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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? Sometimes I forget that people are watching me each Sunday. I have a lot on my plate each Sunday morning as a Children’s Ministry Director in a church plant context. My morning starts [...]

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 God, the Wisdom of Proverbs, and the Big Picture of the Bible. Yet even as I look at these reminders, I doubt. Though it is clearly laid out in front of me that [...]

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 with repentance and conviction, drawing us closer to the Lord. When we see it happen in others, we are motivated to keep sharing Gospel truth. I love Paul’s prayer of thanksgiving at the [...]

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 by training wheels, and, finally, learned to ride a 2-wheeler sans training wheels. They were ready. But life is full of risk, isn’t it? This mama was glad to see them sail along [...]

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 any divine appointments you are preparing for me”. God keeps answering that prayer most emphatically by the “potluck” roommate He provides. For the past two years I have arrived at Ridge Haven not [...]

Why And How We Teach Our Children To Pray— My 15-month-old son Ezra has recently been throwing his hands up to motion “touchdown!” Neither his father nor I sat down and taught him to do this, but it makes sense. It is fall, football season is here, and the Burton family watches a lot of football. Ezra has watched us and watched friends that have come over cheer and celebrate, signaling our team has scored. In watching us, he’s learned to do the same. This is how our children learn a lot of things! They are always listening and [...]

A Vision for Visiting Families— “Where are your shoes?!” “We’re going to be late—just get in the car!” “Are any of my friends going to be there?” “I don’t want to go!” “I’m hungry. Will there be food there?” These are just a sample of the “conversations” that a new family, or honestly any family, may have on the way to church. Family meltdowns may frequently occur from the door of the house to the door of your church. This can definitely be true for a new family who is not in the rhythm of waking up early, getting [...]

Making Sundays Welcoming— My mother has served in children’s ministry for most of her life, leading programs at three different churches in the DC area: one as the volunteer Sunday School Superintendent, and two others as the full-time director of children’s ministry. I asked her to share some thoughts on making Sundays welcoming for visitors from a wide variety of backgrounds, particularly from unchurched or lightly-churched backgrounds. Can you give us a brief picture of the basics of Sunday morning children's programs at the churches you served? The three churches all offered two or three morning services with children’s [...]