Grow Blog
CDM’s Children’s Ministry with Purpose Grow Blog connects you with people and resources to disciple the children in your church. Read as we write about children’s ministry opportunities and challenges, connecting with leadership, how to cast vision, and many more important topics.
Laboring Together in Community
Laboring Together in Community— “Who will sign up to serve?” “I hope Joey will lead relay games again this year.” “I need a dynamic teacher for the pizza and story time room.” These were the thoughts swirling through my head as I closed my laptop. It was time to plan our annual “Kids Night Out” event, and the link for both attendee and volunteer registration had [...]
Find Your People
Find Your People- Before I worked full-time as a Director of Children’s Ministry, I taught fourth grade at a local elementary school. It was a pretty large school, so there were six fourth-grade teachers. Three of us taught math and science, while the others taught language arts and social studies. Those of us who taught math would meet often to plan and discuss what was working [...]
LEAD Retreat Life-Changing and Ministry-Shaping
LEAD Retreat- Life-Changing and Ministry-Shaping The Children’s Ministry Director who went to her first LEAD Retreat at Ridge Haven several years ago is not the same Director who returned. When I boarded the airplane in Detroit, I couldn’t have known the effect that the next few days would continue to have on my ministry— from the seeds that would be sown to friendships which would be [...]
Encouraging New Children’s Ministry Leaders
Encouraging New Children’s Ministry Leaders - This blogpost is intended for new Children’s Ministry leaders and those who mentor them. You might be leading in an established context or in a brand-new church plant as a new leader. We hope these thoughts are an encouragement to the work the Lord has called you to. Know Your Mission I remember praying with someone once when they said, [...]
Yes, I am the New Children’s Director! Now what?
Yes, I am the New Children’s Director! Now what?- Yay! You are the new Children’s Director at your church, and it’s no surprise to your friends. After all, you love children! All your life people have told you how great you are with kids, and you knew they were right. Now, as you prepare for Sunday morning, you are wondering just what you have gotten yourself [...]
On Earth As It Is In Heaven
On Earth as It Is in Heaven- Facing change is inevitable, but when we are not prepared, change can be wearisome and challenging. Now that I am in the post-diaper-changing and minivan era, I find myself wanting more predictability and comfort. Daily tasks such as driving, laundry, and grocery shopping, become “work” as I deal with the effects of my aging mind and body. While my [...]
Thriving in Transition
Thriving in Transition- I will be the first to admit I have not always thrived in transition. Whether it’s settling into a new church as Children’s Ministry Director or going through changes in your church, transitions are hard. I have learned a few things over the years to help stay healthy in transitions. I am still learning to do these things well, but I hope they [...]
Reflection and Planning
Reflection and Planning- As servants in children’s ministry, we can sometimes get fixated on detail after detail. How many supplies do we need to buy? What room will be big enough? Where will all the volunteers come from? These are very important questions, but sometimes it’s where we go first, and we miss out on the beauty of the garden because we are stuck in the [...]