My Experience with Rotation Ministry

The discovery of rotation.org quickly put my ideas for Sunday School into action. I found a methodology that matched my vision for teaching, a treasure chest full of resources and and a whole community of people leading the way, already living out many of the dreams I had envisioned.

This resource and approach to teaching Sunday School shaped and defined the next 12 years of my ministry. Here are some of the key elements that resonated with me then and continue to inform much of my approach.

1. Rotation Ministry centres around a variety of learning styles. This is an excellent strategy for helping kids learn AND engaging volunteers with a wide variety of skills and interests.

2. Rotation Ministry (done well) has a strong focus on Biblical literacy that focuses on repetition as well as highlighting the importance of teachers/leaders being well studied in scripture and its context.

3. Rotation Ministry is highly creative with a focus on workshop spaces that engage children from the moment they walk into the space. Art, science, cooking, movies, drama, games and more become essential tools to exploring the Bible and faith in non-intimidating and inspiring ways.

Check out Rotation.org if you’re curious to learn more about this approach.

I spent countless hours poring over posts, chat boards, and files, and I was thrilled to find ideas I could build on. Within days, I had drafted a scope and sequence, outlined the workshops I wanted to create, and prepared a presentation to share the vision with our church. As with any major change, there were some skeptics, but overall, the idea gained momentum. Two incredible women volunteered to join me in bringing our vision to life, and together, we launched Street 2:52 (named after the verse Luke 2:52) — a place where kids could belong, learn, and grow.

We hired an artist to design our walls, and volunteers came together to gather props. One man made giant pencils to decorate the art studio, and another built custom benches for our "chapel." Some crafted costumes and handmade dolls to act out Bible stories, and we even created a life-sized blow-up whale that you could enter into for the Jonah story. The energy and excitement surrounding the space was palpable. By the time we launched the program, everyone was eager to see what the new year would bring.

Building the physical space was just the beginning. The other major task was developing the curriculum. Initially, I borrowed lessons and ideas from rotation.org, but soon realized that I had ideas of my own. Contributors on the site inspired me to dive deeper into my own Bible study and theological learning. Before I knew it, I was writing nearly all of our lessons. My two amazing teammates—who also became dear friends—took charge of editing lessons, gathering supplies, and preparing workshops for volunteers. My focus remained on writing and teaching. Over the next eight years, I wrote more than 300 lesson plans as a volunteer Sunday School teacher.

I’ll be honest—this approach was intense, and I wouldn’t recommend anyone replicate it. The hours were excessive, but if I had any doubt about my passions (enter laughter here), it became crystal clear that I have a passion for kids ministry, curriculum writing and the Christian church.

The success of this ministry far exceeded my expectations.

1. We had an incredible team of adults who embraced the vision and rotated through teaching. Parents, non-parents, young adults, and seniors all participated, creating a remarkable sense of community. Intergenerational relationships blossomed, and all ages benefited from learning together. I was humbled by their willingness to test my ideas and laugh with me when things didn’t go as planned.

   
   

2. The kids were highly engaged. Attendance grew and participants were excited to arrive each Sunday and see what experiences were waiting for them. This enthusiasm persisted year after year.

   
   

3. More importantly, their knowledge and love for God’s story deepened in ways I never anticipated. The children remembered what we taught, asked more questions than I had witnessed before, and never tired of hearing the same story over several weeks. In fact, they seemed to love it more each time. Even the volunteers would stop to talk about what they were learning or send me emails sharing their own "aha" moments.

   
   

4. Personally, I grew as well. Writing curriculum changed me. I devoured theology books and articles and gradually I began to understand the Bible in new ways. I discovered that as I read this passion for learning only increased. My view of God expanded and my understanding of capital "C" church deepened. I also started to recognize and become more aware of the ways that church/poor theology/religion had caused harm and I felt a growing passion to stand up against injustices and contribute towards healthier teaching. As I worked to disciple kids, I experienced the love and discipleship of Jesus.

   
   

I loved every moment of building Street 2:52, learning how to run a Rotation Ministry, and watching it thrive. In the later years of this journey, however, I began to sense that God was guiding me toward a new chapter.

If you’ve ever left a church you loved, you know it’s rarely a simple decision. There are always layers—beautiful relationships, meaningful moments, and, sometimes, challenges that make staying difficult. The full story is one best shared over coffee, but after much prayer, conversation and discernment, we knew it was time to step away.

After years of volunteering, a paid position opened up at another church. This new role offered a fresh start, a chance to grow, and an opportunity to serve in ways that aligned with the shifts happening in my heart and mind.

Now, I’m working at a small local church, continuing to grow and learn every day. Over time, I’ve developed my own approach to Sunday school, one that blends elements of Rotation Ministry with a simpler, more approachable style. At the heart of what I do, there are two things that matter most: The Story and The Kids.

I want every child to know and love the biblical narrative—to have those words come alive in their hearts and minds, sparking curiosity and a lifelong love for scripture. It's in the story that they meet Jesus.

And, I want every child who walks into my space to feel seen, known, and loved. This means I focus on creating an environment that feels safe, welcoming, and nurturing, where each child is valued for who they are. Time together is intentionally designed to invite conversation, participation, and wonder, giving children the space to express themselves and take ownership of their faith. It’s not just about teaching facts—it’s about creating an experience where children can deeply encounter God’s love in personal, interactive, and meaningful ways that resonate with them long after they leave.

After years of being asked to share my resources, I’m now turning my lessons, insights, and experiences into something others can use. I remember the blessing of receiving guidance on my own journey, and now I hope to offer that same support to others.