The Kidmin Huddle

Kids are capable of learning more than you think. Are you teaching them more? How often to do use theological terms? When’s the last time you taught about the attributes of God? Kids need to know God’s story and how everything in the Bible connect, but they also need to learn about the God of the Bible. 

What do you do before services with kids? You probably have activities out: Legos, Play-Doh, cups to stack, crafts, and things like that. But do you have a pre-service show? Pre-service shows are a wonderful way to not only engage kids before service, but to get the word of God in their hearts.  Check out amberpike.org for a blog post with a PDF all about how to make a pre-service show.  Under the...

Being a parent and a ministry leader can be hard... especially if your child is in your ministry. There are challenges and at times it's rough on your child.  As a mom and a ministry leader, I get it.  But if God has called you to be both a parent and ministry leader (at the same time) it can be done and done well!

Fun is important for kids. Kids learn through fun. Kids crave fun.  How fun is your kidmin? What sort of an impact could some simple changes make in your ministry?

How much time do you spend getting to know the boys and girls in your ministry? Do you know more than just their attendance records? Getting to know boys and girls, really knowing them, is huge!

Life and ministry are busy. Sometimes we find ourselves so busy that we think we don’t have the time to rest. But we need it. We need to rest in God.   Learn to recognize the signs of burnout in your life. Take the time to be present in life. Be still and rest in Christ. 

There is value in taking your kids to camp each summer.  Learn from Amber’s 13 years of camp experience about some tips and tricks to make camp the best that it can be!

How well are you supporting parents in their role as primary shepherds? Generation to Generation is to tell stories of God's faithfulness. Are you training, resourcing, and encouraging mom and dad as they lead?

How often does God ask you to move out of our comfort zone? Do you go willingly or kicking and screaming? When God asks us to do something, it’s not because of our own skills or power. He wants us to trust in him to give us all we need so that he gets the glory. 

No matter what is happening, God is sovereign. He is always in control of your life, and he's working and planning things for your future, whether you realize it or not.  Like Job, we might question God's control. But God reminds us like he did Job, he is in control!

We all have rough days (or seasons) in ministry. They can rock our confidence or even have us question our calling. But a lot of times, a simple checkup can show the real issue. 

Games are an important part of kidmin! But do you play games just for the sake of playing a game or are you intentional with your game time?

Preteens learning in the same room as preschoolers can be difficult. But it can be done.  Listen and learn these 4 tips that will transform your one room ministry. 

There is a lot of compromise of the Word of God, even in the church. Are you teaching your kids to stand on the authority of God’s Word and how to recognize false teachings?

How is your children’s ministry space? Is it warm, welcoming and inviting? Are kids greeted with warm smiles and excited-to-see-you attitudes?  Kids need to feel wanted and loved when they come to church. Evaluate your team and your space. How do kids feel walking into your church?

What are you doing to teach your nursery aged children about God? Are you intentional with the time you’ve been given?   These simple, diy curriculum boxes are a great way to easily teach your littles ones truths about the God that loves them. 

Are you battling discouragement or questioning your calling? Maybe you are letting feelings of "not good enough" bring you down. Listen to God, the Good Father, and allow him to bring you up out of that pit.  He loves you. He called you. He created you for a purpose. Links: www.amberpike.org

Whatever your Easter plans hold this year, don’t just teach God’s story. (Do teach God’s story, starting back with creation and the big problem of sin!) But help kids go from knowing about God to knowing God.  Listen to the resources I’m using to teach kids about who God is this Easter.    Links –  https://amzn.to/38sB3Y1 https://bit.ly/2N4T7jF https://www.kidzmatter.com/products/attributes-of-god...

You have been gifted and called to serve in children’s ministry. You might think you know your areas of giftedness, even. But are you putting God in a box, or truly listening and letting him lead you?  

Whether you write your own curriculum or tweak lessons you purchase, there are a couple of key things you need to keep in mind. Make the Bible come alive for Christ, engaging them in his story. From learning styles to lesson non-negotiables, if you write your kidmin curriculum, don’t miss this episode. 

Do you give mass altar calls and salvation experiences? Do you meet with kids individually or use abstract theology? Leading a child to Christ is an amazing experience, but there are some do’s and don’ts you need to follow.      Links –  https://amberpike.org https://amzn.to/2NE4XRO  

Kidmin Leader, you can make an eternal difference. While you teach the truths of God's Word, make it come alive for kids! Hear some of Amber’s favorite tools, tips, tricks, and toys to use while teaching!   Links –  https://amberpike.org www.kidzmatter.com https://storysticks.net Silhouette Vinyl Machine: https://www.silhouetteamerica.com   Buzzers: https://amzn.to/3a6LpOE Sound Effect Toy: h...

God commands parents to pass on their faith. But how? How do you pass on your faith, especially when you feel unqualified and ill-equipped?  It’s not hard, but it must be intentional. The risk is too high not to.      Links –   https://amberpike.org https://jonathanandemilymartin.com https://www.dadtired.com

In person? Digital? Hybrid? Whatever your summer hold, make it your best VBS yet! Is your VBS just one more thing for families to do, or is it adding value to their lives? Plus 5, Amber shares 5 digital engagement tips.  Links –  https://amberpike.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ri4k4tsP8&feature=emb_title https://answersingenesis.org/vbs/ https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/it-s-worth-it...

Leaders are learners. But to truly lead well, you have to first become a good listener. Are you listening to the Lord’s leading? God has the best plans for our lives and our ministries, but unless we let him lead, unless we listen, we won’t get to what he has planned for us!     Links –  www.kidminacademy.com https://amzn.to/2MbTXuc