The Gospel is #1. Tell it often. Tell it well.

Nothing is more important than sharing the Gospel. Nothing. I remember like it was yesterday. I was in seminary (not ‘cemetery,’ as kids often call it) with a room full of potential pastors. I was the only kids pastor. The rest were in training for much “higher office,” aka Lead Pastors. The professor in the front of the room described a horrible situation in graphic detail that I’ll spare you. In short, a man had been in a terrible car accident and was dying on the side of the road. In this hypothetical situation, he said that we happened along the scene and had only moments to share Christ with him and usher the dying man into the presence of Jesus. One by one he invited these future preachers to the front of the room to share the Good News with this dying man and explain the fullness of the Gospel. One by one as they came up and pontificated about substitutionary atonement, propitiatory reconciliation, the intricacies of redemptive sacrifice or Old Testament covenants fulfilled through the justification and subsequent glorification of Christ, the professor would interrupt them and say, “Too late, the guys dead. Next.” Finally, it was my…

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Feedback is Your Friend

In any professional setting, even ministry, maintaining open communication with your boss is not just a good practice; it’s essential for personal growth, team success, and organizational effectiveness. Working in a church is no different. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your ministry career, understanding the importance of transparent dialogue with your lead pastor can significantly impact your career trajectory and overall job satisfaction. Few things can sap your joy more than not getting along with “the boss.” So let me suggest some ideas for working on that relationship. Importance of Open Communication: Clarity and Alignment: Open communication ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations, goals, and priorities. When you regularly discuss tasks, projects, and objectives with your boss, you minimize misunderstandings and promote alignment within the team. Problem Solving: Effective communication allows you to address issues as they arise. Whether it’s a logistical challenge, a disagreement with a colleague, or a misunderstanding about a project, having an open line of communication with your boss enables you to seek guidance, brainstorm solutions, and prevent minor issues from escalating. Feedback and Growth: Perhaps the most crucial aspect of open communication is its role in facilitating feedback.…

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Fostering Camaraderie: Building Friendships in Church Volunteer Teams

In any community endeavor, the strength of the team often determines its success. This rings particularly true in the context of church volunteer settings, where individuals come together driven by a shared purpose. However, beyond mere cooperation, cultivating camaraderie among team members is crucial. Camaraderie not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also fosters a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enriching the volunteering experience. Let’s delve into the significance of building camaraderie within church volunteer teams and explore practical strategies to transform teammates into genuine friendships. What is Camaraderie? Camaraderie is the intangible bond that forms among individuals bound by shared experiences, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging. It thrives in environments where collaboration, empathy, and support are valued. It is manifested through laughter shared in moments of joy, shoulders leaned on during times of difficulty, and a collective pursuit of common goals. Camaraderie transcends superficial interactions, weaving a tapestry of trust and friendship that strengthens interpersonal relationships and fosters a sense of unity within groups. It is the foundation upon which teams are built, communities flourish, and lasting friendships are forged, serving as a source of encouragement and solidarity in both triumph and adversity. Why is Camaraderie…

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New from KidCheck… Introducing YouthCheck!

The Only Check-In System Designed for Youth! Kids in your organization grow up fast, and as they mature, they have different needs and requirements when participating. Teens and young adults want independence, desire autonomy, and are fluent in using technology. They attend independently or are dropped off and usually check themselves in on their own. YouthCheck meets these changing needs. YouthCheck is a full-featured check-in system with a youth-driven design that offers the same ease of use and extensive security features as KidCheck’s children’s check-in. It’s engaging and age-appropriate while encouraging accountability and connection. As a leader, you’ll love it because: You’re in control and know who is checked in, when, and where. You can easily connect with youth and/or emergency contacts with broadcast email and text messaging. You have access to any provided medical information and release forms. The shared admin notes provide at-a-glance updates on behavior, special needs, or recent struggles. It creates youth accountability and responsibility. The MIA report lets you know who hasn’t attended in a while. Youth will love it because: Check-in is fast and easy using the YouthCheck app. Checking-in with a system designed for youth shows them they are seen as young adults.…

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Making the Complex Simple and FUN!

For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite jokes has been, “I’m not a prophet. Nor am I the son of a prophet. In fact, I work for a non-profit organization!” Obviously, it works better verbally than in print. As we head into Christmas, one of the greatest evidences for Christianity is the number of prophesies that Jesus fulfilled when He came as a child and the many more He fulfilled throughout His life and ministry and, of course, in His death and resurrection. Over the years, I heard countless times, “Jesus fulfilled over 200 prophesies!” But no one ever provided the data on the many referenced prophesies. Clearly, that’s a lot of evidence, and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format is challenging – especially to children – and so we are forced to simply ask our audience to “trust us” on this bold claim. Last year, when writing the Angel Sightings series for it Bible Curriculum, I finally decided “trust me on this” wasn’t enough. I wanted to SHOW MY KIDS the prophesies that Jesus had fulfilled, but I wanted to do it in a fun and easy-to-digest manner. I had no idea how big a…

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