About the Author

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.

Here is my personal Statement of Faith.

My Teaching Journey

I have been teaching children’s Bible classes for 45+ 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, I’ve picked up a few bits of wisdom over the years. 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 several 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 then, I’ve served alongside my husband, David, in ministry in Texas, Michigan, Illinois and 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 a teacher at the South Pacific Bible College.

Bible, Glitter and Glue

In November 2022, my husband, David, and I launched a Bible, Glitter and Glue podcast.  Each 20-25-minute episode provides Bible teaching and 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 the feedback is that quite a few people enjoy listening as another way to study the Bible.

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 .

Great Partnerships

Gina Nored has been working with me since February 2025. Gina brings a deep faith and many gifts to this ministry. In particular, she has added reflection thoughts and clearer connections to God to each lesson. I believe teachers and students, alike, benefit from this spiritual formation.

There is no 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 endeavour.

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 worldwide 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 teach God’s Word to the children in your life.

Thanks for dropping by.

Mary Nelson

Contact Email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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