It’s that time of year. You’re getting ready for your Christmas party. You want it to be engaging, fun, and a time your people will remember. So, of course, you need Christmas party games. We love Christmas – as I hope we all do! And at the Youth Ministry Institute, we are busy preparing for […]
Category Archives: Children’s Ministry
Ministry Amidst Loss & Grief
How can we continue our ministry amidst loss & grief? Show yourself compassion, let others in, and get the help you need.
Preparing For A Successful Year – Four Tips
Lots of new action & change happens at this time of year. Before we lose focus in the busyness, let’s start preparing for a successful year.
After The Program: What’s Next?
For many of us, VBS 2023 is over. We’ve loved seeing volunteers serve, loads of kids on campus, and many new faces. But I have to ask you, is it actually over? What’s next? Whether you held a VBS, summer camp, or another outreach-oriented event this summer, the program’s conclusion is not the end. Now, […]
Am I Doing This Right?
There was a time when I wondered, “Am I doing ministry right?” This feeling went on for years. Yes, I would feel good about events we were hosting, and sometimes I’d even feel good about a sermon, lesson, or small group. But, I still felt unsure whether I was doing ministry well. Then one day, I learned […]
Creative Options For Continuing Education
If you’re one of the Youth, Children’s, or Family Ministers out there whose church provides funding for continuing education, you might think big conferences are the only way to use that money. Those events can be so fun, impactful, and energizing to your ministry! Often, however, you’ll also need travel funds, hotel reservations, ride-share costs, […]
Oversharing In Ministry: The Shocking Truth – Are You Guilty?
Do you know the balance between transparency and oversharing in ministry? Learn the pitfalls to avoid and how to get it right.
Maximizing Summer Ministry: Rest or Ramp Up?
Many of us will wrap up our school year within the next few weeks. I have always appreciated the transition into summer ministry because it brings a different pace. The opportunities we have in the summer create a rhythm that is unattainable during the school year. Over my time in ministry, I have approached the […]
VBS Tips for First Timers
Love it or loathe it, Vacation Bible School looms on our advance planning calendar. Maybe you’re new to ministry altogether. Perhaps you’re one of the first timers at the VBS helm, desperate for tips, and don’t even know where to begin. At some churches, VBS is a major outreach event, and for others, it’s a […]
Why You Can’t Reach Parents
Reaching out to parents in ministry is important. Yet, we struggle to know why we can’t reach parents. Read this post to find out.