Shirley's articles

 
From time to time Shirley is asked to help a fellow children's minister around the world with a particular project or to give advice on a specific situation; at other times she just feels impressed by the Holy Spirit to address a certain issue regarding children's ministry or our faith in general. This is where she shares those thoughts or ideas. She would love to hear your comments - just send her an e-mail!
 
 
From entity to concept
 
We all face times of great change - maybe a sudden job loss, family problems, or maybe just the end of a season in our life when it's time to move on. This article shares some encouraging thoughts to remind us that God DOES have a plan for us and if we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can move forward without fear but with excitement instead! Read more
 
A Christian viewpoint of homosexuality and addictions
 
In the U.S.A today, as in many other parts of the world sadly, homosexuality, drug and alcohol addiction, and many similar sinful behaviors have become not only commonplace but so acceptable that laws are being changed and even Christians are often unsure how to address such issues. This article shares important scriptures and teaching that hopefully will be an encouragement and help  Read more

Thoughts and scriptures on witchcraft in 2013

Witchcraft and the works of evil spirits are rarely discussed today among Christians in the Western world, but in Africa and many other areas it is not uncommon to be confronted by such and have our faith challenged. In this article we discuss the reality of witchcraft, in light of personal experiences of our own and of our African ministry partners; we explore the scriptures and guidance in the Word that help us overcome fear and fight these serious spiritual battles Read more

Encouragement and scriptural help for when needing healing

At times we all experience pain or sickness and need encouragement to believe for healing. Sadly, there are those who must face very serious and frightening health issues - and even as Christians, we may feel at a loss to know how to pray or help them. This teaching includes many wonderful Bible passages and a series of simple steps to help us as we put our faith in God's Word and wait for His healing. Read more

Understanding miracles and the development of our faith

This is a teaching Shirley gave to help understand why it is that often as our faith develops as Christians we have to wait LONGER for a miracle or our prayer to be answered. It considers three main stories of how Jesus raised the dead in the Bible, particularly focusing on the story of Lazarus. Read more
 
Suffering - but not in Hell

Here Shirley shares some thoughts and encouraging scriptures for when we ask the question: "Why does God permit disasters and suffering?" Read more   

 
Fasting

This article considers various bible verses and shares some practical insights to help better understand the value of fasting.  Read more  

 
True leadership

Shirley shares detailed teaching notes on this important topic. Read more   

 
Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit

In John 16:7 Jesus told his disciples that it was GOOD that he was going away as otherwise the Holy Spirit could not come to them. Even as Christians we sometimes forget the importance of having the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. As I studied Jesus' teachings on the Holy Spirit I began to recognize his presence on a daily basis - and learned how to appreciate and depend on him. Read more


Preparing lesson plans

When we teach regularly each week, whether in church or at a kids club, it is often helpful to teach lessons in a series or on a certain theme for several weeks consecutively, to bring about a better understanding of that subject. However we also want to make sure that we don't fall into a "rut" resulting in the lessons becoming boring!......Read more  

What the Bible says about aliens and UFOs

 This is a subject that is almost NEVER addressed in church sermons yet children have asked me about it on several occasions! Read through these Bible verses and find out exactly what the Bible DOES say about it!... Read more


Our responsibility toward little children

Matthew chapter 18 teaches several simple yet VERY CLEAR lessons that are sadly often overlooked everywhere around the world. If we take time to study them, I believe they will cause us all to make changes in our everyday life – and maybe even in our ministry! (I have used mainly the Amplified Bible as I studied this.)... Read more


The heart of a true children's minister

From corresponding with and getting to know many different Christians involved with children's ministry around the world over the past years, I've come to some fascinating conclusions. Some may read this and not really understand or agree, but don't worry. I believe we all have a different calling in the Body of Christ and over the years, as we faithfully follow Christ, we come to understand what that is exactly...Read more