Sue
Isbell
Director of Children's Ministry
sisbell@churchstreetumc.org
link
to Children's Ministry
It seems like I have
been working in churches all my life, from the time I began teaching
Sunday School while I was in high school through my jobs as a professional
Christian educator for over 25 years. Being Children's Director at Church
Street is by far the best job and the most fun I have ever had. I consider
myself very lucky to work full time in a job that blesses my life each
and every day!
The story of Jesus
and the children is the basis of my personal ministry. To me, children
are truly the hope of the church and of the world. If we could take
their enthusiasm, their trust, and their energy and make it part of
everything we do as adults, the world would certainly be a better place!
Jesus knew the importance of children in God's plan. I consider it my
responsibility to do all I can to make sure every child who comes to
Church Street UMC feels welcome and loved.
There are no typical
days in my job, and that's what makes it exciting. There are two things
in my job that I consider my favorites. One is creating new ways for
children to learn about the Bible. There is nothing more rewarding than
to watch a child discover something new about God and how God might
be working in his or her life. Two things we have done at Church Street
that have been exciting in this area are our annual Walk Through Bethlehem
and our series on Harry Potter.
My other favorite
thing is writing articles that help parents survive those times when
they think they are the only ones in the world who feel the way they
do. I have a master's degree in Christian education, but nothing has
taught me more about children than having two of my own. My daughters
are grown now, but my experiences with them help me help the parents
of the children in our church. I write a lot about my family, because
I feel our struggles and our joys are basically the same as those families
I serve in my job.
Outside Church Street
I do lots of things, but all of them are connected with my love of children.
I have written lots of curriculum for the United Methodist Publishing
House and travel several times each year to lead workshops or retreats
or to speak at conferences all over the country. I've written lots of
articles and several program guides for church-related publications,
and in 1998 co-authored a book, Capture the Moment, with my husband
Rick. But to me, my first responsibility is to the families of Church
Street.
Church Street UMC
is a place where children are important. Our children's ministry is
busy, fun, and focused on the love of God and our call to be disciples
of Jesus Christ. We are excited about being able to share our ministry
on the Internet but would like even more to have you visit us in Knoxville.
If you are ever in the area, come by and see how great it really is!
