about linda heselton:

In 1974, Linda and her husband Craig were one of the couples who started the church that became Vineyard Church of Columbus. Linda led a women’s group for ten years prior to coming on staff as the children’s ministry coordinator in 1989. In 1995 she became a children’s pastor. Through the years, Linda has had the opportunity to see the church and the children’s ministry become established and grow, and she has “grown-up” with it. She currently leads the VineyardKids staff. Linda and Craig are parents to four grown children. Linda can be reached by phone at 614-259-5324, or via e-mail.

children's ministry internships

A key Vineyard value is to equip believers to "do the stuff" the work of the Kingdom (Eph 4:11-13).   In addition, we desire to train and equip leaders, including those who are called to significant ministry leadership in the church. A ministry internship is an excellent way to "try it on".  

Example Children's Ministry Intern Job Description
Example Chidlren's Ministry Internship Application
Example Children's Ministry Student Leader Application & Covenant

abuse prevention

Abuse prevention systems are essential in order to provide a safe and secure environment for your church family, and to minimize the church's, employees' and workers' vulnerability to accusation. Some example abuse prevention documents are listed below.

Abuse Prevention Policy
VineyardKids' Leader's Manual (includes Abuse Preventation & Safety)
Children's Ministry Volunteer Application
Children's Ministry Volunteer Reference Forms
Children's Ministry Volunteer Committment Form
Children's Ministry Leader Application & Covenant

children's ministry curriculum

Little Son Catchers
In this strategically designed and easy-to-use material by the Vineyard Church of Columbus for kids ages 3-5, teachers will be enabled to impart exciting themes and concepts surrounding God’s love, creation, and worship, as well as important kingdom values. more

Promiseland
Promiseland, published by the Willow Creek Assocation, incorporates a large group presentation that appeals to kids, with worship suited to their ages. The music is contemporary and engaging; children leave humming the tunes and singing the words. Every lesson, example, and activity is relevant to kids in their life right now. We also feature small group time for kids, facilitated by caring adult volunteers. more

building a spiritual framwork for children, by ken wilson

We live in a world that, for all its Toys ‘R Us and GapKids preoccupation with children, doesn‘t always address the spiritual needs of children. Perhaps we assume these needs can be met by the likes of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Mr. Rogers. Others think spiritual matters are best deferred until children come of age, perhaps so they can choose for themselves a spiritual path.

children's ministry task force leader: linda heselton

I am very excited to serve as the regional task-force leader for children’s ministry in the Great Lakes region.  The Vineyard movement is beginning to realize its need to grasp more of God’s heart for children—to welcome them; to extend God’s love, forgiveness, healing, and hope to them; to teach and encourage them; and to learn from them.  And there is much to be gained if we are willing to receive!

It is my desire to help build networks among children’s ministry leaders to encourage and challenge one another; to help resource churches in the region to minister to children—from vision to the practicalities of job descriptions, policies, creating a space and curriculum suggestions; and to serve as an advocate for children’s ministry in this region. (For more about Linda, click here.)  

Check out this recent interview with Linda Heselton and Cindy Nicholson on children's ministry and church planting.

If you are the children’s pastor or children’s ministry director for a Vineyard church in the Great Lakes Region, I would very much like to connect with you.  Please contact me at the Vineyard Church of Columbus.