Home Archive by category "Kidology" (Page 58)

Category: Kidology

An Open Letter to Discouraged Children’s Workers

Sometimes you wonder if you are making a difference. You know who you are. You labor quietly and gently. You show tenderness to the meek; kind firmness to the rebellious. You extend grace where possible and longsuffering with kids, parents and even fellow children’s workers who try to get under your skin. You pray secretly for those who are hurting, especially those who mistreat you. You display a cheerful countenance, always trying to greet and encourage newcomers. Whether they are into goth, punk, the latest techno gadget, or self-absorbed behavior, you treat them all with the same level of respect. You may not know it just yet, but they notice the difference. And it matters to them. Even if they do not admit it. Sometimes you wonder if you are making a difference. You wonder if the hours and minutes you spend preparing lessons and interacting with the children has kingdom impact. You wonder if the words you speak are finding fertile soil in which to blossom. You wonder if that hurting child, over whom you have cried tears in prayer and travail, will ever experience the breakthrough you know that God desires to provide. It is happening already. God…

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Are YOU at CPC Orlando?

If you are at CPC Orlando this week – look for me! I often wear a BRIGHT YELLOW pull over with the Kidology Logo to help people spot me! And I never mind people saying, “Hello!” Sometimes people e-mail me later and say, “I saw you, but I didn’t want to bother you.” Nonsense. Bother me! I want to meet you! HOW TO FIND KARL: RESOURCE CENTER: He’ll be hanging out at the DiscipleLand booth during the Resource Center times to answer questions and tell folks all about DiscipleTown! THE KIDOLOGY GATHERING! Don’t miss this annual casual and intimate late night gathering that we’ve been doing for years! This year it will be on Thursday evening, January 17th, during and after the Phil Vischer Show at the Rix’s, which is right across from the Pepper Grill, which is the main eating cafe down by the lake. (The Pepper Grill will be closed.) We will be inside over near the Rix Cafe where you’ll be filling those giant free refill cups, but in the seating area! Come enjoy some relaxed fellowship, fun and conversation about life, ministry and whatever comes up. It is always a great time. WORKSHOPS: Karl is teaching…

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The KidHelper in Town

It’s been a great weekend! Barney Kinard, aka, The Kidhelper. The designer of Kidology Coaching has been in town for several days for some fun and strategic planning. If you’re my friend on facebook, then you’ve seen some of the fun we’ve had from Buffalo Burgers to Casa Bonita – but we’ve also been working on some pretty exciting changes and enhancements to Kidology Coaching as over seven students have graduated in the past several months between both coaches and preparing for adding some new coaches. (If that interests you, let me know.) If you have never considered a coaching relationship, you really should look into Kidology Coaching. It is incredibly unique. There are a lot of programs out there that use the term “coaching” that actually provide good training in children’s ministry, but that aren’t truly coaching. They may provide good exposure to ideas and resources through videos, MP3’s, group calls and other training opportunities, but only Kidology Coaching provides a genuine coaching experience that is curriculum based, with a customized experience to your unique needs and with personal one on one calls, usually via video conferencing with Skype. With Kidology Coaching are getting a personal coach to walk…

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Why Minister to Children?

As a pastor, I occasionally have the opportunity (and privilege) to preach in “Big Church,” and I always enjoy it. With a degree in Bible theology and a love for the Word of God, I always enjoy getting to communicate with and challenge adults in ways that I can’t in children’s church. Afterwards, it is customary for the preacher to stand at the back and greet people as they leave, and in the course of doing so, people are kind to express thoughts on the message and often compliments, which is always nice. Who doesn’t enjoy a “good sermon,” or “great job?” – even when the goal isn’t to impress folks with my delivery but to challenge and change lives. But compliments should always be received with a thankful heart and with grace and humility. The compliment that always gets me though, is when people (meaning well) say, “You know, you should consider becoming a real pastor someday…you know, to adults. You’re good.” The intention is an extra big compliment, but the message is still clear. My talents are being wasted down there in the boiler room preachin’ at the kids week in and week out, when I could really…

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ENGAGE CHILDREN Conference TOP NOTCH

If you live on the East Coast – you need to bookmark engagechildren.org and plan on attending next fall. (In fact, it is worth a drive or flight in, from anywhere.) This conference is put on by a local network, but it obvious after several years of practice, they know what they are doing. They had nearly 400 attendees there – and a great mix of leaders WITH their volunteer teams. One church I sat with at lunch was a group from a nearby church that brought the whole CM team, and one volunteer wouldn’t even let a five month old baby keep her or her husband away. That tells you something about both their commitment to children’s ministry and the quality of the conference. Another woman shared with me that she was ready to quit – but after attending this conference, she was encouraged to keep on and never give up, no matter how hard ministry was. They brought in top-notch speakers (like Sue Miller from PromiseLand and Orange) but also local practitioners who could relate to your common kidmin leader and volunteer. The fellowship was as great as the training. I was a late addition because I just…

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