Children’s Ministry Seminar

REPLAY Episode 005: The Bible Is God’s Word

Children’s Ministry Seminar

Episode 005: THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

by Steve Karges

Original Release: February 2, 2022

Sometimes in children’s ministry, we assume kids know things that they really don’t know. So when it comes to the Bible, start at the beginning and be clear.

When you stand before children with an open Bible in your hands, you are holding the divinely inspired Word of God and communicating what He has said. Teaching kids God’s Word is such an awesome responsibility, and why it is crucial that you only say what the Bible says and not add anything or remove anything from the Scripture. Instead, let God speak for Himself through His written Word.

In I Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV), the Apostle Paul says, “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

As we teach boys and girls the Bible at church, we want them to know they are hearing the actual Word of God, not some fictional storybook. Make a clear distinction between the Bible and all other books because the Bible is the Source we use to teach kids about God. Children must understand that the Bible is God’s book, and it is all true. Therefore they can believe what it says and build their lives on it.

God speaks to us through the Bible, of which, He is the Divine Author. The Bible was written over 1,500 years by almost forty men whom God used as secondary authors to write down His divinely inspired words. Therefore, the Bible is God’s autobiography, and because of His Authorship,  the Bible carries the full weight and authority of God Himself. That’s what makes the Bible different from every other book; it came to us from God.

When the Bible speaks, God is speaking through the written words. Therefore, we need to convey this truth repeatedly so that children will be attentive and respectful every time they hear God’s Word.

Children understand that God is in charge when they are taught the Bible, and when God speaks through His Word, kids begin to hear His voice through the pages of Scripture and learn to obey Him. God said everything He wants us to know about Himself in the Bible.

The Bible is a collection of 66 books presented in one volume. These books are divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament contains 39 books that are divided into five categories: 1) The Law, 2) History, 3) Wisdom, 4) Major Prophets, and 5) Minor Prophets. The Old Testament reveals the history of Israel and the promise of the coming Savior. The first book of the Old Testament is Genesis, which tells how God created the universe by speaking it into existence. Then God closes the Old Testament historically and prophetically with the book of Malachi.

The New Testament concentrates on the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. The 27 books included in the New Testament were written after 400 years of silence. During that time, no prophet spoke or wrote any Scripture until the arrival of John the Baptist, who broke the silence and announced that the promised Lord and Savior had come.

The first four books in the New Testament are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which are known as the Gospels because they reveal the story of Jesus. The last book of the New Testament is Revelation, which tells of Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan.

Kids come to know and love God as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible. God uses His Word to convince and convert sinners and to help believers grow in Christlikeness. The goal of teaching kids the Bible is changed lives.

I want to encourage you to prioritize teaching God’s Word to boys and girls in your church, as this is the most important thing you can do as a children’s ministry leader.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1)  Purchase a study Bible for your own edification and to help you prepare to teach children. I highly recommend the MacArthur Study Bible or the Reformation Study Bible in the English Standard Version.

2) Make a commitment to daily Bible study and prayer if you are not already in the habit. You cannot teach children the Bible correctly if you are not into the Word yourself.

TAGS: I Thessalonians 2:13, Bible, Word of God, Scripture, God’s Word, Teaching

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 004: Teaching Children About God

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 004: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT GOD

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 26, 2022

As Children’s Ministry Leaders, we have the awesome responsibility of teaching children about God, who He is, and what He has done.

In I Chronicles 28:11 (ESV), we read, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness Ind the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” 

Ponder this for a moment. Our job is to teach kids about The Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

• The Triune God is the Creator.
• He is the Savior.
• He is Lord.
• He is King.
• He is Holy (God is pure and perfect, untouched by sin).
• He is Righteous (God always does what is right).
• He is Just (when legislating His righteous standards).
• He is Sovereign (God is subject to no one and does as He pleases).
• He is Eternal (God has no beginning or end).
• He is Immutable (God never changes His nature or purpose).
• He is Omniscient (God is all-knowing).
• He is Omnipresent (God is present everywhere).
• He is Omnipotent (God is all-powerful).
• He is Love (God is the Source of Love).
• He is Truth (God is the Source of Truth, He cannot lie).
• He is Mercy (God is compassionate).
• He is Faithful (God can be trusted).

And these are just a few of His titles and attributes.

As Children’s Ministry Leaders, we must feel the weight of this responsibility to teach boys and girls about God and get it right. The way we do that is by diligently preparing to teach children God’s Word every week. Remember, the Holy Spirit is the primary Teacher (see John 14:25-26), so it is crucial that we only say what the Scripture says (not add to it or remove anything from it) and get out of the way!

This overwhelming task should cause us to tremble and fall on our knees to plead with God for help.

I am troubled when I see children’s ministry leaders take the responsibility of teaching children about God so casually. Children’s ministry is serious business because it counts for all eternity, and we must take the job seriously.

Teaching children about God begins with leaders and teachers who are mature Christians that faithfully study God’s Word and obey it.

Teaching children about God requires planning, organization, and preparation.

Teaching children about God requires the leader to train other teachers who are committed to the task. These volunteers must be equipped for ministry and receive ongoing instruction and oversight.

Teaching children about God requires that each child have a copy of the Bible.*

Teaching children about God requires a Bible-based curriculum.*

Much of the curriculum sold at Christian conferences simply skim the surface and seldom dive deep into the Scripture.

Yet when selecting a new course of study for their children’s ministry, many leaders do not spend enough time evaluating, researching, and examining the curriculum. Often, the chosen curriculum does not even align with the church’s doctrinal statement.

I remember one now-defunct Christian publisher who sold curriculum that was designed for specific audiences. In their case, they offered one curriculum with Christian doctrine and another curriculum with Catholic doctrine. This publisher was not interested in teaching children Biblical Truth; they simply created products to make money. Avoid publishers like this one. Unfortunately, they seem to be at every conference.

Teaching children about God starts in the nursery and continues systematically until those children have completed elementary school.

We want boys and girls to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the Bible, but the primary goal is that children encounter the Living God through His Word, by the Holy Spirit, and through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

*Visit www.cmikids.com and click Recommended Resources for Children’s Bibles (complete Bibles for young readers and Bible Story Books for non-readers) and children’s ministry curriculum (for Sunday School and weekly children’s programs).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Meditate on the titles and characteristics of God as you consider the awesome responsibility of teaching children about Him.

TAGS: 1 Chronicles 28:11, God, Teaching, Curriculum

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 003: Introduction Part 3 Full Time Ministry

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 003: INTRODUCTION PART 3

FULL-TIME MINISTRY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 19, 2022

Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He gave us the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV), which says, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When I was a little boy back in the 1960s, God planted a seed in my heart for world evangelism. Long before there were compact discs and online streaming services, there were vinyl records. In addition to listening to music on a record player, I also listened repeatedly to one album titled “You Can Be a Soul Winner,” which was recorded and produced by a traveling evangelist, who was also a family friend.

“You Can Be a Soul Winner” was a two-sided record. On side A, the evangelist preached a sermon on the Great Commission. While on side B, he taught a class on personal evangelism.

In Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV), the Scripture says, “And he who wins souls is wise.” As a kid, I wanted to be a soul winner, too!

Fast forward to 1980, and I am 22 years old and single. I am in my third and final year of working simultaneously at two small churches. In addition, I served for one year as a West Coast Associate Evangelist for a national youth organization that ministered to teens.

As you can imagine, I was involved in many things at that time, but not doing any of them well. I learned that staying busy does not equate to fruitful ministry. As I  considered my future, I knew that my passions were world evangelism and children’s ministry. Unfortunately, neither of the churches could employ me full-time, so I resigned from both churches and from the national youth organization and launched my own full-time ministry.

On May 16, 1980, I founded and incorporated Children’s Ministries International as a non-profit organization. First, I stepped out by faith and trusted the Lord to meet every need. Then, as a missionary who was required to raise funds for salary and ministry expenses, I turned to God and His Word for help; and the Lord has faithfully provided for every ministry and family need. That was 41 years ago, as of this writing.

The year before I had graduated from college, and after the ministry launch, I was ordained into Christian ministry through a non-denominational church.

I was motivated by Christ’s Great Commission and Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV), which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”

I had my marching orders from God’s Word to GO into the world to proclaim the gospel and teach children to follow Christ. I had six years of experience, three as a volunteer junior church leader and three as a part-time youth director.

I was eager and enthusiastic but young, and I made many mistakes along the way. I learned methodology by trial and error.

For example, I started the ministry by leading Children’s Crusades in churches around the United States.  These Children’s Crusades were simple. They consisted of congregational singing and a puppet presentation, handled by my team of traveling volunteers.

I wanted to see children possess Christ in their hearts. I did not want them to make a quick decision or to say empty words. I was passionate about boys and girls learning what the Bible said about becoming a Christian, and I wanted them to know the Truth, repent of their sin, and believe in Jesus. (See Mark 1:14-15).

I had a zeal for introducing boys and girls to Christ, but the Children’s Crusades lacked Biblical and spiritual depth. Soon thereafter, the Children’s Crusades evolved into Weekend Kids’ Retreats, which were a three-day, two-night camping program for children ages 8-12. This weekend format allowed more time for Bible teaching and personal interaction with the campers.

Over the years, our global ministry has reached out to children for Christ in various ways. More recently, we have turned our attention to children’s ministry leaders, especially volunteers who serve children in their local congregations each week.

This podcast is for everyone who ministers to kids in the local church, so please tell others about it. I want to equip you for ministry and provide tools that will enable you to be more effective. I also want to teach you Truth from God’s Word that you can pass on to the children you teach.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Visit our website at www.cmikids.com and subscribe to this free podcast. We will send you an e-mail reminder when new episodes become available.

TAGS: Matthew 18:19-20, Great Commission, Proverbs 11:30, Soul Winner, Proverbs 22:6, Mark 1:14:15, Weekend Kids’ Retreats

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 002: Introduction Part 2 Part Time Ministry

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 002: INTRODUCTION PART 2

PART-TIME MINISTRY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 12, 2022

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12, ESV)

After serving as a children’s ministry volunteer in my home congregation for three years during high school, two small churches in southern California invited me to serve as their part-time Youth Director.

I worked at the first church on Sundays. This congregation met in an elementary school, and each week I would pack the trunk of my car with equipment and supplies to set up at the school. And each week, I would remove the equipment and supplies from the classroom we used and loaded them back into my car to store at home.

Over time my responsibilities grew to lead four children’s programs each Lord’s Day. First, I taught a Sunday School class for Junior High and Senior High students, immediately followed by Junior Church, which I led for children ages 5-12.

A kind family in the church would feed me lunch and let me rest at their home in-between morning and evening youth programs.

At 4:30 PM, I would lead a youth meeting for teens, and then at 6:00 PM, I led the Fisherman’s Club for children in elementary school. Because there was no church building, we held these programs in rented spaces at a bowling alley and athletic club, and we also met in homes.

The second church I worked for part-time was 25 miles in the opposite direction, and that is where I served on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. On Mondays after school, I led the Ever-Ready Club for children in grades 5-8.  When school was over on Wednesdays, I taught children in grades K-4 at the Fisherman’s Club. The kids walked or rode the bus from school to the church.

At the peak, I was in charge of planning, organizing, and overseeing six programs each week, with children ranging in age from 5-18.

Because each church had very limited resources, purchasing expensive curriculum was out of the question, so I developed my lesson plans.

I remember this as a very creative time in my ministry. I constantly had to come up with new ideas for Bible lesson plans and activities. As a result, I gained valuable ministry experience that would prove helpful in the years ahead.

Juggling college and working at two churches simultaneously was a challenge.

I learned some early lessons on how to interact with the children and their parents. I also grew as a teacher, teaching kids between the ages of 5 and 18, which was a stretch.

In addition, the two pastors I worked with had very different personalities, and each church was structured differently in how they governed, which was all a part of my learning curve.

I was 19 years old and single when I begin working at both churches. Looking back at those years, I realize how young and inexperienced I was, but I was enthusiastic and wanted to grow as a children’s ministry leader.

I became acquainted with several older Youth Ministers whom I looked up to. Some of them taught at Christian conferences I attended and gave me counsel. I relished each opportunity I had to spend with those Youth Ministers and to learn from them.

I also look back in horror at some of the dumb things I did. I made many mistakes along the way, but God used me to minister to the kids at these two churches by His grace.

In children’s ministry, we don’t always see the fruit of our labor. We sow lots of seeds, but often, someone else reaps the harvest years later. So I am thankful that God has given me a small glimpse of what He accomplished in some of those boys and girls over the years.  I praise God for the kids at these two churches who placed their faith in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. But, on the other hand, I grieve for those children who heard the gospel but did not believe.

Today, the children I ministered to more than 42 years ago are now parents and grandparents.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) If you are a young children’s ministry leader, set an example for other Christians by how you live and lead your ministry. Meditate on I Timothy 4:12.

2) If you are an older and experienced leader, find a new children’s ministry leader to mentor and encourage.

TAGS: I Timothy 4:12, Introduction, Getting Started, Small Churches, Mentors

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 001: Introduction Part 1 Church Volunteer

Children’s Ministry Seminar

Episode 001: INTRODUCTION (PART 1)

CHURCH VOLUNTEER

by Steve Karges

Original Release: January 5, 2022

 

As I write this introduction to the Children’s Ministry Seminar, I am in my 47^th year of ministry to kids.

I began as a volunteer when I was 15-years-old at a church in southern California where my father was the Senior Minister. At that time, the church was without a Youth Minister, and my Dad recruited me to lead Junior Church on Sunday mornings for children in the congregation ages 5-12. Junior Church took place in the chapel while the adult worship service was going on in the Sanctuary.

I was familiar with Junior Church, having attended worship services designed for kids a few years earlier when I was in elementary school. So I was happy to lend a hand and help my father.

When I attended Junior Church as a kid, the Youth Minister taught one Sunday on “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). I have never forgotten that truth.

Junior Church, commonly known today as Children’s Church or Kids’ Church, was simply a church for juniors. It provided a place for children to worship God together and to be taught at their age level. Junior Church also prepared children to attend the adult worship service later on.

We never had a purpose statement for Junior Church back then, but Psalm 78:4 (NIV) would be my choice to guide us today. It says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”

Being a young and inexperienced leader, I copied what I had witnessed in the adult worship service and did the same with the children in Junior Church.

The children and I used old dusty hymnals to sing hymns over recorded piano music which blared from a large reel to reel tape recorder on the platform.

We also worshipped the Lord by reading Scripture together and praying. There were responsive readings from the Bible in the back of the hymnals. I would read a passage of Scripture, and then the kids would read another in unison. Back and forth we would go until the responsive reading was over. Junior Church also provided a place for children to learn to pray and to pray in public.

Usually, a church Elder sat in the back of the chapel to observe. He also oversaw the celebration of the Lord’s Supper for the children who were Christians.

The kids always enjoyed serving as ushers while receiving the offering. Then I would teach the boys and girls from God’s Word, just as I was taught by the Youth Minister years before. (The unchanging Word of God continues to be what kids need to hear today.)

Sometimes we would have Bible drills or play trivia games when the adult service ran long.

It was always a joy to see one of our Junior Church kids repent of their sin and receive Christ as their Savior and Lord. Whenever a child was baptized by immersion, I would walk the group over to the Sanctuary to observe the baptism, which illustrated the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Occasionally, a boy (always a boy!) would misbehave, and I would talk to his parents after church. I never liked doing this because I was a teenager and nervous about how the parents would respond. (I also remember getting in trouble at Junior Church when I was a kid. My mother heard about it from the Youth Minister before our car left the parking lot that Sunday. It was a long ride home.) Nevertheless, the unruly boy returned the following Sunday knowing that I would not put up with his shenanigans.

There were no snacks or recreation during Junior Church. It was a worship service for boys and girls that we treated with reverence and respect.

One of the blessings and joys of a long ministry is watching the kids I once ministered to grow up. One of those children is Rebecca. “Becky” and her younger brother were regular attendees at Junior Church. Nearly 50 years later, Becky is a believer in Jesus, a godly wife and mother, and a children’s ministry leader at a megachurch in southern California. She is telling the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.

I served as a volunteer leader in Junior Church for three years while I was in high school. This is where God planted the seed in my heart and laid the foundation for all that followed.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

• Take a few minutes to write your ministry testimony and save it
• Meditate on Psalm 78:4. Could this become your new children’s ministry purpose statement?

Tags: Psalm 78:4, Introduction, Getting Started, Junior Church, Mission Statement

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2021 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 009: Global 4/14 Day

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 009: GLOBAL 4/14 DAY

by Steve Karges

Original Release: March 2, 2022

 I want to invite you to be a part of an upcoming event. The event is Global 4/14 Day, and it takes place on April 14 every year.

Global 4/14 Day is an international day of prayer for boys and girls, sponsored by Children's Ministries International, Inc., which is the same ministry that produces this podcast.

The 4/14 in Global 4/14 Day simply identifies the month (4) and day (14) of this event.

Whether you pray by yourself on April 14 or with a group from your church, pray for the children in your congregation by name and for your children's ministry overall.

I encourage you to go to www.Global414Day.com to JOIN THE MOVEMENT and print a Prayer Guide. Global414Day.com is one of our ministry's websites and is available in multiple languages. The Prayer Guide will help you prepare your heart before the Lord and specifically suggest ways to pray for children.

For example, we encourage you to pray for children geographically, beginning with the kids in your family and moving on to the children in your church. Then pray for the children in your city, community, town, or village, including the kids in the elementary schools closest to your home and church. Follow that by praying for the boys and girls in your state and country. Finally, expand your prayers to include the children on the continent where you live, and then pray for kids worldwide.

We want to pray on Global 4/14 Day for the spiritual needs of boys and girls (Matthew 18:10-14; Mark 10:13-16). Specifically, we want to pray that every child will have the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus, even those who live in parts of the world where governments restrict Christianity.

We also want to pray for kids' physical and emotional needs (Luke 12:22-24; Philippians 4:19). The Prayer Guide will assist you in praying for children. As we pray for children's physical and emotional needs, we want to pray for the God-given Human Rights of every boy and girl around the globe, including the unborn.

While children have many needs and face enormous challenges, we must always remember that their greatest need in life is to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord and for their sins to be forgiven by Him.

On Global 4/14 Day, we want to boldly go before the throne of God on behalf of boys and girls worldwide (Hebrews 4:16). Stay focused as you pray by keeping your Bible nearby and letting God's Word and His Holy Spirit guide you as you pray (Psalm 119:130; Romans 8:26-27).

Will you join me in prayer on Global 4/14 Day? Can I count on you to pray for boys and girls on April 14? You will be blessed for praying and be a blessing to those you pray for. But remember, the power of prayer is not in the person who prays but in God, who hears and answers our prayers.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Please take a moment today to write on your calendar Global 4/14 Day on April 14 and plan to join me in prayer.

2) Get your church involved by organizing a group within your congregation to gather on April 14 to pray.

3) Get the children in your church involved by praying for kids around the world.

4) Share your testimony, answered prayers, and photos with me at Testimony @Global414Day.com. I want to praise God and rejoice with you!.

TAGS: Psalm 119:130; Matthew 18:10-14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 12:22-24; Romans 8:26-27; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 4:16; Global 4/14 Day; Prayer

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 020: The Christmas Intruder

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 020: THE CHRISTMAS INTRUDER

by Steve Karges

Original Release: December 20, 2023

The Christmas hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” concludes with these words, “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Our job as children’s ministry leaders is to help kids focus on the Biblical Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not on Santa Claus. That seems obvious, but sadly, it is not.

Santa Claus is nothing more than a fairy tale; he intrudes into our lives, and into some churches, too. Every Christmas, Santa dominates the scene wherever he goes.

Many younger children have never been told by their parents that Santa is make-believe, so they think he is real. To them, he is a God-like figure because they believe he has magical powers.

Children are confused when Santa walks into their church. When children’s ministry leaders welcome the Christmas intruder into their children’s ministry, they communicate to boys and girls that there are two Christmas stories when there is only one.

The true story of Christmas in the Bible is this: Jesus Christ came from Heaven to Earth as a baby boy, born of Mary (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7). This miraculous event is called the “Incarnation.” At His birth, Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time. (Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 2:17)

Jesus came into the world for one specific purpose: to “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, ESV)

While Christians celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, there are some children’s ministry leaders who invite Santa into the church so that kids can sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.

Santa is a major distraction at church. He blurs reality and obscures the true meaning of Christmas in children’s minds.

During the Holiday Season, Christians remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth at home and church. We teach the true story of Christ’s birth and pass it on to the next generation. But year after year, Santa towers over society and takes all the attention away from Jesus, whose birth is the real reason for the season.

Some children’s ministry leaders do not think that having Santa visit their kids is a problem. They love Santa and believe it is OK to let him in the church door.

These children’s ministry leaders want to be culturally relevant, and Santa is a big part of the culture. But that does not make it right.

The Bible is where Christians go for answers, so what does the Word of God say about Santa Claus? Indeed, Santa is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Scripture gives us clear commands and principles that instruct, guide, and direct us to the truth.

Here are three applicable Bible verses for us to know and obey…

• The first is Exodus 20:3 (ESV), where God said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

This is the first of the ten commandments, and God makes it clear that He is to be the only God in our lives. But for many children, Santa has become their god, and children’s ministry leaders reinforce these false beliefs when they invite Santa into the church. Remember, as children’s ministry leaders, we are not to surrender to Santa any territory or focus that rightly belongs to God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is where the Christmas intruder confuses children. According to the make-believe story of Santa, his supposed power is eerily similar to God’s. We are told that Santa is a transcendent being and not limited by the physical laws of this world. Santa can fly in his sleigh around the world in a single day, stopping at every house in just 24 hours. And Santa is surrounded by his helpers and reindeers, who likewise are not subject to the constraints placed on the rest of us. Santa is also omnipresent—he sees you when you’re sleeping. He is omniscient—he knows when you’re awake, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake.

In addition to being a fictional heavenly being, Santa has a questionable character. He does not tell the truth, and he makes empty promises. Santa also demands good works, rewards unrepentant sinful people, and only shows up once a year.

Santa’s traits fall far short of the true Triune God of the Bible. The true God speaks the truth (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), and He keeps all of His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). The true God judges those who reject Him (Romans 14:10,12; Hebrews 10:30). He also gives salvation by grace through faith, and not by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). And the true God is always present (Psalm 139:1-18).

• A second Bible verse that applies to why Santa should never be invited to your children’s ministry is I Timothy 3:15 (ESV), where we are told that the church is “a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

Santa is a pretend character. His story is fiction. On the other hand, the church is about upholding the truth. Make-believe characters and fairy tales have no place in your children’s ministry.

• A third Bible verse that applies to why the Christmas intruder should be left out in the cold is I John 2:15 (ESV), which says in part, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”

And who is more worldly than Santa Claus? By inviting him into your children’s ministry, you are teaching boys and girls to love the world and the things in it.

This Christmas, make Jesus Christ the honored guest in your children’s ministry, not Santa Claus.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) If you have invited Santa to your church, uninvite him and never ask him to come back.

2) If you have asked Santa to visit your children’s ministry and he has already come and gone, repent of your disobedience to the Word of God, and He will forgive you (I John 1:9). Then learn from your experience and never have Santa to your church again.

3) Teach the kids in your children’s ministry the true story of Christmas from the Bible and organize all of your holiday activities so that Jesus is the main focus.

4) Avoid singing secular Christmas songs in your children’s ministry. Sing songs about Jesus and His birth.

5) Check out all of the Bible verses in the Show Notes, as only some were mentioned in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, visit our website at cmikids.com, and you will find them there under the title of this episode.

TAGS: Exodus 20:3; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 139:1-18; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7; Romans 14:10,12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; I Timothy 3:15; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 2:17, 10:30, 12:2, 13:15; I John 1:9, 2:15; Christmas; Jesus Christ; Triune God; Santa Claus

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2023 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Episode 020: The Christmas Intruder

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 020: THE CHRISTMAS INTRUDER

by Steve Karges

Podcast Release: December 20, 2023

The Christmas hymn, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” concludes with these words, “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Our job as children’s ministry leaders is to help kids focus on the Biblical Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not on Santa Claus. That seems obvious, but sadly, it is not.

Santa Claus is nothing more than a fairy tale; he intrudes into our lives, and into some churches, too. Every Christmas, Santa dominates the scene wherever he goes.

Many younger children have never been told by their parents that Santa is make-believe, so they think he is real. To them, he is a God-like figure because they believe he has magical powers.

Children are confused when Santa walks into their church. When children’s ministry leaders welcome the Christmas intruder into their children’s ministry, they communicate to boys and girls that there are two Christmas stories when there is only one.

The true story of Christmas in the Bible is this: Jesus Christ came from Heaven to Earth as a baby boy, born of Mary (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7). This miraculous event is called the “Incarnation.” At His birth, Jesus was fully God and fully human at the same time. (Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 2:17)

Jesus came into the world for one specific purpose: to “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, ESV)

While Christians celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, there are some children’s ministry leaders who invite Santa into the church so that kids can sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.

Santa is a major distraction at church. He blurs reality and obscures the true meaning of Christmas in children’s minds.

During the Holiday Season, Christians remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth at home and church. We teach the true story of Christ’s birth and pass it on to the next generation. But year after year, Santa towers over society and takes all the attention away from Jesus, whose birth is the real reason for the season.

Some children’s ministry leaders do not think that having Santa visit their kids is a problem. They love Santa and believe it is OK to let him in the church door.

These children’s ministry leaders want to be culturally relevant, and Santa is a big part of the culture. But that does not make it right.

The Bible is where Christians go for answers, so what does the Word of God say about Santa Claus? Indeed, Santa is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Scripture gives us clear commands and principles that instruct, guide, and direct us to the truth.

Here are three applicable Bible verses for us to know and obey…

• The first is Exodus 20:3 (ESV), where God said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

This is the first of the ten commandments, and God makes it clear that He is to be the only God in our lives. But for many children, Santa has become their god, and children’s ministry leaders reinforce these false beliefs when they invite Santa into the church. Remember, as children’s ministry leaders, we are not to surrender to Santa any territory or focus that rightly belongs to God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is where the Christmas intruder confuses children. According to the make-believe story of Santa, his supposed power is eerily similar to God’s. We are told that Santa is a transcendent being and not limited by the physical laws of this world. Santa can fly in his sleigh around the world in a single day, stopping at every house in just 24 hours. And Santa is surrounded by his helpers and reindeers, who likewise are not subject to the constraints placed on the rest of us. Santa is also omnipresent—he sees you when you’re sleeping. He is omniscient—he knows when you’re awake, he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake.

In addition to being a fictional heavenly being, Santa has a questionable character. He does not tell the truth, and he makes empty promises. Santa also demands good works, rewards unrepentant sinful people, and only shows up once a year.

Santa’s traits fall far short of the true Triune God of the Bible. The true God speaks the truth (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2), and He keeps all of His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). The true God judges those who reject Him (Romans 14:10,12; Hebrews 10:30). He also gives salvation by grace through faith, and not by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). And the true God is always present (Psalm 139:1-18).

• A second Bible verse that applies to why Santa should never be invited to your children’s ministry is I Timothy 3:15 (ESV), where we are told that the church is “a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

Santa is a pretend character. His story is fiction. On the other hand, the church is about upholding the truth. Make-believe characters and fairy tales have no place in your children’s ministry.

• A third Bible verse that applies to why the Christmas intruder should be left out in the cold is I John 2:15 (ESV), which says in part, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”

And who is more worldly than Santa Claus? By inviting him into your children’s ministry, you are teaching boys and girls to love the world and the things in it.

This Christmas, make Jesus Christ the honored guest in your children’s ministry, not Santa Claus.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) If you have invited Santa to your church, uninvite him and never ask him to come back.

2) If you have asked Santa to visit your children’s ministry and he has already come and gone, repent of your disobedience to the Word of God, and He will forgive you (I John 1:9). Then learn from your experience and never have Santa to your church again.

3) Teach the kids in your children’s ministry the true story of Christmas from the Bible and organize all of your holiday activities so that Jesus is the main focus.

4) Avoid singing secular Christmas songs in your children’s ministry. Sing songs about Jesus and His birth.

5) Check out all of the Bible verses in the Show Notes, as only some were mentioned in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, visit our website at cmikids.com, and you will find them there under the title of this episode.

TAGS: Exodus 20:3; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 139:1-18; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7; Romans 14:10,12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; I Timothy 3:15; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 2:17, 10:30, 12:2, 13:15; I John 1:9, 2:15; Christmas; Jesus Christ; Triune God; Santa Claus

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2023 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

Episode 019: Teaching Children about the Holy Spirit

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 019: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

by Steve Karges

Podcast Release: October 26, 2022

In Ephesians 1:13 (ESV), we read, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”

When you teach the boys and girls in your children’s ministry about the Holy Spirit, it is vital that you teach them from the Scripture alone. This is not the time or place for you to share your own stories or personal experiences. The Triune God has said everything He wants us to know about the Holy Spirit in the Bible. We must faithfully teach children what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit without our interpretation and then trust the Holy Spirit to guide them to the truth about Himself (John 16:13; I John 2:27).

The following is simply an introduction to the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Spirit can be found throughout the Bible.

The Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost in the King James Translation of the Bible, is God (Acts 5:3-4). He is the third person of the Triune God; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is equal to and One with God the Father and God the Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Now take your kids on a walk through Scripture to reveal some of what it says about the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit is the Creator (Genesis 1:1-2; Job 33:4).
• The Holy Spirit played a role in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:20).
• The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16).
• The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).
• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26, 16:13; I John 5:6).
• The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26).
• The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26).

The Triune God sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41), whom Jesus had promised before His return to Heaven (John 16:7-8). The importance of the Holy Spirit being sent was twofold. First, God sent the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). Second, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ would be exalted (John 16:14).

The Holy Spirit plays a role in every believer’s regeneration (I Corinthians 6:11; I Timothy 3:16). When a person believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they immediately receive the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence inside the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14). So, the gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are both imparted to a believer at the moment they place their faith in Christ and are justified by God.

The Scripture is clear; every true Christian has the Holy Spirit. If a person claims to be a Christian but does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are not a true follower of Christ. That person is a false Christian (Romans 8:9).

The Bible also reveals how the Holy Spirit displays His power in every believer.

• The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer. (Romans 15:16; I Corinthians 6:11)
• The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer. (Ephesians 3:16)
• The Holy Spirit gives the believer boldness. (Micah 3:8; Acts 6:5,10; 2 Timothy 1:6-7)
• The Holy Spirit helps the believer in prayer. (Romans 8:26)
• The Holy Spirit enables the believer to abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
• The Holy Spirit qualifies the believer for ministry. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)

It is important to note that one thing the Holy Spirit never does is tempt a believer to sin (James 1:13).

Remind the kids in your children’s ministry that there is only one Triune God, but there are many evil spirits that Satan sends out to deceive people. The Scripture clearly tells us how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's true work from the lies of evil spirits. Here is how:

1) The Holy Spirit exalts the true Jesus (I John 4:2-3).

2) The Holy Spirit opposes Satan’s interests (I John 4:4-5, I John 2:15; Matthew 12:25-28). 

3) The Holy Spirit points people to the Scriptures (I John 4:6, Isaiah 8:16, 20).

4) The Holy Spirit elevates truth (I John 2:27,4:6).

5) The Holy Spirit’s work results in love for God and others (I John 4:8,19-21).

Warn the children in your church not to be fooled by evil spirits. Teach them how to test the spirits so they know the difference between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits (I John 4:1-6).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

First, take some time to read and study all of the Bible verses listed in the Show Notes, as I did not mention each one. If your podcast provider does not offer the Show Notes, you can find them on our website at www.cmikids.com under the title of this episode.

Second, as you study the Bible verses in the Show Notes, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you (John 14:26) and to guide you to the truth (John 16:13) about Himself.

TAGS: Genesis 1:1-2; Job 33:4; Isaiah 8:16, 20; Micah 3:8; Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 12:25-28; 28:19; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-8, 13-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-41; 5:3-4; 6:5, 10; Romans 8:9, 26; 15:13, 16; I Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 1:13-14; 3:16; I Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; James 1:13; I John 2:15, 27; 4:1-6, 8, 19-21; 5:6;  Holy Spirit; Evil Spirits; Triune God; Teaching Children.

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

Episode 018: Teaching Children about the Trinity

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 018: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE TRINITY

by Steve Karges

Podcast Release: October 19, 2022

The word “Trinity” does not appear anywhere in the Bible, but a careful study of Scripture reveals that God is one Deity, who eternally exists in three persons.

With our human minds, we do not fully know or understand how this can be, but we believe in the Doctrine of the Trinity because that is what the Scripture tells us about God. Remember, the Bible is where we go for Truth (John 17:17), and the Scripture reveals everything God wants us to know about Himself.

The Trinity, also known as The Triune God, is the one true and living God in three persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God having the same mind, the same will, and the same power. All three persons of the Trinity are the same Being, and all are Divine in equal measure. Together, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God.

You must emphasize this fundamental truth about God to the boys and girls in your children’s ministry. When you teach kids about the Trinity, you will always want them to know that we worship and believe in one God, not in three separate gods.

You can use two simple illustrations to help children understand the concept of three in one.

The first is that of a hard-boiled egg. Show your kids a hard-boiled egg to explain how this one egg has three individual identities. Then start peeling off the shell to reveal the three in one; the eggshell, the egg white, and the egg yolk.

A second illustration is that of water. Show the kids a glass of water. Then show them some ice, followed by a pot of hot steaming water. It is all water, but with three separate personas: liquid, frozen solid, and steam. Again, three in one.

Following these illustrations, take the kids in your children’s ministry to the Bible and show them the work of the Trinity in Creation. In Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV), we read, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Note the mention of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

Then look at John 1:1-3 (ESV), which says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” In this passage of Scripture, “the Word” refers to Jesus, who is also known as the Second Person of the Trinity. So, we learn from the Bible that all three persons of the Trinity had roles in the Creation.

Now take your kids to the New Testament again, where they can see all three persons of the Trinity involved in the baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV), we read, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”

Then take your children to Matthew 28:19 (ESV), where Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission and says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Once again, the Triune God is identified as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons.

Finally, show your boys and girls how the Apostle Paul mentions all three persons of the Trinity in 2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV), which says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

As you study the Bible and teach it to kids at church, pray and ask God to reveal His Trinitarian nature to you. God the Holy Spirit is your teacher, and He will guide you to the Truth (John 16:13).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Are you familiar with the short hymn of praise and worship to God called “The Doxology?” If not, this is a great hymn to teach to children. Here are the words…

“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

(Explain to the boys and girls how the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Holy Ghost, so they are not confused. Holy Ghost is used in the King James translation of the Bible and means Holy Spirit.)

TAGS: Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 1:1-3, 16:13, 17:17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Trinity; Triune God; Teaching Children.

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.