RESOURCE REVIEWS
 
About the Children's Department
resources for effective children's ministry

The Year-Round Church Event Book
Authors - Dr. Elmer Towns & Rev. Stan Toler
Publisher - Gospel Light Publishing
 
    There are many events celebrated and held at church each year - some are great successes and others were not . . . not  necessarily because people didn't try to help them be successful, but maybe because the planning wasn't all it could be.  This resource provides "purposes, event goals, activities, organizational suggestions, list of helpful resources as well as theme related sermon ideas" for more than 50 special events and celebrations.

    favorite features:

  • reproducible resources
  • celebrations, commemorative events, fellowship and outreach events, stewardships, growth campaigns and dedication information
  • each event includes an introduction, service ideas, purpose, goals, preparation information and follow up ideas
  • reproducible worksheets, checklists and forms
  • includes steps to plan events
  • helpful information on publicity
  • reproducible invitations
  • sermon Bible "Tuck-In's"
  • event diary
  • one year events and celebrations calendar


    •     This resource is one you will find yourself using over and over again.  It will help you plan, prepare and present effective events all year.  Nicely done Elmer, Stan and Gospel Light!

    		Quick Relief for Sunday School Teachers
    Publisher - Group Publishing
     
        All teachers, whether they have taught for years or if this is their first time, have questions about teaching and how to be more effective.  This resource would make an excellent tool for each teacher or to keep on hand in each classroom as it has questions, answers and ideas to cover almost any concern a teacher might have.

        favorite features:

  • "Quick Relief for Teachers" section covers topics including, how do I start, what about music, safety issues, how to promote regular attendance, competition, small classes, large classes and other topics as well
  • "Quick Relief for Teaching Kids" covers how to teach kids from different backgrounds, how to get kids to listen, how to get kids to remember their lessons and many other topics
  • "Quick Relief for Teaching the Bible" covers how to get kids to read their own Bibles, how to get kids to develop their own prayer life, how to help kids learn to choose right from wrong and many more topics
  • "Quick Relief for Relationships with Kids" cover how to build relationships with kids, discipline, how to develop a close group, how to involve loners and many more topics


    •     This book is an excellent resource for teachers and is well worth having several copies available in your church - you may want to present one to each teacher.  Very nicely done Group Publishing!

    		Awesome Volunteers for Children's Ministry
    Author - Christine Yount
    Publisher - Group Publishing
     
        There are so many important issues people have to deal with in children's ministry - what curriculum to use, safety issues, recruiting, training, supporting and encouraging volunteers and developing a written mission statement are the main ones . . . all of which we have talked about in previous issues.  These issues are so important and central to children's ministry and while there has been much written about these topics, this new book by Christine Yount is filled with helpful information, excellent ideas and perspective that will benefit any ministry.

        favorite features:

  • each chapter gives Biblical examples for that topic
  • quotes in the margin are excellent
  • "Stop & Consider" give you Scripture to read and activities to do to work through the application of what your are reading
  • explains servant leadership and how to make it really work
  • encourages you to develop a vision statement and how to get others to catch that vision
  • how to get the most out of teams
  • how to shepherd volunteers to help them get the most out of teaching and to maximize effectiveness
  • recruiting helps
  • training helps
  • how to appreciate and affirm volunteers
  • 84 ideas to celebrate volunteers
  • seasonal affirmations
  • sample job descriptions
  • sample volunteer applications
  • sample reference check form


    •     Volunteers are a gift from God to the church - if we truly believe this it will change the way we recruit and care for our volunteers.  This resource is filled with information that really works and will help your ministry more closely mirror Jesus' own.  Very nicely done Christine and Group Publishing!


     
     
    Christmas Crafts & Activities
    Publisher - Gospel Light Publishing

        Every year we look for ideas and resources to help us teach and remind our kids the real meaning of Christmas.  This resource provides over 120 crafts, games and other resources for kids age two through grade six that can be used at home, church and/or school.

        favorite features:


        This is a well done resource that would be used over and over again both at home and church to help kids keep their focus on the real reason for the season.  Consider planning a special "Christmas in July" to use these resources again!  Well done Gospel Light!

    TABLE OF CONTENTS


     
    About The Children's Department - Volume 2, Edition 4
    Copyright © Lynda Freeman
    Last Updated Dec. 3, 1998
    Web Page by Lynda Freeman
    Send an e-mail to Lynda at dfreemansr@earthlink.net