There once was a duck. One of those white ducks with a bright orange beak and big, floppy, orange feet. His name was Gerald. Gerald walked everywhere. But not without difficulty. His big, floppy, orange feet made walking on lumpy grass and sandy shores quite the challenge. He wiggled and wobbled and…waddled wherever he went.... Continue Reading →
"Is all of this really making a difference?" Steve Adams, Executive Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Saddleback Church in California, asks this question in his book, Children’s Ministry on Purpose. And we all do don’t we? We wonder if our efforts developing children really means anything. Perhaps we should ignore our little ones and not... Continue Reading →
People who work with children have the privilege of watching children grow up. Even more, we get to see them form a solid foundation for their lives with Christ. Spiritual formation is a fancy term for becoming more like Christ. Michelle Anthony, author of Family Ministry Essentials, reminds us of this process: …Holiness is not found... Continue Reading →
Teenagers, more than anything, need to grasp firmly who they really are. They are branching out into scary times of increasing independence. A solid family life can provide the reassurance of stable and intimate relationships. How much more does believing, with strong conviction, that they are a loved child of God help them navigate their... Continue Reading →
…this I know, for the Bible tells me so… -Anna Warner and William Bradbury For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. -Jesus (John 3:16) The famous song, called "Jesus Loves Me," was written as a poem by Anna... Continue Reading →
Wisdom begins in wonder. -Socrates What do you think about this? -Jesus (Matthew 21:28) A good, well-timed, thoughtful question can turn drab into fab! Here are some qualities of a great, relationship-building question. Open-ended not closed allows for more than one word answers. After asking, allow silence to process. Follow it up with, “Tell... Continue Reading →
I tend to over-plan. Planning is important because running around recklessly is madness. But over-planning or over-thinking can lead to stagnation; it questions, but doesn't move. It can lead to waiting for perfect conditions and parameters and problem-solutions that will never fully form. So today's post is for those of you who feel stuck. I... Continue Reading →
There is nothing like a good story. In children's ministry, stories are king not only for capturing attention, but also for capturing the heart. In parenting, stories will do more to shape character than any lecture you can give. Stories can be personal, made up, read, told, acted out, shared in conversation or rehearsed for... Continue Reading →
You keep on making me see it’s way beyond me. -Toby Mac Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner? -Luke 17:18 Outsiders gain great appreciation when they are accepted to become insiders. In reality, we are all outsiders until God shows grace and we... Continue Reading →
We were created to love. We were created to give. We were created to care. -Sue Miller and Adam Duckworth You will never know fulfillment, deep satisfaction and gratifying joy until you serve. The more you strive to feed your greed, the more you’ll feel your gut in a rut. You’ll remain empty until you... Continue Reading →
Pastor Steve is a Children's and Family Pastor. He communicates about parenting, family and children's ministry.
StevenBourque.com 