tirelessly from the goodness of their hearts? Church volunteers. And who dedicates their lives to God in a way that makes a difference? Church volunteers!
You may have started your church’s social media strategy, but have you dedicated a subsection to your children’s ministry? The kids at our church are the next generation of church leaders, and including parents in the learning process complements it effectively.
Moments of ministry expansion are an exciting time where your church can extend its reach and influence. As you begin to plan your action plan and church growth strategies, you must not forget those who have been with you all along.
At the center of every church, you find its culture. Church culture is how its members experience it and reproduce its values daily – it exists within every person in your community. It is the heart and soul of a church all rolled into one.
As much as we can try and keep a positive outlook in the workplace, some issues are unavoidable. Managers can be difficult to deal with, and sometimes a clash of personalities gets in the way. When handled with grace the solution can be easy to find, and something as simple as a switch in communication style could solve the conflict.
We encounter people who are difficult to manage in every walk of life. When personalities clash and disagreements arise, handle them tactfully to minimize the impact. Finding peace in the midst of conflict is a necessary skill for dealing with difficult people, especially at church.
For many kids, returning to school in the fall is an exciting time to reconnect with friends, share news of the summer, and get back to learning. Starting the new school year with a fresh book bag, pencil case, and set of colors is a great feeling, but what about the families who can't afford flashy new accessories for their kids?
Teach your kids spiritual habits and encourage connection with God by incorporating daily devotionals into their routine. Here are our top 27 Christian books for kids.
Some churches focus on consistency so much that each campus feels like it has no personality and is simply a copy and paste of the ‘mothership.’ On the other hand, when so much distance develops, each site no longer feels like a part of the same church.
There is a lot of debate about the pros and cons of church growth, as multi-site churches don’t always go to plan. Splinters and fractures that appear between the different sites can develop into much more damaging rifts, but what if quality church management software was the missing piece to your church network puzzle?
We all know someone whose smile can light up a room and leave everyone feeling happier, but we probably also know someone who seeps negative energy and pessimism whenever they are near. The bottom line is – energy is contagious.
If your church loves an event (and we’re sure it does), planning them well is paramount. From who it’s meant to serve and who will make it happen to location, food, and funding, there are countless things to consider. If you run a multi-site church, think of this x10.
Church growth shows your ministry thriving and offers an incredible opportunity to reach more people. Expanding your community means your kids’ ministry will have to rise to the occasion too, and you guessed it — leading a multi-site kidmin team comes with its own set of challenges.
Small groups for adults at church offer a safe space for ideas to be shared, creating deep connections. They provide a unique environment for people to explore their curiosities, ask their questions, and find their way to God in a profound and meaningful way. Sunday services alone can't offer this.
Knowing the difference between being busy and being effective is essential for church leadership. Running from task to task and having a jam-packed schedule doesn’t mean anything if you rush your work or complete it to a sub-par standard. Church leadership is often overwhelming, and being a pastor is no easy feat. But did you know that simply rearranging your tasks could free up a significant amount of time in your day? We all have the same 24 hours in a day – all that differs is how we use them.
Learning how to manage your emotions is a lifelong process that even most adults could work on. Emotional intelligence training begins early in life through mirroring others, so being a good role model is vital.
Our favorite part about church social media accounts is the freedom to post snappy and quirky posts. They share more about your church than a website ever could. Swapping out long descriptions and galleries of photos for short and sweet content boosts feelings of connectedness to your church.
Flexibility and innovation are central pillars of the modern-day church. Sticking to traditions has some benefits, but is your history holding you back? Staying fresh and relevant to your community and congregants relies on a willingness to assess and adapt to new challenges and requirements.Regular pruning is a must-do process to ensure you aren’t wasting resources on that which no longer bears fruit. Often, churches feel held back from charting a course or starting a new project because attention is tied up elsewhere. Check out this blog for more tips on navigating the divine pruning process.
Children’s ministry is a process. It prepares kids for a life of Godliness through a nurturing and loving community environment. Some youngsters even stay with their church for life, citing the extended family feel of a warm and supportive environment as the reason they stayed.But a study by Lifeway Research found that 66% of church-attending teenagers drop out for at least a year in their adult life. And of that 66%, a huge 7 in 10 of them never found their way back as regular church attenders. So what went wrong?
Kids’ Ministry and Kids’ Church Are the Same Things… Right? Wrong. The differences may be subtle, but they are certainly there.
Volunteering in the church is an opportunity for growth, giving, and Godliness.
Your church's online presence is more complex than you might think. Yes, it's a place for new visitors to scope you out and a community platform for your congregation. But it is also so much more than that.
Creating task lists is rarely straightforward. More often than not, they look like chaotic scribbles of dreams, goals, and to-do’s that can feel overwhelming to even look at. But all this does is cause inaction.
For churches, volunteers make the world go around. Their generous offerings of labor are a necessary part of ministry life, without which all churches would struggle.
The summer holidays offer a unique opportunity for rest and reflection. Kids get a break from school activities to spend more time with their families, while adults enjoy the warmer weather and take vacations with friends.
Regularly working on your leadership skills is essential to benefit your church team. Those who work under strong leaders tend to feel supported and more motivated to give back to their church community.
Most people working in church leadership positions will feel lonely at one point or another. But why? Some claim that leadership is lonely no matter what industry you work in, while others claim loneliness as a church leader is something you cannot avoid.
Christianity and worship revolve around asking questions. We ask ourselves questions every day, whether through wonderment about the power of God or base-level things like “why am I here?”. Learn more through this podcast by Vanderbloemen that dives into this concept.
In today’s world, the hustle is glamorized, and burnout is considered normal, but working ourselves to the bone only draws us further from God. Dedicating a period of time to nurturing your spiritual side can do incredible things for your growth.
How you welcome your new volunteers suggests a lot about how long they will last at your ministry. Workers who join the team only to feel confused and out of their depth are far more likely to quit their roles, while on the other hand, those who are received with open arms and warmth tend to be the ones who stay.
Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life aren't built overnight. They are the rigorously practiced daily habits that encourage people to live Godly lives. As adults, it is easy to take them for granted, but for kids, getting to grips with them can be difficult.
Attempting to unwrite the age divide present in most churches is tough. The separation of children’s ministry from the rest of the church activities is deeply ingrained, and many people resist change. Most churches see them as two entirely separate entities. But this has to stop.
Is your church on the lookout for more volunteers? The answer is probably yes. Volunteer recruitment is an ongoing process, as there is no such thing as too many helping hands. "The more, the merrier" is a phrase to live by when it comes to recruiting volunteers.
Kids in high school are on the cusp of adulthood. No longer children, yet not quite mature enough to make their own life choices, this period of development is marred by internal conflict and identity struggles.
Balance is essential in every aspect of our lives, but finding the sweet spot isn’t always easy. Between family and friends, work and pleasure, discipline and fun, there is a lot to juggle. So more often than not, something falls to the wayside.
Leading through change is difficult in the best of times. When something challenges the status quo, it throws people out of their comfort zone, putting them on high alert. Attempts to guide the group to the light on the other side can face harsh criticism from the people.
As a leader, you are responsible for organizing and arranging an overall project or task. You must delegate tasks effectively to keep yourself free for the planning and logistical problems that may arise.
Teenagers aren’t always easy. Sometimes, they learn to resent and resist parents and authority figures, which draws them away from a Godly life.
A sense of vision in life gives us a feeling of purpose. It gives direction and guidance, keeping us on track to achieve what God intended. However, individual vision can only go so far. When aligned, the collective power of a church community will be unstoppable.
Is the sheer volume of church work on your hands causing you stress? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, writing a to-do list is essential. But how can you make sure you actually get stuff done? Writing a list is just step one. Actually doing it is (the much harder) step two.
Most of us like to think we are disciples of God. We follow the Word of Jesus and live according to the Bible. But is that all it takes to be a disciple? What is a disciple in today’s world? To understand, we have to look at lessons found in Scripture and the leadership within our own church communities too.
At first glance, a strategy might not be something you associate with your church at all. But when you think about it, all organizations need strong leadership and a structured plan to get anywhere in this world. Creating long-term goals and an overarching mission can make this happen for your church.
Visions from God have always inspired Christians, from biblical times to today. When the direction we are moving in isn’t clear, we pray to God and ask for guidance. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is open your mind and heart to His grace and have faith that He will lead you.
Nowadays, social media for churches is a must. They act as the first point of call for potential new attendees at your church, provide a platform for your community online and appeal to younger congregants. But while there are countless benefits to church social media, it's imperative to be aware of the downsides.
If you want the best education for the kids in your ministry, you need a curriculum strategy. Curriculum strategies are essentially an outline of the bigger picture. They keep your kids' ministry leaders on track by ensuring your students get the education they need, getting them started on the right path to a forever faith.
What do you think of when you envision a church mentor? Is it a training program for someone who wants to mature in their faith and develop a closer relationship with God? Is it a person who helps pastors stay aligned, preventing them from falling into a rut? Does it help someone who is only just discovering their relationship with God?
In an ideal world, everyone would get along. Collaboration would be easy, and community bonds would thrive. But, as we know from real life, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every person has different values, ideals, and ways of expressing themselves. Naturally, this causes conflict.
People put the most effort in when morale is high. And when it is, their effort won't even feel like work. Think about it. Have you ever had a day filled with purpose and joy that flies by in the blink of an eye? When your vision is aligned and you know your time is valued, you want to give 110% to everything you do.
Sunday services are a central element of worshiping as a Christian. But there’s something about the small group session that enhances community connection and strengthens bonds with God tenfold.
You probably set New Year's resolutions, but do you create big summer goals? If you are serious about it, self-improvement shouldn’t be saved for once a year. Re-inspire yourself to improve your church leadership skills by following a summer reading list.
Do you ever feel like you are in a constant state of exhaustion? Does everything on your plate feel like too much to handle? You could be experiencing burnout. Burnout at work takes a dangerous toll on your physical and mental health as you navigate what seems like a never-ending feeling of stress.
Recruiting volunteers for church is one thing, but cultivating strong leaders is an entirely different story. Volunteer training is easy enough when you have good leaders on your team. But where can you find these leaders in the first place?
The key to happy volunteers who work hard is no secret. If they know what their position entails, how to do it, and feel appreciated while doing it, your church volunteers will feel fulfilled while giving back. Clear communication goes a long way when creating an open and supportive environment for your volunteers.
Kids are like sponges. They absorb everything around them and learn at the speed of light. Every little thing they see impacts their beliefs, influencing their faith and relationship with God. It’s important to provide children with strong Christian role models, so they learn from example and first-hand experience.
As children grow up within the church, they achieve many incredible things. Take the chance to celebrate with them every step of the way to strengthen their faith in God and cultivate deeper community connections within the church family. Treat each child as your own, and make an effort to revel in their special moments.
Competent and consistent church leaders are the backbone of any ministry. They lead volunteers and other church workers closely, so setting a good example is essential. That is why churches must ensure the quality of their church leadership and not be afraid to ask someone to step down when needed.
Willow Creek Community Church is a multi-campus church in the Chicago area. Here’s a look at how they use Playlister in all their Kids Ministry spaces.
A testimony is a powerful thing. Most churches offer the chance for people to share their personal testimonies if they choose. Some prefer to hold them close and keep them private, while others revel in sharing theirs.
Partnering with parents has become an expected phrase in the church. Most ministries would admit to trying their hardest to create a bond between the parents of their church and the kids of their church. But if they were honest, many of those ministries would admit that it is much easier said than done.
The Bible teaches us every day. It is the sacred book through which the Holy Spirit communicates, guiding people through their lives. But some parts of the Bible hold particularly significant weight, and one of these is Acts 2.
Kids in middle school are in a unique position in their development. They are not yet affected by the rapid growing up that high school introduces, but they are usually eager and ready to think critically. Teach middle schoolers by encompassing the best of both worlds.
Settling into a new job is often overwhelming. As we navigate the new norms and workplace culture, we have to find our place within the pre-existing formation. On top of that, there is pressure to perform well, make a good impression, and make connections with co-workers too. There’s no wonder it can all feel a bit stressful sometimes.
Quitting a job is never easy. It is uncomfortable, awkward, and guilt-inducing for many people, which is why so many stay in jobs they hate for years. A little bit of workplace annoyance is normal, but if you start to dread going to work or feel helpless in your position, it is time to reconsider.
Every church needs a pastor or a preacher. The importance of having a leading figure who guides sermons and worship cannot be understated. Without a central leader, every church would risk falling into disarray.
Enthusiastic volunteers are the backbone of every church. Without them, who would help with the running of events, kids’ ministry classes, and even the church's social media accounts? As most churches cannot afford to have all of these roles manned by people in paid positions, volunteers are essential.
Do you ever feel like there just isn't enough time during a Sunday school session to really get the message across to kids? By embracing the free time that students have during their holidays, you can help to strengthen their individual bonds with God, through an engaging and exciting vacation bible school.
Bring your sermons for kids to life with fun and exciting activities to complement them. Little learners need to experience the Bible in digestible chunks, so regular sermons won’t do the trick. Instead, use kid-friendly sermon activities like object lessons that will make the central message of the sermon more relatable.
The mobilization of young people in church ministry isn’t something we consider often. As most of us have countless issues on our ministry to-do list that seem far more pressing than encouraging teens to volunteer, we can accidentally neglect the experiences of those who do. Mobilizing teens gets pushed to the wayside, and most ministries are just happy to take the volunteers they can get.
Church ministry is a dynamic and ever-changing thing, much like a living organism. To optimize the functioning of our church, we must regularly reassess, refresh, and recreate our church environment. In the same way that we take our secateurs out from the garden shed once a year to prune our rose bushes, we must do the same to our ministry programs.
Kids are a blessing. They bring a light of innocence and joy wherever they go, and they can see things in a simple, unclouded way. Children are innocent and receptive to God, and we must guide them towards Him. Bible scriptures about children focus on their sweet nature and show us that children have a special place in Jesus’s heart.
The Ten Commandments represent the moral guidebook that Christians follow. Although you can easily find the story in the Exodus section of the Bible, this version is not exactly child-friendly as it is difficult to understand. But as it is such a vital part of the Christian story, it is important to teach it to young kids as a part of their Sunday school education.
Some of the darkest moments are here to show us what is possible when we come together. When tragedy strikes, we help our neighbors and support our community to so that everyone gets through these tough times together. Crises often bring people closer to God, as He is our rock and guiding light.
Creating your first church social media strategy can feel overwhelming. With Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more to consider – where do you even start? Taking it step-by-step is the best way to break it down into manageable pieces. So, start with a plan and then execute it week by week. Easy, right?
