Resources, Tips and Content for Children's Ministry and Family Life Leaders

Capture the Boys!

October 11, 2013 by

It’s almost impossible to capture and hold the attention of a room full of children whose ages span the grades and whose energy levels and behaviors are as unpredictable as cats!

But every weekend that is exactly what YOU are asked to do.

In fact, it’s what you feel called to do because you believe in the truth of God’s Word, the power of His Holy Spirit and the breadth of His amazing love for children and youth.

You do it because… what you make of the weekend experience is what they will remember about God.

The rule of thumb has always been to target the oldest boy in the room.

[Read more…]

One Key Point

May 24, 2013 by

Making stories stick requires intentionality on the part of the storyteller. When prepping to tell a children’s Bible story, you must be willing to think through comprehension and life application acquisition skills. In other words, consider what helps students grasp knowledge and be able to readily use it. My primary default plan is always to use one key point.

This means I must begin with the end in mind. I must decide on the one thing I want children or students to walk away knowing and be able to apply.

A great key point is memorable, simple and clear.

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How To Share The Gospel

May 22, 2013 by

Have you ever finished telling a Bible story and in that moment wished you knew how to tie it in to the Gospel Message? In my early days I would feel the Holy Spirit nudging me, but I just didn’t know how to make a smooth transition. I would feel so unprepared and even if I decided to muddle my way through, when I was finished I would cringe for days afterward realizing my presentation had been incomplete or lacking clarity.

Below is a simple outline that’s easy to remember and great to follow in such moments. It gives you a starting point that can easily be transitioned from any Bible story and includes all the key elements needed to share the Gospel message.

1. Talk about Heaven.

Transition your story toward eternity. Describe Heaven as a wonderful place where God lives—a place where we want to go when this life is over—a place without sin, pain and suffering. But, explain that there’s a problem… [Read more…]

Bible Story Prep

May 21, 2013 by

When preparing to tell a Bible story, use this simple worksheet to ensure that you know the story accurately, are ready to include details to make it interesting and are working toward comprehension and application by narrowing the focus to one key point.  For more detailed instruction, read How To Tell A Bible Story (part 1)  and (part 2).

BibleStoryPrep

 

How To Tell A Bible Story (Part 2)

May 20, 2013 by

Now that you’ve done the prep work, you’re ready to begin stacking up your key ingredients to stonepile the story.

Begin by Laying a Solid foundation.

Show your audience where the story is found in the Bible. Open up the pages, read the reference, and let them know this is a part of history, written down by God-inspired men so that we may know what the Lord has done, remember His faithfulness and learn how to live. [Read more…]

How To Tell A Bible Story (Part 1)

May 18, 2013 by

When telling a Bible story, it’s important to maintain the integrity of the text, know the point you want to communicate, and diligently prepare so that you can fully engage your listeners. You’ll find a simple story prep worksheet in the “give-aways” section that will help you follow the steps below.

1. Read the story from the Bible.
Pre-read the story at least three times so that you know exactly what the Bible does and does not say. If you have a study Bible, follow the trail of cross-references to get a bigger picture. Know where the story comes in the timeline of history. Know who wrote it, where they lived, and what was happening in that era, culture and circumstance.

2. Decide upon one key point.
Determine the one point you want to drive home with your listeners. Turn the point into a catch phrase or sentence that is memorable and repeatable if possible. [Read more…]