Children’s Ministry Seminar

REPLAY Episode 012: Why Teaching Children Christian Doctrine Is Essential

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 012:

WHY TEACHING CHILDREN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE IS ESSENTIAL

by Steve Karges

Original Release: April 20, 2022

Christian Doctrine is essential for you to know and teach to the boys and girls in your children's ministry. Unfortunately, the word "doctrine" is often viewed negatively in the church and misunderstood by many Christians.

The word doctrine, translated from Greek, means teaching that comes from an authoritative source. So when I speak of Christian Doctrine, I am referring to the teaching and instruction in the Bible, which comes from God, who has all Authority and is the Source of Truth (John 17:17). There are many doctrines, but Christian Doctrine only comes to us from the Bible, not from people or other religious books.

As children's ministry leaders, it is vital for us to know Christian Doctrine so we can teach it to the children we minister to. We must be careful what we teach to kids. That is why we only teach from God's Word and not from other sources (I Timothy 4:16). There may be times when you are tempted to replace what God says with man-made doctrine or tradition, but RESIST DOING THAT! Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for "teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7, ESV).

In the Bible, doctrine is broken down into spiritually related fields of study. We see an example of this in 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) which says, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Christian Doctrine is important because our faith is based on a specific message, which is Christ died for our sins, and He was raised to life on the third day according to the Scripture (I Corinthians 15:3-4). If the message is changed, then the basis of our faith will shift away from Christ to something else (Hebrews 13:8-9). Therefore, the Holy Spirit uses sound doctrine based upon Scripture to lead us to the truth (John 16:13-15).

In children's ministry, we must move beyond shallow teaching and take kids deep into the Bible, so they can see for themselves what God says.

I want to show you how to systematically teach Christian Doctrine to boys and girls by focusing on one specific doctrine essential to the Christian faith, THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

The Doctrine of Christ helps us to understand who Jesus is and what He has done,  as documented in the Old and New Testaments. The Doctrine of Christ is the Biblical truth we believe about Jesus.

Please note that the Doctrine of Christ is not a single lesson that we teach occasionally. Instead, this doctrine infiltrates all of our teaching, and we come back to it repeatedly.

From the time a child is born until they graduate from elementary school, we want to walk them through the Scripture to reveal what it says about Christ. So there are times when we give an overview of the Doctrine of Christ, and there are times when we dig deeper into specific aspects of who Jesus is and what He has done.

For example, the Scripture says that Jesus Christ is God. He is the second person of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Because He is God, Christ the Son has all the Divine Characteristics and Attributes of God the Father. So begin by taking children through a study of Christ in Eternity Past.   

Then encourage the kids in your children's ministry to keep their Bibles open and walk them through the Appearances and Activities of Jesus in the Old Testament.

Follow that with the Prophecies of Christ in the Old Testament, before looking into the New Testament to see where those Prophecies came true.

While they’re in the New Testament, show your kids how Christ became a man through His miraculous birth and lived on earth. Explain to the children how Jesus had two natures. He was fully God and fully man at the same time.

Then dive deep into Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to show them the eyewitness accounts that these men recorded to help us know Jesus. From these gospel writers, we learn what Jesus taught, the miracles He performed, and about His sinless life.

Children can also learn about Jesus' Arrest, Trials, Death on the cross, and Atonement for sin in the New Testament. Furthermore, you can guide them to read for themselves about Jesus’ bodily Resurrection, His Ascension into Heaven, and His planned Second Coming.

As you can see from this single doctrine, the Bible lessons we can teach to kids are endless.

As children learn the Doctrine of Christ, they will believe in Jesus and follow Him. That is why we need to teach Christian Doctrine to boys and girls. It is all about pointing them to the Savior through Scripture.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) I encourage you to purchase the following book for your library, "Bible Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth." (ISBN-10: ‎1433545918; ISBN-13: ‎978-1433545917; Editors: John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue; Publisher: Crossway) Please see the Show Notes for Episode 12 or visit the resource page at www.cmikids.com for more information.

TAGS: Mark 7:7; John 16:13-15, 17:17, 20:31; I Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 13:8-9; Christian Doctrine; Doctrine of Christ; Teaching Children

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 010: Teaching Children About Sin

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 010: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SIN

by Steve Karges

Original Release: March 9, 2022

The Bible says in Romans 6:23 (ESV), " For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Sin is an unhappy subject to teach to children, but it is necessary for us to do so because boys and girls must understand the seriousness of sin and why Jesus died on the cross to save sinners.

Our worldly culture does not want anything defined as sin. Instead, the culture sees everything as a lifestyle choice or a personal preference, and they have declared war on sin and the guilt associated with it.

Sadly, some people think that teaching boys and girls about sin will increase their stress, give them low self-esteem, and cause them to worry, become depressed, or have feelings of inadequacy. They will say things like, "The guilt you feel is normal," or "It's not your fault, stop blaming yourself." Unfortunately, these people may not be true followers of Christ because their lack of understanding about sin does not align with God's Word.

Children cannot understand the solution to a problem, like sin, until they understand the problem. Once the problem is diagnosed, the cure can be understood.   But without an understanding of sin, children cannot understand God's solution and remedy for it.

In other words, kids need to hear the bad news before they can understand the Good News, and when we teach children about sin, we must be clear and help them understand what the Bible says about it.

The following is a Biblical definition of sin that I encourage you to teach to the boys and girls in your church.

First, sin is any violation of God's law (I John 3:4). The Bible teaches us about God and what He commands us to do and not do, which is known as the law. Therefore, when a child disobeys God's written Word, they sin against Almighty God.

Second, sin is rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). When a child says, "I want to do things my way" instead of God's way, they have rebelled and sinned against Him.

Third, sin is ingratitude to God (Romans 1:18-32). Everything we have comes to us from God. When we fail to thank God for what He has given us and we are ungrateful, we sin against Him.

Please note that every sin we commit is against God. Therefore, anything we do that falls short of His holiness, His righteousness, and His perfect standard is sin (Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:23).

The four ways we sin are (a) to think evil, (b) to speak evil, (c) to act evil, and (d) to neglect or fail to do what is right. One may say that sin is our decision to choose the wrong thing over the right thing.

Sin came into this world through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they listened to and obeyed the lies of Satan, rather than obey what God had said (Genesis 3:1-7).

All of us are descendants of Adam and Eve, and because of that, we inherited their sinful nature. Adam and Eve's sinful nature has been passed down to us through the generations (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12).

After teaching kids about sin, they need to know that every person sins, including each one of them (Romans 3:10, 23). Explain to the children in your church that all of us fall short of God's perfection and righteous standard.

But don't end your lesson without telling the kids the Good News! God has provided a way through Jesus for all their sin---past, present, and future---to be forgiven and for them to be made righteous before the Holy God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Do you believe that one sin can send a person to Hell? According to Scripture, the answer is "Yes," and if you do not believe this truth, please read all of the Bible verses listed in the Show Notes for Episode 10. Then pray and ask God to help you understand the seriousness of sin from His perspective.

2) Talk to the children in your church and ask them to define sin. Then, make sure they understand the true meaning of sin from the Bible.

3) Ask the children in your church to give examples of sin so they can identify them in their own lives.

TAGS: Genesis 3:1-7; Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 51:4-5; Romans 1:18-32, 3:10 & 23, 5:12, 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; I John 3:4; Teaching Children; Sin;

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 008: Teaching Children To Fear God

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 008: TEACHING CHILDREN TO FEAR GOD

by Steve Karges

Original Release: February 23, 2022

 

The most important thing we can teach children is to fear God. And when they learn this important truth, wisdom and knowledge will follow. (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10)

You may be thinking, “I don’t want children to be fearful of God.”  Yes, you do! Let me explain.

The Bible teaches us to fear the Lord in two ways. The first is REVERENT FEAR. This type of fear means that we reverence, respect, honor, and worship God because He is Holy (Psalm 99:1-5). In other words, we are to be in awe of His greatness and glory!

When children learn to reverently fear God, it impacts how they think, speak, and behave. For example, when a son or daughter dearly loves and respects their father and mother and desires to please them, they show their parents reverent fear. This child is not afraid of being punished. Instead, their fear stems from not wanting to displease, disappoint, or offend those they loves.

In Psalm 111:10a (ESV) it reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;” The focus of this verse is on a sense of awe and respect for the holiness and majesty of God.

Often, Christians get too casual with God, and children imitate what they see adults do. We forget who we are talking to when we pray. We also forget who we are worshipping at church. As children’s ministry leaders, we must maintain a healthy respect and adoration for Almighty God by remembering who He is and what He has done, and our lives should reflect that reverence.

Make it a priority to teach the children in your church a reverent fear of God and how to come before His Majesty with respect and honor. Check out the story of Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1-7 to learn about God’s holiness and majesty.

The second way the Bible teaches us to fear the Lord is REAL FEAR. We fear God because He is all-powerful and has all authority to destroy a person and cast them into Hell.

Matthew 10:28 (ESV) says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell.”

In Hebrews 10:31 (ESV), it reads, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

We live in a world where children are not taught to fear the Lord, either reverently or in reality, because the adults around them live their daily lives with no fear of God at all (Psalm 36;1: Romans 3:18).

Children need to learn that disobedience to God and His Word has consequences. And they should dread what God will do to the sinner who refuses to repent of their sin and turn to Christ by faith as their Savior and Lord. (Matthew 25:30)

Disobedience is the natural result of a person who has no REAL FEAR of God. When a child does not fear God, they have no motivation to listen to God or obey His Word. In the Old and New Testaments, fearing God is connected with a person’s obedience. The Bible makes a clear distinction between those who fear God and those who don’t. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Acts 10:35).

Check out the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 to learn how fear came upon the whole church after this husband and wife sinned, and God punished them by death for their disobedience.

In conclusion, the Biblical way to fear the Lord is to be in awe of God for who He is and to be in terror of God for what He can do.

Teach these things to your kids at church.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Do you understand the difference between REVERENT FEAR and REAL FEAR of God? If not, listen to this podcast again, review the Show Notes, and look up each Bible verse listed in the Show Notes, as some were not mentioned in this podcast.

2) Do you fear God in your life? Is your REVERENT FEAR and REAL FEAR of the Lord evident to others? If not, what specific changes do you need to make today?

TAGS: Psalm 36:1, 99:1-5, 111:10; Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Isaiah 6:1-7; Matthew 10:28, 25:30; Acts 5:1-11, 10:35; Romans 3:18; Hebrews 10:31; Fear God; Reverent Fear; Real Fear; Teaching Children

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 007: Disney Way Undermines Authority of Scripture

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 007:

DISNEY WAY UNDERMINES AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

by Steve Karges

                           Original Release: February 16, 2022                              

In Evangelicalism, there is a movement in children’s ministry that promotes the wisdom and business practices of entertainment mogul Walt Disney (1901-1966). These influencers encourage children’s pastors and children’s ministry leaders to use Disney’s ideas to build the children’s ministry in their congregations. This methodology is known as the “Disney Way.”

As with every innovative approach to ministry, this one must also be examined in the light of Scripture.

First, the Disney Way of children’s ministry robs God of His glory. The Bible says all glory belongs to God (I Peter 4:11), and He doesn’t share His glory with anyone (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Psalm 115:1).

If a local church successfully implements the Disney Way, and these methods effectively attract more kids to the children’s ministry, who gets the credit? Not Christ. The praise goes to Disney and his genius. The Disney Way glorifies man by putting human will, human ability, and human achievement above God. Giving a man credit for church growth steals glory from God.

Some may say, “the end justifies the means,” but that is pragmatism and a classic example of how Biblical theology has taken a back seat to methodology in the church today.

Second, the Disney Way of children’s ministry does not harmonize with Scripture. The Bible tells believers not to love the world or the things of the world (I John 2:15). With its “Happiest Place on Earth” motto, what is worldlier than Disney? Christ is the One who builds His church (Matthew 16:18; I Corinthians 3:6-7). To think we can do this, with some help from Disney, undermines the Authority of Scripture.

Why should Christians exchange the “God-breathed” infallible Scripture for human wisdom? They should not! I Corinthians 3:19 (NKJV) says “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (Also I Corinthians 2:5).

Third, the Disney Way of children’s ministry dishonors Christ and His church by trivializing the sacred and holy. The church is not supposed to be a Disney production. Disney is an entertainment company that is based on fantasy. The Church, which is sacred and holy, is “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (I Timothy 3:15, ESV). In the Old Testament, the brothers, Nadab and Abihu, faced God’s wrath when they trivialized the sacred and holy (Leviticus 10:1-3).

When children enter the church building to worship God, they cross the threshold from the secular to the sacred, from the common to the uncommon, and from the profane to the holy.

The Disney Way prioritizes the “customer.” The church’s priority is to worship Christ in spirit and truth (John 4:24). How does God want to be worshiped? What pleases and honors Him?

Christ alone is the One who draws sinners to Himself (John 12:32).

I want to encourage you to construct your children’s ministry on the Word of God, not on the Disney Way. Psalm 127:1a (ESV) says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Is God building your children’s ministry, or are you laboring in vain?

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Whether your church uses the Disney Way or not, prayerfully examine your priorities for children’s ministry by asking yourself the following questions.

a.) Are we doing anything in children’s ministry that robs God of His glory?

b.) Are we doing anything that does not harmonize with Scripture?

c.) Are we doing anything that trivializes the sacredness and holiness of Christ and His Church.

If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, first, repent of your sin and seek God’s forgiveness. Then talk to your pastor and church leaders. Work with them to reorganize your children’s ministry so that God receives all of the glory, and your ministry is in harmony with the Scripture. Also, remove anything and everything from your children’s ministry that trivializes the sacredness and holiness of Christ and His Church.

2.) Take some time to review the Scriptures listed in the Show Notes for Episode 7, as I did not mention all of them in this podcast.

TAGS: Leviticus 10:1-3; Psalm 115:1, 127:1  Isaiah 42:8, 48:11; Matthew 16:18; John 4:24, 12:32; I Corinthians 2:5, 3:6-7,19; I Timothy 3:15; I Peter 4:11; I John 2:15; Authority of Scripture; Disney Way

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

REPLAY Episode 011: Teaching Children About The Resurrection Of Jesus

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 011:

TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

by Steve Karges

Original Release: April 13, 2022

In 1 Corinthians 15: 3b-8 (ESV), it says, "…Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."

The bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in history, and it is essential to the Christian faith. There is no Christianity without the Resurrection. Therefore, our faith stands or falls on whether this event actually happened.

In the first four books of the New Testament, Matthew (chapter 28), Mark (chapter 16), Luke (chapter 24), and John (chapters 20-21) give us their accounts of the Resurrection and show us multiple evidences of its reality. In addition, each gospel writer contributes various details that, when combined, give us the complete picture of what happened on that first Resurrection Sunday.

As you teach children about the Resurrection of Jesus, there are six essential facts you must help them to learn and understand.  

1) The Resurrection of Jesus is not make-believe. It is not fiction. It is not a fable. It is not a myth. Jesus was a real person, who died on the cross for the sins of all who would believe in Him, and His physical Resurrection happened at a specific place and time in history.

2) The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit resurrected Christ under the Authority of God the Father (Romans 8:11; Acts 2:24, 32). Jesus did not raise Himself. The Greek definition for "risen" means to be raised or awakened. Therefore, the Resurrection of Jesus was accomplished by God.

3) God resurrected Jesus in bodily form. In other words, the crucified body of Christ that went into the tomb on Friday was the same human body, though a glorified One, that God brought back to life on Sunday.

The proof of Jesus' bodily Resurrection is found in God's Word. Remember, that is where we go for TRUTH. After Jesus came out of the tomb, He appeared to people and was visible and seen by them (Acts 1:3). He spoke, and His words were understood (Luke 24:36-49; John 20:21). He ate food (Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12-13). Jesus also invited His disciples to see and touch the wounds in His hands and side (Luke 24:39; John 20:20, 27). The Scripture says that Jesus breathed on His disciples as a sign that they would receive the Holy Spirit in the days ahead (John 20:22). To be sure, following His Resurrection, Jesus was a living, breathing person in the flesh.

4) Our Christian faith is not based on the empty tomb; it is based on the appearances of Jesus after His Resurrection. During the forty days between Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven, the Scripture describes at least ten appearances of Christ.

• Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18).
• Jesus appeared to the women on the road (Matthew 28:9-10).
• Jesus appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-22).
• Jesus appeared to Peter (Luke 24:34).
• Jesus appeared to 10 of the 11 disciples, with Thomas absent (Luke 24:36-43; Mark 16:14; John 20:19-25).
• Eight days later, Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples with Thomas present (John 20:26-31).
• Jesus appeared to seven disciples by the shore of the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25).
• Jesus appeared to more than 500 disciples (I Corinthians 15:6)
• Jesus appeared to James (I Corinthians 15:7).
• Jesus appeared to the apostles when He ascended to Heaven (Acts 1:3-11).

5) Even the day of worship for the Church was moved from Saturday to Sunday following the Resurrection (Mark 16:9; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

6) In summation, the meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus is this, a) God was satisfied with the sacrifice for sin that Christ offered on the cross (I John 2:2, 4:10; Romans 3:25). b) Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death for all who put their faith in Him (Hebrews 2:13-14, I Corinthians 15:3; 2 Timothy 1:10; I Peter 2:24). Because Jesus lives, all believers will be resurrected, too (John 11:25)!

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Review all of the Scripture listed in the Show Notes, as there are many passages I did not mention in this podcast. If your podcast provider does not publish the Show Notes, go to our website at www.cmikids.com and look for Episode 11. You will find all of the Bible verses listed there.

2) Avoid trivializing the Resurrection of Jesus by bringing the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts into your children's ministry. The Easter Bunny is mythology, and Easter egg hunts are a tradition. Neither is Biblical or has anything to do with our Lord's Resurrection, so I encourage you not to introduce them to kids at church.

TAGS: Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-49: John 11:25, 20:1-29, 21:1-25; Acts 1:3-4, 2:24, 32, 20:7; Romans 3:25, 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 16:2; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:13-14; I Peter 2:24; I John 2:2, 4:10; Jesus; Resurrection; Teaching Children;

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children's Ministries International, Inc

REPLAY Episode 006: Teaching Children The Truth

Children’s Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 006: TEACHING CHILDREN THE TRUTH

by Steve Karges

Original Release: February 9, 2022

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV), we read, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 

The most loving thing we can do for children is to teach them the Truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). To do that, Christian parents and children’s ministry leaders must know the Truth for themselves (John 17:17), speak the Truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and faithfully live out the Truth every day (1 John 5:1-5).

In other words, our wisdom, words, and actions must be founded upon the Source of Truth – the Triune God. God the Father (Deuteronomy 32:4), God the Son (John 14:6), and God the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). are One God in Three Persons (Matthew 28:19), and God is the Source of Truth.

God has revealed His Truth on the pages of the Bible (Psalm 119:142; John 17:17). It is the Word of the Living God. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and His written word proceeded from His mouth. He is the Source and Author of the Bible.

There is a primary author and a secondary author for every verse of Scripture. The secondary authors were men, whom God used as the human instruments to record His words (2 Peter 1:20-21). There were approximately 40 human authors of the Bible’s 66 books, but there was One primary Author – God Himself (Matthew 4:4).

Although men wrote down the Scripture, it is not of men or from men; it is from God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13). God speaks through the Bible, so we must be discerning and know the difference between His Word and the words of men (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Truth does not come from within ourselves, as Buddhists believe, but from the Word of God, to which we add nothing (Proverbs 30:5-6).

The Scripture is the revelation of God (Psalm 19:7-9; Hebrews 1:1-2), and in the Bible, the true God is revealed. In John 1:14 (ESV), we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”.

God’s Word has power, and through the Bible, God releases His power to save (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18; James 1:21) and to sanctify (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26) sinful people.

Why is teaching children the Truth so important? Because God is Truth and how a child responds to His Truth, as recorded in the Bible, is the determiner of their life, indeed, their eternity (John 8:47, 20:31). Romans 10:17 (ESV) says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” 

God is not silent, as some believe. He has told us everything He wants us to know, and it is all written down in the Bible. We need to learn it, believe it, obey it, and pass on the Truth to the next generation (Psalm 78:4-7).

Teach these things to your children at home and at church. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). First, give kids their own copy of the Bible. Then spend time together reading, studying, listening, memorizing, singing, and discussing the Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:15).

That, my friend, is how you impart Truth to children.

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

1) Take some time to read and meditate on all the Bible verses listed above, and then hear God’s voice as He speaks to you through His written Word.

TAGS: Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 32:4; Psalm 19:7-9, 22:6, 30:5-6, 78:4-7, 119:142; Matthew 4:4, 28:19; John 8:47, 14:6, 16:13, 17:17, 20;31; Romans 1:16, 10:17; I Corinthians 1:18, 13:6; Epshesians 4:15, 5:26, 6:4; I Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 4:3-4; Hebrews 1:12; James 1:21; 2 Peter 1:20-21; I John 1:14, 5:1-5; God; Truth; Bible; Scripture; Word of God; Teaching

Visit www.cmikids.com

© 2022 Children’s Ministries International, Inc.

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.