New PodCast Episode

If you look off to the right of this post (if you are not on bloglines which by the way... if you are not on bloglines, then subscribe so you can keep track of all of your blogs) then you will see that there is a new podcast episode called "How To Be A Winner - Part 1" If you are at bloglines, then just click here and go to my podcast page. This is part one of a two part episode on some tips, tricks and ideas that could help you go to the next level.

For those who care and need to know details. This was a lecture that was recorded live at the National Children's Ministries Leadership Conference hosted by the Assemblies of God in Springfield, MO.

I hope you enjoy it - and as always, I would love your feedback.

I have some more pics of the new set that I had built for our TOYS series. I will post them when I get the chance.

New Series Pics - The Props!

Here are a few pictures of the props that are making up the set for our new series in Kids' Church "TOYS - everyday fun... eternal truths".

The first pic is of me and my 3 year-old daughter, Emma, atop of the giant legos. These are a few of 6 total that were built for us by a guy in our church. They are actually made of wood and the bottoms are finished as well and actually have holes that perfectly fit the knobs on the tops - these things can actually be stacked like the real thing!

The second pic is on me and the giant Rubik's Cube, a Lego on bottom and the big Paddle-Ball Paddle. Off to the right on the floor, leaning up against the sound booth, you can see the monkeys for the Barrel of Monkeys.

I'll add some more shots of the finished set later (My projection screens look like Etch-a-Sketches - the same guy made all of this stuff for us!) Can you tell that I am totally geeked about this series?

New Series in KidZone - it's gonna be fun!

This is a post form my church blog for parents:

We are starting the new series in KidZone Church this weekend called: "TOYS - everyday fun... eternal truths" The room is gonna be amazing! Kristie Kerr and her entourage of amazing decorators and set-design gurus will be unleashed upon the room formerly known as the secondary auditorium this week to adorn it with jumbo-sized replicas of classic toys.

Each week we will take a classic or famous toy and turn it into an illustrative message that will be unforgettable!

I really don't mind if you, as parents, would like to come in and see the room and stay for the service - there's no doubt that your minds will be flooded with memories of the days by-gone of yesteryear when you, as a youngins, occupied the floor of your bedrooms, frolicking about with many of the toys that you will see!

An Aussie Busted My Chops

David Wakerly over at the childrensministryblog.com just busted my chops (and a few other bloggers) for neglecting to update our blogs... Guilty. The last time I updated this thing was over a month ago when I shamelessly promoted how well my podcast was going. Well, here is an update and I hope you find it helpful:

Kids Don't Schedule Counseling Appointments - by Jamie Doyle

If you are a kids' pastor or synonymous leader in your church to children, then you have realized that children aren't standing in line in front of the children's church room following the service to set-up a counseling appointment with you. Kids don't think in those terms. But I have found that kids will talk with you about all kinds of stuff when you are just hanging out with them and being yourself. Issues in their lives will surface when they feel comfortable with you.

I was at a spiritual emphasis week at another church (about ten years ago). I was the featured speaker for the children's services. Prior to my presentation, the children's pastor at that church set up games and activities for the kids to play. I was a little put off by this and couldn't understand why we were "playing games" at a spiritual emphasis church event. The next day, I felt like God had spoken to me to go and play the games. I really didn't want to but, I did. While I was playing the game, the kids at that table began to talk to me about issues in their own lives. We ended up praying together and I informed the children's pastor about it so he could continue to minister to those kids later. I continued to move from table to table and just play the games with the kids. That night during the message, I had earned the right to be heard and at the altar time, I knew what I why some of those kids came forward and I knew what to pray about.

To this day, I still schedule activities in which I can just hang out and have fun. Try it - You will earn the right to be heard and you will be able to counsel kids that need it.

Thanks Dave for bustin' my chops!

Favorable Response to PodCast

I recently started up my PodCast - I have been talking about doing it for... well, a long time. But now it's finally happening. I have gotten some great responses from those who have subscribed (over 130 subscribers to date). Thanks to those of you have listened in and sent me comments. I have even gotten some good tips from some experienced PodCasters - Thanks for your help as well. If you have not headed over to itunes or to the PodOmatic site to download, listen or subscribe, you can do so off to the side of this blog by simply choosing the episode you want to listen to and listening to it with the player provided (you don't even need itunes, but it helps). Please send me or post your comments and any ideas for future episodes.

Thanks once again and I hope you enjoy!

Children's Ministry PodCast

Hey my blog-readin' friends... I just posted my first Children's Ministries PodCast. Take a listen and subscribe. I plan to add to it at least monthly. This first epidsode is part one of a two part series called: Dynamic Children's Church. So, I will probably add part two next week.

I am waiting approval by the itunes store to get the PodCast listed there as well - but you can subscribe to your itunes from the PodOmatic site.

Please check it out and give me some feedback at the PodOmatic site. You can even record your comments - perhaps I would use your recorded comments in an upcoming PodCast.

Keys to Make Your Ministry Better - part 3

7. Never stop learning - you cannot expect to stay fresh if you are not constantly feeding yourself. I suggest reading blogs, books and magazines - subscribe to Jim Wideman's Leadership Club and search some of the podcasts out there related to children's ministry. Attend as many seminars and conferences as you can - especially if they are local.

8. Mix it up a bit - in your children's church and classrooms, don't get stuck in a rut. Have your teachers switch the agenda's around once in a while. Challenge them and yourself to keep doing things that you have never done in your class before. Try new teaching methods and activities. You can have a weekend with teaching stations or small group breakouts or moving the entire class to a different location to teach a specific topic - even if you don't plan to make it these things regularly scheduled events.

9. Invite the other pastors or church leaders to your services - Set aside time to introduce the leaders to your kids. Just by asking them to come as a guest of honor and to stay until the end to pray with the kids will speak volumes to them, the leader as well as the kids. Interview them at the class or children's service. This helps to build the lines of authority in your church, the kids know who that person is and if good stuff is going on in your service - others will hear about it.

Keys to Make Your Ministry Better - part 2

Ok, here are some more things that you could do to help you make ministry better:

4. Plan on being flexible. If you have experieneced ministry to kids for any amount of time - you'll know that being flexible is crucial. Things change and you have to be able to adapt. And learn how to NOT complain when those things change. Perhaps (and more than likely) those things have changed because God had a better plan. You may not see the reason until years from now, but when you see the reason - the light will go on. You should also breed the attitude of flexibility in your leaders

5. Plan activities and events outside of your weekend service. These are the times that you and your leaders get to know the kids... And they get to know you. These can also be great places for you to help children get to know one another. Some of these activities can be ministry related like: retreats, camps, park outreaches, service projects and so on. And these can also be fun events where the kids get to see you be... Well, you - like: sporting events, picnics, waterparks, carnivals, scavenger hunts, camping trips, field trips and the list goes on!

6. Network with other people who do what you do. Find out if there are any children's ministry network meetings in your area - if there are none, start one! This can be beneficial for you and the others involved. You'll get great ideas, give ideas, share resources, be able to borrow resources (stay within legal boundaries with this one), be encouraged and encourage others. I would encourage you to get a Kidology.org membership and read and post your ideas or comments in the network zone.

I'll have more keys in the next posting. Comment if you think of other tips...

Oscar The Grouch

FYI - for any of you who care to hear my obsession with oscar the grouch can listen to my sermon from The "beyond young adults" service a few Thursday nights ago! The Oscar the Grouch Sermon

Keys to Make Your Ministry Better

I want to share with you a number of things that I think can make what you with kids better. I in no way claim that Jamie Doyle is an expert or better than the fine folks like yourself who read this blog. These are just the things that have helped me out over the years and maybe they can help you to:



1. Give your children’s ministry a name and create a logo that communicates your presence to the rest of the church. For a great resource for custom children’s ministry logos at an affordable price and some free logos if you are at a church that has a tight budget – go to digitasnot.com


2. Have a vision for what you are doing. Understand the vision for the church, make it your vision and then strategically plan how to communicate that vision to your family, leaders, parents and kids. If you hare having a hard time finding out what your Pastor’s vision is, go to church and find out what he’s preaching about – get his sermon CD’s or pod casts and you will get a better gauge of where your church is going.



3. Advertise what you are doing. Put your information out for people to access. Print brochures, flyers and information for parents and kids. It should be information that is presented in a quality manner that helps people understand your principles and what you are doing, where you are going and how to jump on board. Keep your ministry in front of the church by using t-shirts, banners, signage, badges and ministry programs and events that make a difference. Go to stickersandmore.com for some cool promo materials.


I’ll have more keys in the next posting – comment if you think of other tips…

Skateboards and stickers

Here's a great resource for those of you who like promo stuff... or skateboards.

Our video editing guy, Tom Poch and another church leader, Scott Shull started a skateboard business a while back called: VOLUME SKATEBOARDS. They design some pretty interesting decks and have cool t-shirts and hoodies too! If you have kids in your church that are into skating - and you want to support a great Christian company, these guys will treat you right.

Cool Resource: They guys at volume turned my attention to a company that they get all their banners, posters, temporary tattoos and stickers from: stickersandmore.com

They do a lot of work for bands and edgy companies... Like skateboard companies. The prices are reasonable and it's as easy as uploading your artwork during the ordering process. In two weeks or less, you have some cool promotional tools. Think about it: how many kids would wear a temporary tattoo with your logo on it this summer? What kid wouldn't want to win a big sticker with a picture of one of your characters on it?

Children's Church Models

I recently taught at the Minnesota All Church Ministries Conference a class on the structure of a children's church. (perhaps I will post it as a podcast). While studying, I realized that the children's church service was a hybrid of several models. The Children's Church is has mix of education, inspiration and entertainment elements. Here are the three models:

The Education Class Model -

• Tell them what are going to teach them - this is the icebreaker/opener that introduces kids to the lesson.
• Teach it to them - teach them using all the fun methods that you use.
• Tell them what you just taught them - review games and follow-up moments at the end of service (take-home papers or bulletins could also fit this heading).

The vaudeville Show Model -

• Excitement - something that gets the show/service off to a fun and exciting start
• Introduction - welcoming the audience and helping them to feel comfortable with being there
• Identification - showing in an exciting way why you are all together or, preview your lesson
• involvement - get the audience engaged... Invite people to participate - both corporately as well as individuals... Every kid wants to help
• Solid Content - This was the feature act - teach the "meat" of the lesson
• Confirmation - give the audience a chance to respond and let them leave feeling positive about what they just experieced - like an altar call, and a review. The kids should leave with a sense that they can put what you just taught them into practice.

The Intensity Model of a Children's Class

• Kids are excited, rowdy and silly at the beginning of a class - match that with some controlled chaos... Fun games, exciting songs, silly or funny characters

• About half way to two-thirds thru the class time is when the kids are at their most attentive - teach the most important things during this window... The main sermon, prayer time, worship times.
• As the class comes to a close, the kids will start to get rowdy again, so end with excitement elements... Review games, songs that relate to the topic, funny characters who need help from the kids in reviewing the lesson.

I hope this helps you in some way!

Last Night's Par-Tay!

So, we have 4th, 5th and 6th graders who help us in every kid's church service. They are called: the Timothy Club. These kids run the sound, lights, computer, they shake hands at the door, act as ushers and collect the offering, pray for others at the altar, help with games, pass-out prizes and stuff at the door as kids leave and really... anything else that needs to get done during the services.

Last night we had our Timothy Club BBQ/Party. It was great! The kids showed up (over 30) we ate burgers and brats. The kids played some football and botche ball in our yard. Then we headed to the park near our home for a cut-throat game of kickball. We headed back and while the kids enjoyed some roasted marshmallows, s'mores, rootbeer floats and other goodies, I blasted a movie onto the side of our house with a video projector and we sat on blankets and watched a movie on the lawn. We had a blast from 6:30PM - around 11:00PM.

If you have kids that help you out - appreciate them and give them the time of their lives once in a while. If you don't have a team of kids that help you out... start one.

The Places I've Shopped

The obvious place is the Christian bookstores where there are published and professionally produced stuff. Here is a list of places where I find great stuff for children’s ministry

Magic Shops – this place is going to have not only magic tricks for kids’ performers (which can be adapted to gospel routines) many shops also have gospel-specific tricks and books as well. You will also find DVD’s and video on the same topics and sometimes this is the place where you might be able to network with others who have the same interest. For those of you who are interested: Check out the resources from Duane Laflin.

Costume Shops – Not just for full-blown costumes… you can get hats, wigs, clothing, glasses, masks, mustaches, beards and more to use for costumed characters or to dress the kids up for story telling. You can also find some really cool costume accessories that can be great props for object lessons. Some items I’ve found at costume shops: handcuffs, giant bones, fake swords and knives, giant baby things, inflatable decorations, etc. You will also many times find lower-end special effects equipment like: bubble machines, fog machines, flashing lights, mirror ball, spot lights and more.

Halloween Shops – if you have one in your community, you’ve probably avoided it. But the stuff you can get there will have the kids and parents scratching their heads. Look at the list and think of the unlimited possibilities for teaching with this stuff Comment on it if you dare: rubber hearts, brains, plastic and rubber body parts, small to life-size plastic and rubber skeletons, giant bugs, foam tombstones, fake rusty chains, masks, wigs not to mention the many other costume pieces and accessories.

Dollar Stores – toys for prizes and object lesson supplies. This is a great place to pick up action figures and toys for a toybox tales episode of your own.

Wal-Mart – just about anything, at just about any hour of the day or night.

Home Improvement Stores – sheets of whiteboard… you can cut that stuff to any shape and size to fit your theme or the room you’re in.

Drug Stores – I have found toys for prizes there, jumbo play money for giving lessons. You can also pick some of the necessary supplies for chemical object lessons.

Educational Toy Stores – charts for class attendance, science kits, award certificates and award ribbons, clay, cool art supplies for decorating and creating visuals and props, jumbo whiteboard markers…

Hobby Shops/Craft Stores – well, craft supplies… what else is there? Comment on it.

IKEA – don’t’ get me started! Do you need to theme an entire Sunday School room? Get in there and pick out the theme, and decorate with it. Beyond that: cool and colorful boxes, drawstring bags for offering or keeping object lessons, buckets, lights, furniture, storage bins and more. What have you found?

Half Price Books – many communities have these used bookstores. I have found Kids Bibles (new). One time I found 6 brand new gift-style, International Children’s Bibles for a few bucks each. I was able to give them away within a few weeks to kids that needed a Bible. I have picked up Bible’s for myself, books on ministry, books on magic tricks even children’s ministry and Sunday school lesson books.

So these are some of my favorite places to shop. Please comment and let us know where you have shopped and what you have found that helped your ministry.

RULES OF THUMB - 9

Always practice what you preach.

How can you get up in front of any group of people and teach God's Word when you're not living it yourself? If you are living God's Word, you will become a living breathing testimony. You will know that what you are teaching is the truth. This is what will keep you excited about living for God and it's what will keep you excited about teaching children!

Check It Out On Kidology

I said that I would give you the update as to the arival of some of my ideas on the Kidology.org site. Well the day has come (...it actually showed up over a week and a half ago - however I was in the middle of trying to leave for a mission's trip). If you have a Kidology account and if you care to, you can check out a few of my favorite object lessons at the site. Just search "Jamie Doyle" and my submssions will show up, along with the dates that they were posted to the site.

If you don't have a membership to the site, I would highly reccomend it.

Kidology.org

I've done something that I haven't done in a long time... Yep - I submitted a bunch of stuff to the Kidology site the other night. Those items are pending approval - but when they are approved, I will let you all know. You could go there now and do a search on Jamie Doyle and see what comes up. There are a few articles and ideas from days by gone there. If you haven't bought a subscription yet, I won't scold you - just pitty you and cry for you.

Website Update

Yep, It's finally happening. And it's really because my Pastor made a comment to me about my site. If you have been to it lately, you know that it's in desporate need of updating and a redesign. So that's taking place as of this posting. Hopefully before I leave for Armenia, the site will have a new look, a new structure and more current information - Including some of my newer products available for you to view. Thanks to all of you for visiting the site in recent years.

Anything you would like to see on the site? leave me a comment or two and I will consider it.

Recent Outings…

From time to time I get the privilege to go out and speak at some events and services outside of my church walls. My Pastor is so gracious for allowing me to do this. Here’s a quick run down of some recent outings that I have had in the last few weeks… for those of you who care. For those of you who don’t – Go and read my Pastor’s Blog, or listen to his latest podcast.

Chapel Service for Christian Life School in Farmington, MN

Chapel Services for Kidz Quake – North Dakota District Assemblies of God Kids’ Convention in Bismark, ND

Workshops for the Minnesota District of the Assemblies of God All Church Training Conference in Minneapolis, MN

In coming weeks I will get to go on a mission’s trip to train children’s workers in Armenia and also train children’s workers at the National Children’s Ministry Conference for the Assemblies of God in Springfield MO.

But, I confess: I still love the weekly and daily ministry that goes on at my home church River Valley Church in Apple Valley, MN. We have great kids, great parents, great leaders and I have an incredible Pastor.

Get A Mentor - Part Two

Carl Lindelien - Pastor Carl and wife Dee Dee have been great influences on children all over the United States. Especially training and sending out Children's Pastors. Carl was my Children's Pastor when I was first saved. As a kid I sat in children's church - absolutely marveled at the stories, songs, object lessons and puppets. Pastor Carl made Bible stories come to life. I joined his puppet team and he started to use me as his helper during services.

When he left our church, he had me spend time with him at his other church. I even interned under him when he was a Children's Pastor in Orlando, FL. I am so glad that he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes at a young age.

I have written about Carl in earlier posts - here is a snippet of information about some of Carl's accomplishments over the years:

Carl was the senior editor and head writer for the original first four quarters of Charisma's "K.I.D.S Church" Curriculum published back in the early 90's. He also helped edit the first quarter of Willie George Ministries' "Kids One The Move" Curriculum.

...And, if you were ever involved in children's ministries back in the late 80's, you may remember "The Praisin' Raisins" - a parody of the California Raisins. This too was a Carl Lindelien thing.

Carl has served churches of a few hundred to churches of several thousands and everything in between. He us currently the Pastor of a new church, Rivers Edge Church, planted in the fall of 2005 that is reaching people in fun and unique ways.

RULES OF THUMB - 8

Can you figure out the connection with the photo? Good luck!

Keep it visual.
If you find yourself creating your own lessons (and I encourage you to do so), you are going to need to keep your lesson visual. Your class will pay attention and it will keep you creative. Here is a list of ways I've tried to keep it visual over the years:

• Oversized or large objects... you can find these in various variety and novelty shops, online clown shops and you can attempt to make them yourself out of foam, Styrofoam, large format printing, etc.
• Puppets - muppet-style, shadow, mop/broom, paper bags (thanks Fandango!)
• Costumed Characters - big headed full-bodied costumes and people dressed-up as a character who had developed a character personality - start collecting funny clothing, wigs, masks, fake noses and other dress-up stuff.
• Illusions - yep the evils of magic in church (by the way, take the poll)
• Cartoons - Randy Christensen has two books on cartoon lesson - they are so easy and make you look good!
• DVD clips - everything from a full-length movie to a five minute clip.
• Science Experiments - you really need to get the sermons in chemistry set.
• Dance Routines - Kids are great at coming up with choreography - just ask a group of 3rd-5th grade girls to figure it out - they'll drop whatever they're doing!
• Clowns - again, Randy Christensen is the guy to get your resources from.
• Athletes - they can come in and demonstrate what they do - they could be professionals or highschoolers. Either way, kids love 'em!
• Community Service People - Policemen, firemen, paramedics - Get them to bring all the cool stuff that kids love to see up close.
• Extreme Sports Demonstations - Skateboarding, rockwall climbing, bull riding... There are people in your church and community that can do this stuff.
• Live Animals - Kids love animals whether its a dog, gerbil or monkey. You can find people that can bring in snakes, tarantulas, iguanas, large cats, monkeys, tropical birds and other large birds.

Get A Mentor - Part One

Dick Gruber - I received Jesus as Savior at the age of ten at a Kids' Crusade conducted by Dick Gruber and his wife Darlene. I watched him and knew that I was supposed to minister to kids one day. He inspired me to learn to juggle and use puppets. Dick has continued to give me great advice and help over the last 22 years.

He has served big churches and little churches and for a number of years was the children's ministry specialist for the Assemblies of God headquarters.

Dick is now the Professor of Children's Ministries at Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, PA. He has recently launched a new, online, college level program for children's ministry training called CMU.

RULES OF THUMB - 7

Ok - So, Mr. Carrey isn't holding up his thumb - but this is Rules of Thumb 7 - count the fingers homey!

Here we go: Try to use volunteers as much as possible when teaching - I mean, hey, they're right there in the room with you... what a great visual aid! Kids always pay attention to their peers - it will also create an attention-getter.

Using helpers from the audience gives others a chance to participate in the lesson. I try to find something that a volunteer could do - even if the lesson doesn't call for it. here are a few suggestions:

1. Play the part of a charecter in a story.
2. Hold some of the object, pictures, signs...
3. Dress up in garb that relates to the objects (Doctor, Scientist, Hockey Player, Cop, Professional Wrestler, etc).
4. Demonstrate a skill that relates to the lesson (jump rope, sing, play an instrument, make strange noises, quote a verse, recite the books of the Bible, sports related skills - you get the idea) - this could be completly impromptu.
5. Read a Bible verse related to the lesson - race someone else to look up the verse and read it.
6. Interview them like a reporter.

If your lesson doesn’t need volunteers or you cannot think of a way to involove indvidules or a small group of kids, then try to get the entire crowd involved by repeating phrases after you or mimicking actions that are relevant to the lesson - make your lessons great!

RULES OF THUMB - 6

Two Part Rule:

One:
Have a place to keep your props before you're ready to present it. You want to create an element of surprise - this can happen if no props or objects are seen before they are presented or displayed. This will help curious hands from disturbing your props.

Two:
Have a place to put your items after the lesson is over with. Behind the puppet stage or under a covered table or perhaps it's something you can give away after you've taught the lesson. Wherever it goes, just make sure that it's out of the way for the rest of the lesson so it doesn't become a distraction. You're also not going to want children getting their hands on things that you need to keep nice.

There are various kinds of places to keep your stuff before and after the lesson. Let's examine a few.

The Show Basket or Bucket:
I got this idea from the guy in my last post, David Ginn. He has a large basket, box, bucket or some kind of container that he calls his "show basket". Everything starts in the basket and then as it's used in the performance - it goes back into the basket.

Curtain:
A buddy of mine actually has a place built into his stage backdrop in the children's church room where a curtain opens and a table on casters, with the day's prop(s) on display ready to be used. If you use a puppet stage you could have the items within reach, just behind the curtain as well.

Suitcase Or Box With A Lid:
This is essentially the same as the show basket idea with one exception: you can close the lid so the items are not as tempting to disturb as you are shaking hands with the kids at the door. My buddy and children's pastor, Jeff Post, has developed and entire show around this box concept called: THE BIG BLUE BOX Sammy Smith has two nice show cases available (the professional prop case and the baby prop case). - it looks sharp and the kids will know that it's the box where you keep all your cool stuff.

Magic Table:
I was just talking about this with my good friend Ben Murray. It's basically a large box on wheels with the back open and shelves for props inside. Mine is on wheels and can fold down into a suitcase sized box with a handle for easy transportation. It's made by Joe Lefler and you can have your local magic shop order it for you.


Just Cover It:
Use some decorative material to cover the item if it's too large to fit in a box or behind a curtain.

Tip:
Here's a little tip about displaying props or items to create anticipation: Don't display it unless you know for sure you are going to use it. If you create the anticipation in the class and then never use the item - they will attack you! Or, they will just be really disappointed.

Developing Your Skills

Many have asked what I study when it comes to developing my skills as a presenter. The answer is not as easy as going to the local Christian bookstore and picking up a book or actually going to the Children's Ministry Sites and ordering the next wave in curriculum, manual or DVD. I do something that those of you harsh, anti-secular children's pastors would never think of doing. I study and learn from those in the real world - who do what I do, which is present and perform - but, they do it for the masses of children in the secular, public world, as magicians, clowns, jugglers, storytellers and the sort.

I have recently revived my interest in a guy named, David Ginn. Do you know this guy, have you met him... heard of him? He is the godfather of the kidshow/elementary school assembly. Ask any children's magician who David Ginn is and the probability that they are performing a version of one of his routines or using lines that have been made famous from his books are greater then the people who actually know how David Blaine makes himself float.

I love to entertain kids and educate them at the same time. So my interest in David Ginn began back as a Jr. High school student. A children's pastor who I was helping (Jeff Post) allowed me to borrow a few of his books on children's magic. David Ginn's "Children Laugh Louder" was one of them. I also read his copy of the famous book "KidBiz" by the same author. It started me on my journey as a performer in my own home town. I also realized that it was helping me to develop my children's ministry lessons. I have continued to collect his books, videos, DVD's and props to this day - I have even gotten the chance to meet him and see him lecture - what a great guy!

If you're interested in taking an interesting journey into the world of the children's entertainer, then get some of David's books or DVD's "Professional Magic for Children" is a great place to start. "Children Laugh Louder" and the most famous "KidBiz" are the next two to get your hands on. Tell him Jamie Doyle sent you and he will say, "...Who?"

RULES OF THUMB - 5

Practice Makes Perfect

The old sayaing goes something like; "Practice makes perfect... and perfect is as stupid does..." or something like that. Practice your lesson. Know it inside and out from start to finish. You don’t need to be distracted by accidentally dropping props or not knowing how to hold something so it can best be seen. Stand in front of a mirror if you need to see if you look natural. Analyze how the objects are to be used and make sure that everyone will be able to see it and understand. You may need to record yourself on video or audio so you can make adjustments to the words you use or which words or phrases to over emphasize. Give these children your best!

The Stuff I've Kept In My Pockets

Over the years I have carried a number things in my pockets prior to Children's Church services that have helped me to connect with kids and sometimes, just for a laugh. Here are a few in no particular order that you might try - if you come up with a few, e-mail me and let me know... Better yet: send a response to this post with your thoughts!

A Pair of Pliers - every week, a kid will approach me and show me his/her loose tooth. I will say, "here, let me help you with that..." And I reach into my back pocket and display the pliers (The bigger, the better). "Open wide and you can get a visit from the tooth fairy tonite!" Kids will usually laugh and cover their mouths. Parents are amazed at how witty this is.

A small "nerf-like" ball - As the crowd gets bigger, I will just toss it out and have the kids toss it back. They actually go nuts over this. I have also used my juggling bean bags to toss one out during some juggling. Then have a kid toss it back. We see how far away I can toss it and catch it again and keep juggling.

A Small Birthday Candle and Kitchen Lighter - Somebody always tells me that their birthday is either coming up this week, or it was last week, or it's their dog's birthday. I pull out the little candle and light it while singing happy birthday in opera-style. They get to blow out the candle and I have all the kids who are nearby cheer for them, their dog or brother - whoever!

Pocket Magic Trick - This is an obvious one. But kids are always asking me to do a trick, so I have one in my pocket most times. Some suggestions - a thumbtip and thumbtip streamer, I produce the streamer from a borrowed dollar bill; Some coins for a few coin slieghts; sponge balls for a simple multiplying trick; Ring and a rope routine; check your local magic shops for these items.

Miniature Wallet - This is actually a magic trick that sells under the name "Mistaken Identity" I don't actually do the trick part of it, I just use the little wallet. I scanned, shrunk, printed and laminated my driver's license, credit cards, and family pictures I also bought some miniature play money to keep in it. And I talk about shrinking my wallet in the washing machine.

A Microphone Without A Cord - I will walk thru the crowd and pretend that I am a new reporter and interview kids with the microphone.

A digital camera - I learned this from my good friend, Chris Kliner. Just have the kids do funny faces, fun poses, actions etc. This keeps them occupied for a long time. Then, next week have the photos up on the big-screen, so all can see them.

Tiny Squirt Gun - During the hot months, kids show up at our church in shorts and t-shirts. So have a little squirt gun and just randomly squirt it over the crowd. The water lands on them and they don't know where it comes from. I also get the back of kids' legs. I will always give in and let a few kids, squirt me!

Pad of paper and pencil - I will draw pictures of kids in the audience. They are always funny looking "Kid-Art" type of drawings and the kids always laugh. So I sign it and give it to the kid that I drew a picture of. I also draw a "Droodle" and quiz kids to see if they know what it is.

ok, that's enough for now - questions, e-mail me.

RULES OF THUMB - 4

Be excited when you teach and instruct the boys and girls. I wouldn’t want to be a Christian if you don’t look like you want to be one. Smile! Be exuberant and bold to proclaim God’s Word. You only get to see these children for an maybe an hour or a week. I want them to know me as the most exciting person they know who loves Jesus. I really believe that you can swing your class intensity by how your presentation is given. You need to match and go a few dgrees above where you want the kids to be, in thier intensity, when you finish teaching them. So... Suck it up, toss aside a little dignity and be a visual yourself.

I don't care what you think of Bush... this is not a political website. I just needed a "Thumbs Up" Picture.

RULES OF THUMB - 3

So, I'm a fan of the Simpson's - I'm sure many of you out there are too. If you are not a fan, you probably really hate the show. I hope you don't abandon this blog because of it... I have always loved this picture. But a lot of people go into thier teaching time with very little on thier brain as to what they are really talking about.

Always be prepared by knowing your lesson ahead of time so you know exactly how to present it. Have the main points of the lesson memorized so you can make it personal. I’ve heard it said over and over: “If you don’t have something planned, the children will.” Allow yourself ample time to get to know every part of your lesson. This probably means that you should also practice