One thing that I have notices and while talking to other local Kid Pastors is that less and less kids are bringing their bibles to church. But why? Do we make it easier for them not to by having the scripture of the screens or maybe not even using a bible ourselves? I think it is highly important for kids (and adults) to bring their bible to church. Here are a few ideas that might help if you seem to find your self in a similar situation.
1. Make a game out of the memory verse where they need their bible to compete!
We do something on Sunday called a bible dash, some might call it differently, but the idea is to have the kids use their bible. We throw a reference on the screen like John 3:16 and when you here the buzzer you begin first to find the verse gets to read and always gets a prize. This is just a fun simple solution to get kids to bring their bible, after all if we put an importance on bringing they will bring their bible.
2. Reward them!
You can also reward them for bringing their bible, maybe not all the time but every now and then (after all we shouldn't bring our bible just because we get a prize). We have a system set up in Kids Church to where kids can earn tickets that can be cashed in at the prize store. On any given Sunday I will reward those who brought their bibles with tickets. I usually make it 5 tickets per child, enough to make them excited. We have seen more kids bring their bible, most probably because they want tickets but I like to pretend otherwise :).
3. Put an importance on bringing your bible!
Lets make it a priority in bringing our bibles to church, I mean you wouldn't show up to class at school without your books (well some might). One way to show an importance is for them to see your bible as you teach. I always make it a point for the kids to see my bible during the teaching portion of Kids Church, but don't just show them, use it, read from it. They will imitate what they see. If we show them its a big deal they will make it a big deal!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Keys to being an effective leader
I have learned the hard way over my short few years in Children's ministry that doing the job alone does not work like ever work. When I first got into ministry I did not realize what leadership is and was nor do I still get it :). I am someone who says I will do it myself because well nobody can do it the way i picture it. After all I am the Children's Pastor so no once could teach or do ministry the way I do. Well my friends it did not take me long at all to realize that I was really wrong with this way of thinking. I needed a team, I needed folks to come on board and use the tools and gifts that God have them. I needed to learn to delegate (still a big weakness for me at times). So here are a few keys if you will that I have learned over the past few years of what it takes to be an effective leader.
1. Look at what you need to be doing.
Its important to learn to delegate and pass responsibly down to others, and the first step is to know what you need to be doing. As important as delegating is there are just some things that we need to be doing, but we don't need to do everything! Which leads me in to the next key.
2. Look at what others can do and let them do it.
Again this is still a hard thing for me but I am learning to do more of this. How many times do I find myself doing the little details here and there while there is something more important I need to do, not saying little details are not important because they are. Some one once told me "if someone else can do it then let them do it". If there is something some else can do as well, let them take that and run with it. Figure out what you need to do and delegate the rest out.
3. Paint a clear picture on how you want it done.
People are not a mind reader, when we delegate we need to be clear what is needed to be done or how it might look. When we define what we want done I have found it usually gets done just as described.
4. Be Relational!
Someone once told me 'if your not building relationships then your not ministering". We should be intentional in building relationships with our leaders and workers. Building relationships is a big key in leadership. When they get to know you as not just the Kids Pastor but the person, it makes it easier to get behind the vision and direction of the ministry.
5. Encourage. Encourage. Encourage
We all know it can be easy to get burned out with in comes to the duties and work of the church, same goes with leaders and volunteers. They to can be burned out or loose focus, as Kid Pastors we should be their biggest fan. Encourage them, recognize publicly the great works they have been doing. Let em know how much you appreciate all they do. We should look to encourage and build up those who work and lead in our ministries.
Just a few leadership lessons I have learned through out he years and many more to come I am sure!! :)
1. Look at what you need to be doing.
Its important to learn to delegate and pass responsibly down to others, and the first step is to know what you need to be doing. As important as delegating is there are just some things that we need to be doing, but we don't need to do everything! Which leads me in to the next key.
2. Look at what others can do and let them do it.
Again this is still a hard thing for me but I am learning to do more of this. How many times do I find myself doing the little details here and there while there is something more important I need to do, not saying little details are not important because they are. Some one once told me "if someone else can do it then let them do it". If there is something some else can do as well, let them take that and run with it. Figure out what you need to do and delegate the rest out.
3. Paint a clear picture on how you want it done.
People are not a mind reader, when we delegate we need to be clear what is needed to be done or how it might look. When we define what we want done I have found it usually gets done just as described.
4. Be Relational!
Someone once told me 'if your not building relationships then your not ministering". We should be intentional in building relationships with our leaders and workers. Building relationships is a big key in leadership. When they get to know you as not just the Kids Pastor but the person, it makes it easier to get behind the vision and direction of the ministry.
5. Encourage. Encourage. Encourage
We all know it can be easy to get burned out with in comes to the duties and work of the church, same goes with leaders and volunteers. They to can be burned out or loose focus, as Kid Pastors we should be their biggest fan. Encourage them, recognize publicly the great works they have been doing. Let em know how much you appreciate all they do. We should look to encourage and build up those who work and lead in our ministries.
Just a few leadership lessons I have learned through out he years and many more to come I am sure!! :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Social Media... Get on Board
Whether you check your Facebook page five times a day or have never heard of Twitter, there's no denying it: we now live in a digital age. Social media and technology define not only the way we communicate but the way we live. In matter of fact many of the Kids in our ministry use social media, whether its facebook, twitter, instagram, snap chat, or any other of the many forms of social media. If we want to be more effective in ministry we can not ignore this trend of social media. Just think of how many of the parents that are on social media, whether you like social media or use it or don't we need to get on board and use this to our advantage. How often are we quick to pull out our phone and check our social media networks because we are board and well its there and easy. Here are a few ideas about how we can use social media to our advantage. 1. Create a page just for you ministry. Create a facebook, twitter, and instagram just for your ministry. Create an account that is all about the Children's ministry in your church. Then you can have parents like and follow these pages and you can use it to your advantage to get the word out! 2. We can advertise like crazy! Do you have a big or small event coming up, well create an event of facebook and send it to all the parents and boom quick advertisement. Got a flyer made for the event, post it on instagram or twitter and encourage folks to retweet it. 3. Post scripture, a devotion, or even what is going on in Kids Church. A great way to keep paretns informed of what their kids are learning about is to tweet it!!! Tweet our the verse for the week, or the bible lesson that is taught for the week, you can even tweet a link to a devotion or to your ministry webpage. 4. Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!....Instagram Of course with parent permission, post pictures. Post pictures of events from VBS, to camp, to messy games, to even the kids worshiping. Parents love to see pictures of what their kids are doing. Social media is not going to slow down anytime soon, so why not take advantage of it and use it to be more effective in ministry. |
Monday, August 11, 2014
Min-to-win it
I am not sure how many of you are familiar with the game show "Minute to Win It", is a game show that contestants will compete at to win money, the games well just like the title says they have one minute to compete the task or it could result in elimination. I love watching the game show, not just because it is entertaining but the games they play are just perfect for Children's Ministry. Almost every game we do in Kids Church is some form or adaptation of a game on Min to Win it.
Minute to Win it Games are usually pretty easy to set up and play. Min to Win games are a great resource for Kid Min and leaders. Check out some of the games right here!
Minute to Win it Games are usually pretty easy to set up and play. Min to Win games are a great resource for Kid Min and leaders. Check out some of the games right here!
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Take a look its in a book...Kid Ministry Books
As a Kids Pastor its important that we never stop growing and learning, to be a student of the ministry if you will. Its important to stay on top of new trends, fresh ideas, and to learn from others who have done this way longer than I have! We can do this by reading (i know what your thinking, Chad you can read!) books related to Children's Ministry. Here is a short list of books I believe that every Kids Pastor should have on his/her shelf.
1. Children's Ministry that works - by various authers
2. Children's Ministry leadership -by Jim Wideman
3. Making Children's Ministry the best hour of every kids week
4. I Blew it - By Brian Dollar
5. How to Lead a Child to Christ - By Daniel Smith
These are just a few books that I would recommend, although there are 100's of books out there that are just as good these are just some of my favorites.
You can find them all on Amazon for cheap :)
What books do you recommend?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
KidMin Websites
If you are like me you love to stay on top of the latest and greatest things going on in the life Children's ministry, and no way is better than that then checking out some great kidmin sites that allow you to connect with other Children Pastors. When you can network and connect with others it gives you a source to bounce ideas off of or to see what has worked or not worked for others. There are a few sites out there I would recommend.
One of my favorite places to visit is kidology! Love kidology, i like it so much its actually my home page on my laptop! Kidology is THE place to check out if you are involved in kids ministry. Tons of resources and tools to pull from and my favorite part is the discussion forums, you can post or comment on other posts and just network with other KidMin. You can check out Kidology here .
Another great site is CM Connect, its the facebook for Children Pastors, you can friend and follow other Children's Pastors as well as some the big names in the ministry. Another great tool for networking with other Kid Pastors. You can find CM Connect right here .
I would also encourage you to follow other KidMin blogs, such as GJ Farmer , Jim Wideman and more.
What sites or blogs do you enjoy.
One of my favorite places to visit is kidology! Love kidology, i like it so much its actually my home page on my laptop! Kidology is THE place to check out if you are involved in kids ministry. Tons of resources and tools to pull from and my favorite part is the discussion forums, you can post or comment on other posts and just network with other KidMin. You can check out Kidology here .
Another great site is CM Connect, its the facebook for Children Pastors, you can friend and follow other Children's Pastors as well as some the big names in the ministry. Another great tool for networking with other Kid Pastors. You can find CM Connect right here .
I would also encourage you to follow other KidMin blogs, such as GJ Farmer , Jim Wideman and more.
What sites or blogs do you enjoy.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Goals
Its been over a week since my last post, I was on "vacation" last week that ended up being Chad has strep week but that's how the ball bounces, at least I go rest right :)
I have been spending most of my day thinking about this past year of ministry and the new year (i consider august through august to stay on schedule with school). Thought about what was good and maybe not so good, looked back at the goals that I wanted to achieve and saw if we achieved them, then started looking at goals that we will set for the new year.
Its important to set goals for your ministry, goals give us something that we are shooting for whether that's an increase in numbers, or a new ministry you want to begin, or maybe just a complete makeover, the important thing is to have goals set.
Here are a few goals that I would like to see in this new ministry year, read them and share what your goals might be. Here are just a few goals I would like to reach.
1. Security
Now we have security procedures in place, but this year my goal is to see us move from the old school check in style to going digital (i know i am behind, but those things expensive) and using the ACS check in systems for our kids. I would like to have the kiosk stations out form for easy access for us to check in and out quickly for all kids.
2. Family Ministry
One of my plans for this year is to see the ministry become more family oriented and friendly, by being intentional by what we are doing. One way will be digital devotions the parents can download and spend time during the week with their kids in the word, after all we see in Deuteronomy 6 that its the parents who are the primary disciple makers in the lives of their kids.
3. Fill the Gaps
We have a few age gaps in our church and one of the goals is to come up with a plan to reach more families for Jesus. I always say its not about numbers but that doesn't mean we cant still outreach.
What are some goals you have set for this year, this is just a few for the ministry in my church.
I have been spending most of my day thinking about this past year of ministry and the new year (i consider august through august to stay on schedule with school). Thought about what was good and maybe not so good, looked back at the goals that I wanted to achieve and saw if we achieved them, then started looking at goals that we will set for the new year.
Its important to set goals for your ministry, goals give us something that we are shooting for whether that's an increase in numbers, or a new ministry you want to begin, or maybe just a complete makeover, the important thing is to have goals set.
Here are a few goals that I would like to see in this new ministry year, read them and share what your goals might be. Here are just a few goals I would like to reach.
1. Security
Now we have security procedures in place, but this year my goal is to see us move from the old school check in style to going digital (i know i am behind, but those things expensive) and using the ACS check in systems for our kids. I would like to have the kiosk stations out form for easy access for us to check in and out quickly for all kids.
2. Family Ministry
One of my plans for this year is to see the ministry become more family oriented and friendly, by being intentional by what we are doing. One way will be digital devotions the parents can download and spend time during the week with their kids in the word, after all we see in Deuteronomy 6 that its the parents who are the primary disciple makers in the lives of their kids.
3. Fill the Gaps
We have a few age gaps in our church and one of the goals is to come up with a plan to reach more families for Jesus. I always say its not about numbers but that doesn't mean we cant still outreach.
What are some goals you have set for this year, this is just a few for the ministry in my church.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Cool Teaching Tool
I am excited about this Sunday! In Kids Quest (kids church) we will be talking about being a light in this world. The fun part is I am giving a new twist (I am sure someone has done this its just new to me), we are going to completely darken out the kids quest room and during the main teaching time we will darken the room, as I talk about being a light each kids will activate their glow stick, not done yet.. In the mean time I will lose my over shirt and have neon color shirt on. Once we turn the black light on my shirt will really stick out! The point we are called to be a light in this dark world, how do we do that by sticking out and obeying what the bible says and letting other see our good works.
Just though I would share!
What are some cool teaching ideas that you have used? Always looking for new ideas!
Just though I would share!
What are some cool teaching ideas that you have used? Always looking for new ideas!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Choosing Curriculium
How do you choose curriculum for your church? Choosing curriculum for the kids is an important decision that should be made carefully and not just what ever is easier. The quality of the curriculum will directly impact the spiritual growth of each child. Its important that we consider what is best and not what is easiest or what has always been used. Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking for curriculum whether that's for Sunday School, small groups, kids church, or even VBS.
1. Is it bible based and Christ centered?
Is what we are looking for call for the kids to use their bibles? I know in todays world its all done digital but I am a big proponent of kids bringing their bibles with them. A strong bible based curriculum will call for the kids to do that.
2. Jesus
The reason for bible study is to present and introduce Kids to Jesus. Does the curriculum point to Jesus.
3. Fit with in the ministry
Does it fit with what you want to do ministry wise? If you are looking to do large group/small group format well a traditional setting might not be what you are looking for. IF you are looking for video driven then make sure the material fits that. There are plenty of publishers and material now that we can find material that is bible based, focused on Jesus and fits with what we want to do.
1. Is it bible based and Christ centered?
Is what we are looking for call for the kids to use their bibles? I know in todays world its all done digital but I am a big proponent of kids bringing their bibles with them. A strong bible based curriculum will call for the kids to do that.
2. Jesus
The reason for bible study is to present and introduce Kids to Jesus. Does the curriculum point to Jesus.
3. Fit with in the ministry
Does it fit with what you want to do ministry wise? If you are looking to do large group/small group format well a traditional setting might not be what you are looking for. IF you are looking for video driven then make sure the material fits that. There are plenty of publishers and material now that we can find material that is bible based, focused on Jesus and fits with what we want to do.
Monday, July 21, 2014
The Job of the Children's Pastor
So what does a Children's Pastor do? Well that's a good and tough question, the answer that most kids pastors might tell you is "What doesn't the Kids Pastor do?.. Sometimes it seems you do everything! Well that's kind of our job is to do what ever is necessary (this is why a team is important, but that's for another day) or whatever task that needs to be completed.
However there are a few points that I believe to be the very core of what a Kid Pastor does.
1. Be a growing Christian!
This is job numero uno when it comes to ANY ministry. Its important that we make sure that we are growing in our walk with Christ everyday. It is way to easy to let this slide. We prepare to teach on Sunday and for some Sunday nights and Wed nights, but the time we spend preparing is not our personal growth time, this is prep time. Personal growth comes when we study for ourselves.
2. Develop and Vision and Plan to reach the vision.
Planning is what we should constantly be doing in ministry. Without a plan you will never go anywhere, a plan helps us figure out where we want to go and how we will get there. This all starts with the vision for your ministry. Do you have a vision? Once we have a vision we stay the course to the vision. The vision and plan will move Kids form where they are to a lifelong relationship with Christ, at least that should be our goal. Its our job to prayerfully consider the best approach to the ministry God has given us.
3. Be the team leader for the Kids Ministry
Have a team in place that you can depend on, and be the leader. Its easy to try and do it all your self but assemble a team and be the leader. Lead the team!
4. Equip parents to be the spiritual leader of their kid(s)
Parents are the most influential person in a Childs life, if you want to make a difference start with the parents. Partner with the parents, help encourage, equip, and pray for them. Parents are called to be the spiritual leader, its our job to encourage and equip them and it starts with a partnership.
5. Preparation for Sunday
Sometimes prep time can slip from us with all that we do during the week, but this is an important job of the kids pastor. We should always be prepared when it comes to teaching the Gospel.
These are not the only tasks that a Children's pastor will have, there are many other duties and jobs that are required and asked of the kids pastor, these are just the core values of the Children's Pastor job and calling.
However there are a few points that I believe to be the very core of what a Kid Pastor does.
1. Be a growing Christian!
This is job numero uno when it comes to ANY ministry. Its important that we make sure that we are growing in our walk with Christ everyday. It is way to easy to let this slide. We prepare to teach on Sunday and for some Sunday nights and Wed nights, but the time we spend preparing is not our personal growth time, this is prep time. Personal growth comes when we study for ourselves.
2. Develop and Vision and Plan to reach the vision.
Planning is what we should constantly be doing in ministry. Without a plan you will never go anywhere, a plan helps us figure out where we want to go and how we will get there. This all starts with the vision for your ministry. Do you have a vision? Once we have a vision we stay the course to the vision. The vision and plan will move Kids form where they are to a lifelong relationship with Christ, at least that should be our goal. Its our job to prayerfully consider the best approach to the ministry God has given us.
3. Be the team leader for the Kids Ministry
Have a team in place that you can depend on, and be the leader. Its easy to try and do it all your self but assemble a team and be the leader. Lead the team!
4. Equip parents to be the spiritual leader of their kid(s)
Parents are the most influential person in a Childs life, if you want to make a difference start with the parents. Partner with the parents, help encourage, equip, and pray for them. Parents are called to be the spiritual leader, its our job to encourage and equip them and it starts with a partnership.
5. Preparation for Sunday
Sometimes prep time can slip from us with all that we do during the week, but this is an important job of the kids pastor. We should always be prepared when it comes to teaching the Gospel.
These are not the only tasks that a Children's pastor will have, there are many other duties and jobs that are required and asked of the kids pastor, these are just the core values of the Children's Pastor job and calling.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Great Reminder!!
Here is a verse that has been going through my head all day.
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God - Acts 20:14
What a great reminder of our mission here in this life, not only as Kids pastors and leaders but as followers as Christ to share to Good News of Jesus. Lets work hard and finish strong!
But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God - Acts 20:14
What a great reminder of our mission here in this life, not only as Kids pastors and leaders but as followers as Christ to share to Good News of Jesus. Lets work hard and finish strong!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Curriculum or write your own...Just dont forget to prepare
Do you as a Kids Pastor use a curriculum or do you write your own material for you Kids Church needs? There is nothing wrong with both in matter of fact I use both. Most of the time I write my own material for Kids Church as far as the lesson goes but have been known to use curriculum from time to time such as High Voltage Kids Ministry (highly recommend) Rivers Edge Children's ministry, I have even used Elevate and Orange before. No matter what you do for you kids church needs we should always make sure we are preparing like we should. In Children's Ministry we can find our self buried in other Kid Pastor duties that lesson prep sometimes can slip away from us. We spend all in making sure everything else is good to go and that we have future plans going forward but prep can slip away. Its easy especially using curriculum to let the curriculum do your job, by glancing at it just enough you have a general idea on what will go on, what the verse is, what bible story is taught; and we think to ourselves that is ok. Maybe if we write our own we have lessons that we know are good that we fall back on because hey "I know it like the back of my hand" and don't prepare but repeat. No matter what we do whether its use curriculum or write your own lets not get trapped by the lazy bug and take time to prepare like we should. A few excuses we use on why prepping is not that bid of a deal and why that's messed up.
1. They are kids, they wont really know if you are prepared.
This is easy to fall into, after all we are smarter than kids right? They wont know if we are just winging it... Wrong! Kids can tell when you are not prepared. They can tell when you just throw something together of making it up on the spot. Kids want to feel that they are important and if we as teachers of the Gospel are going to do our job we need to prepare. Spend time in the scripture and story you will share with the kids. Make sure we are ready and prepared.
2. I just do seem to have time
Time is a hard thing to find when in Kids Ministry that is for sure (can I get an AMEN) but we can't get to busy that we cant even find time to prepare. Preparation should be high on our to do list. Even if it means coming in the office early or staying late or even prepping while at home (this is true for bi-vocational pastors, trust me I have been there myself while in school, talk about no time!) Lets not let the importance of prepping trick us and find time to prep.
3. Well I am just lazy
The lazy trap is big to fall into because in ministry although you serve with a staff and have a Pastor you respond to we are still on our own and its easy to get lazy.This is probably one of my biggest weaknesses not that I am extremely lazy, I just get board! If laziness is a problem, lets map out our day or our week, it helps keep us on track or just drink mt dew or a red bull :)
Lets not forget to prepare, after all this is what we are called to do is teach the Gospel and we should ALWAYS be prepared!
you can find the link for High voltage kids ministry by Brian Dollar here
1. They are kids, they wont really know if you are prepared.
This is easy to fall into, after all we are smarter than kids right? They wont know if we are just winging it... Wrong! Kids can tell when you are not prepared. They can tell when you just throw something together of making it up on the spot. Kids want to feel that they are important and if we as teachers of the Gospel are going to do our job we need to prepare. Spend time in the scripture and story you will share with the kids. Make sure we are ready and prepared.
2. I just do seem to have time
Time is a hard thing to find when in Kids Ministry that is for sure (can I get an AMEN) but we can't get to busy that we cant even find time to prepare. Preparation should be high on our to do list. Even if it means coming in the office early or staying late or even prepping while at home (this is true for bi-vocational pastors, trust me I have been there myself while in school, talk about no time!) Lets not let the importance of prepping trick us and find time to prep.
3. Well I am just lazy
The lazy trap is big to fall into because in ministry although you serve with a staff and have a Pastor you respond to we are still on our own and its easy to get lazy.This is probably one of my biggest weaknesses not that I am extremely lazy, I just get board! If laziness is a problem, lets map out our day or our week, it helps keep us on track or just drink mt dew or a red bull :)
Lets not forget to prepare, after all this is what we are called to do is teach the Gospel and we should ALWAYS be prepared!
you can find the link for High voltage kids ministry by Brian Dollar here
Monday, July 14, 2014
Keeping it Real... "Fresh"
Sometimes the hardest thing in ministry is finding yourself getting comfortable and complacent in what goes on. Its easy to let the comfort set in and get in a nice comfy routine where no new and fresh ideas come in to play. Don't get me wrong its good to be in a routine with some things like a weekly routine on when you complete office tasks, but when we let routine take over our ministry we enter a danger zone. What this means is you do the same "programs" every year because kids attend and they seem to have fun. The problem with this is eventually the kids will no longer have fun and either will you! FUN is a big part of ministry, a lot of times I seem to get my self in trouble because I can have a play first work second mentality. Anyways its important to keep things fresh, it keeps things interesting for the kids, yourself even the volunteers!
Here are some ways to keep things real fresh in ministry.
1. Let the creative juices flow and try new stuff!
One way we can keep things fresh is letting our creative juices take over and try new stuff. Kids get excited about new kids LOVE new. A new toy, a new phone, even a new event. Why? because new is exciting! Do not be afraid to get creative and try new stuff, it pays off! When an idea pops in your head, write it down you never know when you might be sitting on a gold mine :).
2. Get Crazy!!
Ok for those if us in KidMin getting crazy and fun is well just that fun! Kids love to see their leaders get crazy, whether that's by a new character or allowing them to buzz or even die you hair pink (wife might not be a fan but the kids are). Letting lose and having fun will always keep thing fresh in the ministry. No fun is not the goal or purpose but it is a tool and a great tool at that! If we can share the gospel of Jesus and have a blast doing it then why not?!
3. Twist it up!
We all have those certain events that just work, no matter what we know that that specific event will get a crowd, the kids will have fun, and maybe even a few kids ask Jesus in their life (goal of EVERYTHING we do). Even if we go do the same event each year, lets out a twist on it. Lets thing out side the box and put a giant twist on it. Maybe each year you do a movie night, well why not this year you do a movie glow night and them watch the movie in a dark room with backlights and glow bracelets. Anytime we put a new twist on an old idea that "old idea" is not a fresh new idea that the kids will love.
KEEP IT REAL... FRESH
Here are some ways to keep things real fresh in ministry.
1. Let the creative juices flow and try new stuff!
One way we can keep things fresh is letting our creative juices take over and try new stuff. Kids get excited about new kids LOVE new. A new toy, a new phone, even a new event. Why? because new is exciting! Do not be afraid to get creative and try new stuff, it pays off! When an idea pops in your head, write it down you never know when you might be sitting on a gold mine :).
2. Get Crazy!!
Ok for those if us in KidMin getting crazy and fun is well just that fun! Kids love to see their leaders get crazy, whether that's by a new character or allowing them to buzz or even die you hair pink (wife might not be a fan but the kids are). Letting lose and having fun will always keep thing fresh in the ministry. No fun is not the goal or purpose but it is a tool and a great tool at that! If we can share the gospel of Jesus and have a blast doing it then why not?!
3. Twist it up!
We all have those certain events that just work, no matter what we know that that specific event will get a crowd, the kids will have fun, and maybe even a few kids ask Jesus in their life (goal of EVERYTHING we do). Even if we go do the same event each year, lets out a twist on it. Lets thing out side the box and put a giant twist on it. Maybe each year you do a movie night, well why not this year you do a movie glow night and them watch the movie in a dark room with backlights and glow bracelets. Anytime we put a new twist on an old idea that "old idea" is not a fresh new idea that the kids will love.
KEEP IT REAL... FRESH
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Birthdays
With today being my birthday I decided why not talk about birthdays today, and by that I don't mean mine I mean the kids and leaders within your ministry. Although to us as adults birthdays are just another day but to kids birthdays are everything its a day just for them (like the rest of the aren't :)). Since Kids take birthdays as a big deal I believe as Kids Pastors and leaders we should to. Here are a few ideas that I tend to like to do for a kids birthday.
1. Write birthday Cards
The art of the hand written letter is a dying art but still effective! Typically on Monday I look at the list of birthday for the kids and my leaders and send them a hand written happy birthday card. For a Kid it might look something like this "Hey Johnny just wanted to with you a Happy Birthday! I hope today is as fun as you are :)". Just a little something to let the child know that you care and want him or her to have a great day.
For a leader it looks a little different "Happy Birthday Sue, thanks for all you do in the Kids Ministry I know the kids love you. So have a blessed day!" Its very easy to get burned out as a leader or volunteer so anything we can do to show love and appreciation goes a long way, but that's for another blog title!
2. Singing "Happy Birthday To You Cha Cha Cha style"
All Kid min leaders know the cha cha cha version of the Happy Birthday song, if you don't you should learn it Kids LOVE the cha cha cha. One thing we will start in the fall to make it fun on Sunday morning in Kids Quest (our kids worship) we like to have the kids with birthdays come on stage and wear the official Kids Quest birthday hat and we will all sing happy birthday cha cha cha to those kids. Just another way to show kids you care!
These are just two of the things we will do. What are some ways you might show Kids in your ministry you care by what you do for their birthdays? I would love to hear some feedback, I love connecting and sharing ideas with other kidmin leaders.
1. Write birthday Cards
The art of the hand written letter is a dying art but still effective! Typically on Monday I look at the list of birthday for the kids and my leaders and send them a hand written happy birthday card. For a Kid it might look something like this "Hey Johnny just wanted to with you a Happy Birthday! I hope today is as fun as you are :)". Just a little something to let the child know that you care and want him or her to have a great day.
For a leader it looks a little different "Happy Birthday Sue, thanks for all you do in the Kids Ministry I know the kids love you. So have a blessed day!" Its very easy to get burned out as a leader or volunteer so anything we can do to show love and appreciation goes a long way, but that's for another blog title!
2. Singing "Happy Birthday To You Cha Cha Cha style"
All Kid min leaders know the cha cha cha version of the Happy Birthday song, if you don't you should learn it Kids LOVE the cha cha cha. One thing we will start in the fall to make it fun on Sunday morning in Kids Quest (our kids worship) we like to have the kids with birthdays come on stage and wear the official Kids Quest birthday hat and we will all sing happy birthday cha cha cha to those kids. Just another way to show kids you care!
These are just two of the things we will do. What are some ways you might show Kids in your ministry you care by what you do for their birthdays? I would love to hear some feedback, I love connecting and sharing ideas with other kidmin leaders.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Kids Kamp
Kids Kamp 2014 has come and gone and I must say we had a great one this year. I don't know about you other kidmin out there but the week leading up to camp man i am stressed. I mean I am usually a laid back dude but the week before camp I turn into some type of supper stressed dinosaur (not sure if they are even real), stressing over every detail: do we have enough food (cooked the food ourselves), did I reserve enough canoes and paddle boats, do I have everything I need for worship, ect... Now once we go to camp I returned to my normal laid back self knowing that everything is going to be good.
Everything did go ok, well we had one kid get a fishing hook stuck in her foot, other than that everything went smooth. Well at least smooth enough :)
Our camp speaker Micah or should I say Buzz LifeGear of Faith Command did a fantastic job, the kids were engaged and actually listened! He did a great job bringing the word of God to life so the kids can have a better understanding of the scripture. Kuddos Micah!
Not sure how many kidmin do a camp whether its centrikid, student liffe for kids, or a camp of your own; I would highly recommend doing a camp for you kidmin group. Here are some reasons why!
1. Gets the kids away
Going to camp or doing your own overnight camp (typically ours is 3 nights 4 days) gets the Kids away: gets them away from the distractions that they face everyday life such as video games, sporting events, even some friends. Getting away is a time for the Kids to focus on the relationships between Jesus and their friends.
2. Builds Relationships
Going to camp also builds relationships with each other and most important Jesus. When you get away from it all the kids in you group build friendships with each other that otherwise might not exist. Not only that but allows you as the Kids Pastor or leader to build a stronger relationship with the Kids. I learn so much about the Kids while we are at camp. I love the getting to hang out with you for 4 days part of camp. Most importantly than the friendships is it builds a stronger relationship with Christ. Going to camp allows the kids and you to focus on Jesus. We do this through worship every night and a group devotion and by your self quiet time.
3. Makes childhood memories
Some of the greatest memories I have are those that happened at kids and youth camp. When we take our kid groups to camp it allows them to build lifelong memories. Some of the kids that have graduatede into the youth ministry still come up to me and say hey do you remember when this and that happened at Kids camp! They look back at these memories and the lessons learned during their time at camp.
I encourage if you already don't to take the time and plan a summer camp, its a lot of work but so worth it!
Everything did go ok, well we had one kid get a fishing hook stuck in her foot, other than that everything went smooth. Well at least smooth enough :)
Our camp speaker Micah or should I say Buzz LifeGear of Faith Command did a fantastic job, the kids were engaged and actually listened! He did a great job bringing the word of God to life so the kids can have a better understanding of the scripture. Kuddos Micah!
Not sure how many kidmin do a camp whether its centrikid, student liffe for kids, or a camp of your own; I would highly recommend doing a camp for you kidmin group. Here are some reasons why!
1. Gets the kids away
Going to camp or doing your own overnight camp (typically ours is 3 nights 4 days) gets the Kids away: gets them away from the distractions that they face everyday life such as video games, sporting events, even some friends. Getting away is a time for the Kids to focus on the relationships between Jesus and their friends.
2. Builds Relationships
Going to camp also builds relationships with each other and most important Jesus. When you get away from it all the kids in you group build friendships with each other that otherwise might not exist. Not only that but allows you as the Kids Pastor or leader to build a stronger relationship with the Kids. I learn so much about the Kids while we are at camp. I love the getting to hang out with you for 4 days part of camp. Most importantly than the friendships is it builds a stronger relationship with Christ. Going to camp allows the kids and you to focus on Jesus. We do this through worship every night and a group devotion and by your self quiet time.
3. Makes childhood memories
Some of the greatest memories I have are those that happened at kids and youth camp. When we take our kid groups to camp it allows them to build lifelong memories. Some of the kids that have graduatede into the youth ministry still come up to me and say hey do you remember when this and that happened at Kids camp! They look back at these memories and the lessons learned during their time at camp.
I encourage if you already don't to take the time and plan a summer camp, its a lot of work but so worth it!
First Official Post
This is my first official post on my new blog site "Average Kids Pastor". A look and glimpse in what goes through the mind and life of a kids pastor. I look forward to sharing ideas, thoughts, life adventures, even lesson that I have learned and continue to learn while in Kids Ministry (trust their are a ton). I look later today to post about camp! Be on the look out!
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