For those of you who have been wondering what we've been up to: recently, I was introduced as the Children's Pastor at Harmony Church in Lakeville, MN http://www.harmonybwb.com/
It's a super great church with a super great pastor!
We have started doing the kids' service and putting a new plan in place for the church. We are so pumped to be getting back into Children's Ministry in a church setting!
I will update you on all the new and fun challenges that comes with a new church position. This is a portable church. A few years back, my wife and I were part of a new church-plant in a set-up/tear-down environment. Perhaps those of you in a portable church setting can give me some new insights as well.
- Find out what I'm doing, Follow Me :)
Children's Ministires Manual - in the bookstore
I am really excited to announce this latest addition to the bookstore. Excited because it's a project that my wife, Jennifer and I worked on together. It's our Children's Ministries Volunteer Manual. It's the very manual that we developed and used in our own children's ministries department - and now we're making it available to you.It's a great resource for those of you who need to develop a manual of policies, procedures and resources for your children's ministry leaders. Just take the ideas and adapt them. You can get it in the bookstore.
My beautiful wife did the layout/design and helped with the editing.
Check it out and let me know what you think!
Creativity - Part Four
Be creative WITH the very ones you are being creative FOR…
Kids are your target - so get into their minds and let them into yours. Believe it or not, kids are the most creative of God’s creation. Their imagination is amazing... crazy amazing! Give a kid a toy and in 10 minuets, it becomes something else than what it was designed for. My son can take any object and turn it into a gun, sword, or some ninja thing. My daughter can take any toy or object, and rock it to sleep.
So get with them. Just give them a chance to be heard. Gather together the kids in your church in age appropriate groups and buy them lots of pizza and ask them questions.
Remember the silly-putty exercise - do it! Or hand out other props related to your research and allow them to play and come up with games and fun things to do with them.
Kids are your target - so get into their minds and let them into yours. Believe it or not, kids are the most creative of God’s creation. Their imagination is amazing... crazy amazing! Give a kid a toy and in 10 minuets, it becomes something else than what it was designed for. My son can take any object and turn it into a gun, sword, or some ninja thing. My daughter can take any toy or object, and rock it to sleep.
So get with them. Just give them a chance to be heard. Gather together the kids in your church in age appropriate groups and buy them lots of pizza and ask them questions.
- Poll - Position:
- The Perfect Storm
Remember the silly-putty exercise - do it! Or hand out other props related to your research and allow them to play and come up with games and fun things to do with them.
- The Thick and Thin
Creativity - Part Three
Don’t let the concept of “other people” be foreign in your process of being creative and developing ideas. Some of the greatest inventions and ideas in the world wee created by a team of two or more. I don’t care who you are... what your level of experience is... where you’re going... how you got to where you are today... or what you think of yourself – I can guarantee you this: If you and, at least one other person, sat down to brainstorm together, you would come up with some incredible plans, ideas and creations!
- Push the creative process further than just the front of your desk:
- Be strategic about it:
- Take them further with you on the journey:
Creativity - Part Two
Here is a practical execise you can do to motivate and stimulate your mind to be more creative:
Get into the minds of kids.
...well, you figure it out.
- Get some silly putty and a note pad or sit in front of your computer.
- Open the silly putty and begin to make stuff out of it. (hint - don't be limited - there are no rules... remember: you are free to be the creative being God made you to be).
- Write down everything you do with it – even if the shapes or actions you perform make no sense at all.
- Look at your list... Could you use those shapes or actions to tell a story or teach a concept? Are there key words on your list that would get a spiritual truth across? Are you having fun yet?
Get into the minds of kids.
- Give some silly putty to your thrid, fourth and fifth grade kids at your church.
- Have them do the same thing that you did.
- Collect the responses and...
...well, you figure it out.
Creativity - Part One
I have heard it over and over again at so many training conferences, staff meetings and with individuals on my children’s ministry staffs and teams… It goes something like this:
Or
I really believe that nothing could be further from the truth. But this seems to be a general consensus in the Body of Christ among those, who you would think, would be the most apt to declare and have a high self-esteem of their creativity. Perhaps you are one of these who has voiced this very concern -like the quotes above - of your lack of creativity or maybe just the thought has continued to cross your mind. Let me tell you that the very fact that you were able to formulate that thought means that you are creative. Let me make this simple and practical for you.
The definition of creativity is simply this: The ability to take any idea that is at any stage and to add to it, or deconstruct it, or take away from it, or any combination of the three…
This means that you have the freedom to either be the one who has come up with the idea or, take an idea that already exists and modify it. Let me be obvious and point out the key word in that last sentence: freedom. Creativity is not meant to be a frustrating concept or practice. It is, like any other art form, the freedom of expression. It is meant to be fun and refreshing. In order to start down the path of creativity - start with this simple idea: Don't worry about being right, wrong or looking foolish. Give yourself permission to be free to express yourself, whether it be on paper, the computer screen or in conversation with others.
In the next post, I will start listing some practical steps you can take to promote, perpetuate and propel creativity.
- “I know that you just said to be creative and have fun – well, God just didn’t bless me with the gift to be creative."
Or
- “You know… I’m just not a very creative person.”
I really believe that nothing could be further from the truth. But this seems to be a general consensus in the Body of Christ among those, who you would think, would be the most apt to declare and have a high self-esteem of their creativity. Perhaps you are one of these who has voiced this very concern -like the quotes above - of your lack of creativity or maybe just the thought has continued to cross your mind. Let me tell you that the very fact that you were able to formulate that thought means that you are creative. Let me make this simple and practical for you.
The definition of creativity is simply this: The ability to take any idea that is at any stage and to add to it, or deconstruct it, or take away from it, or any combination of the three…
This means that you have the freedom to either be the one who has come up with the idea or, take an idea that already exists and modify it. Let me be obvious and point out the key word in that last sentence: freedom. Creativity is not meant to be a frustrating concept or practice. It is, like any other art form, the freedom of expression. It is meant to be fun and refreshing. In order to start down the path of creativity - start with this simple idea: Don't worry about being right, wrong or looking foolish. Give yourself permission to be free to express yourself, whether it be on paper, the computer screen or in conversation with others.
In the next post, I will start listing some practical steps you can take to promote, perpetuate and propel creativity.
Incredible Object Lessons Vol. 1
Need some object lessons? Object Lessons are my favorite! Well... next to the evils of Gospel Magic. The cool thing about object lessons - is that, they're everywhere! A couple of years ago, I took some of my favorite object lessons and put them together in a book to sell at conferences and lectures. It was such a hit that I wrote another and then another and finally two more on simple pyro-technique object lessons.
Here's that first book - it's called: "Incredible Object Lessons Vol. 1". It's 13 incredible object lessons that you can use to illustrate Gospel truths to children. Some are scientific in nature, others present more like gospel magic routines and still others use common items from around your home. You'll have fun presenting these lessons and the children will remember the truths taught!
It's in the store so click here and you can download it for a small fee. Don't worry, I plan to add the others as I go!
Let me know how you like the book!
The "Evils" of Gospel Magic... AHHHHH!
I tell people all the time that I practice "the evils of Gospel magic..." I usually get laughs, sometimes stares and most times I get, "Yeah, uh, welcome to McDonald's..."
So this post I have included a great Easter Illusion that clearly illustrates the Resurrection of Christ. You get to make the prop (so easy - um, a caveman could do it...) so you can re-use it or make more. The utility prop has been coined "the Bag O' Plenty" by friend and fellow illusionist, Eric Reamer. Once the bag is made and you have experimented around with it a few times, you could make more and create all kinds of routines and lessons!
it's a free download with the same company that I publish my books through and put online:
Go Here for the Download and enjoy practicing the "evils of Gospel Magic!"
So this post I have included a great Easter Illusion that clearly illustrates the Resurrection of Christ. You get to make the prop (so easy - um, a caveman could do it...) so you can re-use it or make more. The utility prop has been coined "the Bag O' Plenty" by friend and fellow illusionist, Eric Reamer. Once the bag is made and you have experimented around with it a few times, you could make more and create all kinds of routines and lessons!
it's a free download with the same company that I publish my books through and put online:
Go Here for the Download and enjoy practicing the "evils of Gospel Magic!"
Why I Read Children's Ministry Blogs
Let me keep it pretty simple: I like reading children's ministry blogs. Why? Because it gives me insight into the worlds of children's pastors, from all over the world! I get a chance to see how a children's pastor in a church of 100 thinks... and how a children's pastor in a church of 20,000 thinks. At times I laugh with them, and I also cry with them. I get encouraged and I gain ideas and insight. Sometimes I disagree and I decide whether or not comment. I love the fact that blogs - from ministry people allows the rest of us to see your philosophy in ministry.
If you are a children's minister, and you blog - thanks! If you are a children's minister and you don't blog, consider it. It won't cost you anything but some time to tell us all what you are doing, what you think, share good news, bad news and ugly news. It would equip, encourage and amaze the rest of us.
If you are a children's minister, and you blog - thanks! If you are a children's minister and you don't blog, consider it. It won't cost you anything but some time to tell us all what you are doing, what you think, share good news, bad news and ugly news. It would equip, encourage and amaze the rest of us.
Super Fans - Da Yoot Paaaastor
Any Bears Fans out there? As many of you have heard, my wife and I are in the process of finding a new church in which to take a children's pastor position. I have been asking all of the tough questions (Get Jim Wideman's Questions for Sr. Pastors if you're in the process of looking). Can I just say, without being disrespectful, It's funny to hear pastors try and make up answers over the phone. In an effort to create a seamless transition from one ministry to another I have inquired quite a lot about the youth ministries - and whether or not I could interview the youth or student ministries pastor.
Answers are mixed - some offer it up right away others are apprehensive. Why? Why do these pastors get uptight about me talking with their youth pastors? Is it because they are scared I will find out something about them, (the pastor) that they don't want me to know until after I am hired? OK - so, that's really a side-note, tangent kinda thing.
I am a strong believer in the idea that you should be a "Super-Fan" of the Youth Pastor or Student Ministries Pastor and you need to get him/her to be your biggest fan as well. Work, plan, play and dream together as a way to glorify God in your calling... together.
So, if you know of a great church, with winning youth ministry, that needs a children's pastor, and the pastor isn't intimidated by tough questions... send 'em my way!
Answers are mixed - some offer it up right away others are apprehensive. Why? Why do these pastors get uptight about me talking with their youth pastors? Is it because they are scared I will find out something about them, (the pastor) that they don't want me to know until after I am hired? OK - so, that's really a side-note, tangent kinda thing.
I am a strong believer in the idea that you should be a "Super-Fan" of the Youth Pastor or Student Ministries Pastor and you need to get him/her to be your biggest fan as well. Work, plan, play and dream together as a way to glorify God in your calling... together.
So, if you know of a great church, with winning youth ministry, that needs a children's pastor, and the pastor isn't intimidated by tough questions... send 'em my way!
I Might Change My Name at Kidology.org
Yesterday I said that I was thinking of changing my name (see the post from earlier). Whether people -especially kids should call me "Jamie" aka "Pastor Jamie" OR "Jamieson" (my given name) aka "Pastor Jamieson"
Well, now you can vote - I mentioned in the earlier blog posting that I should put a poll at kidology.or - at first I was kinda joking... But now, I've done it! Yeah, I'm posting the poll as something fun to read and do, but I really do want your input. Go to:
http://www.kidology.org/network/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5507&PN=1
and vote. Sorry, if you're not a member, you will only be able to see the results - if you are a member, then vote and add your two cents!
Well, now you can vote - I mentioned in the earlier blog posting that I should put a poll at kidology.or - at first I was kinda joking... But now, I've done it! Yeah, I'm posting the poll as something fun to read and do, but I really do want your input. Go to:
http://www.kidology.org/network/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5507&PN=1
and vote. Sorry, if you're not a member, you will only be able to see the results - if you are a member, then vote and add your two cents!
Maybe I'll Change My Name
For years - since I can remember, I have asked people to just call me "Jamie". When in school I hated my first name, "Jamieson". I thought it was weird and I had never met anyone else with the same name. But, I had met a few "Jamie's" in my days as an elementary kid. On the first day of school, when the teachers would do roll call for the first time, "Jamieson Doyle?" I started about the 4th grade to just answer, "Just call me Jamie..."
As I got older I still introduced myself as "Jamie". Even on staff at churches, I have always been, "Pastor Jamie" Later I was surprised that many had no idea that my full name was "Jamieson". "No it's not!" some would reply. And I would have to quick-draw my driver's license to prove it.
My wife told me that when we get into a new church, that I should be original and get a fresh, new start. "Be, Pastor Jamieson," she's suggested. WOW, a name change! It would be kind of weird since, only a handful of people in my whole life have called or referred to me as "Jamieson" on a consistent basis. Is "Jamieson" more original than "Jamie" and would kids remember it? Is it a wast of breath and time to add another syllable?
Maybe I should post a poll at Kidology.org :) What do you think - "Jamie" or "Jamieson"?
Back in My Element
Well, It finally happened this morning at 10:00 AM. I was back in my element after an 12 month break. Kids Church! Yeah, I live for children's church. A Friend of mine invited me to come to his church and fill-in for his children's church while he filled the main service pulpit. All this week, I did some stuff that I haven't ventured into for a time, but it felt great. Preparing PowerPoint, writing the lesson, gathering the props, packing all the stuff... and then this morning - the set up , greeting the kids, kicking it off with a big start and a fun service was the end result.
I have been accepting bookings at churches for the next few weeks as a way to make an entry back into the world of children's ministry. (I will post on my website a speaking schedule page as well so you can keep up with where God has me going). As I said, I love children's church - it's my favorite way to pastor kids (after all to pastor means to shepherd - and to shepherd means to feed and care for the flock) so, I fed a group of kids the Word this morning.
It occured to me that, for the first time in 12 years, I am available to minister at other churches on Sundays! For the past 12 years, I have been on staff somewhere and just couldn't justify being away (even when my pastor said I could have several Sundays a year for outside ministry). The only times that I missed a Sunday for ministry was in the event of a mission's trip. Yep, this is a shameless plug. If you're interested in having me at your church for a Sunday, e-mail me and let me know.
In the midst of all of the above, we are also in the process of looking for a great church in which to fill the children's pastor's position - We haven't found it yet, but actively and aggressively looking (yeah, my resume - take a look) - I am, so pumped about that!
I have been accepting bookings at churches for the next few weeks as a way to make an entry back into the world of children's ministry. (I will post on my website a speaking schedule page as well so you can keep up with where God has me going). As I said, I love children's church - it's my favorite way to pastor kids (after all to pastor means to shepherd - and to shepherd means to feed and care for the flock) so, I fed a group of kids the Word this morning.
It occured to me that, for the first time in 12 years, I am available to minister at other churches on Sundays! For the past 12 years, I have been on staff somewhere and just couldn't justify being away (even when my pastor said I could have several Sundays a year for outside ministry). The only times that I missed a Sunday for ministry was in the event of a mission's trip. Yep, this is a shameless plug. If you're interested in having me at your church for a Sunday, e-mail me and let me know.
In the midst of all of the above, we are also in the process of looking for a great church in which to fill the children's pastor's position - We haven't found it yet, but actively and aggressively looking (yeah, my resume - take a look) - I am, so pumped about that!
The Power of The Cross - Object Lesson
A few weeks ago I submitted my version of an object lesson called: "The Power of the Cross"to Kidology.org. Here's the idea - you show a bowl of water, make it dirty, try to clean it and make it more dirty, use a cross to stir the bowl of water and it almost instantly turns clean! It's chemical and totally cool. You can get it here: http://www.lulu.com/content/2053332 It's a word.doc and it's free! Use it for your children's church or children's ministry class as you get close to the Easter season and let me know what you think of it. I am considering adding an object lesson download once in a while - maybe once or twice a month. Any topic you are looking for - I'll dig thru my stuff and see what I've got.
I'm not into name-dropping, however...
I had the rare opportunity to have lunch with Reggie Joyner. If you don't know who this guy is then check out his website. He was on staff with Andy Stanley at NorthPoint Church in the greater Atlanta area. Reggie is the guy who has started to change the way we as children's ministers think. I asked him this question: "What do you think the future of the typical children's ministry will look like?" His response was along these lines:
The future of the the typical children's ministry will need to change. Ministry to Babies all the way to highschoolers will need to become more integrated and get on the same page. Parents need to become integrated into that same plan so we are all working together.
What a wonderful thought. When was the last time you met with your youth pastor to go over goal and vision together? When was the last time you called a meeting with parents to get them on the same page and get them in on the vision? Have you done this? What has the response been and what can you offer as advice yourself?
Oh yeah, I know I said that I'm not into name dropping but Randy Christensen was there too :)
The future of the the typical children's ministry will need to change. Ministry to Babies all the way to highschoolers will need to become more integrated and get on the same page. Parents need to become integrated into that same plan so we are all working together.
What a wonderful thought. When was the last time you met with your youth pastor to go over goal and vision together? When was the last time you called a meeting with parents to get them on the same page and get them in on the vision? Have you done this? What has the response been and what can you offer as advice yourself?
Oh yeah, I know I said that I'm not into name dropping but Randy Christensen was there too :)
New Site & Another Book!
It's finally happend... the Jamie Doyle Ministries site is up and running again! After about a 10 month change of content to the website (if you viewed the site over the past 10 months you would've seen my attempt to promote my services as a family entertainer), children's ministry resourcing and training is once again the main focus of the site. Please check it out - I will be adding more to the free resources page in the coming days, as well as more information about booking me for your special events. A special thanks to my fabulous wife, Jennifer (that's her in the family photo), for helping with the content and the design!
This, along with the online bookstore , updating this blog and regular posts and replys on Kidology.org are just the beginings of my re-entry into children's ministries (more about that subject in a later posting).
I have also added another book to the online bookstore. "Tricky Lessons Made Easy". This is my e-book/lecture notes for using illusions to illustrate the gospel to children. It's stuff you can do and you will amaze your audience too! The other books are still there as well. So, please check it out!
This, along with the online bookstore , updating this blog and regular posts and replys on Kidology.org are just the beginings of my re-entry into children's ministries (more about that subject in a later posting).
I have also added another book to the online bookstore. "Tricky Lessons Made Easy". This is my e-book/lecture notes for using illusions to illustrate the gospel to children. It's stuff you can do and you will amaze your audience too! The other books are still there as well. So, please check it out!
Another Book Is In The Bookstore
I have had favorable response to my "Teaching Kids To Give" book in my new online bookstore. Today I have added "Teaching Kids To Give Vol. 2" to the online bookstore. To download it... only $8.00! It's got 10 more giving lessons that you can use in your children's worship service or class that will educate and inspire your children to practice great stewardship - plus, a section on gospel magic effects that can be used to illustrate giving principles.
Get a Mentor - an update
In past posts, I have mentioned a guy named, Carl Lindelien (Pastor Carl or "Cowboy" Carl to some). He has been a mentor of mine for many years. He is in the hospital - currently in the ICU and He needs your prayers.
Here is a link to his Caring Bridge Site if you want to know His latest condition.
Here's a brief bio of Who Carl is and his accomplishments: He started in children's ministry back when few churches even considered a children's pastor as a viable ministry. He was my children's pastor when I was a kid and took me under his wing.
He went on to produce children's ministry music and write children's church curriculum.
Would you please keep him in your prayers?
Here is a link to his Caring Bridge Site if you want to know His latest condition.
Here's a brief bio of Who Carl is and his accomplishments: He started in children's ministry back when few churches even considered a children's pastor as a viable ministry. He was my children's pastor when I was a kid and took me under his wing.
He went on to produce children's ministry music and write children's church curriculum.
Would you please keep him in your prayers?
When You Don't Know What You're Doing!
My nugget for the night - Ministry should be an adventure... and it will be if you don't know what you're doing. 90% of everything I have ever done in Children's Ministry are things I have never done before and it has been a blast. You would agree with me in the statement that not everything that you get to do is fun, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Every pastor I have ever worked for has presented me with unique opportunities and challenges (perhaps in later posts I will share with you some of the humorous stories). Every parent, good or bad, has helped me learn what it means to communicate to real adults. Each time I have stood before a group of kids to teach, stretches me to be better at what I do.
What's over the next hill, around the next corner, on the other side of the field, beyond the forest, in that classroom, in the doorway to the pastor's office, on the other end of the phone, laying in the hospital bed?
Every pastor I have ever worked for has presented me with unique opportunities and challenges (perhaps in later posts I will share with you some of the humorous stories). Every parent, good or bad, has helped me learn what it means to communicate to real adults. Each time I have stood before a group of kids to teach, stretches me to be better at what I do.
What's over the next hill, around the next corner, on the other side of the field, beyond the forest, in that classroom, in the doorway to the pastor's office, on the other end of the phone, laying in the hospital bed?
My Latest Project - Online Resources!
As I said in my last post, I would give some details about my latest project. For the past few years I have been speaking at conferences and seminars, making my resources available. I have been looking for an effective and low maintenance means by which I could make my resources available online. I really didn't have the time or the money for a storefront and packing and shipping these items out.
But I have found the answer: Down loadable books! I am starting to make my books down loadable at my own online bookstore. What does this mean? It means that you can start to have access to the resources I have written and published over the years, instantly as downloads - you can use a credit or debit card and because I don't have to publish the books, the are offered at a cheaper price!
Currently I have uploaded my book "Teaching Kids To Give Vol. 1" as the first item for just $8.00 (ususally $10 at conferences).
More will follow... My other "Teaching Kids To Give", The "Incredible Object Lessons" books, the "Adding Flash To Your Lessons" books, the "Puppet" book and my 13 week Curriculum complete with PowerPoint and take-home bulletins!
Yep, this is a shameless plug for my resources - but I really do hope to get some resources in your hands, and that you will find it a blessing.
Hit this link to my online bookstore. I will let you know when more items become available.
But I have found the answer: Down loadable books! I am starting to make my books down loadable at my own online bookstore. What does this mean? It means that you can start to have access to the resources I have written and published over the years, instantly as downloads - you can use a credit or debit card and because I don't have to publish the books, the are offered at a cheaper price!
Currently I have uploaded my book "Teaching Kids To Give Vol. 1" as the first item for just $8.00 (ususally $10 at conferences).
More will follow... My other "Teaching Kids To Give", The "Incredible Object Lessons" books, the "Adding Flash To Your Lessons" books, the "Puppet" book and my 13 week Curriculum complete with PowerPoint and take-home bulletins!
Yep, this is a shameless plug for my resources - but I really do hope to get some resources in your hands, and that you will find it a blessing.
Hit this link to my online bookstore. I will let you know when more items become available.
Hey! I'm Still Here!
Hey friends - yep, I'm still around. You may even see me on Kidology once in a while, adding my comments to the posts in the network forums. If you haven't joined yet - please do! Wow... Feruary of 2007 is the last time I posted anything to this blog. So, at least I'm not a year behind. But, man, a lot has happened in the last 10 months. As of Apil of 2007, I am no longer at my church - I am a Children's Pastor in transition! If you would like to dialogue with me personally about that, I am open to it. Just e-mail me at Jamie@JamieDoyle.com
This has, of course, in no way caused me to lose my passion for reaching children and training leaders. So, I have begun a new project in the midst of this transitional time - But, I will blog about that in the next post. Hope to hear from some of you!
This has, of course, in no way caused me to lose my passion for reaching children and training leaders. So, I have begun a new project in the midst of this transitional time - But, I will blog about that in the next post. Hope to hear from some of you!