Has culture gone too far? Are you shocked daily by what you see, hear and read? Now, I am not a proponent for the “holy huddle” or “family bubble” but sometimes it sure seems crazy to be raising kids in our society? How about these startling facts:

Porn Star Stormy Daniels is running for a Louisiana Senate Seat and apparently has a legitimate shot a winning.

A recent survey published by American Demographics indicates that 72% of men and 55% of women admit to swearing in public.

Today’s children watch an average of three to four hours of television daily. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children should watch no more than two hours of television a day. Even with the two hour limit, it has been estimated that they will have witnessed 8,000 murders and more than 100,000 other acts of violence by the time they finish elementary school.

What is a parent supposed to do in the midst of this onslaught of unprecedented negative influence in their child’s life? The number one thing a parent can do is to make sure that there are other voices speaking truth and wisdom into the life of their child. This is definitely one area where the local church and their Children’s Ministry can become a partner and aid parents. Parents are looking for help and we have the one answer their child needs. We live in a culture where children are pummeled by negative influences throughout their day and they need someone to step in and lead the way.

Here are some specific ways a Children’s Ministry can help.

Create a venue where parents can be the ones who introduce their child to Jesus Christ, which in turn will give parents a foundation for being the primary Spiritual Leader to their child.

Provide parents with free resources that can be easily introduced and practiced at home. Give them tools that will help counteract the negative influence of our culture.

Encourage parents to limit their child’s exposure to television’s negative influence by choosing shows that model positive behavior, such as helping, caring and being considerate of others.

Keep parents informed of just what types of media are influencing their children.

As leaders in our church and specifically Children’s Ministry we can make a difference and have a positive influence in the lives of these families.

Technorati Tags: Culture, Kids, Parents, Children, Children’s Ministry, PreTeens, Tweens, Religion, Church, Pastor

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Children’s ministry has moved to the forefront as a legitimate ministry profession in today’s church. The recognition by churches around the world that an Exceptional Children’s Ministry must be a primary ministry of every local church has created a need for individuals who understand the significance of the calling. There are men and women who are both called and trained to minister to children and meet this need.

As individuals called to make a difference in the local church and the lives of children we must be ready and know the “best practices” for Children’s Ministry. One exceptional way to be prepared for the ever-changing needs of this generation of children is to read the very best books available on the subject of Children’s Ministry. With that in mind CMBuzz had created a “Top Ten” list of must read books for today’s Children’s Ministry Leaders. Here is our Top Ten List:

10. Rock-Solid KIDS – Larry Fowler

A book designed to help parents and teachers guide kids to develop a set of convictions based on the Word of God.

9. Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century

An encyclopedia of practical ideas from leaders in the field of Children’s Ministry.

8. Leading Preteens (A Growing Ministry Guide) - Patrick Snow

Preteen Ministry is quickly becoming a must have ministry and Patrick’s book will give you the nuts and bolts of how to effectively reach this particular age group.

7. Leadership Essentials for Children’s Ministry: Passion, Attitude, Teamwork, Honor – Craig Jutila

Build leadership skils in your team and help them understand the purpose of your children’s ministry. Develop your skills as a leader and help your team members do the same.

6. Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions – - George Barna

This book will give you the wisdom you need to help kids and parents develop a biblical worldview in today’s culture.

5. Making Your Children’s Ministry the Best Hour of Every Kid’s Week - Sue Miller & David Staal

We have students for approximately 40 hours a year on Sunday mornings. That means every Sunday is critical and it’s success depends on our preparation. Sue gives you the insight to make your Sunday the very best it can be.

4. Children’s Ministry Leadership: The You-Can-Do-It Guide – Jim Wideman

The You-Can-Do-It-Guide is great for encouraging motivated children’s ministry leaders to grow their ministry with effective administration.

3. Children’s Ministry Volunteers That Stick – Jim Wideman

We all need more volunteers – a growing Children’s Ministry never has too many. Jim shares the wisdom that it’s just as important to keep the volunteers you have as it is to recruit new ones. In this book are numerous practical ways to build a volunteer-friendly culture.

2. Building Faith at Home – Mark A. Holman

Want to have an impact on the students in your ministry daily? It starts a home and Mark gives you step-by-step how-to advice on helping parents be the influencers God has called them to be in the lives of their children.

1. Think Orange – Reggie Joiner

A new way of approaching everything we know about Children’s Ministry. Let Reggie challenge you to Rethink how you do what you do. A Must READ!

So…which ones have you read? Is there one you will start reading this week? The need is great…the numbers are staggering? Let’s be ready to make a difference!

Technorati Tags: Children’s-Ministry, Children, Kids, Ministry, Religion, Preteens, Tweens, Books

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• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• July 22, 2009 -- Football & Children’s Ministry – Go for the WIN!