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.
Fear Not Parenting in the Present Age
Fear Not Parenting in the Present Age— In our house, the evening routine includes watching the local news before we turn in. I’m often ready to shut off the TV long before the half-hour newscast is over, as coverage of national and world circumstances gets harder and harder to watch, especially when sleep is the next thing on the schedule. War, famine, genocide, politics, the economy, [...]
Fear Not Parenting—Encouraging Parents to Parent without Fear
Fear Not Parenting: Encouraging Parents to Parent without Fear— I just heard about another school shooting. My neighbor told me her daughter brought home a pornographic book from the school library. A friend had to pull her child out of school because he was bullied so badly. Those great little fruit pouches might have dangerous levels of lead. Transgenderism is a fad among our nation’s youth. [...]
God Never Stops Hugging You
God Never Stops Hugging You - Once a month during the school year we have a program called “First Wednesday.” On the (you guessed it!) first Wednesday of the month, we switch up our midweek Bible study and do a topical study with three different age groups. Staff members come and teach while we “beef” things up with games, music, and a dress-up theme. This year, [...]
Modeling Worship to Families
Modeling Worship to Families - Our actions and words matter as leaders in the church. This is especially true in the pew. Know it or not, we are being watched by the children of our congregation as an example of how to worship. This being the case, a question I often wrestle with is this: How do we model worship to children and families around us? [...]
Growing as a Teacher
Growing as a Teacher- Knowing the audience here, I know I am not alone in saying that teaching covenant children in the church is hands down one of the greatest joys we have in this life. As I sit at my desk and look at the wall where we display what we’ve been learning on Wednesday nights, it delights my heart to see the Attributes of [...]
The Joy of the ‘Aha’ Moment
The Joy of the ‘Aha’ Moment- We’ve all experienced it. There is a moment when you see the lightbulb go off for someone. There is a new understanding that often shows on someone’s face as they contemplate their newfound clarity. This someone may even be yourself. It’s beautiful when the Holy Spirit lets us see these moments. When we see it in ourselves, it often comes [...]
Teaching Children to Read with Discernment
Teaching Children to Read with Discernment— When my three children rode off on their bikes for the first time on their own, I took a picture and promptly called my mom. This felt like a Big Moment. And yet, that Big Moment didn’t come out of the blue. My children had ridden in strollers, done “doughnuts” in our driveway on tricycles, gotten their first bikes accompanied [...]
Potluck Provides New Friendship
Potluck Provides New Friendship!— The children’s ministry leadership training retreats are not just a time to be equipped with wise teaching and connected to excellent resources. They are an opportunity for the spirit of God to work and move in profound and creative ways. My first prayer as I prepare for the retreat is “Lord, let me be open to your movement. Open my eyes to [...]