Over the past few weeks you've heard a lot about LifeWay's newest Bible study resource, The Gospel Project for Kids.  It has recently gone on sale and if you choose the digital delivery system, you'll have access instantly to the first full volume.

There have been lots of  posts about The Gospel Project. You can search this blog should you need to revisit any of the particulars...but I wanted to share what I believe to be the top three reasons one might choose to use The Gospel Project in your kids ministry.

#1:  The Christ Centered Chronological approach to the Bible.  Helping kids see the entire Bible through the lens of Christ is huge. Instead of the Gospel being just  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the entire Bible is the Gospel—God's redemptive plan to rescue us from sin and death.  The logical, linear chronological approach will help kids to see scripture with order, from Genesis to Revelation, allowing the Gospel to work and transform.

#2:  The Video and Low Prep Options. The Gospel Project for Kids includes video options that I think you're going to love. Both the preschool and the kids editions provide a Bible story video. You might use it every week, you might use it occasionally, or you might not use it at all (the written Bible stories are still in the leader resource)... but when it comes to prep time and making sure you don't bore kids with poor story telling. These videos are excellent options.  Additionally, there are low prep options throughout the resource (easily identified with a "low prep" icon) helping busy teachers and last-minute substitutes to lead a successful Bible learning experience.

#3:  The Electronic/Customizable Delivery Option. This is a first for LifeWay Kids and many of you have already shared with me that you will definitely be choosing this option. This digital delivery offers churches the ability to customize the resource, deliver leader resources via email, and have instant access as each volume is released.  If digital isn't your preference, the printed version will be available.  

The Gospel Project for Kids is a wonderful Bible Study resource for use on Sunday morning, Sunday night, mid-week, or any time kids are gathered to learn about God's plan for their lives.

Don't miss the opportunity to check out the first four sessions by joining the Pilot Program.  You'll receive access to everything so you can investigate, take it for a test drive, see where it works best for you.  I think you'll be pleased with what you find!

tagged as: gospel project, kidmin, kids ministry, the gospel project, the gospel project for kids || category: Leadership , Resources , Sunday School
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I want to share with you about the world greatest Sunday School teacher, Faye Scott. 

Faye Scott was my 5th grade Sunday School teacher. I don't really remember any of the Bible stories that Mrs. Scott taught our class (even though I know she must have taught them weekly), and I don't even remember the life application that she would have taught on those Bible stories we heard. What I do remember well is that Faye Scott loved here 5th grade students.

You see, it was during my 5th grade year that my Grandfather came to live with us.  Actually, he came to die with us.  My mother's father had cancer and in the last weeks of his life, he lived with my family. I remember the day he died very clearly.

In Georgia (where I grew up) we grieve best on a full stomach!  In our tradition, when a family member passes away the entire church rallies at your home with tons of food... casseroles, pound cakes, pies, and lots of fried chicken. And that's exactly what happened when my grandfather died.

I remember sitting back and watching all this unfold. I watched as my pastor and his wife showed up, my music minister and his wife, our church family... in action, ministering during crisis.  I remember when my Sunday School teacher, Faye Scott, walked in the door carrying a tray full of brownies (or maybe cookies...either way it caught my attention). My mom greeted Faye and they exchanged the usual, "I'm so sorry for your loss" and "Thank you for coming." When my mom reached out to take the tray of goodies Mrs. Scott quickly turned and said to my mom, "Oh no... I brought these for Bill!" 

I have never forgotten that act of love, kindness, and MINISTRY shown to ME by MY 5th grade Sunday School teacher!  My minister to boys and girls has been forever influenced by Faye Scott's acts of kindness and love. 

Faye Scott will forever be the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher (at least to me). Not because of her degrees in childhood education or her theological insights or even her doctrinal stands and political preferences...she is the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher because she lived out the love of Christ to a chubby 5th grade boy she taught in Sunday School.

THE REST OF THE STORY:  Last summer, after a 15 month battle with Leukemia, my father passed away.  After the service was over, my family and I were standing outside if front of the church greeting friends who had come to support us and express their condolences for our loss.  Guess who was there... the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher... 40 years later, still ministering to her 5th grade student!  Yep, Faye Scott was there, just like she was when my grandfather died.  She was still loving on, caring for, and representing Christ though her actions to that chubby (middle aged) kid.

You can be the worlds greatest Sunday School teacher to the kids you teach.  Bible study is a must, life application is vital... but ministry is key! They may forget what you say with your words, but they'll always remember what you did with your actions.

category: Encouragement , Leadership
post a comment || comments (1) || trackbacks (0) Calling all newbies!

Are you working hard to lead a team of experienced teachers, leaders, or volunteers? At first, it’s easy to recognize that they’ve been here much longer than you. They are what you’d call “experts.” They know what they are doing. The truth is, they can sometimes be the hardest group of people to lead. So, as a newbie in your church or in kids ministry, how do you lead a team with more experience, knowledge, and even expertise than you?

• Acknowledge their value. Let them know how much you appreciate their experience. Remind them what an asset they are to the team. Tell them THANK YOU more often than feels comfortable.
• Learn from them. Watch them, especially in their field of expertise. Ask lots of questions. Find out how they would handle difficult situations you’re dealing with. Ask them to recommend resources for you to continue learning.
• Lean on them. As you lead, use these experienced team members. Let them be the example for others to watch. Let them train potential volunteers. Don’t be afraid of their knowledge or experience, but use it!
• Lead them. They don’t expect you to try to know more than they know or one-up their experience. They expect you to lead. Show them you can lead by investing in them, being a resource for them, encouraging them, and equipping them. Cast vision. Remind them often where you’re headed in your ministry and why you need their help to get there.
• Remember your calling. God has given you a vision for the ministry and He has called you to lead it. These others are simply here to help along the way. Often, your intimidation can keep you from getting the most help and service out of these most talented team members. God called you for a reason to serve with these people in this season, so make the most of it and trust the Lord’s calling.

tagged as: leadership, new kids minister, newbie, training, volunteers || category: Encouragement , Leadership
post a comment || comments (0) || trackbacks (0) Amber Sugg is my Kids Ministry hero.  And I can hear her right now saying, “What EVER, Katie DeCillo.” She always calls me by my full name. In fact, she recently sent me a package addressed to Katherine Rosemary DeCillo… but I digress.

Amber is the director of preschool and children’s ministry at First Baptist Church in Murray, KY.  She is wife to Micah and mom to the adorable and hilarious Madelyn and Allie.  She graciously allowed me to serve as her intern and taught me many valuable things about ministry life in the short amount of time I was under her wing. 

Here are some fun facts about Amber:

• She wore rain boots with a dress once…to service.  And taught in them…from stage.
• She LOVES Jesus, balloons and inflatables.
• She uses hashtags (a tool created for sorting and identifying things on Twitter) in normal communication–email, text messages, Facebook wall posts. For example:  ”Teaching Maddie Cunningham 90′s rap songs #jumpjump.”
• She coined the phrase “fun at church”–more often read, #funatchurch.  ”Katie DeCillo…they’re kids.  They need to have fun at church.”  And it’s true, kids do need to have fun while they learn about Jesus.
• She likes pranks.  Her most recent endeavor was the posting of this really awesome picture of pastor Sam Rainer on FBC’s heritage wall.  (See below)

But those things aren’t what make Amber my hero.  Those things are just frosting on the cupcake.

Amber invests in her relationships.  She invests in the way that Christ calls us to when he says to make disciples.  Whether you're 3 or 30, she can be a source of encouragement, spiritual wisdom, and accountability.  (Though she'll tell you she'd rather hang out with kids than adults!)  She has guided me through some difficult and hilarious conversations alike that have spurred me on to seek more and more truth in my life.  Best of all, Amber is not afraid to teach the difficult truths of Scripture, and does it in a way that is applicable and full of God's love and grace.

Today, the Gold Star goes to YOU, Amber Sugg! 

 Tell me about YOUR kids ministry hero!   

tagged as: heroes, kids ministry, ministry heroes || category: Encouragement , Fun , Leadership , Sunday School , Vacation Bible School
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This post will complete a three part series on Guiding Behavior.  I started with Understanding Bad Behavior, shared Principles for Guiding Behavior, Part 1 and today will share the last five principles.

I'm convinced that preventing bad behavior is the preferred strategy. These ideas have helped me over the years prevent instead of deal.

• Model proper behavior for the children.  Too many times our behavior doesn't match our expectations for the kids.  If sitting on the table isn't appropriate for the kids, then DON'T SIT ON THE TABLE. If bringing a drink in to the classroom isn't appropriate DON'T BRING YOUR DRINK INTO THE CLASSROOM.  Time and time again I see teachers whose behavior isn't consistent with the expectations of the kids.
• Dislike the behavior, not the child!  The Bible doesn't say that you have to like all the kids in your class.  However, it's very clear that you are to love each one with an unconditional, Christ-like love.  Be very careful not to equate the behavior you detest with the child you love.
• Provide choice and alternative solutions.  Kids will work hard to see their choices be successful. The key here is providing a teaching session that allows for choices.  Always have two teachers in the room, regardless of how many kids you have... with that said, plan for each teacher to do a different activity and then allow the kids to choose which activity they will do.  You'll be surprised at how much more successful your sessions will be.
• Never confront or embarrass a child in front of the class.  As tempting as it might be, don't confront in an effort to embarrass.  There will be times when immediate action must be taken, but don't choose that option as your rule. Kids deserve our respect and embarrassing them in an effort to correct their behavior will ultimately backfire on you. In a public place, quietly discuss the behavior problem without breaking his spirit. Embarrassing a child in front of his peers will most likely result in additional bad behavior.
• Be fair!  Kids are quick to see when things aren't fair. You can't punish one child for something you allow another child to get by with. You can't choose to have favorites in the classroom. If Jason can't sit on the table, neither can Mitchell. Be fair.

I'd rather prevent poor behavior than deal with poor behavior. Understanding why kids misbehave and implementing these 10 principles will help you be well on your way to classroom management. This is a skill that can be learned and worth the effort.

Prevention is the Preferred Strategy!

tagged as: attitudes, bad behavior, behavior, discipline, good behavior, prevention || category: Leadership , Sunday School , Training
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