Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Ministry

A Children’s Sermon on John 4:5-42, The Woman at the Well

March 14, 2020 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

John 4:5-42

There are a couple major challenges to writing a children’s sermon on John 4:5-42, the story of “the woman at the well.” First, the conversation is long and convoluted. It is not confusing, but it keeps taking twists and turns as Jesus tries to redirect her to what matters most for her salvation. It is […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Children's Sermon, John 4:5-42, Lent 3, RCL Year A, Woman at the Well

A Children’s Sermon on John 3:1-17

March 6, 2020 by Gary Neal Hansen 50 Comments

John 3:1-17

Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus is fascinating, but what is the best way to introduce it in a children’s sermon? (I’ve written grown-up meditations on this text a couple of times. One is here for Trinity of Year B, and one is here for Lent 2 of Year A.) My first inclination with a Gospel text […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Children's Sermons, John 3:1-17, Lent 2, Nicodemus, RCL Year A, Spirit

A Children’s Sermon on Matthew 4:1-11

February 28, 2020 by Gary Neal Hansen 6 Comments

Matthew 4:1-11

As with many passages, writing a children’s sermon on Matthew 4:1-11 is made challenging by the sheer amount of weighty detail, and the theological puzzles. Do I discuss all three temptations? Complicated. Do I try to explain the concept of temptation? Pretty vague. Do I discuss the paradox of God in the flesh experiencing temptation […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Bullies, Children's Sermons, Lent 1, Matthew 4:1-11, RCL Year A, Temptation of Jesus

A Children’s Sermon on Matthew 17:1-9

February 21, 2020 by Gary Neal Hansen 1 Comment

Matthew 17:1-9

The Transfiguration is about as mysterious a text as you’ll find in the Gospel. That makes preparing a children’s sermon on Matthew 17:1-9 pretty challenging. How do you help kids find something useful in a story that their parents probably find baffling? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this one. And of course you […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Children's Sermons, Lent 2, Matthew 17:1-9, RCL Year A, Transfiguration

A Children’s Sermon on Matthew 5:21-37

February 13, 2020 by Gary Neal Hansen 8 Comments

Matthew 5:23-37

Developing a children’s sermon on Matthew 5:21-37 is challenging on two fronts. First, this passage is not a story. Second, it contains several distinct and difficult teachings. Here he talks about four separate kinds of law. I think it is wise to take just one topic for a children’s sermon. That leaves the question of […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: 6th Sunday after Epiphany, Children's Sermons, Matthew 5:21-37, RCL Year A, Sermon on the Mount, Thou Shalt Not Murder

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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