Home Archive by category "Children’s Ministry" (Page 91)

Category: Children’s Ministry

I’m the Kidologist – What’s Your Nickname?

I’m often asked why I call myself the “Kidologist.” Does it mean I’m a children’s ministry expert? Nope. Does it mean I know everything about kids? Nope. Does it mean that think I’m the authority on kids or children’s ministry? Double Nope. I started calling myself the Kidologist years ago because when people would comment on how good I was with kids I worried that as I got older I would lose that touch. I was quite aware that young 20-somethings are usually always get kid-connectors, but that many adults as they get into their 30’s, 40’s (or older) seem to lose their knack with connecting with kids, and I feared my saavy for relating and connecting with kids would diminish with time. As I began to analyize WHY I was effective with kids “Kidology” was born, the study of kids, and how to relate to as well as effectively teach kids. (Explained in more detail in CMPodcast #8) I coined the term “Kidologist” as a reminder to me first of all, that if I wanted to be effective with children for the long haul, I would have to always be a learner. To always be growing, reading magazines &…

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Yosemite Summit in their words

Guys, we’re at the critical spot – there are ONLY THREE spots left for Yosemite Summit. If you have thought about this retreat, prayed about it, perhaps dreamed about it – don’t let it slip by! Register ASAP as it will soon be too late to join us for 2009, and there is no guarentee of next year. I hope to do this every year for the rest of my life, but I can only promise one year at a time. There are not words to describe just how incredible this week is. Of course, I have tried on the Yosemite Summit site many times to describe both the natural and supernatural impact of this trip. But with only three spots left, let me share with you what some of last years guys wrote to me after getting home from Yosemite Summit: It was great to begin new friendships and gain valuable ministry perspective from the stories of those in our group.  Furthermore the times I did get alone with God were especially rich and meaningful. I needed a vision for the finishing of our new Children’s Building, God gave it to me on this trip.  I had a couple…

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Developing a Ministry–Wide Strategy for Making Disciples

First, George Barna confirmed what those of us in children’s ministry have known all along – that the ripest spiritual field is children, and that the most strategic way to stop the disappearance of a biblical world view in our church is to renew our commitment to children. Next, Larry Fowler established the biblical basis for churches not just value children, but prioritize ministry to children. Others then followed with a renewed call to broaden the scope of children’s ministry to include the entire family, the loudest voice being Reggie Joiner asking us to rethink ministry at the Orange Conference offering their virtue-based family time resources and strategy to incorporate complete families in the Sunday church experience. Then Awana Clubs, long known for its success at reaching unchurched children and providing kids a solid biblical foundation surprised us by dramatically altering its approach and confessing its past “let us disciple your kids” attitude was insufficient and began to completely re-engineer its programs to better include parents in the process. Soon many more, like Julia Duin in Quitting Church, began revealing stats showing just how poorly we are doing in translating Bible Quiz-Whiz kids into faithful disciples when they got old…

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The Kidologist Top Ten of CM

I got an e-mail yesterday with a request from a senior pastor who will soon be speaking to a gathering of children’s pastors from around the country. He asked me: If you were a denominational Christian Education Director who oversaw the children’s ministry for all the  churches in a given state or region: 1. What 10 recent books would you read or tell other directors about? 2. What 10 web-sites would you share with other directors? 3. What 10 experiences, conferences or resources would you tell other directors about? My response, “Sounds like a great blog post!” So here it is: The Kidologist’s Top Ten Books for CM Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions by George Barna This is a must read for senior pastors as well as children’s pastors. Barna finally supports with research what children’s ministry leaders have known for decades. Rock Solid Kids by Larry Fowler The best biblical case made for church to prioritize ministry to children and to engage parents in the process rather than trying to do it for them. Raising a Modern Day Joseph by Larry Fowler Just released, this follow up to Rock Solid lays out a very doable strategy for the entire…

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CPC ’09 Nashville Re-Cap

If you missed CPC Nashville, it’s not too late to WIN SOME FREE GO FISH STUFF FROM ME! Also, I did SIXTEEN POSTS featuring some of the best resources at CPC, in case you missed any, here they are again: TimbukDUDES The F.U.N. Group Teaching Kids the Truth The Harvest in Plentiful The Art of Being Creative Have a Bible Blast! MY FAVORITE DISCOVERY:I’m a D6 Dad Let’s Go to Children’s Church Footsteps – Tools for Learning Bible Story Murals! A Bed in Need is a Bed Indeed BIG God, BIG Worshippers! WIN FREE GO FISH STUFF! POOF! A New Laflin! Super Church! YES! We can do that! It’s not too late to join me in San Diego at the second CPC of 2009: Discount Deadline for CPC San Diego – January 21, 2009 Register for the San Diego Children’s Pastors’ Conference (CPC) 2009 and save $30!!! Register Today! San Diego Hotel Discount Deadline – January 19, 2009 Make your reservations by January 19, 2009 to get the discounted rate. Lodging Info

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