The kids’ church talk is finished. You head off into our discussion groups. You walk over to your table. There are no chairs. There are a couple of pencils but they’re blunt. And there’s no red or green. You have the sheets from last week. And … you’re not really sure what you’re meant to be doing. But you’ve got five kindergarten kids with you waiting for you to do something. Except for the kid who has sensed your uncertainty and run away. And the other one who keeps interrupting you with anecdotes about Pokemon every time you try to speak.

You’re sitting in a meeting with your Kids’ Church team. Your leader tells you that you are down for a talk next term. You’re freaking out! What? Why? How on earth do I do this? It can feel pretty daunting. But fear not. You can do it! Here are ten tips to help you on your way.

Matthew 28:18-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, is a pivotal passage for understanding Christian mission. Sometimes I hear people saying that it doesn’t apply to all Christians, just the disciples, those immediately present with Jesus when he said what he said. Therefore, unless we are “evangelists”, we are “off the hook” when it comes to evangelism.

In youth and children's ministry, leaders pour their hearts into their work, sacrificing time on Friday nights, Sunday mornings, and various points throughout the week. The sacrifices are worth it. But after a long week/term/year, it’s easy to forget what we’re on about, why we’re on about it, and how we go about it.