Every So Often... A Thought Runs Thru My Head

I'll get back to altar times and kids later this week. For now I submit the following:

Today - this thought ran through my head:

If I never showed up again at my church - what would or wouldn't the impact be? Now please don't read into this as a future plan to bolt - I love my church, my Pastor, the staff and the kids.

You've heard the question: "If you church suddenly shut down, would anybody in the neighborhood notice?"

I guess that's what I'm asking - if I never showed up again; sure, the kids might be sad for a time, the staff may have a few fond memories, but... what would the lasting impact be? Have I made a difference that will leave an impression on this generation and the generations to come?

What about you? Have you made the impact in such a way that if today was your last Sunday, would change a kid's world? Would the impression last? You really need to ask yourself that question.

Larry Norman sang, "It's only today that counts - so, live it like it might be your last..."

Well, it's only today that counts... minister like it might be your last.

Making Time For Response - Part 2

THE TIME AND PLACE

Where will children respond and receive from God, unless you give them a time and a place to do it? Trust me, they won't wait until they get home to respond! I've been guilty of this:

Once upon a time, in a church far from here, when I was a much younger man... I saw the "moment" happen. You know what I'm talking about (I think I blogged about it a while back), it's the "moment" when you realize that the connection has been made in these kids during the service. I was teaching away and I realize that the "moment" was present - God wanted to do something! But alas, there, at the back door were the parents waiting (how did they get out of church before us?) I panicked scrambled for what to do. So, I said something to the effect of:

"Kids, I know that God wants to do something special in your lives today... but we've run out of time! I want you to go home and get alone with God and let Him do that something special this afternoon..."

Do you think that these kids did it? Most likely NOT. When these kids leave your church, they are going to go do a variety of activities: go out to eat, go over to a friends house, go visit relatives, they have homework to do, they're going to go out to play - these are KIDS with busy lives!

Everywhere else the world has the attention of your children. These kids have been given a time a place to respond and receive from the world on an hourly basis; Think about commercials, television shows, peer pressure at school and even in your own backyard. "Here, try this… this is fun… just do what I do… you need one of these… buy this!" And then comes the response from the children… "Ok, I'll try it… this IS fun… mom, I want that… I need that… buy that for me!" You need to give them a place to respond and receive. The words I love to hear on Sunday mornings are, "I need that… I want that… Lord, give me that… I want more!"

A few items to be aware of:

• God wants your kids to come to Him - reread the story of Jesus and the kids.
• The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will often times move the strongest when you have planned for Him and make the room in your service for Him (yes, make no mistake,there will be those times when He will surprise you).
• God can and will speak to kids... if you allow kids to Hear His voice.

Making Time For Response

I have a feeling that I will be touching an interesting topic in the following posts. Too many churches don't deal with it and therefore, too many children's churches or services don't deal with it...

I'm talking about the proper use of an altar time - or prayer time in your children's ministry service. You say - "an altar time in a children's ministry?" Yes, unless room for response is made, many times people will only go to an altar a few times in their life; once when, or if they get married... and/or when they get saved. And of course there is that possibility, if they come when they have no where else to turn.

I believe an altar time plays a vital role in the maturing of the child's walk with God as well as the intensity of the service. I will get into the how's, what's, why's and so-forth in the upcoming posts. I promise; I won't become super-spiritual on this, nor will I be lazy in my definition and practics during these posts... I do welcome your responses.

would you pay .50 to see the largest name tag ball?

Well, would you? I think I would. I have a name tag ball that's pretty big - it's actually as big as my head (no jokes please!).

How did this thing get started? A few years ago I actually saw a friend of mine at a neighboring church with a giant name tag ball. He told me that the most popular thing with his kids is getting to add their name tag to the ball as they leave... I took the idea and ran with it. At the particular church that

I was at, we got a name tag ball going that got as big as a basketball before we left.

The one you see me holding is about as big as my head and growing. (we've been adding to the ball since June - and yes, it's 100% name tags!)

This has been a great way to enforce our rule "Wear a name tag". We tell the kids that if they pull it off and stick it on constantly during the service of class, not only are the

y not obeying the rule - but, it will not be sticky enough to add to the name tag ball.

Do you use labels as name tags (printed or handwritten)? give it a try!

Who's Vision Do I Have?

When you look at the vision that God gave you to reach boys and girls, you have to keep in mind... and in heart, that God didn't give you someone else's vision.

It sure is easy as a CM leader to look at Church A, B & C and desire what they have... or desire to do what they do - especially if that church is at the forefront of church ministry. I was recently at a friend's church for a CM leader's meeting and got a tour of the building. While touring this monster of a building, my friend showed me the CM resource room. I was envious... it was awesome! Huge; organized; with numerous matching shelves and cabinets; an insane amount of counter space for getting work done; every conceivable piece of office equipment - just of for the CM department... that CM leaders wish they had (color copier, giant laminator, large format printer, paper cutters and several work computers!) Get the idea here? Most public schools wouldn't be able to touch this!

I went home and told my wife about it - and the pursuit of a bigger and better resource room began to formulate in my mind. But, I had to realize that I was not called to pursue that vision, but vision that God has put in front of me for this church. Sure I can use the experience of seeing that big resource room to inspire me to pursue excellence in what we do in this church. But I was not called to fulfill that other church's vision.

Look at where you are now... what you have now... who you have now... and ask God where He wants you to go now... How He wants you to do what He's called you to do... and - When His time frame allows for you to do all He's asked you to do.

Besides, my friend said that I could use his resource room anytime! Hmm... what could I laminate?

What's On My Mind

Lately the topic that's been on my mind lately is:

the difference between a noun and a verb - particularly in reference to God's Word. I believe that most of God's Word written to us was written as a verb. Even where a noun exists, you must take and use your freedom as a minister to interpret it as a "noun that is in action".

Salvation is a noun - However, it is the name given to the action of being rescued from sin. And according to scripture, it's a noun that should constantly be in action. We are to "work it out..."

Faith is a noun - However, it is a noun that is activated into a verb when we start to step out into it.

Ministry is a noun - interestingly, it is something that we do or that God does through us... it's also something that happens.

What other nouns can you identify in God's word that are things we do, God does, or are activated by our actions or God's move?

Because It's Funny - new book

I say some of the things that I say in Children's Ministry Presentations and Kid-Show Performances... because it's funny!

You should always have something fun, funny, witty, or just plain silly to say to your audience. Whether it's planned or ready to cover a mistake; a funny quote, pun, gag or joke should always be in your pocket.

My latest book, "Because it's Funny" is 40 Pages of funny things to say that have worked for me over the years - maybe some of these things will work for you too. This is my first book-endeavor that is not exclusively a Children's Ministry resource... although the stuff in it has been developed both in Children's Ministry Presentations like: children's churches, kids' crusades, camps and outreaches... as well as Kid-Show and Family Performances like; school assemblies, daycares and birthday parties.

Besides, at the last FCM conference I was at, Del WIlson said that he really liked the cover - thanks Del!

Please go to the online bookstore and get it immediately as a download!

...and while you're there pick up a few other downloads why don't ya!

New Gospel Magic Download

It's my favorite way to point kids the real answer to eternal life. It's essentially a big flash-card-type of an effect. You show what appears to be 5 cards; each with a picture depicting a way that some think will lead them to heaven. A spectator is asked to take the cards and begin eliminating all of the cards except for one. When that card is revealed, it shows a picture that represents Jesus... a card that was apparently not in the pack of cards to begin with!

The download gets you the instructions and graphics to make the flash-cards. I'm sure you'll find it to be an effective way to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in your class, children's church or at an outreach.

It's only $8... and it's in my online bookstore - click here!

stuff that will get you distracted as a children's pastor

Here are a few things that have gotten folks distracted from doing what God has called them to do in ministry to children and families. If you're saying these things to yourself or others... time to re-evaluate what you're doing and re-align your thoughts:

1. "My pastor never promotes what I do. "
2. "These parents don't care about what I do."
3. "I don't have a big enough budget."
4. "I don't get paid enough."
5. "That's what Church B does."
6. "I do twice as much as that pastor and get paid less and have a smaller budget."
7. "Wish I could decorate that room however I want."
8. "I need more kids to come to this."
9. "Nobody wants to volunteer."
10. "I wish.... (put anything here)."

Can you relate? Don't let these thoughts consume you. Go back to the vision God put in front of you and get back to work.

stuff that's helped me over the years - part 2

Here's part two (2) of this topic - just a few items that might help you in your ministry to kids. I hope it helps someone out there...

Thanks to kidology.org for featuring the post on their blog watch page!

Study those who have perfected the art

I look to children’s ministry leaders who have been there and done it - “it” being what I really want to do or have been called to do. People like Jim Wideman, Dick Gruber, Randy Christensen and Dan Rector have done it all. I also like to look at the unsung heros who have still been there and done “it”. Friends to many to mention.

I also like to study the people who do what I do in both church and non-church related settings. David Ginn, Sammy Smith, Barry Mitchell and others who’s main bread and butter is entertaining and educating kids at School Assemblies. I have written a bit more about David Ginn here.

Go To Creative Idea Places

I go shopping and sometimes never buy anything - but I have a camera on my phone and can take notes. I go to hardware/home improvement stores, toy stores, magic shops, costume shops, arts/crafts stores, surplus shops, flea markets and tourist traps… Oh, I’m sure there are more places that I’ve shopped and gotten good ideas at. Be watchful - you never know where you’ll be when you see an idea for an object lesson, game, skit, illustration or character.

Listen To Your Pastor

He will have the heartbeat of the church in regard to the vision. In staff meetings, take him seriously, take notes, take action. If he’s suggesting something it probably means that that’s the direction he’d like to go. If you don’t understand what he wants, ask him and assure him that you are supportive and want to go the same direction. Make sure you’re listening to his sermons either live (preferably) or via the web or a CD - this will give you great insight into his heart!