Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 007:

DISNEY WAY UNDERMINES AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

by Steve Karges

                           Original Release: February 16, 2022                              

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; Psalm 115:1).

If a local church successfully implements the Disney Way, and these methods effectively attract more kids to the children’s ministry, who gets the credit? Not Christ. The praise goes to Disney and his genius. The Disney Way glorifies man by putting human will, human ability, and human achievement above God. Giving a man credit for church growth steals glory from God.

Some may say, “the end justifies the means,” but that is pragmatism and a classic example of how Biblical theology has taken a back seat to methodology in the church today.

Second, the Disney Way of children’s ministry does not harmonize with Scripture. The Bible tells believers not to love the world or the things of the world (I John 2:15). With its “Happiest Place on Earth” motto, what is worldlier than Disney? Christ is the One who builds His church (Matthew 16:18; I Corinthians 3:6-7). To think we can do this, with some help from Disney, undermines the Authority of Scripture.

Why should Christians exchange the “God-breathed” infallible Scripture for human wisdom? They should not! I Corinthians 3:19 (NKJV) says “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (Also I Corinthians 2:5).

Third, the Disney Way of children’s ministry dishonors Christ and His church by trivializing the sacred and holy. The church is not supposed to be a Disney production. Disney is an entertainment company that is based on fantasy. The Church, which is sacred and holy, is “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (I Timothy 3:15, ESV). In the Old Testament, the brothers, Nadab and Abihu, faced God’s wrath when they trivialized the sacred and holy (Leviticus 10:1-3).

When children enter the church building to worship God, they cross the threshold from the secular to the sacred, from the common to the uncommon, and from the profane to the holy.

The Disney Way prioritizes the “customer.” The church’s priority is to worship Christ in spirit and truth (John 4:24). How does God want to be worshiped? What pleases and honors Him?

Christ alone is the One who draws sinners to Himself (John 12:32).

I want to encourage you to construct your children’s ministry on the Word of God, not on the Disney Way. Psalm 127:1a (ESV) says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Is God building your children’s ministry, or are you laboring in vain?

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Whether your church uses the Disney Way or not, prayerfully examine your priorities for children’s ministry by asking yourself the following questions.

a.) Are we doing anything in children’s ministry that robs God of His glory?

b.) Are we doing anything that does not harmonize with Scripture?

c.) Are we doing anything that trivializes the sacredness and holiness of Christ and His Church.

If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, first, repent of your sin and seek God’s forgiveness. Then talk to your pastor and church leaders. Work with them to reorganize your children’s ministry so that God receives all of the glory, and your ministry is in harmony with the Scripture. Also, remove anything and everything from your children’s ministry that trivializes the sacredness and holiness of Christ and His Church.

2.) Take some time to review the Scriptures listed in the Show Notes for Episode 7, as I did not mention all of them in this podcast.

TAGS: Leviticus 10:1-3; Psalm 115:1, 127:1  Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Matthew 16:18; John 4:24, 12:32; I Corinthians 2:5, 3:6-7,19; I Timothy 3:15; I Peter 4:11; I John 2:15; Authority of Scripture; Disney Way

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 011:

TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

by Steve Karges

Original Release: April 13, 2022

In 1 Corinthians 15: 3b-8 (ESV), it says, "…Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."

The bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in history, and it is essential to the Christian faith. There is no Christianity without the Resurrection. Therefore, our faith stands or falls on whether this event actually happened.

In the first four books of the New Testament, Matthew (chapter 28), Mark (chapter 16), Luke (chapter 24), and John (chapters 20-21) give us their accounts of the Resurrection and show us multiple evidences of its reality. In addition, each gospel writer contributes various details that, when combined, give us the complete picture of what happened on that first Resurrection Sunday.

As you teach children about the Resurrection of Jesus, there are six essential facts you must help them to learn and understand.  

1) The Resurrection of Jesus is not make-believe. It is not fiction. It is not a fable. It is not a myth. Jesus was a real person, who died on the cross for the sins of all who would believe in Him, and His physical Resurrection happened at a specific place and time in history.

2) The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit resurrected Christ under the Authority of God the Father (Romans 8:11; Acts 2:24, 32). Jesus did not raise Himself. The Greek definition for "risen" means to be raised or awakened. Therefore, the Resurrection of Jesus was accomplished by God.

3) God resurrected Jesus in bodily form. In other words, the crucified body of Christ that went into the tomb on Friday was the same human body, though a glorified One, that God brought back to life on Sunday.

The proof of Jesus' bodily Resurrection is found in God's Word. Remember, that is where we go for TRUTH. After Jesus came out of the tomb, He appeared to people and was visible and seen by them (Acts 1:3). He spoke, and His words were understood (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:21). He ate food (Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12-13). Jesus also invited His disciples to see and touch the wounds in His hands and side (Luke 24:39; John 20:20, 27). The Scripture says that Jesus breathed on His disciples as a sign that they would receive the Holy Spirit in the days ahead (John 20:22). To be sure, following His Resurrection, Jesus was a living, breathing person in the flesh.

4) Our Christian faith is not based on the empty tomb; it is based on the appearances of Jesus after His Resurrection. During the forty days between Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven, the Scripture describes at least ten appearances of Christ.

5) Even the day of worship for the Church was moved from Saturday to Sunday following the Resurrection (Mark 16:9; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

6) In summation, the meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus is this, a) God was satisfied with the sacrifice for sin that Christ offered on the cross (I John 2:2, 4:10; Romans 3:25). b) Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death for all who put their faith in Him (Hebrews 2:13-14, I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Timothy 1:10; I Peter 2:24). Because Jesus lives, all believers will be resurrected, too (John 11:25)!

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Review all of the Scripture listed in the Show Notes, as there are many passages I did not mention in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, go to our website at www.cmikids.com and look for Episode 11. You will find all of the Bible verses listed there.

2) Avoid trivializing the Resurrection of Jesus by bringing the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts into your children's ministry. The Easter Bunny is mythology, and Easter egg hunts are a tradition. Neither is Biblical or has anything to do with our Lord's Resurrection, so I encourage you not to introduce them to kids at church.

TAGS: Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-49: John 11:25, 20:1-29, 21:1-25; Acts 1:3-4, 2:24, 32, 20:7; Romans 3:25, 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 16:2; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:13-14; I Peter 2:24; I John 2:2, 4:10; Jesus; Resurrection; Teaching Children;

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 006: TEACHING CHILDREN THE TRUTH

by Steve Karges

Original Release: February 9, 2022

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 actions must be founded upon the Source of Truth – the Triune God. God the Father (Deuteronomy 32:4), God the Son (John 14:6), and God the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). are One God in Three Persons (Matthew 28:19), and God is the Source of Truth.

God has revealed His Truth on the pages of the Bible (Psalm 119:142; John 17:17). It is the Word of the Living God. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and His written word proceeded from His mouth. He is the Source and Author of the Bible.

There is a primary author and a secondary author for every verse of Scripture. The secondary authors were men, whom God used as the human instruments to record His words (2 Peter 1:20-21). There were approximately 40 human authors of the Bible’s 66 books, but there was One primary Author – God Himself (Matthew 4:4).

Although men wrote down the Scripture, it is not of men or from men; it is from God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13). God speaks through the Bible, so we must be discerning and know the difference between His Word and the words of men (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Truth does not come from within ourselves, as Buddhists believe, but from the Word of God, to which we add nothing (Proverbs 30:5-6).

The Scripture is the revelation of God (Psalm 19:7-9; Hebrews 1:1-2), and in the Bible, the true God is revealed. In John 1:14 (ESV), we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”.

God’s Word has power, and through the Bible, God releases His power to save (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18; James 1:21) and to sanctify (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26) sinful people.

Why is teaching children the Truth so important? Because God is Truth and how a child responds to His Truth, as recorded in the Bible, is the determiner of their life, indeed, their eternity (John 8:47, 20:31). Romans 10:17 (ESV) says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” 

God is not silent, as some believe. He has told us everything He wants us to know, and it is all written down in the Bible. We need to learn it, believe it, obey it, and pass on the Truth to the next generation (Psalm 78:4-7).

Teach these things to your children at home and at church. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). First, give kids their own copy of the Bible. Then spend time together reading, studying, listening, memorizing, singing, and discussing the Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:15).

That, my friend, is how you impart Truth to children.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Take some time to read and meditate on all the Bible verses listed above, and then hear God’s voice as He speaks to you through His written Word.

TAGS: Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 32:4; Psalm 19:7-9, 22:6, 30:5-6, 78:4-7, 119:142; Matthew 4:4, 28:19; John 8:47, 14:6, 16:13, 17:17, 20;31; Romans 1:16, 10:17; I Corinthians 1:18, 13:6; Epshesians 4:15, 5:26, 6:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 4:3-4; Hebrews 1:12; James 1:21; 2 Peter 1:20-21; I John 1:14, 5:1-5; God; Truth; Bible; Scripture; Word of God; Teaching

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar

Episode 005: THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

by Steve Karges

Original Release: February 2, 2022

Sometimes in children’s ministry, we assume kids know things that they really don’t know. So when it comes to the Bible, start at the beginning and be clear.

When you stand before children with an open Bible in your hands, you are holding the divinely inspired Word of God and communicating what He has said. Teaching kids God’s Word is such an awesome responsibility, and why it is crucial that you only say what the Bible says and not add anything or remove anything from the Scripture. Instead, let God speak for Himself through His written Word.

In I Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV), the Apostle Paul says, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

As we teach boys and girls the Bible at church, we want them to know they are hearing the actual Word of God, not some fictional storybook. Make a clear distinction between the Bible and all other books because the Bible is the Source we use to teach kids about God. Children must understand that the Bible is God’s book, and it is all true. Therefore they can believe what it says and build their lives on it.

God speaks to us through the Bible, of which, He is the Divine Author. The Bible was written over 1,500 years by almost forty men whom God used as secondary authors to write down His divinely inspired words. Therefore, the Bible is God’s autobiography, and because of His Authorship,  the Bible carries the full weight and authority of God Himself. That’s what makes the Bible different from every other book; it came to us from God.

When the Bible speaks, God is speaking through the written words. Therefore, we need to convey this truth repeatedly so that children will be attentive and respectful every time they hear God’s Word.

Children understand that God is in charge when they are taught the Bible, and when God speaks through His Word, kids begin to hear His voice through the pages of Scripture and learn to obey Him. God said everything He wants us to know about Himself in the Bible.

The Bible is a collection of 66 books presented in one volume. These books are divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament contains 39 books that are divided into five categories: 1) The Law, 2) History, 3) Wisdom, 4) Major Prophets, and 5) Minor Prophets. The Old Testament reveals the history of Israel and the promise of the coming Savior. The first book of the Old Testament is Genesis, which tells how God created the universe by speaking it into existence. Then God closes the Old Testament historically and prophetically with the book of Malachi.

The New Testament concentrates on the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. The 27 books included in the New Testament were written after 400 years of silence. During that time, no prophet spoke or wrote any Scripture until the arrival of John the Baptist, who broke the silence and announced that the promised Lord and Savior had come.

The first four books in the New Testament are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are known as the Gospels because they reveal the story of Jesus. The last book of the New Testament is Revelation, which tells of Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan.

Kids come to know and love God as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. God uses His Word to convince and convert sinners and to help believers grow in Christlikeness. The goal of teaching kids the Bible is changed lives.

I want to encourage you to prioritize teaching God’s Word to boys and girls in your church, as this is the most important thing you can do as a children’s ministry leader.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1)  Purchase a study Bible for your own edification and to help you prepare to teach children. I highly recommend the MacArthur Study Bible or the Reformation Study Bible in the English Standard Version.

2) Make a commitment to daily Bible study and prayer if you are not already in the habit. You cannot teach children the Bible correctly if you are not into the Word yourself.

TAGS: I Thessalonians 2:13, Bible, Word of God, Scripture, God’s Word, Teaching

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 004: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT GOD

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 26, 2022

As Children’s Ministry Leaders, we have the awesome responsibility of teaching children about God, who He is, and what He has done.

In I Chronicles 28:11 (ESV), we read, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness Ind the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” 

Ponder this for a moment. Our job is to teach kids about The Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

And these are just a few of His titles and attributes.

As Children’s Ministry Leaders, we must feel the weight of this responsibility to teach boys and girls about God and get it right. The way we do that is by diligently preparing to teach children God’s Word every week. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the primary Teacher (see John 14:25-26), so it is crucial that we only say what the Scripture says (not add to it or remove anything from it) and get out of the way!

This overwhelming task should cause us to tremble and fall on our knees to plead with God for help.

I am troubled when I see children’s ministry leaders take the responsibility of teaching children about God so casually. Children’s ministry is serious business because it counts for all eternity, and we must take the job seriously.

Teaching children about God begins with leaders and teachers who are mature Christians that faithfully study God’s Word and obey it.

Teaching children about God requires planning, organization, and preparation.

Teaching children about God requires the leader to train other teachers who are committed to the task. These volunteers must be equipped for ministry and receive ongoing instruction and oversight.

Teaching children about God requires that each child have a copy of the Bible.*

Teaching children about God requires a Bible-based curriculum.*

Much of the curriculum sold at Christian conferences simply skim the surface and seldom dive deep into the Scripture.

Yet when selecting a new course of study for their children’s ministry, many leaders do not spend enough time evaluating, researching, and examining the curriculum. Often, the chosen curriculum does not even align with the church’s doctrinal statement.

I remember one now-defunct Christian publisher who sold curriculum that was designed for specific audiences. In their case, they offered one curriculum with Christian doctrine and another curriculum with Catholic doctrine. This publisher was not interested in teaching children Biblical Truth; they simply created products to make money. Avoid publishers like this one. Unfortunately, they seem to be at every conference.

Teaching children about God starts in the nursery and continues systematically until those children have completed elementary school.

We want boys and girls to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible, but the primary goal is that children encounter the Living God through His Word, by the Holy Spirit, and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

*Visit www.cmikids.com and click Recommended Resources for Children’s Bibles (complete Bibles for young readers and Bible Story Books for non-readers) and children’s ministry curriculum (for Sunday School and weekly children’s programs).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Meditate on the titles and characteristics of God as you consider the awesome responsibility of teaching children about Him.

TAGS: 1 Chronicles 28:11, God, Teaching, Curriculum

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 003: INTRODUCTION PART 3

FULL-TIME MINISTRY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 19, 2022

Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He gave us the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV), which says, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When I was a little boy back in the 1960s, God planted a seed in my heart for world evangelism. Long before there were compact discs and online streaming services, there were vinyl records. In addition to listening to music on a record player, I also listened repeatedly to one album titled “You Can Be a Soul Winner,” which was recorded and produced by a traveling evangelist, who was also a family friend.

“You Can Be a Soul Winner” was a two-sided record. On side A, the evangelist preached a sermon on the Great Commission. While on side B, he taught a class on personal evangelism.

In Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV), the Scripture says, “And he who wins souls is wise.” As a kid, I wanted to be a soul winner, too!

Fast forward to 1980, and I am 22 years old and single. I am in my third and final year of working simultaneously at two small churches. In addition, I served for one year as a West Coast Associate Evangelist for a national youth organization that ministered to teens.

As you can imagine, I was involved in many things at that time, but not doing any of them well. I learned that staying busy does not equate to fruitful ministry. As I  considered my future, I knew that my passions were world evangelism and children’s ministry. Unfortunately, neither of the churches could employ me full-time, so I resigned from both churches and from the national youth organization and launched my own full-time ministry.

On May 16, 1980, I founded and incorporated Children’s Ministries International as a non-profit organization. First, I stepped out by faith and trusted the Lord to meet every need. Then, as a missionary who was required to raise funds for salary and ministry expenses, I turned to God and His Word for help; and the Lord has faithfully provided for every ministry and family need. That was 41 years ago, as of this writing.

The year before I had graduated from college, and after the ministry launch, I was ordained into Christian ministry through a non-denominational church.

I was motivated by Christ’s Great Commission and Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV), which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

I had my marching orders from God’s Word to GO into the world to proclaim the gospel and teach children to follow Christ. I had six years of experience, three as a volunteer junior church leader and three as a part-time youth director.

I was eager and enthusiastic but young, and I made many mistakes along the way. I learned methodology by trial and error.

For example, I started the ministry by leading Children’s Crusades in churches around the United States.  These Children’s Crusades were simple. They consisted of congregational singing and a puppet presentation, handled by my team of traveling volunteers.

I wanted to see children possess Christ in their hearts. I did not want them to make a quick decision or to say empty words. I was passionate about boys and girls learning what the Bible said about becoming a Christian, and I wanted them to know the Truth, repent of their sin, and believe in Jesus. (See Mark 1:14-15).

I had a zeal for introducing boys and girls to Christ, but the Children’s Crusades lacked Biblical and spiritual depth. Soon thereafter, the Children’s Crusades evolved into Weekend Kids’ Retreats, which were a three-day, two-night camping program for children ages 8-12. This weekend format allowed more time for Bible teaching and personal interaction with the campers.

Over the years, our global ministry has reached out to children for Christ in various ways. More recently, we have turned our attention to children’s ministry leaders, especially volunteers who serve children in their local congregations each week.

This podcast is for everyone who ministers to kids in the local church, so please tell others about it. I want to equip you for ministry and provide tools that will enable you to be more effective. I also want to teach you Truth from God’s Word that you can pass on to the children you teach.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Visit our website at www.cmikids.com and subscribe to this free podcast. We will send you an e-mail reminder when new episodes become available.

TAGS: Matthew 18:19-20, Great Commission, Proverbs 11:30, Soul Winner, Proverbs 22:6, Mark 1:14:15, Weekend Kids’ Retreats

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 002: INTRODUCTION PART 2

PART-TIME MINISTRY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 12, 2022

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12, ESV)

After serving as a children’s ministry volunteer in my home congregation for three years during high school, two small churches in southern California invited me to serve as their part-time Youth Director.

I worked at the first church on Sundays. This congregation met in an elementary school, and each week I would pack the trunk of my car with equipment and supplies to set up at the school. And each week, I would remove the equipment and supplies from the classroom we used and loaded them back into my car to store at home.

Over time my responsibilities grew to lead four children’s programs each Lord’s Day. First, I taught a Sunday School class for Junior High and Senior High students, immediately followed by Junior Church, which I led for children ages 5-12.

A kind family in the church would feed me lunch and let me rest at their home in-between morning and evening youth programs.

At 4:30 PM, I would lead a youth meeting for teens, and then at 6:00 PM, I led the Fisherman’s Club for children in elementary school. Because there was no church building, we held these programs in rented spaces at a bowling alley and athletic club, and we also met in homes.

The second church I worked for part-time was 25 miles in the opposite direction, and that is where I served on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. On Mondays after school, I led the Ever-Ready Club for children in grades 5-8.  When school was over on Wednesdays, I taught children in grades K-4 at the Fisherman’s Club. The kids walked or rode the bus from school to the church.

At the peak, I was in charge of planning, organizing, and overseeing six programs each week, with children ranging in age from 5-18.

Because each church had very limited resources, purchasing expensive curriculum was out of the question, so I developed my lesson plans.

I remember this as a very creative time in my ministry. I constantly had to come up with new ideas for Bible lesson plans and activities. As a result, I gained valuable ministry experience that would prove helpful in the years ahead.

Juggling college and working at two churches simultaneously was a challenge.

I learned some early lessons on how to interact with the children and their parents. I also grew as a teacher, teaching kids between the ages of 5 and 18, which was a stretch.

In addition, the two pastors I worked with had very different personalities, and each church was structured differently in how they governed, which was all a part of my learning curve.

I was 19 years old and single when I begin working at both churches. Looking back at those years, I realize how young and inexperienced I was, but I was enthusiastic and wanted to grow as a children’s ministry leader.

I became acquainted with several older Youth Ministers whom I looked up to. Some of them taught at Christian conferences I attended and gave me counsel. I relished each opportunity I had to spend with those Youth Ministers and to learn from them.

I also look back in horror at some of the dumb things I did. I made many mistakes along the way, but God used me to minister to the kids at these two churches by His grace.

In children’s ministry, we don’t always see the fruit of our labor. We sow lots of seeds, but often, someone else reaps the harvest years later. So I am thankful that God has given me a small glimpse of what He accomplished in some of those boys and girls over the years.  I praise God for the kids at these two churches who placed their faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. But, on the other hand, I grieve for those children who heard the gospel but did not believe.

Today, the children I ministered to more than 42 years ago are now parents and grandparents.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) If you are a young children’s ministry leader, set an example for other Christians by how you live and lead your ministry. Meditate on I Timothy 4:12.

2) If you are an older and experienced leader, find a new children’s ministry leader to mentor and encourage.

TAGS: I Timothy 4:12, Introduction, Getting Started, Small Churches, Mentors

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children’s Ministry Seminar

Episode 001: INTRODUCTION (PART 1)

CHURCH VOLUNTEER

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 5, 2022

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 for kids a few years earlier when I was in elementary school. So I was happy to lend a hand and help my father.

When I attended Junior Church as a kid, the Youth Minister taught one Sunday on “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). I have never forgotten that truth.

Junior Church, commonly known today as Children’s Church or Kids’ Church, was simply a church for juniors. It provided a place for children to worship God together and to be taught at their age level. Junior Church also prepared children to attend the adult worship service later on.

We never had a purpose statement for Junior Church back then, but Psalm 78:4 (NIV) would be my choice to guide us today. It says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”

Being a young and inexperienced leader, I copied what I had witnessed in the adult worship service and did the same with the children in Junior Church.

The children and I used old dusty hymnals to sing hymns over recorded piano music which blared from a large reel to reel tape recorder on the platform.

We also worshipped the Lord by reading Scripture together and praying. There were responsive readings from the Bible in the back of the hymnals. I would read a passage of Scripture, and then the kids would read another in unison. Back and forth we would go until the responsive reading was over. Junior Church also provided a place for children to learn to pray and to pray in public.

Usually, a church Elder sat in the back of the chapel to observe. He also oversaw the celebration of the Lord’s Supper for the children who were Christians.

The kids always enjoyed serving as ushers while receiving the offering. Then I would teach the boys and girls from God’s Word, just as I was taught by the Youth Minister years before. (The unchanging Word of God continues to be what kids need to hear today.)

Sometimes we would have Bible drills or play trivia games when the adult service ran long.

It was always a joy to see one of our Junior Church kids repent of their sin and receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. Whenever a child was baptized by immersion, I would walk the group over to the Sanctuary to observe the baptism, which illustrated the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Occasionally, a boy (always a boy!) would misbehave, and I would talk to his parents after church. I never liked doing this because I was a teenager and nervous about how the parents would respond. (I also remember getting in trouble at Junior Church when I was a kid. My mother heard about it from the Youth Minister before our car left the parking lot that Sunday. It was a long ride home.) Nevertheless, the unruly boy returned the following Sunday knowing that I would not put up with his shenanigans.

There were no snacks or recreation during Junior Church. It was a worship service for boys and girls that we treated with reverence and respect.

One of the blessings and joys of a long ministry is watching the kids I once ministered to grow up. One of those children is Rebecca. “Becky” and her younger brother were regular attendees at Junior Church. Nearly 50 years later, Becky is a believer in Jesus, a godly wife and mother, and a children’s ministry leader at a megachurch in southern California. She is telling the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.

I served as a volunteer leader in Junior Church for three years while I was in high school. This is where God planted the seed in my heart and laid the foundation for all that followed.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

Tags: Psalm 78:4, Introduction, Getting Started, Junior Church, Mission Statement

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2021 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 009: GLOBAL 4/14 DAY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: March 2, 2022

 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 children's ministry overall.

I encourage you to go to www.Global414Day.com to JOIN THE MOVEMENT and print a Prayer Guide. Global414Day.com is one of our ministry's websites and is available in multiple languages. The Prayer Guide will help you prepare your heart before the Lord and specifically suggest ways to pray for children.

For example, we encourage you to pray for children geographically, beginning with the kids in your family and moving on to the children in your church. Then pray for the children in your city, community, town, or village, including the kids in the elementary schools closest to your home and church. Follow that by praying for the boys and girls in your state and country. Finally, expand your prayers to include the children on the continent where you live, and then pray for kids worldwide.

We want to pray on Global 4/14 Day for the spiritual needs of boys and girls (Matthew 18:10-14; Mark 10:13-16). Specifically, we want to pray that every child will have the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus, even those who live in parts of the world where governments restrict Christianity.

We also want to pray for kids' physical and emotional needs (Luke 12:22-24; Philippians 4:19). The Prayer Guide will assist you in praying for children. As we pray for children's physical and emotional needs, we want to pray for the God-given Human Rights of every boy and girl around the globe, including the unborn.

While children have many needs and face enormous challenges, we must always remember that their greatest need in life is to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord and for their sins to be forgiven by Him.

On Global 4/14 Day, we want to boldly go before the throne of God on behalf of boys and girls worldwide (Hebrews 4:16). Stay focused as you pray by keeping your Bible nearby and letting God's Word and His Holy Spirit guide you as you pray (Psalm 119:130; Romans 8:26-27).

Will you join me in prayer on Global 4/14 Day? Can I count on you to pray for boys and girls on April 14? You will be blessed for praying and be a blessing to those you pray for. But remember, the power of prayer is not in the person who prays but in God, who hears and answers our prayers.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Please take a moment today to write on your calendar Global 4/14 Day on April 14 and plan to join me in prayer.

2) Get your church involved by organizing a group within your congregation to gather on April 14 to pray.

3) Get the children in your church involved by praying for kids around the world.

4) Share your testimony, answered prayers, and photos with me at Testimony @Global414Day.com. I want to praise God and rejoice with you!.

TAGS: Psalm 119:130; Matthew 18:10-14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 12:22-24; Romans 8:26-27; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 4:16; Global 4/14 Day; Prayer

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 020: THE CHRISTMAS INTRUDER

by Steve Karges

Original Release: December 20, 2023

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, he is a God-like figure because they believe he has magical powers.

Children are confused when Santa walks into their church. When children’s ministry leaders welcome the Christmas intruder into their children’s ministry, they communicate to boys and girls that there are two Christmas stories when there is only one.

The true story of Christmas in the Bible is this: Jesus Christ came from Heaven to Earth as a baby boy, born of Mary (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7). This miraculous event is called the “Incarnation.” At His birth, Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time. (Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 2:17)

Jesus came into the world for one specific purpose: to “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, ESV)

While Christians celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, there are some children’s ministry leaders who invite Santa into the church so that kids can sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.

Santa is a major distraction at church. He blurs reality and obscures the true meaning of Christmas in children’s minds.

During the Holiday Season, Christians remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth at home and church. We teach the true story of Christ’s birth and pass it on to the next generation. But year after year, Santa towers over society and takes all the attention away from Jesus, whose birth is the real reason for the season.

Some children’s ministry leaders do not think that having Santa visit their kids is a problem. They love Santa and believe it is OK to let him in the church door.

These children’s ministry leaders want to be culturally relevant, and Santa is a big part of the culture. But that does not make it right.

The Bible is where Christians go for answers, so what does the Word of God say about Santa Claus? Indeed, Santa is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Scripture gives us clear commands and principles that instruct, guide, and direct us to the truth.

Here are three applicable Bible verses for us to know and obey…

This is the first of the ten commandments, and God makes it clear that He is to be the only God in our lives. But for many children, Santa has become their god, and children’s ministry leaders reinforce these false beliefs when they invite Santa into the church. Remember, as children’s ministry leaders, we are not to surrender to Santa any territory or focus that rightly belongs to God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is where the Christmas intruder confuses children. According to the make-believe story of Santa, his supposed power is eerily similar to God’s. We are told that Santa is a transcendent being and not limited by the physical laws of this world. Santa can fly in his sleigh around the world in a single day, stopping at every house in just 24 hours. And Santa is surrounded by his helpers and reindeers, who likewise are not subject to the constraints placed on the rest of us. Santa is also omnipresent—he sees you when you’re sleeping. He is omniscient—he knows when you’re awake, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake.

In addition to being a fictional heavenly being, Santa has a questionable character. He does not tell the truth, and he makes empty promises. Santa also demands good works, rewards unrepentant sinful people, and only shows up once a year.

Santa’s traits fall far short of the true Triune God of the Bible. The true God speaks the truth (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), and He keeps all of His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). The true God judges those who reject Him (Romans 14:10,12; Hebrews 10:30). He also gives salvation by grace through faith, and not by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). And the true God is always present (Psalm 139:1-18).

Santa is a pretend character. His story is fiction. On the other hand, the church is about upholding the truth. Make-believe characters and fairy tales have no place in your children’s ministry.

And who is more worldly than Santa Claus? By inviting him into your children’s ministry, you are teaching boys and girls to love the world and the things in it.

This Christmas, make Jesus Christ the honored guest in your children’s ministry, not Santa Claus.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) If you have invited Santa to your church, uninvite him and never ask him to come back.

2) If you have asked Santa to visit your children’s ministry and he has already come and gone, repent of your disobedience to the Word of God, and He will forgive you (I John 1:9). Then learn from your experience and never have Santa to your church again.

3) Teach the kids in your children’s ministry the true story of Christmas from the Bible and organize all of your holiday activities so that Jesus is the main focus.

4) Avoid singing secular Christmas songs in your children’s ministry. Sing songs about Jesus and His birth.

5) Check out all of the Bible verses in the Show Notes, as only some were mentioned in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, visit our website at cmikids.com, and you will find them there under the title of this episode.

TAGS: Exodus 20:3; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 139:1-18; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7; Romans 14:10,12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; I Timothy 3:15; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 2:17, 10:30, 12:2, 13:15; I John 1:9, 2:15; Christmas; Jesus Christ; Triune God; Santa Claus

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2023 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.