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. Social situations, sensory input, or sudden changes might feel like persistent “shaking” —the eventual explosion is often misinterpreted as simply disruptive behaviour.
As leaders in youth and kids’ ministry, our desire is to create spaces where every young person feels safe.
So how can we lead more thoughtfully and inclusively?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
A first time for everything
Whether you’re starting out again teaching SRE to the same year group as previous years, teaching SRE for the first time or somewhere in between, be encouraged that the privilege of SRE is that we have the opportunity to be alongside young people as they engage with the Bible.
Should we add a new gospel bead?
Have you taught your kids how to share the good news with gospel beads? It’s a great way to equip young people to share their faith. It’s simple, memorable… and wearable.
In his new book, The Child in God’s Church (2025)Tim Beilharz makes the point that we are missing a bead.
Fresh ideas for kids spots
With the start of a new year, here are some fresh ideas for kids spots in church gatherings. I encourage you to evaluate their suitability for your context based on your convictions about the purpose of that time.
Responding to Big Emotions in Children
Join Annemarie on a journey into the heart of children's emotions, where frustration, anger, and sadness often run wild. Discover why it's crucial to acknowledge these feelings without judgment and how to clarify boundaries while offering support and empathy.
Gospel-shaped Discipline and Sin in Children’s Ministry
Where do we turn to when children are misbehaving? Read how you can respond in a godly manner.
Age of Conversion and the Faith of the Family
Discover how the faith commitment of parents influences the age at which individuals embrace Christianity, reinforcing the importance of familial faith practices.
Intergenerational Church from the Child’s Perspective
What does intergenerational ministry look like from the child’s perspective?
Sword of the Spirit Drills for Children, Youth and Leaders
A drill you could use to teach children, youth, leaders and parents to handle the Bible well.
Rosters and Missing Church
How many weeks a year can I ask parents and other adults of my church to join the children’s ministry roster?
Three principles and three skills for group management
It takes skills and confidence to manage a group of children well. These often come with experience supplemented with training and support. Here are some tips on how to grow in your management skills in children’s ministry.
Empty Car Seats and Inspiring Outreach
Who can you bring to church in your spare car seat?