by Guest Writer | Apr 16, 2018 | Be Present, Elementary
When we think about being truly engaged with our few, we often consider the distractions that can take away from our already busy lives. But the truth is we all have certain tricks up our sleeve to help us to be more engaging, to be more relevant, and to be more...
by Guest Writer | Dec 14, 2017 | Be Present, Elementary
The very heart of the Christmas story is the Infinite became the Infant on our behalf. The Great Giver gave us Jesus to restore us back to Him. As a small group leader, we can move through this Christmas season so busy with the extra activities and the new faces a...
by Guest Writer | Sep 7, 2017 | Be Present, Elementary
Imagine a fifth grader in your church. This fifth grader shows up on Sunday because his parents drag him along, but mentally he’s checked out. And who could blame him? He’s been around since kindergarten. He’s heard all of the stories, has played all the games, and...
by Guest Writer | Jun 19, 2017 | Be Present, Be Present, Create A Safe Place, Create A Safe Place, Elementary, Preschool
I don’t recall anything I was ever taught at the VBS’s of my childhood. And I was surely always there. My mother was typically one of those faithful volunteers at our tiny, close-knit church that would put in endless hours behind the scenes before the big...
by Guest Writer | Jun 12, 2017 | Be Present, Be Present, Create A Safe Place, Create A Safe Place, Elementary, Preschool
“Be a VBS leader,” they said! “It will be fun,” they said! So, you signed up for VBS. After all, they needed help, so you figured “why not?” You didn’t have anything else to do with a week of your time, right? Vacation Bible School is a summer tradition at...
by Guest Writer | Jun 5, 2017 | Be Present, Create A Safe Place, Elementary, Move Them Out
There it is—the blank stare. If you lead a 5th grade small group, you know what I’m talking about. It’s the moment when you ask a question, and no one in the group says a word. 5th grade can be one of the hardest grades to lead. After 5 years of elementary school...
