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Category: Leadership

PRE-ORDER The Kidmin Covenant – It Will Change Your Life

Be the FIRST to get my new book – but it’s more than just a new book, it is a Reflective Guide for Children’s Pastors – and I believe has the potential to change your life. Kids Ministry is HARD. Harder than most understand. It is the largest administrative job – second only to Lead Pastor, as it shares all the roles of a pastor, teaching, team-building, administration, but also usually manages the largest number of volunteer staff, number of weekly classes and programs, and minutia of other details most never even know about. The secret to survival lies not in more admin tricks, new apps, a bigger budget or more resources and volunteers – the secret to thriving lies within the Character of the Leader. To be outwardly fruitful, you must be inwardly healthy. I wrote these 12 Kidmin Covenant Commitments first only for myself – phrases that will keep me healthy and on track. There are many traps that leaders face that can derail them. But I honestly believe if you adapt these Kidmin Covenant Commitments to your life and ministry, you will do more than survive in ministry, you will THRIVE. This isn’t just a book, it…

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Ministry Needs More Hawaiian Hippos

Stand Out for Jesus!   Let’s face it—ministry can sometimes start to feel like a slow-moving hippo, just plodding along week after week. Same lessons. Same snacks. Same games. You love the kids, but deep down you wonder: Is this really making an impact? Now picture that hippo again… but this time, he’s rocking a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt. Suddenly, he’s not just blending in—he’s standing out. He’s turning heads. He’s getting noticed. And not for vanity’s sake, but because he’s embracing something different. That’s what we need in children’s ministry. It’s easy to look at what other churches are doing and feel pressure to follow the crowd. But God didn’t call you to be a copy of someone else’s ministry—He called you to be creative, courageous, and bold right where you are. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” — Romans 12:11 (NIV) Zeal doesn’t come from playing it safe. It comes from trusting God enough to try something new—even if it’s a little crazy. Host a cereal buffet. Turn your sanctuary into a jungle. Dress up like a time-traveling Bible character. Yes, some ideas may flop—but they’ll still create energy. And energy…

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The IF ONLY’s of Kids Ministry

  Let’s be honest. Kids Ministry is TOUGH. Yes, it is full of joy, but it seems equally loaded with challenges. There are moments of laughter, life-changing conversations, and the privilege of guiding kids toward Jesus. But there are also long days, unexpected hurdles, and seasons where things don’t go the way we hoped. And if we’re honest, in those tough moments, it’s easy to slip into ‘If only…’ thinking. If only I had more money… If only I had more workers… If only I had more support from parents… If only I had more space… If only my pastor understood kids’ ministry better… If only I had more time… If only I had better resources… If only the culture wasn’t so against us… If only kids weren’t so distracted… If only I had more energy… These thoughts creep in when we feel like we’re not measuring up, when we’re stretched thin, or when we see another church that seems to have everything figured out. But here’s the problem with “If Only” thinking: it keeps us focused on what we don’t have rather than what we do. The Trap of “If Only” Thinking It’s easy to believe that if we…

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Kidology Lab Notes: Abraham Lincoln – An Example for Today’s Children’s Ministry Leaders

Abraham Lincoln is a name that evokes respect and admiration, not just in the annals of American history, but in hearts across the world. His story is one of humble beginnings, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the value of all people. Born into poverty, Lincoln lost his mother at the tender age of nine. His access to formal education was limited, yet his hunger for knowledge was insatiable. By candlelight, he read borrowed books, teaching himself everything from law to leadership. Despite immense personal struggles and countless setbacks, he rose to become the 16th President of the United States, leading the country through its greatest moral and constitutional crisis. While much has been said about Lincoln’s presidency, his childhood and character hold timeless lessons for us, particularly as we consider how to impact the next generation through children’s ministry. Lincoln’s leadership was rooted in his focus on people — all people — especially the undervalued and underprivileged. His belief in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is a principle that resonates deeply with the mission of children’s ministry. One fascinating moment in Lincoln’s life that underscores this commitment was his visit to D. L. Moody’s…

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Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody – A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children

Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody – A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children Dwight L. Moody is a name that stands tall in the history of evangelism. Known for leading immense revival meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, Moody brought tens of thousands to faith in Christ during the 19th century. His legacy includes the founding of significant institutions like the YMCA, Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Press, each a testament to his tireless devotion to spreading the Gospel. Yet, despite all his remarkable achievements, at the end of his life, Moody reflected with profound clarity: “If I had my life to live over, I would devote it entirely to the evangelization of children.” This statement holds an extraordinary challenge for children’s ministry leaders. Moody’s wisdom stems from both his personal experience and his understanding of the potential within a child’s life. Reaching children is not a steppingstone for ministry—it is the ministry. A Humble Beginning Born on February 5th, in 1837 in Northfield, Massachusetts, Moody’s childhood was marked by tragedy and hardship. His father passed away when he was just four years old, leaving the family in dire financial straits. To help support…

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