A Brief History of Sunday School

For many of us, Sunday school is a deeply rooted tradition, although it is actually a rather modern institution. Have you ever wondered about the origins and history of Sunday school? If so, here are a few facts you may find interesting. The idea of a “Sabbath school” for poor and uneducated children began in … Read more

What About Promotion Sunday?

At the church where I serve, Promotion Sunday, that day when kids move up to the next grade/class in Sunday School and other activities, for years occurred the first Sunday of September. However, by the time I arrived the date had been pushed back to the first Sunday in June. This was done primarily for … Read more

Sunday School Bulletin Board Ideas

I have always struggled to find good ideas for my church’s Sunday school bulletin board. The default mode is to post the latest crafts, but a well-decorated bulletin board can be a good way to keep your children’s ministry area interesting. Here are a few web resources that offer free Sunday school bulletin board ideas. … Read more

Effective Teaching Depends On Prayer

This week’s Bible lesson is finished. The learning objectives are clear and measurable. I’ve found all the right teaching activities. The lesson plan is laser-focused to change lives. But am I ready to teach?
Once again I’ve forgotten a basic key to effective teaching – I’ve failed to pray!

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Sunday School Safety and Security

Safety and security is one of the biggest topics in children’s ministry today. This is true for both small and large churches. Keeping kids safe should be a priority in every church. In this article, I will discuss the leading concerns about Sunday school security and offer some ways to improve safety at your church. … Read more

13 Bible Stories You Must Teach Every Child

Child Bible StoriesThe average children’s Bible has about 100 stories. The real Bible has many more. Every story matters. But what are the basic stories kids need to understand to have a full grasp on the Bible? What stories are so basic to the Gospel that omitting them would leave a big whole in their worldview? Here’s what I came up with.

13 Bible Stories You Must Teach Every Child

  1. God created the world and everything in contains (including people) for his glory. (Genesis 1-2)
  2. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, rejected God’s rule and fell into a state of sin and misery. (Genesis 3-4)

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What Is Effective Sunday School Teaching?

I’m a children’s pastor. My job is making things plain for kids. Children’s ministry is the easiest AND the hardest job in the church. It’s easy because most kids want to learn. They want to know. Ideas become adventures. It’s hard because children are limited. They don’t know grown-up words. They’ve only lived a little … Read more