EPISODE 020: THE CHRISTMAS INTRUDER

The Christmas hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” concludes with these words, “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Our job as children’s ministry leaders is to help kids focus on the Biblical Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not on Santa Claus. That seems obvious, but sadly, it is not. Santa Claus is nothing more than a fairy tale; he intrudes into our lives, and into some churches, too. Every Christmas, Santa dominates the scene wherever he goes. Many younger children have never been told by their parents that Santa is make-believe, so they think he is real. To them,

EPISODE 015: TEACHING CHILDREN BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NASB), we read, … “but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil.” As children’s ministry leaders, it is our job to teach boys and girls how to be discerning. Discernment is simply the ability to determine truth from error and holy behavior from unholy (Hebrews 5:14; Ephesians 5:8-17; 1 John 4:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Truth is important for kids to know because: Truth allows them to be wise, knowing good from evil and right from wrong (Romans 16:19). Truth helps them understand reality and what really matters in life (2

EPISODE 010: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SIN

The Bible says in Romans 6:23 (ESV), “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin is an unhappy subject to teach to children, but it is necessary for us to do so because boys and girls must understand the seriousness of sin and why Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. Our worldly culture does not want anything defined as sin. Instead, the culture sees everything as a lifestyle choice or a personal preference, and they have declared war on sin and the guilt associated

EPISODE 009: GLOBAL 4/14 DAY

I want to invite you to be a part of an upcoming event. The event is Global 4/14 Day, and it takes place on April 14 every year. Global 4/14 Day is an international day of prayer for boys and girls, sponsored by Children’s Ministries International, Inc., which is the same ministry that produces this podcast. The 4/14 in Global 4/14 Day simply identifies the month (4) and day (14) of this event. Whether you pray by yourself on April 14 or with a group from your church, pray for the children in your congregation by name and for your

EPISODE 008: TEACHING CHILDREN TO FEAR GOD

The most important thing we can teach children is to fear God. And when they learn this important truth, wisdom and knowledge will follow. (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10) You may be thinking, “I don’t want children to be fearful of God.” Yes, you do! Let me explain. The Bible teaches us to fear the Lord in two ways. The first is REVERENT FEAR. This type of fear means that we reverence, respect, honor, and worship God because He is Holy (Psalm 99:1-5). In other words, we are to be in awe of His greatness and glory! When children learn to reverently

EPISODE 007: DISNEY WAY UNDERMINES AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

In Evangelicalism, there is a movement in children’s ministry that promotes the wisdom and business practices of entertainment mogul Walt Disney (1901-1966). These influencers encourage children’s pastors and children’s ministry leaders to use Disney’s ideas to build the children’s ministry in their congregations. This methodology is known as the“Disney Way.” As with every innovative approach to ministry, this one must also be examined in the light of Scripture. First, the Disney Way of children’s ministry robs God of His glory. The Bible says all glory belongs to God (I Peter 4:11), and He doesn’t share His glory with anyone (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11;

EPISODE 006: TEACHING CHILDREN THE TRUTH

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV), we read, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The most loving thing we can do for children is to teach them the Truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). To do that, Christian parents and children’s ministry leaders must know the Truth for themselves (John 17:17), speak the Truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and faithfully live out the Truth every day (1 John 5:1-5). In other words, our wisdom, words, and

EPISODE 001: INTRODUCTION (PART 1) CHURCH VOLUNTEER

As I write this introduction to the Children’s Ministry Seminar, I am in my 47th year of ministry to kids. I began as a volunteer when I was 15-years-old at a church in southern California where my father was the Senior Minister. At that time, the church was without a Youth Minister, and my Dad recruited me to lead Junior Church on Sunday mornings for children in the congregation ages 5-12. Junior Church took place in the chapel while the adult worship service was going on in the Sanctuary. I was familiar with Junior Church, having attended worship services designed

Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Scripture Reference: Psalms

EPISODE 020: THE CHRISTMAS INTRUDER

EPISODE 015: TEACHING CHILDREN BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

EPISODE 010: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SIN

EPISODE 009: GLOBAL 4/14 DAY

EPISODE 008: TEACHING CHILDREN TO FEAR GOD

EPISODE 007: DISNEY WAY UNDERMINES AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

EPISODE 006: TEACHING CHILDREN THE TRUTH

EPISODE 001: INTRODUCTION (PART 1) CHURCH VOLUNTEER

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