The volunteers in our churches are my heroes in so many ways. They sacrifice their time, talent and treasure for the ministry. They are not required to be there, but many times they are more committed than those of us who are paid to be there. This is why I always want to ensure I am saying “thank you” and showing them proper appreciation. Here are six simple yet effective ways to show appreciation to your volunteers.

Teaching week after week can become draining. If we’re not careful, we can allow teaching preparation to take a back seat to administrative duties, pastor visitations, or mercy ministries. Following 10 simple steps can both keep you out of a rut and ensure your lessons are effective.

Creating response opportunities for kids that allow them to use their creativity or that reinforce key moments of your Scripture application or sermon can foster moments in the kids' service that are powerful and that bring about impactful moments of worship. This article provides a list of three response stations that were either taken or inspired by the "Worship Response" of that week's Tru Fire lesson. Hopefully this list can help you think through new ways to do altar calls.

My initial reason for even setting foot on the school property was to find a place where I could get in some daily exercise and walk off some stress. But one day the Holy Spirit prompted me to begin praying over the schools—the students, teachers, and administrators—as I walked. I did not know them personally or their specific needs. However, I found that as I opened my heart to those two schools and began to intercede on their behalf, the Holy Spirit led me in what I should pray.

True to our current theme, “Above & Beyond,” children’s leaders across the nation are challenging their leaders and church kids to set all-time high BGMC giving goals in 2017. But what’s the next step to motivate your leaders and kids to sacrificially give with a heart of compassion to world missions? This article suggests some easy steps to follow.

Kids need to know what they believe in order to walk in their faith. They need to know the undiluted gospel and about the power of the blood of Jesus. They need to know that Jesus died for their sins and rose from the dead. They need to hear Jesus, Jesus, Jesus at home, in the car on the way to school, and every opportunity we as parents and children’s leaders can expose our children to Jesus. Kids need to know how to hear the Father’s voice.