The UNconference for Kid’s Pastors

Back in 2008 God gave me an idea. It was a crazy idea. But then, that’s how you know it’s from God, right? It was to create an “UNconference for Children’s Pastors.” In time, I welcomed other Christian leaders, but most were children’s pastors, because honestly, it’s one of the most challenging jobs in the Church. The title “Kid’s Pastor” sounds fun – and it is – but it’s name hides the challenges it brings. Often, it is the largest ministry of the church; overseeing the largest group of volunteers, the most hours of programming, every single week of the year (no breaks like other ministries enjoy) and often with special programming and the list could go on, but I won’t play the violins because we LOVE every minute of it. The hard reality is, burn out isn’t just common, it is standard and expected, and the average length of tenure for children’s pastors is three to five years. Many go back to being volunteers, while some quit altogether. I know, I was there. In the midst of “great success” from all ministry metrics, my soul was running on empty. I didn’t need another conference. I needed something different. If…

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Love is Caught, Not Taught

Love is Caught, not Taught

As children’s ministry leaders, we often find ourselves teaching about love—explaining what it is to children, why it’s important, and how it should be expressed. In fact, the word love appears in the Bible over 550 times! (In NIV and ESV) But the truth is, love is not something that can merely be taught; it must be caught. Children can’t truly understand love by merely hearing about it. But they can grasp its meaning when they experience it firsthand. The book of James reminds us that faith without deeds is useless. He uses the example of someone who sees someone hungry and simply says, “Be warm and well fed,” but if they do nothing, they have not shown love at all (James 2:15-17). Similarly, if we talk about love without demonstrating it, our words are hollow. There are kids in our ministries that need love – some extra doses! James goes on to say, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17). We are commanded to love the children in our care – and we must not neglect to do so! Love is more than just a concept to discuss; it’s an action…

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Boost Your Volunteer Recruitment with the Back to School Checklist

As the fall season approaches, children’s ministry leaders across the country are preparing for a familiar challenge: the return of full classrooms. With kids heading back to school, families are settling back into familiar routines, and churches are seeing a surge in attendance as parents seek to reestablish their children’s spiritual growth alongside their academic education. This seasonal influx is exciting, but it also brings a pressing need for more volunteers.Finding creative and effective ways to recruit new helpers is crucial, especially during this busy time of year. That’s why we’ve developed a tool that can help you meet this challenge head-on: the Back to School Checklist. Introducing the Back to School Checklist Recruiting Tool The Back to School Checklist isn’t just a handy reminder for parents – it’s a powerful recruiting tool for your ministry. It’s designed to creatively engage families and encourage them to get involved in their children’s spiritual education by volunteering in your ministry. Here’s how it works: 1. Distribute the Checklist to Families: As families return to church this fall, give them a Back to School Checklist. It’s more than just a list of school supplies; it’s a guide that includes spiritual resources their children…

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Shape Your Kids’ Spiritual Lives!

When it comes to shaping the spiritual lives of children, intentionality is key. As a leader, it’s essential to have a plan that not only covers the entire Bible but also ensures that the topics you teach are foundational to their faith. Too often, we fall into the trap of jumping from one topic to another, or constantly switching curriculums, leaving gaps in our kids’ biblical understanding. But what if you could have a curriculum that systematically walks your kids through the Bible, building their knowledge and faith on a solid foundation? The good news is, solid Bible Curriculum doesn’t have to break the bank. At Kidology.org, we’re thrilled to offer the Bible Basics Curriculum Series, a complete 3-year children’s ministry curriculum that covers the Old Testament, the New Testament, and core Christian values. Not only is it thorough, but it’s also affordable, with a cost of just about $100 a year. Take the guesswork out of your planning and invest in a curriculum that will equip your kids with a comprehensive understanding of God’s Word. Check out the links below and see how this curriculum can transform your ministry. Your kids will love it, and you’ll love knowing that…

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Oh, You Sexy Document!

Sexy Document

Let’s be honest, “Document Management” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of excitement. But in our digital age, where files are constantly emailed back and forth, edited by multiple people, and frequently updated, effective document management is essential. Without it, things can quickly spiral into chaos – and nobody wants that. That’s why the 6th video in my Ministry Management series is Master Your Documents! (No More Chaos!). This video will help you bring order to the madness. We’ve all felt the frustration of searching for the latest version of a file or losing important work due to computer errors. But did you ever notice that the letters in the word LIFE can be rearranged to spell FILE? Sometimes, it feels like managing documents is all we do! Without a solid strategy, managing countless virtual files can be overwhelming. In this training, I’ll cover how to organize your files effectively and keep them on T.A.S.K. (a strategic approach to managing your ideas). I’ll also dive into the S.A.F.E. method, which outlines four key strategies for protecting your valuable documents and ideas. Plus, you’ll learn a unique document naming protocol (Oooo, doesn’t that sound sexy?!) that…

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