Teaching Kids Theology Part 7 TLDR: A catechism is one of the greatest tools available in a family discipleship tool belt. This time-tested method of teaching theology involves a question and answer approach that not only communicates God’s truth, but also creates an environment for exploring the faith together as a family. When many peopleContinue reading “Catechisms”
Category Archives: Ministry
The Child Theologian
Teaching Kids Theology Part 6 TLDR: Teaching theology is much like teaching math; you start with the basics and then build on them. As we teach a child theology, we start with the big ideas a child can handle, and then we build on them as the child grows and matures. Theology is like math;Continue reading “The Child Theologian”
The Parent Theologian
Teaching Kids Theology Part 5 TLDR: Theology isn’t just what we learn; it’s also what we do. While pastors and teachers can help kids learn and apply theology, they are more limited in the latter because of time and proximity. But parents have the unique opportunity to greatly influence how their kids live out whatContinue reading “The Parent Theologian”
The Kidmin Theologian
Teaching Kids Theology Part 4 TLDR: While kidmin leaders are often thought of as glorified babysitters, nothing is farther from the truth. Kidmin leaders are some of the best theologians in the church. They are charged with communicating big truths in simple terms to kids, but without watering them down. I’ve got a pet peeve.Continue reading “The Kidmin Theologian”
Developing a Theological Triage
Teaching Kids Theology Part 3 TLDR: Not all theological beliefs should be held the same. Some are essentials that should divide us from others who don’t hold them because they determine a true believer or church. Others are important and should separate us to a degree from other Christians, but with charity. While still othersContinue reading “Developing a Theological Triage”
Growing in Two Directions
Teaching Kids Theology Part 2 TLDR: As we grow in our understanding of theology for ourselves and to teach it to kids, we are to grow in two directions: deeper and wider. Both are critical. As we saw in Part 1 of this series, everyone is a theologian; the question is whether we are goodContinue reading “Growing in Two Directions”
Navigating Church Conflict and Departures: When to Be Graceful and When to “Rock the Boat”
TLDR: Leaving a church can feel like a painful divorce, marked by sin and interpersonal conflict. While it’s often recommended to leave quietly to preserve unity, there are situations where confronting wrongdoing is necessary. It’s essential to assess whether to stay or to leave peacefully, or to “rock the boat,” using discernment, prayer, and respectfulContinue reading “Navigating Church Conflict and Departures: When to Be Graceful and When to “Rock the Boat””
Choosing the Better Investment
TLDR: As parents and ministry leaders, we invest in many good things related to our kids, but the best thing we can invest in is discipling them in a way to flourish. Imagine that it’s May 1997, and you’re trying to get Hanson’s recent ear worm release, MMMBop, out of your mind, so you decideContinue reading “Choosing the Better Investment”
Staying in Our Lane
TLDR: Neither in ministry nor in life are we expected to be omnicompetent. We simply lack the training, experience, and skills for that. Rather, it is better that we embrace our limits and thrive in the often narrower lane God has placed us in. I recently saw a kidmin leader reach out to a groupContinue reading “Staying in Our Lane”
Fall Festivals and the Ministry of Hospitality
TLDR: Sometimes it might be best to focus our fall festivals on building friendships with others and showing them that we care for them and trust God to provide opportunities to share the gospel later.
brian dembowczyk 