Tag «children»

The Mutual Benefits of Church-School Partnerships

Jake McGlothin, author of The Mission-Minded Guide to Church and School Partnerships, says it’s only logical that the two most important social institutions in our society should work together. He outlines what churches can share with schools as well as how engagement with schools can positively impact a congregation. This article was originally published on […]

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The post The Mutual Benefits of Church-School Partnerships appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2024

Ann Michel, Doug Powe, and Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff identify seven trends church leaders should keep in mind as they develop creative ministries to reach new people in 2024. Many of these trends are daunting, reflecting the long-term decline in worship attendance and the increasing percentage of Americans who claim no religious […]

The post 7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2024 first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post 7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2024 appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Why did Rachel weep for her children?

We all know the famous, dark side of Christmas:

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in acco…

Family Christmas Traditions and Creating Meaningful Connections for Life

I’m a sucker for Holiday nostalgia. This morning, I made my 13- and 10-year-old boys listen to these two albums (on Apple Music because you can’t buy an electric Honda with an 8-track player). My grandmother, who will turn 103 next month, used to play …

Sharing the True Spirit of Christmas in the Places Where Life Happens

Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff suggests that in an age of rampant religious disaffiliation our evangelistic task in the Advent and Christmas seasons may go beyond gathering in less-frequent church attenders, friends, family, and neighbors. She sees a need to help a generation of dechurched young people reclaim the sacred aspects of Christmas […]

The post Sharing the True Spirit of Christmas in the Places Where Life Happens first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post Sharing the True Spirit of Christmas in the Places Where Life Happens appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Understanding the Cultural Realities of Children and Youth Today

Janet Craswell and Angela Pupino of National United Methodist Church say ministries with children and youth were severely impacted by the pandemic and are still rebuilding in most churches. They say a truly intergenerational church must embrace the voices and concerns of younger people and acknowledge the unique cultural realities that shape the lives. There […]

The post Understanding the Cultural Realities of Children and Youth Today first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post Understanding the Cultural Realities of Children and Youth Today appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

5 Key Principles for Fostering Generosity in Children

Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says the church needs to renew efforts to foster generosity in our children. She shares five principles that can help instill the joy of giving in the next generation of givers. How can we help our children become responsible, generous, unselfish people? This question is critical to the […]

The post 5 Key Principles for Fostering Generosity in Children first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post 5 Key Principles for Fostering Generosity in Children appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

6 Tools for Holy Work With Children

Tanya Campen offers six tools to help children process their experiences and discoveries about God. Through story, liturgy and ritual, relational awareness, memory markers, wonder, and work, children experience and respond to God’s presence and love. Recognizing that children learn about God in varying contexts and traditions, and acknowledging all children learn and process at […]

The post 6 Tools for Holy Work With Children first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post 6 Tools for Holy Work With Children appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Creating a Safe Space for Holy Work with Children

Tanya Campen describes how practicing respect, preparation, and presence create safe spaces where children are valued and respected. She highlights the importance of preparing ourselves and safe spaces so that we can be fully present as children claim and respond to God’s presence in their lives. In our work as leaders in ministry with children, […]

The post Creating a Safe Space for Holy Work with Children first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post Creating a Safe Space for Holy Work with Children appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

7 Ideas for Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity

How can you deepen your relationship with the children and families participating in a Vacation Bible School and stay connected with them throughout the year? Lewis Center Director Doug Powe outlines strategies to make your Vacation Bible School a meaningful and effective evangelism opportunity. This article by F. Douglas Powe Jr. was originally published on […]

The post 7 Ideas for Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity first appeared on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

The post 7 Ideas for Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity appeared first on Lewis Center for Church Leadership.