Posts Tagged ‘Helpful sites’
What is your aim?
As children’s ministry workers, what are we aiming for? What do we hope will be the outcome from our teaching in the long-term? In other words, what sort of adults do we hope our children will become?
Over at the WhyMissionaries blog, Wanda has put a lot of thought into answering this. Looking at the whole child in every aspect - spiritual, emotional, social, mental and physical – she has begun a list of goals.
Wanda says:
As we pray, plan, develop and implement ministry for children do we ever stop and ask who we want that child to be when he is an adult? I believe asking this question will make a big difference in how we do ministry to children.
Below is my beginning list. I’m sure it will grow and change – if I’ve missed something let me know…
When you see her list, add no doubt add your own items, perhaps you will respond as I did:
What a great personal checklist for me as a teacher! Does my life model these attributes? Phew! Food for thought !
So, in the midst of the nitty-gritty, week-by-week planning and preparation for your children’s ministry, why not consider Wanda’s challenge and build your own list of long-term goals for your young people. Allow God to mould you, so that you model these qualities. Then he might use you in some measure to mould the young lives in your care into great men and women of God.
Internet daily comic for Chinese youth
For anyone who has contact with young Chinese people this new online daily comic, Little Fish, will be of interest. As the Digital Evangelism Issues says: “This story-telling approach is designed to redemptively engage with Chinese young people. Tell your Chinese friends (in appropriate sensitive terms)”
It certainly seems to have characters which encapsulate the problems and attitudes of modern young people. There is an English version too. Perhaps there are youngsters in your group that would enjoy and benefit from this thought-provoking series.
Home made no-cook play dough
Playdough from Ministry-to-Children.com
There are plenty of recipes for play dough to make at home, but many involve cooking.
This great one from Ministry-to-Children.com not only looks good but smells nice too!
It involves Kool-Aid , which for us in the UK is difficult and expensive to get. But for those of you who can get hold of it, Kool-Aid seems to be the secret ingredient!
Posted in Crafts, Video | 
Tags: children, Helpful sites, playdough, Pre-school, Video | 
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Group game for teaching about prayer
A novel way to get kids thinking about prayer and the wonderful way God can meet their needs (though not necessarily their wants) is to play a simple game suggested by Creative Youth Ideas. If you have never visited the site before, you are in for a treat as it is loaded with ideas and tips, many of which are adaptable for children or teens.
One that recently caught my eye is All you Need. Get in a circle, grab a soft ball or even a wadded up pair of clean socks and follow the clear instructions for a great discussion starter.
Group games tips and ideas – part 2
Sometimes it is the simplest games that surprise us with the enthusiasm and delight of the kids. Even teens can get a kick out of some of them.
GrowingKidsMinistry.com have several blog posts about games for groups. Why not hop over to their blog?
There are even videos of two of the games being played (by teens!) and a link to a PDF Activity guide which details many more games. With a little thought, you can select ones suitable for your age group and have a whale of a time!
