February 24, 2008
We recently closed out a teaching series at GenesisKIDS entitled the BIG Challenge. In the series we talked about getting into spiritual shape. We covered issues with the kids that would help them focus on becoming all that God wanted them to be.
When we closed the series, I remember praying for the kids during that last service. I prayed for them to respond to God’s leading so they could do great things for God. But then, in a moment I will not soon forget, the Lord checked me and I changed my prayer. I prayed that the kids would first allow His Spirit to change them. Then I repented for the times I prayed for God to do great things through me instead of in me. I asked for forgiveness for the times I wanted change the world, but I neglected to allow His Spirit to change my heart.
It seems kids today are more socially aware then my generation. In my experience with them, they are definitely more concerned about issues affecting the world then my friends were in the 80′s, and that is without a doubt a good thing! However, in order to affect real, eternal change, it will take kids (and adults) whose concerns go beyond the social injustices of today. God needs people whose principle concern is how they respond to God’s leading their personal lives with that still small voice. To put it more succinctly, the BIG challenge for us today is to focus on what God wants us to be, before we obsess over what He wants us to do.
1 Comment | 
creative ministry, encouragement, leadership | Tagged: challenge, children's ministry, genesiskids | 
Permalink
Posted by phil h
February 1, 2008
An invitation is being extended to visionary leaders who desire to be connected and empowered for ministry. Engage 21, February 28 and 29, is the first conference of this type in the Church of God and we are excited about its potential! I long for a re-focus on the mission which Jesus initiated. Perhaps the dialogue and interaction allowed at this gathering will help us to do that. I greatly appreciate the emerging leaders, including church planters, lead pastors, children’s pastors, and student ministry pastors. One of the tensions we all experience is the uniqueness in which God has created us for a specific purpose in the place where He desires to go. We have to allow for differences in style and methodology. While the Word does not change, culture shifts. And in order to be effective in reaching our varied cultures, we must empower individuals to proceed, doing whatever it takes to win their communities for Christ! We have to make a choice to choose to encourage, rather than criticize!
I’m excited about the future, if we can regain our focus on the mission and not on positional movement with selfish agendas. As long as we are willing to deny ourselves and our desires, then God can mold us, shaping us into a vessel fit for His use in today’s world. I’m ready to be propelled into the future! I believe in the new generation of leadership. I choose to stand still, listen for His voice, maintain integrity to the call and character of Christ, and obey. As Erwin McManus, I too want to follow the barbarian way!
Join me on the journey! Take a look at the Engage 21 Conference information which can be seen at www.churchofgod.org. There you will see a promo video, schedule, and registration form. I hope to see some fellow barbarians there!
-tl
Leave a Comment » | creative ministry, leadership, resources | Permalink
Posted by tony l
January 30, 2008
I know that children’s leaders and children’s pastors are always looking for good children’s ministry curriculum. Lance Colkmire is a proven writer of quality and creative kids ministry curriculum. I’m proud that this quality is coming from Church of God writers! I encourage you to consider the latest addition to the kids church curriculum.
Mighty Acts is a children’s worship curriculum based on the first eight chapters of the Book of Acts. Its 13 services are written to help kids develop a heart for a lost world and receive boldness and power to witness for Christ.
There are two components to the curriculum:
* 120-page leader’s guide featuring Bible lessons, Mighty Sound Band stories, 40 object lessons, puppet and people skits, focus-verse activities, teaching games, and a weekly prayer focus.
* CD containing 104 full-color illustrations (created by Timbuktoons) for the Mighty Sound Band stories and graphics for the 13 focus verses.
Written by Lance Colkmire and Jerry Lenz, this new curriculum retails for $69.99. However, it can be purchased for $59.45 by ordering online at pathwaybookstore.com.
To receive a free sample lesson, write to lance_colkmire@pathwaypress.org.
Leave a Comment » | leadership, resources | Tagged: children's ministry, curriculum, resources | Permalink
Posted by tony l
January 22, 2008
At a recent GenesisKIDS staff meeting, I shared 5 priorities to focus on for the Spring of this year.
We always do a great job of loving on the kids in our ministry, but we must not neglect the parents. We’ve got to remember that parents are the primary spiritual providers for their kids. And when it comes to their kids spiritual development, we are THEIR partners. Greet the parents! Welcome new parents! And communicate with them compassionately!
Everyone on our team should be looking for someone to train up. We believe God has growth in our future, but He’ll send the growth only when we’re ready for it! We’ve got to have a team in place not just for today, but tomorrow!
I recently read a quote in Tony Dungy’s book: “Do common things uncommonly well, and the world will stop and notice.” It doesn’t matter if we’re changing diapers, playing a simple game Speed Stacks, or teaching an eternal truth with life changing implications, do it with passion and excitement. Be in the moment!
Follow through with all of our security procedures to ensure a safe and secure environment. Intentionally notice ways we can improve the elements of our ministry areas. Pray for creativity from our Creator to constantly be improving our environments so we may capture the minds or children. Because, if we capture their minds, we can speak to their hearts.
What a privilege! No matter how hard we tried, we could never earn the right to get to do this. God has invited us into an adventure and in everything we do, let’s do it for His glory. We’re not looking for the approval of man, we’re serving the Lord!
What are some priorities you’ve made for your ministry this season?
Leave a Comment » | leadership | Tagged: children's ministry, leadership, priorities | Permalink
Posted by phil h
January 21, 2008
If you have not read the inaugural issue of K! Magazine, I strongly encourage you to get your hands on one and do so. It is choke full of great reads, ideas and major stuff. Ryan and his team have done one heck of a job on the whole project. Thanks Ryan and gang.
Our very own Phillip Harris and Joseph Tvaroch contributed articles for the first issue.
You can go to www.thekmagazine.com and request a free a copy. So there is no excuse for you not be in on the K! Magazine train.
After you read some articles post some thoughts here for discussion.
Enjoyed the articles Phil and Joseph.
3 Comments | encouragement, resources | Permalink
Posted by phil b
December 19, 2007
Jim Wideman is offering NCLA members a discounted membership for the club. In an earlier post I wrote that the club is a monthly leadership resource just for children’s ministers taught by Bro Jim.
If you join by January 15th you can save $44 off the mp3 membership.
You can find more info about the club at jimwideman.com
To take advantage of this offer email Bro Jim at theclub@jimwideman.com
Thanks Bro Jim.
Leave a Comment » | leadership, resources | Permalink
Posted by phil b
December 17, 2007
Hey guys a quick question…what does Biblical ministry to children administered with cultural relevance look like?
I would really like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
Leave a Comment » | culture | Permalink
Posted by phil b
December 13, 2007
Many of you know about Jim Wideman, better known as Bro. Jim. He is one of our guest speakers at FOCUS 08. If you have not checked out his site (which is linked on the right of this blog) I would encourage you to do so. Jim offers many great resources for children’s ministry leaders.
I personally have gained much from being a part of the club. As a member you receive a monthly teaching from Bro Jim and discounts on other Jim Wideman Ministry products. The insights Bro Jim offers in these monthly teachings are priceless and are extremely practical not only in children’s ministry, but in life.
I have found over the years that Bro Jim is a very personable and down to earth guy. He cares greatly for children and has a passion to help those who minister to them. What he has shared through his books, teachings and conversations have impacted my life and ministry more than any source, other than Jesus Himself.
If you are looking for practical leadership helps to assist you on your journey as a children’s minister, Bro Jim has something for you. We are blessed to have Bro Jim as one of our guest at FOCUS.
Leave a Comment » | focus conference, leadership, resources | Permalink
Posted by phil b
December 13, 2007
In my devotional time yesterday (I’ve been using the new Men’s Devotional Bible by Zondervan), I read the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 3. It’s when God appeared to Solomon in a dream saying he could ask for whatever he wanted.
Imagine such an offer from God. What would you ask for? Long life? Health for your family? A beautiful wife? A godly husband? Musical or athletic ability? You name it. Solomon could have had it. And as a young, inexperienced 20 year old king, Solomon chose wisely and asked for a discerning heart.
So imagine. What if God showed up in your dreams tonight? If you knew you could take one prayer request to God, and He’d answer you, what would you ask for? I mean, what do you REALLY want for Christmas?
Leave a Comment » | encouragement, leadership | Tagged: Christmas, Faith, prayer, wish list | Permalink
Posted by phil h
