Attracting Children to Gospel with High Tech Method

GRAYSLAKE, ILL. -- Dan Huffman, the pastor of children's ministries at The Chapel, a nondenominational church in Grayslake, Ill., uses high technology and other computer related equipment to attract children to biblical teachings. The ministers rely on tools such as PowerPoint, videos, rock music and interactive exercises to make their lessons relevant to kids.

"The messages don't change, but the methods do," said Dale Hudson, children's minister at First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark. "Churches can't teach in the way they did in the 1950s or '60s."

Hudson observed the problem that the church is facing in connecting with children and the first solution he came up with was to adopt a new worship program following “Nickelodeon style” that incorporates high-energy, games, various visual devices with music and with a help of a professional designer, he completely transformed the environment into a place where children could enjoy. "You have to let kids be kids," he said. "We make church a fun, exciting place," he said.

Huffman from The Chapel runs a program called The Great Adventure, operates in a theater-in-the-round at the local high school, which serves about 400 children in two sessions every Sunday. He said the move from a classroom to the theater meant he could do more elaborate teaching.

Keeping in mind of ‘Sesame Street,’ he wanted to create a fun and fast environment that could receive attention from children at the most. His 45-minue lesson has no moment of rest – it moves at an extremely fast pace full of interactive activities relating to worship and Bible study that require children’s participation.

Although 99 percent of the people love the changes, Hudson said, some critics complain about the new program saying the methods emphasize entertainment over education. In response to that Huffman said just as people make Gummi Bear vitamins to attract children, the new youth ministry programs teach God’s word in the most digestible way. He emphasized the importance of making children to enjoy the lessons.

"Why do they make Gummi Bear vitamins these days?" Huffman said. "Critics say you're just making them attractive to kids. Well, yeah -- the end result is they're getting their vitamins."

The Chapel and First Baptist are expanding with new facilities. The Chapel, in particular, is anticipating to turn the children’s facilities into a place like Disney World this spring.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.