English
Korean
Spanish
Pam Copeland recently retired after 35 years of faithful service as children’s minister at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. The lifelong Southcrest member met her husband, Mark, in the church’s youth group. They have now been married 44 years. In March, Copeland was honored with a lifetime ministry award at the Heart of the Child Conference for preschool, children’s and family ministry leaders.
What are some of the changes you’ve seen in children’s ministry over your more than three decades of service?
I would say technology and screen time have been the biggest changes. Keeping kids involved with different attention-grabbers is hard when their little minds are in constant motion already. We know screens are here to stay, so we tried to embrace change and use it to help keep kids involved while also keeping traditional hands-on techniques as well. I always wanted learning about God to be fun. At the core, kids just want to be known, seen, validated, and loved—and God sees all of that. We talk every time we meet about Jesus and what He did for me and them.
How did you adjust to the changing times?
We adjusted to these changes by using videos to help keep kids involved during our large group times, but we always circled back to being hands-on in God’s Word. We let them know how to use the Bible to find the answers and how they can apply it in their everyday lives. Our culture has a way of [leaning heavily] into technology, but teaching our kids to listen to and think through God’s Word on their own has always been at the root of what we do. Change is inevitable, so see what works and be willing to be flexible. We have to think of these times as an ever-changing way to share a never-changing message.
What are some of the most effective strategies you’ve put into place or seen others use to teach the Bible to children?
Bible drill has always been one of my favorite ways to teach the Bible to kids. Awana is another great discipleship tool to keep kids involved. If kids don’t know where to find things in their Bible, they become uninterested and give up. It is like trying to get to someone’s house without an address. We want them to seek Him and look to God’s Word for guidance. The Bible is not just a book of do’s and don’ts, but a book of action, adventure, love, and history that is alive with all God has for them. Lifeway’s Explorer Bible is so great for all kids and helps them learn so much. Scripture memory will always stay with a child, and we know God’s Word doesn’t return void. They will use this knowledge the rest of their lives.
What are some things you can celebrate in children’s ministry at Southcrest as you retire?
Relationships with kids, parents, and my volunteers have been my greatest joy in ministry. Getting to serve with and alongside them all has changed me forever. My heart is full. People at Southcrest have always been servants and invested in me, and I was blessed to be able to share that with others.
What’s next for you?
Well, I have never found in God’s Word where it says we are to ever quit sharing the gospel or serving, so I will continue to serve in my church, travel, spend time with my family, and see what grand adventure the Lord directs me to next.
