Website Summary Assignment
Joshua Caldwell
CHMN 301: Foundations of Next Gen Ministry
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Introduction:
In this paper, the reader will discover the purpose of a website encouraging parents to
learn and discover things about their children. Justaphase.com is a website that offers resources,
blogs, and general information on how to coach and raise a child based on their current area of
life. This idea is currently known as the Phase Project. The Phase project, designed and created
with the help of Kristen Ivy, is an expansion of The rethink Group. Kristen also is a writer and
developer of Christian curriculums for various ministries.
Summary:
Starting with the Preschool section of the website, one could see a few exciting ideas and
recommendations about their child. What is preschool? Preschool can be defined as any age
before five years old. Children will have many different phases throughout their life, and it all
starts somewhere. Navigating the website, the first thing one could assume is the emphasis on
written information. Justaphase.com lists several blog posts by varying authors. The information
within the blog posts gives the parent resources regarding the physical needs of a toddler,
significant mental changes, important material changes, and why parents need to be exclusively
clued into what is happening in their children's lives. In an article written by Kristen Ivy, it is
mentioned that "Kids at every phase need an adult who will show up predictably and
consistently, over time.1" Not only is this important for all ages, as Ivy says, but it is essential for
the preschool age.
Elementary students have been known for their development, curiosity, and ability to be
full of energy. In the elementary portion of this website, we see a similar setup as the preschool
section. Many blog articles will contain information on how to find things that all children in this
1 Ivy, Kristen. “The One Thing Every Kid Needs the Most.” Its Just a Phase. Last modified April 20, 2016.
Accessed October 31, 2022. https://justaphase.com/the-one-thing-every-kid-needs-the-most/.
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age group have in common. Friendships are starting to develop at this age, and you could read
the information on how to help an elementary student develop those friendships. If you look at
this phase, it all begins with kindergarten. The reader could identify with the emotions of
dropping off a child for the first time. The reader will also find links for information regarding
phases and resources they can purchase.
Personal Response:
I am the current Next Generation Pastor at my present Church, so this is a part of my
ministry area. The phase information and teachings have been precious to my ministry. The
reThink Group has developed and assisted churches worldwide with their curriculum. Ivy
mentions in an article on justaphase.com, "Church should always be a place where kids find
friendship.2" In my current ministry, we strive to do just that. Everyone who walks into our
elementary hall on a Sunday morning should leave knowing they have found a friend. Many
students feel left out nowadays, and we must do what it takes to reach those for Christ. If we
want these children to feel appreciated, valued, and loved by Christ, it starts with letting their
parents know the same concept. Parents must feel like they matter when it comes to their
children's ministry. If we keep them in the dark, and they feel like the Church is where they
cannot trust the people teaching their children, we have an issue. One of the areas I believe we
struggle the most in right now is our baby room on Sunday mornings. Reading the article about
the questions babies ask opened my eyes to think of some creative ways we can change how
things are done in our rooms.
2 Ivy, Kristen. “The One Thing Every Kid Needs the Most.” Its Just a Phase. Last modified April 20, 2016.
Accessed October 31, 2022. https://justaphase.com/help-elementary-schoolers-develop-friends
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Bibliography
Ivy, Kristen. "The One Thing Every Kid Needs the Most." Its Just a Phase. Last modified April
20, 2016. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://justaphase.com/the-one-thing-every-kid-
needs-the-most/.
Ivy, Kristen. "The One Thing Every Kid Needs the Most." Its Just a Phase. Last modified April
20, 2016. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://justaphase.com/help-elementary-schoolers-
develop-friends
