It Worked for Us

Best Practices for Ministry with Children and Families
Edited by Judy Comstock

A Comprehensive guide for children’s pastors, educators, and leaders.

Developed in partnership with the International Network of Children’s Ministry, this guide provides the strategic information needed to plan and implement a complete children’s ministry.

• Each article is written by a children’s worker who has actually “been there, done that”
• Provides comprehensive information for key areas of children’s ministries
• Supplies training for paid and volunteer staff
• A one-source guide for multiple topics
• Includes a CD-ROM with forms and information that can be customized for different settings and churches

The Quick Guide to Discipline for Children's Ministry

101 Good Ideas for Bad Behavior

Give this book to every leader on your children's ministry team!

Synopsis: You’ll love this at-your-fingertips handbook for discipline issues that frazzle your nerves and leave you wondering what to do. Look to this guide for effective techniques that eliminate and redirect behavior challenges.

From A - Z you'll find help for: anger, ADHD,bad language, biting, bullying, crying, disrespectful behavior, lying, sarcasm, safety risks, tattling...and more!

Kids' Travel Guide to the 23rd Psalm

With 13 in-depth Bible lessons for grades K-5, it's perfect for Sunday School or midweek meetings at your church.

Synopsis: Jesus loves and watches over kids! At school. At home. On the soccer field. At the doctor's office. Anywhere! Use Kid's Travel Guide to the 23rd Psalm to share this promise of God's provision and protection - and to lead your children in a discovery of every promise in Psalm 23. When kids feel unsure or lonely or worried or confused, they can take comfort in knowing: "The Lord is my shepherd..."

Passing the Baton

Guide Your Child to Follow Jesus

By Grant Edwards

Synopsis: If you’re a parent, you want your child to have a growing friendship with Jesus. And if you’re a Christian education leader, you want parents to be successful!
But what do parents do? What do they say? Where do they start?

START HERE
Theses ten 45-minute, do-them-at-home sessions cement elementary-age children into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Included are…

• Step-by-step directions so parent know exactly what to say and do. And sessions aren’t just based on talking – there are also fun activities and do-them-together games!
• Scrapbook pages that help parents document their child’s faith milestones! This book becomes a treasured reminder of a family faith adventure.
• Fun extras! From movie suggestions to activity pages to games, parents are ready to reinforce the week’s lesson - all week long.
• Launch and Wrap-Up Parties! Churches get complete party plans to tie this parent-child discipling program to their children’s ministry.

Grand Days

Ideas for sharing faith moments between grandparents and grandkids

Synopsis: If  you have grandchildren – or are the stand-in “nana” or pop-pop” for a young person in your church or neighborhood – this book is for you.

Whether your grandkids are across town or across the country, you can have a great relationship. This practical book shows you how.
Inside you’ll find age-appropriate..

Projects to make together
Outings that let you explore the world together
Cooking and eating suggestions that help you taste the world together
Storytelling that connects the generations together
Books and movies to enjoy together
Engage your grandchildren in natural, fun opportunities to grow closer – and to share yur Christian faith!

Shift

by Brian Haynes

What it takes to finally reach families today

Synopsis: Whether you’re just getting started ministering to families or you’ve got a full-blown family ministry, Shift helps you equip parents to become spiritual leaders in their homes.
And you don’t have to rework your entire ministry to make it happen!

Get a practical, workable plan for leveraging the milestones your church is already marking as families move through their faith journey together. You’ll tap into the natural patterns of childhood development and family life, equipping parents when they’re most open to shaping their children’s faith.

Emergency Response Handbook for Disaster Relief

Synopsis: Authored in partnership with The Salvation Army! This rapid-response field manual is designed for volunteers who want to assist in the recovery efforts of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fatal car accidents, and more. Includes expert advice from disaster response professionals on what to say and do when you step on the scene of a natural or man-made crisis.

Every solution is backed by:

1. Counseling & care tips
2. Scripture connections
3. Case studies
4. Additional resources

Includes chapters on:

• Crisis of faith
• Bereavement/death
• Depression
• Suicide
• Financial crisis/material instability/unemployment
• Stress & anxiety/fear
• Managing expectations
• Special needs (children, the elderly)
• Isolation/loss of support system
• Dealing with multi-faith/unchurched issues & worldviews

The $5 Youth Ministry

Low-Cost Ideas for Effective Ministry

By Todd Outcalt

Synopsis: It seems like no matter how good the economy is, there’s never enough money in the youth budget.
That’s why The $5 Youth Ministry is packed cover to cover with effective, easy-to-implement ideas – that all cost about $5 or less. You’ll get tons of quality ideas for small groups, weekend retreats, worship services, outreach, fundraising, communication strategies, and so much more. And most importantly, this book goes beyond just icebreakers and games – every page is written to help build and grow a relational youth ministry. You’ll get low-cost tools, not gimmicks, that you can put to use at your next meeting to help engage and develop your students.

Great for preteen ministry also!

Lasting Impressions

From Visiting to Belonging

By Mark Waltz

Synopsis: Discover how to create a church culture that encourages connections – lasting impressions – and continually draws people deeper into the life of your church…and the kingdom.

• Identify what you can   - and can’t do to help others grow.
• Develop experiences that encourage people to explore, discover, and grow in their personal journeys toward and with Christ.
• Understand the value of organic relationship.
• Honor God as you offer your best to your people – and your community.

Whether someone is fresh to your church or has been with you for decades, there’s a next step to take. A step closer to God. A step deeper into the mission and ministry of your church. A step from simply attending to belonging.

Comforting Children in Crisis

Know what to say, what not to say, and what you can do

Synopsis: Children face emergencies, too - and shouldn't endure them alone. When children are burdened by life's struggles, what do you say? What if you make things worse?

This go-to guide gives you the confidence to share God's love and comfort with hurting children and their families.

Each topic includes:

Real-life narrative - Learn from someone who has been there

Care & counseling tips - Support children through a wide range of their most common emergencies

What to say & what not to say - Respond in the most helpful way possible

Also includes: Scripture connections, guidelines for referring children to professional resources and caring ways you can stand by children in need.

Sticky Faith

52 Family Messages for Big Church

Includes CD-ROM of 52 ready-to-use, family-friendly bulletin inserts!

Synopsis: Just add one of these 3 - 5 minute activities and you'll see children sit up...lean forward...and hang on every word. Which means parents and other grown-ups will be more attentive, too.

You get 52 activities that...

• require little or no prep
• complement common sermon themes or passages
• make for memorable learning for kids...and adults!

Plus, with each Sticky Faith activity you'll get...

• an already-designed bulletin insert for families to take home
• suggestions for objects to display - to keep things visually interesting

Use Sticky Faith for Sunday services...children's sermons...anywhere you want to capture kids' attention and engage entire families!

Compass

A Guide for Character and Spiritual Formation in Children

by Vernie Schorr

Synopsis: Compass: A Guide for Character and Spiritual Formation in Children is a fresh, relevant, twenty-first century source of information and materials for integrating character and spiritual formation activities into family, school, sport, and church curriculum. In these pages, Christian educators, parents, and other leaders of children will find the rationale and resources they need to help children become people who reflect God's Character.

Energizing Children's Ministry in the Smaller Church

by Rick Chromey

Synopsis: Children's ministry in the smaller church has the same amazing potential to grow and thrive as a mustard seed. It's all in how you cultivate it. This practical guide provides insights that will encourage you in your children's ministry, along with ready-to-use tools for evaluation, budgeting, and teacher training. Energize your children's ministry with innovative strategies for mega-impact with limited resources, people, and money.

It's Not Junk It's Resources

by Tina Houser

Synopsis: If you're short on cash you can still score high on creativity!

Using everyday objects most of us have lying around or ready for garbage pickup, Tina Houser shows us imaginative ways to make great children's storytelling props, activities games and classroom decor that reinforce Bible stories.

Special Needs Smart Pages

Created by Joni and Friends (DVD and CD-rom Included)

Synopsis: This comprehensive resource from Joni and Friends will help you meet the great need to minister to children with disabilities such as autism, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.

It's crucial that these cherished children and their families learn about Jesus' love for them and know Him as their Savior. This indispensable guide provides the resources that will help you meet the spiritual, physical, social, and emotional needs of children with disabilities ages 4 to 12.

JC Q's

One Hundred Fifty Jesus-Centered Questions

Group Publishing

Synopsis: Jesus is by far the most fascinating person who ever walked the earth, but you wouldn't know it by the kinds of questions we typically ask about Him. A surprising question about Jesus can keep you talking and exploring for a long time; a bad question about Jesus can confirm what many already believe - He's just a boring "nice guy" - Mr. Rogers with a beard. Well, here are 150 questions about Jesus that will spark great discussions about who He really is - we know because we've asked them. Use them anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

Preteen Launchables

All the stuff you need to Launch YOUR Preteen Ministry!!

Synopsis: Whether you're launching a new preteen ministry or refueling a current program, here's everything you need to...

Understand how God wired your preteens - socially, spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally

Connect with preteens - through great games, slammin' service ideas, wow worship, powerful parent involvement, rockin' retreats, and exciting events!

Plan to succeed with preteens - sure-fire, practical ministry solutions - including igniting the right vision, recruiting the right team, sharing the right message, and so much more!

Leading Preteens

By Patrick Snow

Synopsis: Preteens don't quite fit!
Preteens don't quite fit in children's ministry any longer, and they're not ready for junior high ministry. What do you do with preteens?
If you're a teacher or leader of preteens, Leading Preteens will help guide your intentional ministry with them. Discover how to help preteens get a super start to their relationships with Jesus. Whether you have been doing preteen ministry for years or are just beginning to think about it, this book is for you!

My First 90 Days in Ministry

Group Publishing

Synopsis: "Relax - here's practical, from-the-trenches advice to keep you on safe ground as you navigate a new church culture...settle into a ministry role...and sort through a pile of priorities.

This little book points you toward quick successes. Keeps you from stepping on relational land mines. And helps you remember why you went into ministry in the first place.

Growing a Healthy Children's Ministry

A Step-by-Step Handbook to Cultivating
Christian Kids in Any Environment

by Steve Alley

Synopsis: Growing a Healthy Children's Ministry walks children's ministers – professional and volunteer leaders and teachers – through the steps of preparing, planting, and pruning a vibrant children's ministry. This comprehensive handbook helps experienced "gardeners" and novices evaluate the landscape of their church's children's ministry, lay out the plots of policies, procedures and programs, and get their hands dirty as they help kids grow up in Christ.

Ideas that Work

Leading Kids to Own Their Faith

Synopsis: Here are the Six Big Ideas you must hardwire into your preteen ministry! Attract and keep kids with…

• The Big Fun Idea-keeping even serious stuff engaging and surprising,
• The Big Service Idea-because preteens want to make a difference,
• The Big Discipleship Idea-encouraging preteens to become Christ followers,
• The Big Worship Idea-connecting preteens with God,
• The Big Parent Idea-involving parents of preteens, and
• The Big Retreats and Events Idea- making significant spaces where preteens can encounter God, bond with each other-and have a blast!

Preteen Ministry Blueprint

Building an Effective Program

Synopsis: Launching a preteen ministry? Shoring up a sagging program? Either way, here's expert advice that helps you…

• Keep your program energized and fun,
• Build in life-changing service projects,
• Do effective discipleship,
• Incorporate God-focused worship,
• Involve parents (in a good way!), and
• Deliver blow-the-doors-off retreats and events!

Understanding Your Preteens

Inside Their Hearts and Minds

Synopsis: They're all heart…no, all head…no, all hormones…
Who are preteens? They're all over the map!
You can't minister effectively to preteens until you understand them and their world… and here's your cheat sheet for making those connections.
You get clear crisp insight into how God's wired your preteens socially, spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally.

The New Breed: Understanding and Equipping the 21st Century Volunteer

By Jonathan R. McKee and Thomas W. Mckee

Synopsis: Adapt to the changing world of volunteer management. More than ever, today''s volunteers work online, need flexible hours, and want to play a role in defining their jobs. They also want to feel a sense of responsibility for your organization's overall mission. Harness this passion and potential-with results that uplift your goals and enable your volunteers.

Protecting Your Church
Against Sexual Predators

by Voyle A. Glover, Esq.

Synopsis: "They sit in our pews. They come to our church picnics. They may even teach Sunday school or serve on a committee. They are sexual predators, and no church or ministry is immune to the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and the resulting litigation.

Good intentions alone will not stop the physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual damage resulting from just one incident of abuse. This invaluable guide, written by an experienced attorney and active church member, provides must-have information on important questions such as:

• What if a church member or leader is accused of molestation?
• What should be said to the media after an incident or an allegation?
• What insurance coverage should a church have?
• What screening and background checks should be used for church workers?
• What policies should be implemented to protect children?"

This book is easy to read, written in an honest and straightforward way. It contains vital information no church should be without.

101 Simple Service Projects Kids Can Do

By Susan L. Lingo

Synopsis: Kids will discover why God wants us to serve, what blessings come from serving, and how serving others is the best way to serve God! From mini fund-raisers and simple service projects, to holiday helps and everyday acts of kindness, kids will discover that serving is as fun as it is life changing.