Email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
Thank you for having a look at my website. I have a passion for equipping Christians with simple tools so that they can share God’s Word with children in ways that will shape their worldview and guide them into a life-long faithful relationship with Jesus Christ.
As teachers, we sometimes just need a place to start. With that in mind I have supplied basic information and simple ideas. As you might have already guessed as you’ve scrolled through, this all continues to be a work in progress.
Mission Bible Class began as a collection of my own writings and resources. With the help of generous churches and individuals I have been able to expand this work into a variety of services to help churches and individuals discover ways to share God’s Word with children.
My Teaching Journey
I have been teaching children’s’ Bible classes for 40+ years. Yes, I am really that old! My first class was a group of 2 year olds at the Pleasanton Church of Christ in Texas and I have to tell you that I had no idea what I was doing. Since that time I have had the opportunity to read about teaching, attend teacher’s workshops, take some college courses, teach children of all ages in various countries, train new teachers, write some curriculum and lead a children’s education ministry in a local congregation.
Hopefully, over the years, I’ve picked up a few bits of wisdom. The fact is that every single time I encounter children in their faith journey I learn something new about God, Scripture, the children and myself.
Although I was born and grew up in Texas, USA I have been blessed to serve in ministry in a number of places. In 1978, just before my 18th birthday, I enrolled in the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program in Lubbock, Texas. After a few months of training I was sent to New Zealand where I had my first experience in full-time ministry. Since that time I’ve been able to serve alongside my husband, David, in ministry in Texas, Michigan, Illinois and back here, in New Zealand. I have led and now serve on the children’s ministry team at the Otumoetai Church of Christ, Tauranga, New Zealand and am a regular Bible class teacher for various age groups. David is the Dean of Academics at the South Pacific Bible College.
Bible, Glitter and Glue
In November 2022 my husband, David, and I launched a podcast called Bible, Glitter and Glue. Each 20-25 minute episode provides Bible teaching and some creative ideas for sharing the Bible with adults and children. We release a new episode each week and hope to eventually have one to go with every lesson on this website. We had teachers in mind but feedback is that quite a few people just enjoy listening for the Bible study part.
Training Others
In addition to working on this website, conducting training workshops and mentoring students, I regularly teach in an online class at Sunset International Bible Institute . I’m also a contributing editor for the Certification in Children’s Ministry at Oklahoma Christian University. I’m quite excited about this certification. It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wishes to gain a formal qualification in Children’s Ministry from a recognised University.
Great Partnerships
There is now way to properly thank the many churches, schools and individuals who have played a part in making Mission Bible Class what it is today. Every child that I have taught is part of this endeavor.
In particular, though, I want to thank the
Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have joined with me in the vision of equipping people around the world to value and spiritually nurture children. Mission Bible Class now calls this church “home”. They are helping me plan for the future of Mission Bible Class so that these resources can continue to be available well past my lifetime.
My Family
The biggest blessing in my life is my wonderful family. In addition to my husband, David, I have been blessed with three wonderful sons. I also have a beautiful daughter-in-law and two lively grandsons.
So now you know a little bit more about me. I’d love to hear about you and how you are teaching God’s Word to the children in your life.
Thanks for dropping by.
Mary
Contact Email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
Thank you for giving Bible class teachers such an abundance of resources. My question today is: I cannot find the bookmark printable for “Cain and Abel.” The link is not working.
Thank you again for all of the resources.
Cindy
Hi Cindy
It looks like you spotted a broken link. I think I’ve fixed it now. You can try that Cain and Abel lesson page again at https://wp.me/P1wnPX-Xu Just scroll down to the printables and click on the link.
I hope that helps,
Mary
Hi Mary! I recently discovered your website while looking up resources to teach my very lively group of young ladies at East Ridge Church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On Sunday nights, we have a group of 3-6 grade young ladies and we call it the “Dorcas Class”. It has been so difficult trying to find age appropriate lessons for this group. Most of the material we have found in the brotherhood has either been for younger students or teens. Thank you so much for this resource! It has made getting lessons together so much easier and you have really done your research on each one. Thanks again and may God continue to bless your efforts.