resources

Education Spotlight

Jesus A-Z and the Children's Message

By Rev. Todd Erickson, Roseau Free Lutheran Parish (Roseau, MN)

Children’s messages during a Sunday morning service are a wonderful tool for introducing children to biblical truths, stories, and applicable godly wisdom. I’ve had adults share with me time and time again how they enjoy the children’s messages as well, not only because children are cute and sometimes say the most incredible things, but also because they are learning right along with the children.

Creative Ideas for your Sunday school classroom

By Marsha Johnson, Calvary Free Lutheran Church (Fergus Falls, MN)

“I’m going to sit right in the middle, so I don’t miss a thing!” This was the comment from one of my Sunday School kindergarten students as I set up my shadow puppet screen to tell that Sunday’s Bible story. Today’s kids are bombarded with visual technology at home, at school, and even in the car. What can we do as Sunday School, VBS and Kids Club teachers that will keep our students engaged and excited to come and learn about the God and Savior of the Bible? My answer – there are lots of ways! Here are seven of the twenty-some methods I use.

Getting to know Jesus: An interview with Leslie Hall, the creator of Jesus A-Z

By Kirstie Skogerboe

Probably over 30 years ago, I was visiting my mother-in-law in West Virginia. Her son was attending Liberty University at the time, and my mother-in-law would watch the chapel services. Once, when we were visiting, she said, “You’ve got to watch this sermon!” During the message, the pastor started talking about Jesus and said, “He’s the Alpha and Omega, He’s the Bread of Life…” He was listing all these great things about Jesus – mostly titles. And he was about halfway through when I thought, “He’s going through the alphabet"....

teaching the fundamental principles

By Pastor Jon Langness, Abiding Word Lutheran Church (Deshler, NE)

Coach John Wooden is infamous for emphasizing the fundamentals. I know nothing of the college basketball world, but I do know this: Coach Wooden stressed the fundamentals, going so far as teaching his college players (yes, COLLEGE players) how to put their socks on. These weren’t kindergartners, but legal adults. And he’s teaching them how to put on their socks? I can imagine the grumbling that took place when these talented players came together for their first practice to learn how to put on socks. It is absurd, belittling, and demeaning, until you understand why Coach Wooden did what he did....

Creatively adapting

By Sarah Nelson, Oiland Free Lutheran Church (Badger, MN)

The end of the school year found us scrambling for ideas on how our churches’ children’s ministry would continue to function. Almost overnight, our Release Time (religious education) classes were cancelled, Sunday School was no more, and it looked like VBS most likely wouldn’t be happening in 2020. Then, we prayed. We began to brainstorm, bouncing ideas off of each other. Soon, some solutions to our predicament started to form....

Learning curves

By Pastor Alex Amiot, Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Thief River Falls, MN) & Reiner Lutheran Free Church (Goodridge, MN)

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). This is one of the Bible memory verses shared recently in online Sunday School. Every week our Parish Ed director mails a letter with an attached Sunday School paper and drawing sheets to our students. I compile a weekly Sunday School video for YouTube that gets embedded on our website next to the Sunday worship service video. The videos are hosted by my kids and include flannelgraph lessons from teachers, student-submitted videos, Bible books memorizing...

still connected

By Liz McCarlson, Faith Free Lutheran Church (Minneapolis, MN)

“Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13 NASB).This is a verse we have been memorizing with all our Sunday school children during this time we have not been able to physically meet together. Scripture memory is one thing we do during our regular Sunday school openings, and whenever the students sing for special music, they also recite the verse they have memorized. Scripture memory is something we want the students to continue in while they are “stuck at home.” This verse has been especially encouraging to learn as it brings us comfort....