Kent Sanders

Reflections on Writing & Creativity

Podcast 076: Helping Your Kids Be More Creative (with Joseph Roth, Children’s Pastor)

February 28, 2019 by Kent Sanders | Leave a Comment

Most of the time on this show, we focus on helping you be a better creative entrepreneur. Today we are turning the tables and talking about how we can help our kids be more creative. We have the privilege and responsibility to help the next generation fulfill their God-given creative potential. Whether you are a parent, pastor, teacher, or youth worker, today’s amazing guest will share lots of practical tips for bringing out the creative best in kids.

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When I relaunched this podcast a few months ago, one of the very first interviews I booked with was Joseph Roth. I knew I wanted to explore how to help kids be more creative, and he was my #1 choice for this topic.

Joseph is the Elementary School Pastor at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, Missouri. My family has been blessed by his ministry, and he brings a lot to our conversation as a pastor, parent, and artist. You’ll learn why your words of affirmation are so important, practical ways to develop kids’ creativity, and a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to run a large children’s ministry.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • Joseph’s journey into children’s ministry.
  • Why children’s ministry is not just all “fun and games.”
  • How to help a child realize their creative gifts and build their self-esteem.
  • The importance of sticking with something vs. just following your “passion.”
  • Practical ways that parents can help their kids develop their creativity.
  • The power of speaking into your kids’ identity and affirming their calling.
  • How Joseph’s parents encouraged him to be creative.
  • How Joseph injects creativity into the weekly rhythm of children’s ministry.
  • The power of saying “yes” to your kids.

Key Takeaways

1. Be active and present in the moment.

Joseph made a great point about being present in your kids’ lives because the time goes by so quickly. It’s easy to believe the myth that we can be “sort of” present most of the time, but will be “totally present” when we take that vacation or set aside other special time.

In the midst of dirty dishes, chores, homework, arguments, and the general push and pull of everyday life at home, we can take those small moments to be really present with our kids and make a huge impact over time.

2. Use words of affirmation to speak into a child’s identity.

We can all remember harsh or hurtful things that were said to us as kids. As adults, sometimes we forget that our words have a massive impact since we are now in a position of power in relation to kids.

I challenge all of us to be mindful and intentional in the words we speak to kids—and not just our own kids, but all kids. Be positive, affirming, encouraging. And this doesn’t just apply to kids—it’s people in general. After all, we’re just grown up kids. We all need encouragement and positive affirmation in our life.

The words that we speak into others’ lives can help shape their identity in radical ways. If a kid constantly hears that they are stupid or ugly, they will begin to believe it. If they are constantly told that they are smart, creative, or valuable, that will shape their identity as well.

In short: we should never, ever underestimate the power that our words have to shape the identity and self-esteem of others.

3. Say “yes” to your kids more often.

I really resonated with Joseph’s point about the need to say “yes” to our kids. Sometimes we are just tired and “out of gas” after a long day. We don’t feel like truly engaging or investing a lot of emotional energy into an activity with our kids.

The next time we are tempted to say “no” to our kids or grandkids, let’s examine why. Are we saying “no” because we just don’t want the hassle of what they are asking, or because it legitimately deserves a “no”?

I want to thank Joseph for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share this amazing conversation! In addition, I encourage everyone to tell your Children’s Ministry team at church how much you appreciate and support them!

Resources

Download my free ebook: 21 Time Hacks for Writers.