Tag Archives: children’s ministry

THE VALUE OF STAYING PUT

Posted by Jan 12, 2021 children, leadership, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , ,

“We live in a world that emphasizes short-term commitments and where endurance is not a requirement.”

We’ve all been tempted to quit when the road seems all uphill and we encounter one obstacle after another. I remember one such day in my early ministry when I was walking across a college campus in a heavy rain, utterly discouraged. I had just learned that many of my credits from a California college would not be accepted in Oregon where we had moved. After a significant investment of time and finances in my education, I wondered if a college degree was really in God’s will.

My goal was to better prepare myself for the children’s ministry I was involved in and for the future, but doubts crept in each time I had setbacks that seemed beyond my control. I knew God had called me, but was there a better way? An easier way? As the rain poured down on that gloomy day, I asked the Lord if I should continue. Sometimes answers to our prayers take time, but in that very moment the answer came simply and clearly; Yes, I should continue, I was on the right path.

What I didn’t realize at the time, was the temporary setback I was experiencing was actually preparing me for future ministry. God wanted me to be ready to face the challenges ahead with faith and perseverance. but His plans for me would not come to fruition if I gave up too early. It would take years to reach my goal and God used this trying experience to teach me the value of long-term commitment.

We live in a world that emphasizes short term commitments and where endurance is not a requirement. In the church we often ask people to serve for brief periods of time because of a shortage of volunteers. Certainly, there’s a place for short-term assignments; but an effective children’s ministry can’t reach its potential based on temporary assignments alone.

We need a core of committed workers who can go the distance—and that starts with the leadership. Leaders who are building for the future, not just the urgent needs of today. If you’re in a difficult season and obstacles seem to block your vision, consider the value of staying put, spend time in prayer, and then look to the future in faith to see what God can do right where you are.

Here are some key principles to remember:

  1. A vision takes time to develop and grow to its full potential.
  2. A foundation is the most important part of the building; it takes time to get it right.
  3. God put you there for a reason. Your ministry team needs you. The children need you.
  4. You can be an example of stability and faithfulness to the families in your church. Your willingness to dig in your heels for the long term will inspire others to do the same.
  5. You’ll grow spiritually and be stronger for whatever God has for you in the future.
  6. Completing your assignment according to God’s timetable (not your own) is always best.
  7. People are following you, and will remember your example in the years to come.
  8. Your optimism for the future and a thriving children’s ministry will be contagious and spread throughout your church. Remember, its God working through you that will enable you to accomplish what seems impossible now. The One who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (I Thessalonians 5:24, NIV).

This article was written by Verda Rubottom and published by AG KIDMIN at www.kidmin.ag.org 11/21/17. A great website for teachers and leaders involved in Christian ministry.

The Value of Music in Children’s Ministries (Part 2)

Posted by Jul 26, 2019 Serving , , , ,

In my previous post we established the many benefits of using music in children’s ministry. It’s important to know that you don’t need to be a musician to take advantage of these benefits. Today there are so many ways to incorporate music into your class that weren’t possible a few years ago, and it’s easier for any teacher to implement in their planning.

Here’s just one example. I recently bought an inexpensive, portable speaker device small enough to carry in my purse to use with my iPhone and iPad to teach my class some new songs available on the internet. It provided just the volume I needed and filled my classroom with the sound of singers and a band performing the new songs. The actions of the songs could be viewed on my iPad if I wanted to teach them too. I often lead the children in singing a cappella as well, but it’s great to have the availability of ready made musical groups at my finger tips. It’s helpful to have a technical person on your teaching team to help, but if that isn’t your strength just ask a teenager and they can usually give you the technical help you need.

I like to have worship songs playing on a CD as the children come in on Sunday mornings. It sets the right tone for the morning, and sometimes they even sing along as they’re gathering at the “early bird” activity tables.

In past years, I’ve purchased visualized songs for leading children’s worship, but now I only do that occasionally because it’s so easy to make them. With the benefits of computer technology and being able to enlarge fonts and add graphics and photos to the words, we can now make attractive visuals at home quickly and easily. I keep a supply of colored paper and poster board at home to back the computer printed copies. If you’re artistic and can illustrate the songs, the kids will enjoy singing along even more!

It’s good to involve the children actively in worship as much as possible. Each week I choose volunteers to help me lead music. I involve as many as possible. Even it they don’t excel musically, they like to hold the visuals or help lead the actions to the songs. The other children participate by singing and doing the motions too.

Another way to encourage participation is to use rhythm instruments occasionally. Even older children enjoy this. Quiet, shy kids may surprise you with their enthusiasm when you bring out the instruments. Of course they will need guidance, a well chosen song, and a teacher who can keep good rhythm to make this form of worship successful for your class. Read Psalms 100 with the children before they play and then encourage everyone to join in and praise the Lord! I really believe the Lord is blessed and honored by this kind of worship!

These are just a few ideas on ways to use music in your children’s ministry. You can review my previous post, Part 1, for a more in-depth look at how valuable music is when teaching children. For years educators have known about the mental, social and emotional benefits of music for children. As Christian teachers we can add the spiritual benefits for our students! The Bible is filled with Scripture that encourages us to use music to praise the Lord!

Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

Psalm 149:1 NIV

God Bless,

Verda Rubottom

Growing in God’s Word: Helping Children Memorize Scripture

Posted by Jun 9, 2017 children, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , , , , ,

Summer is here and it’s time to review the year, and consider ways to sharpen our teaching skills for our future students. If you’re in children’s ministry, you’re probably teaching throughout the summer. But one thing  is for sure if you’re a good teacher, you’re always learning new things and looking for ways to improve your teaching!  In my last blog,  I discussed the importance of helping children memorize Scripture. Here are some practical ways to help them learn—and retain Bible verses in their long term memory.

  • Psychologists tell us that information that’s presented both visually and verbally is easiest to remember. This is why using visuals and objects when teaching children is important.  And why explaining an idea with words, and visually is especially effective. When teaching children something new, associate the new concept or information with something they already know, and build on that. For example, when teaching about baby Moses, using a doll wrapped in a blanket will help young children associate something they’re familiar with, with a new story about a baby who was protected by God.
  • Before you have children memorize Scripture, teach them the meaning of the verse. They’ll remember it longer and be able to apply it in their life (in keeping with their age and maturity).
  • Children also learn through experiences, and they remember activities more when they talk about them. The experience of working together to put the words of a memory verse in order, filling in blank spaces of a verse, or playing games that reinforce Scripture will help them memorize better. Children will look forward to your class each week if you make it interesting and fun.  Surprise them occasionally with a new game or activity that will bring enthusiasm to your Bible verse learning time.
  • Because short-term memory is very brief—only 20-30 seconds in duration according to memory experts, it will be lost unless new information is connected to your long-term memory. For example, most people can only remember a new telephone number briefly unless they write it down, repeat it, or associate it with something for recall.  Experts tell us that long-term memory comes from well-learned information, which leads us to the importance of organization and repetition
  • Well organized information is easier to learn and memorize than disorganized material presented in a haphazard way. For this reason, we should take care to teach Bible verses in a systematic way. Teaching, explaining, reviewing, and linking verses from week to week will help children retain them in their long-term memory.
  • Repetition is essential for helping children memorize new information. Once they’re familiar with the verse and its meaning, use a variety of methods to repeat and review the verse.  Do this periodically with verses they already know to reinforce them as well.

    (The above steps for teaching Scripture to children are taken from my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching) 

    In my next blog I’ll share a variety of Bible verse learning activities.

God Bless You Today!

Verda Rubottom

 

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Learning to Love God’s Word

Posted by Mar 2, 2017 children, Serving , , , , , , , ,

Every Sunday in churches across America, gleeful preschool children sing out the favorite traditional song:  “The B-i-b-l-e , yes that’s the book for me!”  It’s a familiar song to those of us who grew up in church and learned about the Bible at a young age.

But I sometimes wonder if we understand just how important it is to teach the Bible to little children today. We know from Scripture that the Apostle Paul understood how important it is.  In his letter to Timothy,  Paul reminded the young preacher of the spiritual training in his early childhood years that brought him to faith in Christ. Paul writes,  From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.2 Timothy 3:15

Like Timothy, I was blessed with a mother—and grandmothers —who taught me the great stories of the Bible and helped me learn portions of Scripture.   When I was just five years old,  my mother helped me memorize the first chapter of the book of Psalms. Although I understood some of the verses,  I didn’t understand all the words in the King James Version. I didn’t grasp much about “the seat of the scornful” or the “chaff which the wind driveth away” (Psalms 1:1 & 4). But when I was older I learned more about the meaning of those words.  As I grew, my understanding grew. And that Psalm has stayed with me throughout my adult years!

My Sunday school teachers understood the value of teaching Scripture to children too. My 5th grade teacher,  encouraged our class to learn Bible verses each week.  I took the challenge and enjoyed watching the gold stars accumulate each Sunday on the chart until at last I earned my very own Bible! It was special because of the gold edged pages and the golden zipper with a cross. But what made the award even more special was the appreciation and praise of my teacher.  She expected us to learn and do well, and we did.  Her teaching was not too hard for us to grasp—but it was not too easy either. I had to think in her class and I liked that! I’m not sure if my teacher knew how much she influenced my life, actually I doubt that she could know.  But now as I recall those days, I’m encouraged and believe that my young students will one day benefit from learning their Bible verses each week too!

Helping children learn and memorize Scripture is an important part of our teaching ministry because it will help them grow spiritually. It will help them now—and in the years to come. We don’t know what the future holds for our students, where they will be ten or twenty years from now, but we can prepare them for the days and years ahead by helping them hide God’s Word in their hearts.

In my next blog, I’ll discuss different methods for teaching Scripture to children that are both effective and easy to use.

God bless you as you teach today!

Verda Rubottom 

 

 

The Best Resource for Parents and Teachers

Posted by Jun 23, 2016 children, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , , ,

Bible lightstock_333439_download_medium_verda_rubottom_I often find myself reading and underlining verses in Proverbs because I need all the wisdom I can get! I think you’ll agree that as parents and teachers we could all benefit from spending a little time each day meditating on the advice given in this amazing book. If you’re dealing with a “sticky situation”, a student who is resistant to learning, or wonder how you can get it all done, you’ll find answers here. The God who made us, is ready to help us in every situation in life, including our ministry with children. Truly, His Word is still the best resource we can have!

Here are a few nuggets I’ve underlined in my Bible (NIV) from Proverbs, chapter 15:

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (15:22)

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (15:7)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (15:4)

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. (15:18)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; and good news gives health to the bones. (15:30)

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. (15:31)

Whether you teach in a church, or a public or Christian school setting, you bring the wisdom that God has put in your heart into your classroom.  It will come out—even in unspoken ways as you lovingly teach the children, with patience, diligence, kindness, and understanding.  Even correction, will be more easily  accepted by our students when we use wisdom.

God bless you as you teach today!

Verda 

What Methods Do You Recommend When Teaching Children?

Posted by Oct 28, 2015 children, Methods for teaching children, Serving , , , , , , , , , ,

IMG_2165(Part 4 of Children’s Ministry Philosophy) While entire college courses are devoted to studying the most effective methods to use when teaching children, I’ll limit my discussion here to five suggestions:

1. First, you must know something about your students!  The teaching methods you choose will depend on their ages and development, their cultural backgrounds, and their spiritual maturity levels.  Missionaries study the culture and languages of the people they plan to reach with the gospel—and as Christian teachers, we need to do the same. Knowing the typical stages children go through will guide you in your selection of materials, and the methods you use. Additionally, you’ll want to learn about your students’ individual interests, abilities, talents, and hobbies—as well as the needs and challenges that are common to their age group.

2. Become  familiar with the “language” of your students. How do they talk and relate to each other? One way to do this is to observe the age group you’ll be teaching. Listen to them. Notice the way they communicate both verbally and non verbally. We don’t need to talk down to children, but we do need to communicate the best we can at their level of understanding. We can bring them to greater knowledge of Scripture and the Christian life by building on what they know, and taking them to the next level. The method you choose for each lesson should be a tool that communicates and helps illuminate the truths of Scripture to a child’s mind and heart. This means you will need a variety of methods in your teaching tool box!

3. Choose methods that will capture the interest of your students.  In her classic book, Motivation, Madeline Hunter discusses the variables that affect a child’s learning. One of them is a child’s interest.  The principle here is, “interest precedes learning”. Very simple, yet we can easily overlook this point. Sometimes our best plans will fail because we have lost the interest of the children. As any children’s teacher can tell you, their attention span is limited—and they will let you know when it’s used up!  Some ways to not only capture—but keep their attention are discussed in my article, “How Children Learn Best” on the free download resource page and in my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching, available on this website.

4.Let children participate in some way. Children learn more when their senses are involved and when they have opportunities to participate in the learning process.  Storytelling, teaching and worship videos, object lessons, puppets, flash cards, drama and role play, interest centers, and games are all effective teaching tools when used appropriately and can involve children. Remember though, that it’s good to plan for a balance of active learning and listening times—because both are important. Children are participating while they’re  listening—if they are thinking, and are motivated and inspired.

5. Above all, seek the Lord’s guidance when planning your lesson and teaching methods. Jesus, the Master Teacher, knows all about children and the best teaching method to use for each occasion. He knows who will be in your class that day and what methods will be most effective in speaking to a child’s heart and mind.  I encourage you to consider using a variety of methods and to expand your teaching tool box.  All of us have our favorite method, and it may be our most effective method!  God has gifted us in different ways.  But be open to stretching a little and trying something different. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it and how the children respond!  Jesus described the growing teacher in Matthew 13:52  when he compared them to householders who brought out of their storehouses, “the fresh as well as the familiar” (The Amplified Bible). We want our students to look forward to coming each week…so let’s give them our best.  And then trust the Master to do His work in each of their hearts!

God Bless You Today!

Verda Rubottom

 

How Do You Teach Children the Basics of Discipleship?

Posted by Oct 8, 2015 Serving , , , , , , , , , , , ,

lightstock_216002_xsmall_verda_rubottom_Part three of “What is Your Philosophy of Children’s Ministry?”  Undoubtedly, the most effective way that we teach the basics of discipleship is by our example.  Guy Doud, Teacher of the Year in 1986, wrote this short poem that is food for thought for anyone who teaches children.

Sermons We See

By Guy Doud

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.

I’d rather you walk with me, than merely show the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear.

Fine counsel is confusing, but examples always clear.

Child specialists tell us that children will often pattern their lives after the people they admire the most.  It’s important to be a good role model—and to introduce children to other role models they can look up to.  Children also notice who their parents admire and will tend to follow that as well. The people that we give attention to, and show high esteem for, will likely earn the attention of our children.  Despite our changing culture, parents are still the most powerful influence in a child’s life. For this reason, I encourage leaders to involve Christian parents in their children’s ministry when that is possible. Involving parents in some way sends a message to the child that their class is important.

Of course, the greatest role model we have is our Lord Jesus. And even very young children can learn from his example when we teach Bible stories at their level of understanding. Helping children understand Scripture takes effort on our part, and will often involve bringing visuals and various and sundry hands-on items to help translate the meaning to children. But it is well worth the effort when you see little eyes light up and older children show excitement as you begin to teach your lesson.

The last thing I want to mention in this post about discipleship is that we need to give our students opportunities to serve— just like Jesus did—when he was training his disciples. He asked them questions, tested them, and gave them many opportunities to practice what they were being taught. Jesus involved the disciples in serving the people.  Likewise, children need to learn to serve; to do more than sit and listen, as important as that is. They need to learn to help in small ways, and gradually move to greater responsibility as they show they are willing and capable. This will take a little planning on our part  because it seems easier to do all the work ourselves. But learning to be a disciple involves action, and we can help our students take that important step as they are learning and growing in the Word.

God bless you as you serve Him today!,

Verda Rubottom

 

Please note: For a more thorough discussion on this topic, go to the resource page on this website and read the article, Partners in Christian Education,  published in the Christian Education Counselor.  It’s available in PDF so you may download it free and use it as a resource for your staff.

What is Your Children’s Ministry Philosophy?

Posted by Sep 28, 2015 Serving , , , ,

Christmas and workshop INCM 2005 014A few years ago I was asked about my personal philosophy of children’s ministry. That’s an important question we should all be able to answer as children’s leaders and teachers. It’s important to write down your beliefs and philosophy in order to clarify the purpose and the direction of your ministry. The people who attend your church need to know it too. The next few days I’ll be discussing these questions on leadership in children’s ministry:

1) How can a children’s pastor/teacher connect with children? 2) What is the relationship of a children’s leader to parents? 3) How do you teach children the basics of discipleship? 4) What methods do you use and recommend for teaching children? 5) How would you define a successful children’s ministry?

Here is the first question we’ll discuss in this five part article:

1. How can a children’s pastor/teacher connect with children? I think you begin to connect with kids when they see that you care about them and have their interest at heart.  Children’s pastors and directors need to be approachable and friendly to all children, and show no favoritism.  They need to know that you are trustworthy, patient, even tempered, and fun to be with! It’s important to relate to kids at their level.  To do this, the children’s minister needs a variety of ways to build bridges of communication and connect with the different age groups of children in the church.  There are many ways to do this both using traditional means such as mailing out birthday and get well cards and making phone calls; and with technology such as a church website that has a place for children to interact. Special events outside of class time help build relationships as well.  Outings, parties, and missions outreach events provide special times for sharing conversation, and working together. Praying together is one of the most important ways to show children you care about their needs.

Additionally, it’s important to realize that every children’s leader—and teacher—has a unique personality and set of gifts and talents that can be used to bless the children in their care. Some are funny and entertaining, others are great storytellers, are highly creative, or excel at leadership and organization.   Each person can add outstanding qualities to your teaching team!  So remember,  there are many different ways to connect with children!  The ones listed in this article can serve to get you thinking about all the possibilities on your team!

God bless you as you serve Him today!

Verda Rubottom

Resources for Leading Children to Christ

Posted by Apr 23, 2015 Serving , , , , , , ,

I’m always on the look-out for good teaching resources, especially those that teach the Bible in a way that children can understand it. Recently, I came across a wonderful resource that clearly explains to children how they can know God in a personal way. The book, Come into My Heart, Lord Jesus, by Stormie Ormartian, is beautifully illustrated and will appeal to young children especially—although anyone would enjoy reading it.  In a sensitive, child appropriate manner, the author teaches children about the love of God, salvation, prayer, heaven, God’s promises, and how to receive Jesus into your heart.

Over the years, there have been conflicting theoretical discussions about the best age to present the Gospel to children. I think this is partly because adults often struggle to find the right words to explain the Gospel to children, and tend to rely on adult level explanations and definitions. But this book will help parents and teachers share the simplicity of the Gospel with children. And young readers will enjoy reading it on their own.

You may also be interested in reading the chapter on “Leading a Child to Christ”, in my book, First Steps for Effective Teaching:A Guide for Christian Educators, available in the “store” on this website. It will provide helpful guidance on this important subject.

God bless you as you serve Him today!

Verda