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Yosemite Reflections

  I’m often asked why I return to Yosemite time after time. I think the answer lies partly in the words of Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Listening to God is something every Christian knows they should do. But it’s hard—especially with all the noise, distractions, and daily demands of life. As I enter my mid-fifties, I find myself becoming more reflective… I wonder: What will be the sum of my life? What will I have truly invested my days in? I’m thankful that, as a young college student, I read a book that challenged me to create a life ministry manifesto— To reach and teach as many children as possible with the good news of God’s love, and in the process, to enlist, equip, and encourage others to do the same. This mission has led me to countless outreaches, guided me to become a children’s pastor, and maybe—just maybe—part of my legacy will be this annual event I created for children’s pastors: Yosemite Summit. It’s a chance to unplug, to get away, to spend time with the Lord in…

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Kidmin Covenant #9: Everything for Jesus!

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. I’ve seen too many leaders burn out, flame out, or quietly fade away—not because they lacked passion, but because they neglected their own soul. I don’t want that to be my story. I want to be faithful for the long haul. That’s why I live by this covenant—a set of practices that keep me aligned with God, anchored in truth, and fueled by grace. Covenant Commitment #9: I will do everything as if I am doing it for the Lord, because I am. Some days in ministry feel deeply spiritual—praying with a child to receive Christ, watching a volunteer thrive, hearing a parent say thank you. But other days? You’re filling goldfish cups. Untangling mic cords. Chasing down supplies. Cleaning up glitter. Again. It’s easy to start thinking, “This doesn’t matter,” or worse, “This is beneath me.” But Scripture flips that thinking upside down. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” That means everything matters. Every chair you set up. Every hand you shake.…

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Kidmin Covenant #8: Remaining Unoffendable

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in me… and you will bear much fruit.” That’s not a suggestion—it’s a lifeline. As a leader, I must remain connected to the Vine. This covenant is my way of staying grafted in. Each commitment is a way to remain rooted in God, nourished by His Word, and guided by His Spirit. Only then will my ministry bear fruit that truly matters. Covenant Commitment #8: I will be quick to overlook an offense and even quicker to forgive. Let’s face it—ministry is full of people. And where there are people, there will be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, awkward comments, and sometimes even betrayal. If we aren’t careful, those moments can build up like plaque around our heart—slowing down the love, the joy, and the peace we’re called to live in. But Scripture calls us to something higher. Proverbs 19:11 says, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” That’s hard to live out when someone criticizes our leadership, ignores our efforts, or steps on our toes. But we’re not in ministry to defend our pride—we’re in…

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Why Yosemite?

I began YosemiteSummit.org in 2008 first for myself, to restart my weary pastors heart in a difficult season of life – and invited other pastors to join me. Over 50 have since on multiple annual Summits. I call it The UNconference for Children’s Pastors.  No Workshops, Just Worship No Resources, Just Relationships No Networking, Just God Working.  On the plane today I started re-reading from my first Summit Journal and decided to share it as many people often ask me – “Why do you keep going back?” This was my first journal entry, back in 2008. I was struck today by how well I described WHY I do this. If you want a taste of our Summits, visit the Highlight Videos at YosemiteSummit.org/videos Below is the transcript, but here are the journal pages: This place is beyond description, though of course, I will try. As I often say it is where God showed off. Our language lacks adequate words to do Yosemite justice. Incredible. Amazing. Spectacular. Breathtaking. Beautiful. Magnificent. I suppose the best I can use is awe-inspiring. Awe at the sheer size, and height, and depth, and distance, and beauty, and splendor that hits your eyes all at once.…

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Kidmin Covenant #7: Maintaining a Teachable Spirit

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. If I could sit across from a new children’s ministry leader and offer one piece of advice, it would be this: take care of your soul. Ministry isn’t sustained by talent, strategy, or passion alone. It’s sustained by the quiet, consistent work of walking with Jesus. These 12 commitments are born out of that truth. They help me stay inwardly healthy so I can lead with lasting impact. Covenant Commitment #7: I will maintain a teachable spirit and always be eager to learn, grow, and invite correction and suggestions. One of the greatest gifts you can give your ministry—and yourself—is a teachable spirit. It’s not flashy. It won’t get you a standing ovation. But it will keep you grounded, growing, and effective for the long haul. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” The wisest people aren’t the ones who know it all—they’re the ones who keep learning. There’s always more to learn in ministry: new strategies, fresh ideas, better ways to communicate. But even more important is the willingness to grow…

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