Most children’s groups use some kind of published teaching syllabus. An intrepid few write their own. But the beginning point is the same for everyone: Always start with the passage.
Published teaching material will have chosen the passage for you. So you open the manual/website just long enough to find out the passage; then shut it again.
If you read the leader’s notes and session outline at this point, you’ll be looking at the passage through someone else’s eyes. But you don’t need their eyes. If you’re a Christian, if you’ve put your trust in Jesus Christ, then you have the Holy Spirit living in you. And one of the things He does is help us understand God’s living Word. So don’t start with the manual – start with the passage.
Here are a few practical suggestions to help you do this:... continue reading
“I just pour out the juice, and help with cutting and sticking”,
“I’m only on the rota twice a term”,
“I’m not one of the leaders – I’m just a helper.”
I hear these so often at training events. But the Bible doesn’t see it that way – and neither do the children in our groups.
You won’t find any direct reference to children’s work in the Bible. Children were taught the faith in their families. And the responsibility for the spiritual education of children still lies with their parents, and especially fathers (eg: Deuteronomy 6 v 4-9; 6 v 17-25; 32 v 46; Psalm 78 v 1-8; Proverbs 1 v 8; 22 v 6; Ephesians 6 v 4; 2 Timothy 3 v 14-15)..... continue reading
They’ve closed the allotments near the office. The gate is locked. The sign says a new pond is being created for a colony of great crested newts. No access allowed while the work is done. However, we are reassured that a licensed newt handler will be on site at all times.
Intrigued, I checked out how to get a licence. You need plenty of experience of working on great crested newt surveys – and two referees who’ve worked with you and can confirm you’re able to handle the newts safely and do surveys correctly. You can then apply to Natural England for a licence – though you may not get one.... continue reading
Hi, I’m Alison Mitchell, and I’m the Children’s Editor at The Good Book Company. I’ve been here for twelve years, during which time we’ve grown from five of us (all getting involved with whatever job needed doing – I was pretty good at packing books) to more than 25.
My claim to fame is that I’m the only person in the company who has a Computer Science degree. But it’s from early 80’s when computers filled whole rooms and programs had to be translated onto punched cards before being fed into the machine. Later, as a research assistant, I developed educational software for one of the very early microcomputers. It was the bee’s knees with a whole 32K of memory. None of us could have imagined an iPad back then.... continue reading
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2 v 13-17
Living as a Christian is a wonderful privilege, but it is not an easy calling. We’ve seen the Thessalonian church was under huge pressure, facing serious persecution. Paul doesn’t resort to blind optimism or cliches, nor does he counsel despair. He simply points his believing friends to what God has done for them. These truths don’t change with circumstances, nor fluctuate with feelings. When life is tough, it is to these truths we need to point ourselves, and others.
This book has had a profound affect on a lot of people. If you're someone thinking through the big questions of life or just worried that you're drifting along, this book will really help shape your thinking around how the gospel should shape your life. It comes highly recommended!
Simply use the code dwyl35 at check out.
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Few debates have become more heated in the last 50 years. The Bible's teaching on homosexuality is profoundly counter-cultural and hugely unpopular. But amid the debates are real people. People who are struggling. People who want to be more like Jesus. Today on the blog one person, who wishes to remain anonymous, asks a very personal question to each of us: would it be safe for them to tell us that they're bi-sexual?... continue reading
Do you have a question? A burning ministry conundrum? Something that is confusing you about the Bible, Jesus or how to serve him? Then why not post your question below or send it in to: blog@thegoodbook.co.uk. We'll do our best to answer them all in the coming weeks ... and throw open the discussion to all our other readers too.
Whether you'd value some hints on leading your youth group better, preaching more engagingly, discipling more effectively or you're simply wondering what the Bible says about a specific doctrine, we'd love to help you tease things out.
Following the success of our last open day, we're flinging wide the doors of the company once again this summer!
It would be great if you could join us in Epsom, Surrey on July 14th for a look around our premises and a chance to snap up some great bargains. Plus, this time, we're offering 4 great seminars:
10:30am-11:30am
Supporting someone with depression in the local church - Alison Mitchell
Running an all-age family service - Helen Thorne
12:30pm-13:30pm
Leading homegroups - Tim Thornborough
Growing disciples in the local church - Barry Cooper
There's no charge for these seminars but as we have limited space we're asking people to book in advance, so please click here to reserve your place.
We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
