Leadership Tools

Intro

Welcome to the Leadership Tools section of The Discipleship Place.  Here you will find FREE, downloadable articles and handouts for various areas of ministry. Think of it this way. This is the place where you will be able to find tools to put in your ministry toolbelt. This will be a growing section of The Discipleship Place and it is designed to equip you with ongoing education as you endeavor to give yourself away.

If you would like an article or tool on a specific topic, feel free to e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our desire is to partner with you in ministry and we would like for you to think of us as your "friend in ministry". We care deeply about you and the ministry you have within the life of your local church.

 

Ages 0-5

Nursery, toddler and preschool workers are critical for the life of any local church. For example, the quality of the nursery speaks volumes to visitors.  Is it clean? Do the workers build trust and are they nurturing?  Sometimes the first impression a visitor may receive from a church is their interaction with the nursery, toddler, and preschool workers. Let's not underestimate the importance of these invaluable workers.

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

 

 

Food Crisis

Do the policies for keeping children in your Sunday School safe include checking for food allergies? The following information will help you ensure that all children are kept safe.

download Food Crisis

 

Celebrating God's World

When was the last time you viewed God's creation through the eyes of a young child? Here are some ideas for getting toddlers outside for some fun and worship.

download Celebrating God's World

Let Them Make Music

Are there sounds of music in your Sunday School? Try some of these fun ways to "make music" with the little ones in your nursery.

download Let Them Make Music

Small Gestures Show God's Love

What can a teacher or nursery worker do to communicate God's love to little ones? The answer may be as simple as the words from a children's chorus.

download Small Gestures Show God's Love

Before Baby Comes

Did you know a nursery ministry can begin evangelistic work before a baby is even born?

download Before Baby Comes

Introducing Babies to the Bible

What are you doing to introduce biblical truths to babies, toddlers, and twos? Here are some great ideas.

download Introducing Babies to the Bible

"Rejoice! There Will Be No More Crying"

Is there weeping and wailing and gnashing of gums in your church nursery? Try these suggestions for soothing the youngest members of your congregation.

download "Rejoice! There Will Be No More Crying"

Threes, Fours, Fives and the Bible

What snapshot of God are preschoolers seeing through you?

download Threes, Fours, Fives and the Bible

Prevention is Best

Has your nursery been choke proofed? Follow these guidelines as you check your nursery safety.

download Prevention is Best

He Loves You

Are you using every opportunity to communicate the love of God to the babies in the nursery? Here are some ideas.

download God Loves You, Little Baby

Working with Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Have you seen these 10 Commandments? Here are 10 great ideas for working with preschoolers and kindergartners.

download Ten Commandments of Working with Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Whoever Welcomes a Child

Are you filling the memory banks of the children in your class with treasures? See how you can make your relationship with these youngsters more meaningful?

download Whoever Welcomes a Child

 

Fearless Preschool Teachers

Do you shy away from activities that involve glue, glitter, paint, sand, or water? This humorous article can help still your anxiety and gain the confidence you need to try some new learning mediums.

download Fearless Preschool Teachers

Fun on the Floor

Did you know that the babies in your sursery would love to have some "floor" time? Here are some simple and inexpensive ideas to help babies at different stages of mobility have fun on the floor.

download Fun on the Floor

Crying Out Loud

Why do babies cry? This might seem like a silly question, but it is a valid one. Crying is the main form of communication for babies.

download Crying Out Loud

Biting 101

Did you know that biting is a normal part of the developmental stages of a child? Here are some ways you can deal with the issue of biting in the nursery.

download Biting 101

Right Tools

Did you know using appropriate tools with preschool and kindergarten students can pave the way for successful learning experiences? Take a look at these suggested tools.

download Saving the Right Tools for Ministry

Connecting New Generations

Each congregation needs to meet the challenge of Christ and invest in the lives of children and youth. This is especially important if you have children and youth whose parents do not attend church.

download Connecting New Generations

High Energy Bible Memorization Ideas

Do you need some high energy ways to help children in your Sunday School class memorize Bible verses? Check out these fun ideas.

download High Energy Bible Memorization Ideas

Lessons That Stick

Read this article to learn tips on how to give lessons that will stick.  The key to delivering a lesson that sticks is to know your audience.

download Delivering Lessons that Stick

Training in Self-Discipline

Are you meeting the needs of the children in your Sunday School class?  See how you can be proactive in fulfilling their basic needs.

download Training in Self-Discipline

 

Seven Laws of Teaching

Are you giving the Sunday School teachers of your youngest members the proper tools to do their job well? See how you can transform your nursery from a baby-sitting service into a Sunday School classroom.

download Seven Laws of Teaching

Plan with a Purpose

Is planning a priority in your ministry? Here are some ideas that will help you make your programs more effective.

download Plan with a Purpose

Developing Relationships With Parents

Are your preschool and Adult Sunday School departments planning outreach together? Here are some great ideas for strengthening the relationships between the preschool staff and the parents of preschool children.

download Developing Relationships With Parents

Contagious Kindness

Is your preschool class living out the Golden Rule? Here are some suggestions that can help preschoolers and kindergartners to use caring words and show love through actions.

download Contagious Kindness

Encouragement Deposit

When was the last time you made a deposit in the emotional bank account of a child or teen? The teacher who makes the greatest impact on a teen is the one who invests himself or herself in a child or teen's life.

download Emotional Deposit

Better Safe than Sorry

How safe is your church nursery? This article offers some guidelines for the health and welfare of your youngest members.

download Better Safe than Sorry

How Young Is Too Young? (Nursery Article)

Does your church nursery have age-appropriate books and Bibles? Here are some reasons for making books available to your youngest members.

download How Young Is Too Young?

First Impressions (Nursery Article)

This article will help you think of nursery workers not as unpaid baby-sitters but as people who contribute to the spiritual development of babies and toddlers.

download First Impressions

Ages 6-12

Children aren't just the future of our church, they're the church of today. Let's work hard to create a place that is safe where they will experience Christ!

Here you will find outstanding resources that will help you as you work with children.

 

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

Food Crisis

Do the policies for keeping children in your Sunday School safe include checking for food allergies? The following information will help you ensure that all children are kept safe.

download Food Crisis

 

 

Help Young Children Internalize God's Word

Are you encouraging the young children in your Sunday School class to memorize scripture? Here are some great tips for you to use.

download Help Young Children Internalize God's Word

VBS: Unchurched Children and Planning Items

Are you taking advantage of the most successful evangelism tool your church can offer? Use VBS as an outreach tool. This article will also help you as you plan for VBS.

download VBS: Unchurched Children and Planning Items

VBS: Make Follow Up a Priority

Everyone who has directed or worked in a VBS has been there before. VBS is over. The children are gone. The mess is cleaned up. And you, are now in the VBS Zombie Zone!

download VBS: Make Follow Up a Priority

Celebrating God's World

When was the last time you viewed God's creation through the eyes of a young child? Here are some ideas for getting toddlers outside for some fun and worship.

download Celebrating God's World

You Can Help Children Deal With Divorce

Did you know that children whose parents are divorcing often suffer from a host of physical and emotional problems? Here are some ways caring adults can help children deal with divorce.

download You Can Help Children Deal With Divorce

How to Introduce Children to the Bible

The word of God is living and active. (Hebrews 4:12).

download How to Introduce Children to the Bible

Let Them Choose

Did you know an important childhood task is to learn how to make choices? Above are some ways you can help young children learn that skill.

download Let Them Choose

Ready or Not--Here Come the Tweenagers!

Have you been called to be the teacher of those wonderful creatures called preteens? Here are some suggestions for helping preteens walk the tightrope between childhood and adolescence.

download Ready or Not--Here Come the Tweenagers!

Helping Children to Grow in Their Faith

Are you giving the children in your sphere of influence appropiate Christian training and nurture? Donna Fillmore, Early Elementary Editor, offers some insight on nurturing children.

download Helping Children to Grow in Their Faith

Leading Children to Christ

When are children ready for savlation? Lynda Boardman, Director of Children's Ministries, discusses this vital question.

download Leading Children to Christ

Training Children to Love Their Neighbor

Are the children in your sphere of influence being trained to show love, respect, and appreciation? We need to be very deliberate in the transferring of our values.

download Training Children to Love Their Neighbor

It's as Simple as ABC

Did you know that most people who will make a decision for Christ do so by the age of 13? Here is a tool that can help you teach Children about salvation.

download It's as Simple as ABC

Commemorate! Congratulate! Celebrate!

Do you want to make the children in your Sunday School class feel special? Send them a note.

download Commemorate! Congratulate! Celebrate!

Working with Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Have you seen these 10 Commandments? Here are 10 great ideas for working with preschoolers and kindergartners.

download Ten Commandments of Working with Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Choosing to Give God Time

What are your holiday activities teaching children about the importance of giving? You can help them learn that giving includes not just resources but their time.

download Choosing to Give God Time

Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities?

Is your church meeting the needs of individuals with special needs? Here are some ideas that can help your church meet those needs.

download Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities?

Are You Ready to Tell the Bible Story?

Are you looking for ways to make your lesson stick? Read this article for some great ideas on how to communicate Bible stories.

download Are You Ready to Tell the Bible Story?

Resolve to:  Pray Daily for Your Children

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Here are some specific prayers that need to be prayed daily for the children in your scope of influence.

download Resolve to: Pray Daily for Your Children

 

Keep in Touch

Are summer vacations impacting the attendance in your Sunday School class? Utilizing some of the following ideas may help keep your students coming back.

download Keep in Touch

Proficiency in Bible Skills

Proficiency in Bible skills is a gift you can give to the boys and girls in your class that will benefit them the rest of their lives.

download Proficiency in Bible Skills

Teach Them the ABCs!

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)

download Teach Them the ABCs!

Connecting New Generations

Each congregation needs to meet the challenge of Christ and invest in the lives of children and youth. This is especially important if you have children and youth whose parents do not attend church.

download Connecting New Generations

High Energy Bible Memorization Ideas

Do you need some high energy ways to help children in your Sunday School class memorize Bible verses? Check out these fun ideas.

download High Energy Bible Memorization Ideas

The Grafting of a Wild Shoot!

Have you ever been ready to give up on a difficult teaching situation or student? Read this inspirational account of ten-year-old Charlie.

download The Grafting of a Wild Shoot!

Discipleship: Time in the Word

Reading God's Word is an important part of spiritual development. Each week we hear one, two, maybe three sermons, attend Sunday School classes, and attend small-group meetings. But none of these an replace time privately studying and hearing God's voice through His Word.

download Discipleship: Time in the Word

Dad! What are the Signs that Your Child is Ready to Receive Christ?

How can fathers create a sense of family connectedness to the plan of salvation?

download Dad! What are the Signs that Your Child is Ready to Receive Christ?

You Don't Have To Do It All

Did you know that even early elementary children are capable of contributing to your class? Here are some ways you can train your children to be independent and helpful.

download You Don't Have to Do It All

Lessons That Stick

Read this article to learn tips on how to give lessons that will stick.  The key to delivering a lesson that sticks is to know your audience.

download Delivering Lessons that Stick

Training in Self-Discipline

Are you meeting the needs of the children in your Sunday School class?  See how you can be proactive in fulfilling their basic needs.

download Training in Self-Discipline

Let's Celebrate Easter!

Are the children in your Sunday School getting mixed messages about the meaning of Easter? Here are some suggestions for helping children know and celebrate the real reason for the season.

download Let's Celebrate Easter!

 

Encouragement Deposit

When was the last time you made a deposit in the emotional bank account of a child or teen? The teacher who makes the greatest impact on a teen is the one who invests himself or herself in a child or teen's life.

download Emotional Deposit

Clean House

Would you like to do some things to make your room more attractive so you can provide a warm and friendly environment for your children?  This article will give you practical tips.  Feel free to make copies and handout to all the children's workers.

download Clean House

Joy of Ownership

This article will help you think the need children have for having a space to call their own.  Feel free to make copies and give to the all children's workers in your church.

download Joy of Ownership

Teens

Teens deal with pressing concerns and they are looking for someone who will genuinely love them. Making sense of emotional highs and lows are often complicated by the need to be accepted by peers. How do you effectively ministry to this important age-group? How can you gain an adequate understanding of issues and concerns teens deal with on a daily basis?

Working with teens is a vital ministry role within the local church. This opportunity should not be taken lightly.  

In this section you will find excellent articles and tools to help you be more effective in your ministry to teens.

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

 

 

Good Listeners Make Better Leaders

How are your listending skills? You can improve your effectiveness with youth by putting good listening skills to work for you.

download Good Listeners Make Better Leaders

 

Youth Quizzing Q & A

Do you want to get your teens involved in an exciting, fun, and life changing experience. Start making plans now to involve your teens in Bible quizzing next fall.

download Youth Quizzing Q & A

Sixth Graders: Collision or Journey?

For many preteens, sixth grade is the year childhood collides into adolescence and many are lost in the gap..

download Sixth Graders: Collision or Journey?

 

Leading Teens in Bible Study

Here are some great tips on the best way to help teens study the Bible.

download Leading Teens in Bible Study

Bible Memorization for Teens

Just how does one go about the challenge of memorizing one verse or a whole passage? This article will give some practical help.

download Bible Memorization for Teens

Connecting New Generations

Each congregation needs to meet the challenge of Christ and invest in the lives of children and youth. This is especially important if you have children and youth whose parents do not attend church.

download Connecting New Generations

Adolescents

How well do you relate to your Sunday School class of adolescents? To understand them is the key to a good relationship.

download Adolescents

Lessons That Stick

Read this article to learn tips on how to give lessons that will stick.  The key to delivering a lesson that sticks is to know your audience.

download Delivering Lessons that Stick

The Five I's

This survey will help you assess how you and your church are doing with reaching teens.

download The Five I's

Frentic Family

I am concerned that she has not learned to be content with herself or particpate in and enjoy rich relationships.

download Frentic Family

Encouragement Deposit

When was the last time you made a deposit in the emotional bank account of a child or teen? The teacher who makes the greatest impact on a teen is the one who invests himself or herself in a child or teen's life.

download Emotional Deposit

Compatibility

Use this as a discussion starter with the female teens in your youth group. This handout will help them think about dating and the kind of person to look for as they begin dating. This would also be a great piece to make copies of and give to parents.

download Compatability

Identity: The Burning Challenge of Adolescence

Would you like to know how to make an investment in the life of a teen? Here are some suggestions to help teens maneuver these difficult years.

download Identity: The Burning Challenge of Adolescence

Celebrating the Rite of Passage

Today's children are often separated from extended family by hundreds of miles.  Many children today are starving for adult relationships.  Read this interview with Gary Hartke, Director of Nazarene Youth International and learn how he celebrated the rite of passage with his son.

download Rite of Passage

Competition

Preteens deal with many issues as it relates to self acceptance and their need for having a safe place is real.  This article will challenge us with practical ways we can create a safe place for the preteens in our church.

download Competition

Ounce of Prevention

In developing a disciplined teen classroom, start with preventive discipline. Remember:  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

download Ounce of Prevention

Power of Music

We all like music and teens are no exception to this rule.  Because music influences our thoughts and feelings it is very important that we listen to music that will not move us away from God.  How can you help your teenagers make good decisions.  This article contains some helpful tips.

download Power of Music


Adults

If you work with adults you will find these articles helpful. Articles in this section may pertain to specfic areas of ministry.  For example, some articles may specfically be for those involved in men's ministry while others may pertain to women's ministries or family issues. Regardless of your area of ministry, if you are working with adults you will find practical help in this section.

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

Do You Hear?

Are there persons with a hearing impairment in your class or group? Here are some tips on how to better communicate with them.

download Do You Hear?

Have You Seen Any Heroes Lately?

Everybody can be great. Anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Martin Luther King, Jr.

download Have You Seen Any Heroes Lately?

Differences Among: Evangelism, Discipleship & Mentoring

Are you taking the responsibility of being a fellow worker with God seriously? The table below describes the characteristics of three proven methods of carrying out the Great Commission.

download Differences Among: Evangelism, Discipleship & Mentoring

Overwhelm Them with Appreciation

Did you know God's Word calls for us to support our clergy? It's not too late to make plans to celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month.

download Overwhelm Them with Appreciation

Expressing Gratitude

Here are some ways to express gratitude to your pastor(s) and his or her family.

download Expressing Gratitude

The Power of a Godly Grandparent

National Grandparents Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. If your church has not made plans to celebrate the blessings and contributions made by this godly group, it is not too late.

download The Power of a Godly Grandparent

Single Adults Speak-up on Single Adult Issues

A group of Single Adult Ministries (SAM) leaders asked the question, "Do we need Single Adult Ministries?" Realizing they needed to hear from single adults to properly answer the question, they convened a listening session. Read some of the insights that were gained.

download Single Adults Speak-up on Single Adult Issues

Share Sonshine

As we get out and enjoy the wamer and longer days of summer and all the wonderful outdoor activities that this season brings, we need to remind ourselves there are members of our church family who seldom or never get out.

download Share Sonshine

Do You Know the Adults of Your Church?

Do you know and understand the needs of the age group you work with?  This article should help you better know and minister to the adults in your church.

download Do You Know the Adults of Your Church

A Ministry to Newcomers in Your Community?

Summertime often brings new families to our community.  Is your church ready to meet those newcomers? Ministry to newcomers in your community could be the key to building the Kingdom and fulfilling God's purpose for your church.

download A Ministry to Newcomers in Your Community

 

Beacon of Hope

There are many people who have lost hope in our world. They have been flattened by circumstances, people, and outside and inside forces that are beyond their control.

download Beacon of Hope

Potluck Sunday School

Potlucks are not appropriate in the Sunday School classroom and this is not a statement against food.

download Potluck Sunday School

Flying Solo:  It Is Not Easy

Are you aware of the struggles of the single parents in your Sunday School or church? There are many ways you can minister to these parents.

download Flying Solo:  It Is Not Easy

Esteem From Scripture

Esteem: What Scripture says about it!

download Esteem From Scripture

Starting a Bible Study

Read this article to give you some excellent insights into how to start a Bible study.

download Starting a Bible Study

 

Praying Daily for Your Straying Married Kids

Use this guide to help you pray for your married kids who have strayed from the faith. Feel free to print this off and share it with others.

download Praying Daily for Your Straying Married Kids

It Is Never Too Late to Add a Little Spice to Your Life!

Want to add a little spice to your life? Derl Keefer, Coordinator for Prime Time Ministries, has a few good suggestions for you.

download It Is Never to Late to Add a Little Spice to Your Life

The History of Your Faith as a Family

Parents owe their children a story of faith. One of the common features of the Scriptures that speak to parents is the idea of passing on the story of God.

download The History of Your Faith as a Family

A Family of Stress Talk Sheet

Psalm 37 calls us to trust, delight, commit, and rest. As a family how can we integrate this formula into the way we manage our stress? First read aloud Psalm 37.

download A Family Stress Talk Sheet

Reaching Mothers

Are you offering the friendship, mentoring, and support that women, especially new mothers, need?  See how your church can offer ministries that give these mothers the tools and relationships they need.

download Reaching Mothers

Honor Single Adults

Did you know the number of single adults in the US is equal to the world's twelfth largest nation?  Here are some ideas for reaching out to your single adults and those in the community.

download Honor Single Adults

When Was The Last Time You Memorized Scripture?

Though memorizing scriptures is more frequently stressed with children, it should be part of every Christian's life.

download When Was The Last Time You Memorized Scripture?

The Celebration Box

Spring is a good time to celbrate the accomplishments in your church.

download The Celebration Box

The Power of Encouragement

Do you make it a habit to encourage those you meet?  Use these ideas to get started today.

download The Power of Encouragement

Have a Heart

What is your heart condition? A good heart is the result of cultivation.

download Have a Heart

Power of Apology

"I'm sorry" are two of the most difficult words to speak. Yet they are powerful enough to change lives and circumstances.

download Power of Apology

Is Your Love Growing?

Are the Members of your class growing in Christ-like love?  Here is a simple "test" you can use to gauge their progress.

download Is Your Love Growing?

Behind the Scenes (All Adults)

How often do you honor those who serve in invisible ways in your church and Sunday School? It's time to say thanks to this silent army of heroes.

download Behind the Scenes

Single Too Soon? (All Adults)

Do you know how to reach out with sensitivity to those who are grieving? Here are some ways to help and compfort.

download Single Too Soon?

Help Them Grow (Young Adult Article)

Young adult Sunday School teachers can play a significant role in maximizing their spiritual growth process. Raising and harvesting a generation of spiritually mature Christians require dilligence and passion.

download Help Them Grow

Bible Study (Men's Ministry Article)

Whether you are looking for help in your own personal Bible study or need help in leading a group, this tool will equip you with some valuable insights.

download Bible Study Mosaic

Launching a Successful Event (Men's Ministry Article)

Looking for practical insights on how to successfully plan and implement your next men's ministry event? This tool will help!

download Men's Ministry Event

Men's Ministry Breakfast (Men's Ministry Article)

Looking for a blueprint so you can plan a men's ministry breakfast? With this tool you'll find some practical advice that will make your next men's ministry breakfast a success!

download Men's Ministry Breakfast

Men's Ministry Survey (Men's Ministry Article)

Make copies of this survey and use it to understand the needs of the men in your local church.

download Men's Ministry Survey

 

Teachers

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding experience.  As a teacher you have the opportunity to shape and mold people into the image of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. You are also the one responsible for cultivating a trusting environment where relationships can be built. Here you will find tools that are helpful for Sunday School teachers of all ages.

Please feel free, to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE practical resources are intended to be distributed.

 

Teacher Evaluation

Use this wonderful self-evaluation to help you increase your effectiveness as a Sunday School teacher.

download Teacher Evaluation

What Makes a Great Sunday School Teacher?

When was the last time you examined your teaching style? Prime Time coordinator, Derl Keefer, challenges you to examine your style.

download What Makes a Great Sunday School Teacher?

Transformed Lives

Transformed lives are the result of an encounter with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

download Transformed Lives

Are You Ready for the Harvest?

Do your teachers need to sharpen their teaching tools or gain new skills that will get the job done? Does your leadership need to be nurtured and fed?

download Are You Ready for the Harvest?

Preparing the Classroom for Teaching

Here are some great considerations to make when preparing to teach.

download Preparing the Classroom for Teaching

Before Starting a Bible Study. . .

It's wise to consider your audience before starting a Bible study.

download Before Starting a Bible Study. . .

How Are Your Biblical Communication Skills?

The Bible gives many principles for the wise use of words, yet they're often overlooked. Few skills need greater attention than biblical communication.

download How Are Your Biblical Communication Skills?

Ministering to the Wounded

Are those in your class or group participating in ministry to the physically, emotionally, or spiritually wounded? The opportunities are limitless.

download Ministering to the Wounded

Plan to Make Plans

Remember, if you fail to plan then you will plan to fail. This resource will help you plan for the months of September, October, and November.

download Plan to Make Plans

Recruiting and Keeping Leadership

Does recruiting of volunteers seem like a never ending process? Here are some proactive steps to take as you face this challenge.

download Recruiting and Keeping Leadership

Training is Key

Are your workers receiving the proper training for their job? Lynda Boardman, Director of Children's Ministries, offers some tips for training workers.

download Training is Key

Teacher as Catalyst

What word best describes your teaching role? Does the word catalyst come to mind?

download Teacher as Catalyst

This is Not My Church

Teaching is so much more than curriculum, projects, crafts, and a schedule. Teaching is touching lives. Have you touched any lives lately?

download This is Not My Church

As a Teacher Thinks

How is your self-efficacy? Donna Fillmore, Executive Editor for Children's Curriculum offers some important principles for teaching.

download As a Teacher Thinks

Wrapping Up the Program Year

As the school year ends in many parts of the country, some of our church programs also end. How do you wrap up the program year?

download Wrapping Up the Program Year

Only Three Came

Have you ever felt disappointed and discouraged when only a few showed up for your Sunday School class?

download Only Three Came

Bible Basics

Teachers have the unique and vital responsibility to lead and model an appropriate view of Scripture, one that encourages God's Word to pentetrate to every corner of our lives.

download Bible Basics

Make Your Teaching Transformational

Does the weekly Bible study help your students apply the lesson to their daily living, expand their concept of God, guide them in living obedience to God, and help them to choose a holy lifestyle? Here are some great suggestions for making your Bible teaching transformational.

download Make Your Teaching Transformational

Remember Sunday School Workers

Is appreciation for Sunday School leaders and teachers overdue in your church? Here are some ideas for saying thanks all year long.

download Remember Sunday School Workers

 

Visitors & Absentees

Are you reaching out to those in your Sunday School class that need contacting? You may be overlooking an important group.

download Visitors & Absentees

Get Organized

Does your classroom look like the "before" or "after" of a Let's Get Organized episode? Here are some great suggestions on how to keep your room organized.

download Get Organized

Leading Discussions

As a teacher or small group leader you facilitate discussions. Would you like some simple tips on how to effectively faciliate discusions that are beneficial to everyone involved? This article will help.  Be sure to print this off and give to any teacher or small group leader.

download Leading Discusions

Believe in Sunday School

This tool will give you some important things to think about as you consider the role of Sunday School in your local church.  This would be a great resource to make copies of and distribute to all Sunday School teachers as well as the Sunday School Superintendent and church board members.

download Believe in Sunday School

 

Evangelism

Evangelism and outreach are necessary components of any healthy and growing church. Let's not forget to share the great news of Jesus with our world! As disciples we have the opportunity to point people to Jesus, the One who can bring forgiveness, hope, healing, and wholeness to those we love. As agents of grace and ambassadors of the Kingdom we have been empowered to bring light to a dark world. Together, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can change the world!

These articles will help you as you consider how you can make an eternal difference in the lives of those you love.

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Are the women of your church looking for a new ministry through which they can share the love and comfort of God to other women who are going through a difficult time? Read Sharon's story.

download The Prayer Shawl

Friendship Evangelism

If people are not connecting with each other, then the church is failing her mission. The church that can successfully help people connect to one another (whether they are believers or unbelievers) will invariably grow. People want to be with people they love; people that care about them; people who are their friends.

"I have made myself a slave to all [people], in order to wine more people." (I Corinthians 9:19 HCSB)

download Friendship Evangelism

A Great Commission Church

Change-does that word strike fear in the heart of your church? If you don't recognize and embrace the changes and challenges occurring in your community, you may miss opportunities to bring God's message to a needy and dying world.

download A Great Commission Church

Get Outreach on the Calendar!

A frequently offered phrase in our busy society is, "Let me check my calendar." We are all busy these days and many of us carry daily planners with us. So if you are serious about organizing an ongoing outreach ministry in your church, get it on the calendar!

download Get Outreach on the Calendar!

Sharing Christ with Your Community

Touching a community begins with a love for the individuals who live and work there. God wants our willingness--He will provide the opportunities and resources.

download Sharing Christ with Your Community

Dad! What are the Signs that Your Child is Ready to Receive Christ!

How can fathers create a sense of family connectedness to the plan of salvation?

download Dad! What are the Signs that Your Child is Ready to Receive Christ?

Evangelize:  You Can Do It!

What do you think of when you hear the word evangelism? do you think of a fiery "hell and damnation" revival preacher or smooth talking "money requesting" television preacher? Unfortunately, over the years, evangelism has not earned a very good reputation. Christians need to get back to the basics.

download Evangelize: You Can Do It!

Talk About God

Do you know that un-churched people want to talk about God? This thought provoking will help you think about conversations with those around you.

download Talk About God

Everyday Evangelism

Does the mention of visitation or evangelism strike fear in your heart? There is help for dealing with some of those fears. This article will give you practical ways you can begin to deal with the fear that can so easily paralyze.

download Everyday Evangelism

Love of Jesus

Do you need a fresh, new idea for reaching out to people in your community? Take a look at the uniquie ideas in this article for ways you can make a difference in your community.

download Love of Jesus

Growth

This section has articles related to spiritual growth as well as articles to give you tips for living a more abundant life. Our prayer is that you will find these articles helpful as you desire to live a life connected to God and others.

If you would like to see an article on a specific subject, please feel free to contact us with your suggestions. We would love to hear from you! You can submit your requests to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please feel free to print and make as many copies as you would like of these articles. These FREE, practical resources are intended to be distributed.

Fascinating Facts About the Bible

This article contains some really fascinating facts about the Bible.

download Fascinating Facts About the Bible

Christian Fellowship

Are you using church fellowship times to lift up and build up your brothers and sisters in Christ? Take the challenge to make fellowship go deeper than mere socialization.

download Christian Fellowship

Purposeful Living

What is the meaning of life? Here are some ideas to stimulate your thinking and help you develop a clear purpose for life.

download Purposeful Living

The Power of the Human Touch

Are you using the human touch to change lives? Here are several suggestions for utilizing that life-changing power.

download The Power of the Human Touch

A Servant Leader Reflects the Son

Does your life accurately represent Christ? Take a look at your reflection.

download A Servant Leader Reflects the Son

Purposeful Praise

Do you find time daily to praise our great and awesome God? This resource will give you some ideas for spending time alone with God.

download Purposeful Praise

In God's Presence It Will Make a Difference

Do you wish you would encourage others more often? Here is a list of encouragement phrases that can help.

download In God's Presence It Will Make a Difference

Encouragement Phrases

Do you wish you would encourage others more often? Here is a list of encouragement phrases that can help.

download Encouragement Phrases

The Power of Positive Thanking

Did you know the simple act of gratitude creates a ripple effect of blessings? Try some of these suggestions.

download The Power of Positive Thanking

Are You a Barnabas?

Is the world a better place because you are willing to extend kindness and encouragement? Here are some practical ways you can be a "Barnabas" to those around you.

download Are You a Barnabas?

A Kindness Received Should be a Kindness Passed On!

Be kind. This is a simple imperative that we learn as a child yet the implications it has for living is bigger than life.

download A Kindness Received Should be a Kindness Passed On!

A Mosaic of Family Issues

This piece was compiled using the book by David Henderson, Communicating God's Truth to Our Changing Culture.

download A Mosaic of Family Issues

Timeless & Timely Insights from the Bible

Prayer mainly reminds us that we are not alone.

download Timeless & Timely Insights from the Bible

 

Managing the Issues with Your Spouse

Use this guideline when dealing with conflict in your marriage. This would be a great resource to print off and give to your friends!

download Managing the Issues with Your Spouse

Appreciation & Affection

Read over the qualities on this sheet and check seven you appreciate most about your spouse. Print this off and use it in a Sunday School or small group.

download Appreciation & Affection

An Exercise in Family Strengths: for Dads

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When's the last time you affirmed each other based on Galatians 5:22-23?

download An Exercise in Family Strengths: for Dads

30 Days of Talking with Your Spouse

Use this as a guide for talking with your spouse.

download 30 Days of Talking with Your Spouse