Mr. Mark's Classroom

I sometimes worry that I say, “Be prepared.” too much. The truth is, I know what it feels like to walk into a room unprepared and try to “wing-it.” You think you know the Bible story and you probably do, but you don’t have your act together and the kids can sniff it out pretty […]

Yesterday, I spoke to a children’s minister in Kentucky. She is wanting to introduce Bible Drill during the summer and I cautioned her. Yes, I believe the kids should be memorizing Bible verses and learning the books of the Bible, but have a soft launch during summer. Begin with learning how the Bible is […]

I am hearing more and more how children’s ministers are providing events for Fathers and Daughters or Mothers and Sons. I chose to plan an event for these two groups in my church, as well as for Fathers and Sons and Mothers and Daughters. Yes, there are four events on our calendar now. I […]

That’s right!  You can sing your Bible thoughts. I learned this method years ago and was reminded from my friend, Stephanie Chase to sing the Bible thought to my preschoolers. Every Sunday, my kindergarten material prompts me to sing the Bible thought to a familiar tune I know. There have been a couple of times I could not remember […]

”A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17 A morning or evening of food, fun and fellowship for children and senior adults. Plan it: Select a date and time frame. (A Parent’s Night Out in February would be fun—as it would allow parents to enjoy a night out while kids enjoy a night at church.) […]

Today my special guest is Paula Lawson, Children’s Minister in Blanchard Oklahoma.  Be sure to listen to her wonderful ideas for organizing the Children’s Minister and the Children’s Ministry.  She provided a couple of great handouts that will serve you well.  This is an episode to listen to again and again.  Thank you Paula, for sharing […]

Today, my special guest is Genea Pine. Genea is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and serves as the Director for Preschool Ministries for her church. Listen as we discuss how learning centers are an essential part of the early childhood classroom. We share ideas and practical tips for making your classroom successful and engaging for […]

Building Your Team ASK – Be intentional. Pray. Invite at least 3 people a week to join your team. Ask, and It Will Be Given 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and […]

This Friday I am hosting my next parent and child event, “Mother & Son Camp-In.”  I thought the dads and sons could have a Camp-Out in the spring, so Moms and Sons could have a Camp-In during the winter.  We are removing all the tables and chairs in the fellowship hall so our campers […]

This time of year seems to be the most challenging to manage when it comes to childcare issues at the church.  Every class wants to have a Christmas party and all at different times.  The music ministry forgets to schedule childcare for those extra rehearsals they plan.  No one knows how many kids will […]