Three things I wish I’d known about training children’s ministry leaders
Running an after-school kids program was definitely a highlight of my first ministry role. A growing leadership team was also a joy but working out how to train and support them was an area I never felt confident in. Here are three things I wish I’d known back then about training children’s ministry leaders.
Walk worthily of your calling according to Ephesians
The modern notion of ‘calling’ is essentially an individualistic and self-focused concept concerned with self-realisation and self-fulfilment.
To consider divine calling as each person’s unique way of life or career is quite problematic, at least from Paul’s perspective. In Ephesians the concept of ‘calling’ cannot be more different.
Leadership Skills: three ways to listen more deeply
One of the most valuable tools in a ministry team leader’s toolbox isn’t just the ability to speak clearly—it’s the ability to listen deeply. Because when leaders fail to listen, communication breaks down. And when communication breaks down, teams struggle.
Deep listening is crucial for fostering relationships, building rapport, and establishing trust. It’s a key tool that can strengthen your leadership and communication in ministry. I’d like to share three practical ways we can listen more deeply.
SRE Good News - September 2025
Check out all the SRE Good News from the September edition of our SRE Impact Newsletter.
Perfectly known, perfectly loved
Along with the struggle to be authentic, post-modern culture and young people are suspicious of institutions and people who have any kind of power, which can be used to silence or oppress minorities and stop them expressing their authentic selves. I am sure many of you have had the experience of teaching about these issues and sensing that the listeners think you are being judgmental and oppressive.
More than meets the eye: reading the Psalms with young people
The Psalms teach us how to pray when all is as it should be (psalms of orientation), when life is hard (psalms of disorientation), and when we find ourselves on the other side of trouble (psalms of reorientation).
As I have taught the Psalms to young people and adults working with young people, I have become convinced that the Psalms are so much more than an invitation for us to speak honestly to God.
Kids’ holiday club gems
Kids’ Holiday Clubs are often where it all comes together for children. Over a few days, they grasp precious gospel truths and form deep connections with their local church.
Here are a few gems and resources shared by various churches - maybe these could help you with your next holiday club?
Neurodiversity: When Friday night feels like a shaken can of soft drink
For many neurodivergent young people, life can sometimes be overwhelming, unpredictable, and hard to contain the strong feelings bubbling inside. Certain situations can lead to an eventual explosion that’s often misinterpreted as simply disruptive behaviour.
So how can leaders in youth and kids’ ministry lead more thoughtfully and inclusively?
Your story – A visionary Australian research project
Your Story is a visionary research project featuring stories from over 400 Australian young people. The project explores questions around who and what has, and is, shaping their faith in their childhood, adolescence, and the present, by listening to young people narrate their faith story.
Here are four key findings from this research, and their implications for ministry.
Five strategies to cultivate a culture of church-parent partnership
The childhood years are foundational for a young person’s spiritual development. Yet children’s ministry is too often carried out in isolation from the families to whom these children belong.
When the church and home are aligned in purpose, vision, and strategy the discipleship and spiritual formation of children flourish. So, what does meaningful partnership between the church and the home look like—both theologically and practically?
Too comfortable for Christ
When life feels full and comfortable, why would anyone think they need Jesus? The “I’m fine, thanks” fallacy is one I’ve encountered time and time again. Young people often don’t perceive their need for Jesus because life feels good, and they don’t see themselves as "bad people."
Here are three approaches to help young people see their need for Jesus, even when they don’t feel it.
Fostering a sense of belonging in kids ministry
Low and irregular attendance at church is a concerning trend for leaders today. As someone particularly concerned with the discipleship of children, sporadic attendance is discouraging, so we can’t ignore the impact this will have on children.
Here’s one area I think children’s ministry leaders need to consider - fostering in our young people a sense of belonging at church.
How to elevate your church website to welcome people with disability
Church websites are a very helpful tool to share with your local community about your ministries and gatherings. For a visitor to your church who has disability or is neurodivergent, up-to-date information on your website about accessibility, what happens during a service, and what to expect is essential.
Here are three tips for enhancing your church website to help all people find out more about your church, so they feel included and welcome.
Two ways to get quiet discussion groups talking
Think of a time where you’ve asked a question in a discussion and everyone falls silent… is it the good kind of silence, or the not-so-good kind?
One kind of silence is productive, while the other is detrimental to forming a good group culture. One kind of silence promotes discussion, the other hampers it.
Here are two simple tools that will help you create a platform for the types of discussion where you get the good kind of silence.
SRE Good News - May 2025
Check out all the SRE Good News from the May edition of our SRE Impact Newsletter.
SRE classroom tips for supporting students with ADHD
It can be hard to know how to support young people who have ADHD, whether you are aware of the diagnosis or not. Getting to know each student, especially those with diverse needs, is going to be most helpful. But this can be difficult, if not impossible, with such limited time and a whole class of kids.
Here are four tips to make your SRE class beneficial for all students.
Shaping classes for student success: Making the right thing to do the easiest thing to do
When doing the right thing is also the easiest thing, students build good habits—and we spend less time managing behaviour. Here are my four top tips for classroom management.
Why routine is a kids ministry leader’s best friend
Routine isn’t boring; in fact, it makes kids’ ministry engaging and effective. From familiar games to visual schedules, predictability helps children feel confident, cooperate, and absorb new lessons without overwhelm. Leaders love it too—less stress, smoother transitions, and more time to plan and prepare for lessons!
Self-care through the seasons of life
Being a ministry worker brings with it joys and challenges, and everything in between. It is a profound privilege to journey alongside people through the varying seasons of life.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship, and a necessity for sustainable, healthy and resilient ministry. Making space for rest, spiritual renewal, and personal boundaries allows ministry workers to continue serving with joy, resilience, and integrity.
Tips for a disability-inclusive Easter at your church
The Easter season usually brings about a change in routines and often brings in visitors to church. This could be particularly challenging for children with disability or who are neurodivergent. Because of this, it’s worth thinking through ways to enable inclusive practices to help all people, whether regular, new, or visiting.