Episode 181: Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry and Discipline Tools with Jenny Funderburke Smith

In this episode, Jenny Funderburke Smith points toward some specific ways to create a gospel-centered approach to kid's ministry, regardless of the size of your church or the curriculum you use. She also shares some very helpful tips on how to structure discipline within our ministry environments for children. Jenny Funderburke Smith Connect with Jenny […]

In this episode, Jenny Funderburke Smith points toward some specific ways to create a gospel-centered approach to kid's ministry, regardless of the size of your church or the curriculum you use. She also shares some very helpful tips on how to structure discipline within our ministry environments for children.

Jenny Funderburke Smith

Connect with Jenny on her Blog and Twitter.

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Notes

What does it mean to be Gospel-centered?

The gospel is not just “you get saved and that's it”
Presenting the grace and truth of the gospel EVERY WEEK, regardless of your curriculum
The gospel affects more than just their eternity, it affects their day-to-day lives
Not a checklist of do's and don'ts
Point back to Jesus at some point in every service – He's the Hero
Present the BIG PICTURE of God as Creator, sin, and Jesus as our Savior

GospelAtCenter.com

Problem: there is a lot of games and fun out there in Children's ministry, but not a lot of Jesus sometimes
What you focus on will define your ministry (Fun, Environments, Volunteers, etc.)
Check out the website

Discipline within Kids Ministry

Anything goes vs. Nothing goes

Anything goes: don't want to make anyone upset, in an effort to make come back; very few boundaries
Nothing goes: all rules, very strict and not much fun

The root of the word Discipline is “disciple”
Figuring out boundaries and consistent rules/consequences

Verbal Warning
Remove from game/activity
Take out of the room (opportunity for a gospel conversation)

Base level expectations: Show love for God, Show God for others, Show love for yourself
Use 20-seconds of the service to set expectations; not just a list of do's and don'ts

Working with kids that have experienced trauma

Trauma-informed care: understanding the experiences of a child and approaching situations with specific strategies based on their trauma

Ex: foster care, divorce, abuse, adoption from a foreign country, refugees, etc.

These kids need relationship and understanding and should find it within the church

Action Items

Evaluate your approach through gospel filter
Create culture/language for discipline ideal
Check out Revitalize – particularly if you're small

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