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!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
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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