Kids build relationships through interaction and shared experiences. Small groups can facilitate those relationships between children and their leader. A small-group leader takes time to relate to each child, and not only by name. This leader may be the adult a child can look up to, a leader who can know and care when the child is missing, sick, or distraught. Check out three pointers that can help kids build strong relationships through small groups.

What if there were some simple solutions that would help you create a culture of connectedness? Consider the following ideas that have been proven at the NLRC children's ministries office and around the nation. You can begin implementing these ideas almost immediately. At the end of the day, a tightly connected and healthy team is critical for ministry. Make the culture of connectedness something of high importance for you and your team.

Jesus was all about connecting with those who served Him. In fact, Jesus exemplified service in His relationship to others. Connection and relationship-building with volunteers should be one of the greatest rewards for a children’s pastor. This article lists points where connection with volunteers can happen and where they have happened.

If you work (or have worked) on a multiple member staff at a local church, you know that it is not always easy to maintain unity and cohesion among the team. Much of the reason for that are some of these common mistakes made by church staff members. Browse the list and give yourself a check-up…

Hang on a second, I’m going to close my door and put my phone on DND… (looks out the window and closes the blinds). Ok, it’s safe in here now. Let’s talk about… outreach events. Now, I’ve been doing kids ministry for almost 10 years and have done the Fall Fests, Christmas musicals, Crusades, Easter egg hunts… done it all. And there’s nothing wrong with those. But I found myself looking for new faces on Sunday morning… and… nothing.

Healthy leadership does not just happen. Healthy leadership is intentionally arrived by the choices that leader makes. Three choices healthy leaders make are who will invest in me, who will share the investment, and who will I invest in.