April 20, 2008
A Senior Minister”s View of Bible Bowl
Dale Harlow explains why Bible Bowl remains one of the strongest tools he’s found to motivate youth Bible study and Scripture memorization—and why the benefits last well beyond competition.
Youth & Children’s Ministry
Youth & Children’s Ministry equips churches, parents, and ministry leaders to disciple the next generation with biblical clarity and lasting care. Explore practical resources on teaching Scripture to kids and students, creating safe and welcoming environments, partnering with families, developing volunteers, and building ministries that form lifelong faith. You’ll find guidance for age-appropriate curriculum, small groups, outreach, worship, and mentoring—along with wisdom for navigating cultural pressures and supporting students through formative seasons. Whether you lead a children’s program, youth group, or family ministry, these articles help you serve young people in Jesus’ name.
April 20, 2008
Our Expanded Vision to Answer the Call
Andy Hansen shares how Christ In Youth hopes to amplify a unifying call for youth ministry—inviting students to live as kingdom workers, supporting local churches, and building momentum through MOVE conferences and online community.
February 3, 2008
Herb Bleakney”“Unpaid, Unsung Youth Ministry
A steel-mill worker and other faithful volunteers quietly discipled teenagers in a small Pennsylvania church—and the ripple effects reached Bible colleges, missions, and decades of service. A reminder that unseen youth ministry can shape generations.
January 13, 2008
Mentoring Fourth-Grade Boys!
A shortage of male role models is shaping boys in schools and churches alike. Andy Hansen urges men to step into children’s ministry, showing how steady presence, prayer, and simple acts of care can influence young lives for decades.
Teens Matter
Teens aren’t just “the church of tomorrow.” This article challenges common myths about youth ministry and highlights three essentials that help students stay connected: belonging, believing, and competency through meaningful relationships and real opportunities to serve.
January 13, 2008
Standard”s VBS: More Than Learning, Beyond Fun
Standard Publishing’s 2008 VBS, “God’s Big Backyard,” pairs backyard fun with hands-on community service. Kids learn to serve family, neighbors, and Jesus through daily projects, Bible lessons, and practical ministry tools for churches.
January 13, 2008
Giving Preteens a SuperStart!
Many churches are losing fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students who don’t fit children’s ministry or junior high. Patrick Snow explains why intentional preteen ministry helps them grasp the gospel and find their place in the church.
January 13, 2008
Defining the Win for Junior High Small Groups
Junior high small groups don’t need instant breakthrough moments to succeed. Johnny Scott explains how to define the “win,” set realistic expectations, and create a caring environment where students can process faith with trusted adults.
January 13, 2008
A Simple Plan for Children”s and Youth Ministers Threatened by Burnout
Children’s and youth ministers often feel trapped on a nonstop treadmill of programs. Learn practical ways to prevent burnout by managing time well, building relationships, narrowing focus, and leading with a team.
January 10, 2008
The Lost Generation
Why are millennials and the next generation drifting from church even after decades of youth-ministry investment? A pastor argues for intergenerational connection, authentic faith, and consistent opportunities to serve as keys to reaching Generation Y.
January 9, 2008
Interview with Ruth Frederick
Ruth Frederick of Standard Publishing explains how Vacation Bible School themes and lessons are created, why service matters, and how VBS can support both discipleship and outreach for churches and communities.
October 14, 2007
TRIED & TRUE: Vacation Bible School
A Plainfield Christian Church leader shares a memorable VBS offering moment—and practical principles for planning, training workers, involving staff, and building relationships to help Vacation Bible School thrive.
Christ In Youth: A New Chapter
Christ In Youth and Standard Publishing are partnering to create SuperStart!-based curriculum for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders, with plans for complementary junior high and high school resources.
September 27, 2006
Interview with Ruth Wingfield
Ruth Wingfield explains how VBS became a powerful outreach at First Christian Church in Florissant, Missouri—covering scheduling, early planning, volunteer recruitment, and follow-up that connects children and families to ongoing church life.
3 WOMEN IN MINISTRY: ‘I Couldn’t Be More Thrilled’
Linda Ahlgrim reflects on stepping into an “interim” children’s ministry director role, serving on the same church staff as her husband, and persevering through the constant pressure of recruiting volunteers—while finding deep joy in shaping young lives.
November 13, 2005
Making an Eternal Difference: An Interview With Kay Moll
Kay Moll, Standard Publishing’s Vacation Bible School director, explains why VBS remains one of the church’s strongest outreach tools and how churches are adapting VBS resources for flexible, year-round ministry.
September 25, 2005
What Youth Ministers Really Want
Youth ministers want more than assumptions and stereotypes. Mike Andrews explains what they hope for from congregations and senior pastors—shared discipleship, intergenerational relationships, and ministry that integrates students into the whole church.
How to Help Families Dealing with Disabilities
Practical guidance for churches seeking to welcome and support families of children with disabilities. Learn compassionate ways to respond, choose encouraging words, and offer consistent, tangible help so families can belong fully in congregational life.
Filling Time or Shaping Hearts?
A substitute teacher celebrates a smooth first-grade class but struggles with a lesson aim too abstract for kids. Mark A. Taylor points to HeartShaper as a practical, multisensory curriculum built around how children actually learn.
