Kidmin

Exploring the Current State of Kids Ministry with ChatGPT

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Are you curious about what ChatGPT can do? ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that can provide answers to questions you ask it. It can provide you with a unique and personal conversation that can be both helpful and entertaining. 

I started asking ChatGPT to analyze the current state of kids ministry and to share trends and challenges we are facing. So if you’re curious about what happens when AI analyzes the internet and spits out a super complex idea in seconds, read on to learn more!

Current State of Kids Ministry 

Kids ministry is an important part of church life and a growing area of ministry for many churches. The current state of kids ministry is strong, with an increasing number of churches offering various forms of programming for kids. According to the Barna Group, more than 90% of churches with 250 or more attendees offer some form of children’s ministry. 

Trends 

One of the major trends in kids ministry is the increased focus on technology. Many churches are making use of digital tools to help engage kids in their ministry, such as online games, videos, and apps. Additionally, many churches are utilizing virtual reality to create immersive experiences for kids. Another trend is the growth of multi-generational programming. This is especially true in larger churches, where multiple generations of families can attend and participate in the same activities. 

Challenges 

One of the main challenges facing kids ministry is the competition from other sources of entertainment. With so many digital distractions and other activities available, it can be difficult for churches to capture and keep the attention of kids. 

Another challenge is the difficulty of recruiting and retaining volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of any kids ministry and finding enough people to serve can be a challenge. 

Statistics 

The Barna Group reports that the average church spends 10-15% of its budget on children’s ministries. Additionally, the average number of children attending Sunday school is around 70, with a total average attendance of around 200 children per week. 

Key Players 

Some of the key players in kids ministry include churches, non-profit organizations, and media companies. Churches are the primary providers of kids ministry and are responsible for organizing and delivering programs for kids. Non-profit organizations are involved in providing resources and support for churches to use in their kids ministry. Media companies are involved in creating digital resources and tools for churches to use in their programming. 

Forecast 

In the short term, we can expect to see more churches making use of technology and multi-generational programming to engage kids. Additionally, churches will continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers. 

In the long term, we can expect to see a continued rise in the use of technology in kids ministry. Churches will also continue to focus on multi-generational programming and engaging kids in meaningful ways. 

Impact of Current Events/Future Developments 

The current pandemic has had a major impact on kids ministry. Many churches have had to suspend in-person programming and switch to online options. This has created challenges for churches in terms of providing engaging and meaningful content for kids. Additionally, recruiting and retaining volunteers has become even more difficult in the current environment. 

Overall, according to the AI, the current state of kids ministry is strong and has potential for further growth in the near future. What do you think the future of kids ministry holds? What challenges and trends do you see?

In the future, I expect we will see more churches making use of online tools like ChatGPT. Have you begun using the tool of AI in your ministry? Share your insights and thoughts in the comments below!

Witness the Power of the Jesus Revolution

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The Jesus Revolution movie is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding or appreciation for a movement of God in the 1970’s. Your heart will go out to Greg Laurie, a young boy in the 1970s who is looking for something important. He meets a friendly hippie named Lonnie Frisbee and Pastor Chuck Smith. Together, they help a church become a place of love, which starts a big movement called the Jesus Revolution.

You will love exploring the impact of the Jesus movement in the United States during the 1960‘s and 1970’s, chronicling the spiritual awakening that swept across the nation. The movie shows how the Jesus movement changed the lives of countless individuals and shaped the course of religion in America. It is a fascinating look at how faith can bring about positive change and is a great reminder of the impact one person can have in the world.

As you’ll hear in the movie, “God has a long history of using flawed people.” You will see how God works through your failures and will be in courage to go build something great! 

The Devotional Series (https://jesusrevolution.movie/resources-download?id=JesusRevolution-Resources-Devotionals.pdf): This four-part study guide includes reflections based on the historical Jesus Movement and the film JESUS REVOLUTION. Revival requires growth: not only in numbers of believers but personal growth: the kind of reckoning that leads to awakening. This series is intended to walk through what it looks like to shepherd the kind of personal growth that can spur revival. 

The Prayer Guide (https://jesusrevolution.movie/resources-download?id=JesusRevolution-Resources-PrayerGuide.pdf) We believe in the power of prayer. Revival does not come about through human means—we need the Spirit of God to move in profound and historic ways. Our God has done it before in this country and we believe that another awakening can happen in our lifetime.

5 Tips to Help Pastors Get Organized and Maximize Ministry Impact

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We are all busy and sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with all that we have to do. Having a clear plan, setting goals and staying focused can make all of the difference in how productive you are. Here are a set of proven steps you can take today to increase your organization and see ministry success.

1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives: Evaluate where your are going and how to get there.

Our staff recently worked through the K.I.S.S. Method of evaluation. The Kiss Method of Evaluation is a framework used to assess and evaluate performance. It stands for Keep, Improve, Stop, and Start. The Kiss Method involves four steps: 1. Keep: Identify the activities that are working well and should be continued. 2. Improve: Determine which activities could be enhanced or changed to be more successful. 3. Stop: Identify activities that should be discontinued in order to improve performance. Maybe the reason you are unable to move forward with fresh ideas is because you have no margin. 4. Start: Identify new activities that should be implemented in your ministry. By using the Kiss Method, organizations or individuals can assess their performance and make changes as needed in order to optimize results. Consider setting aside an hour this week to work through the K.I.S.S. Evaluation Method for your ministry. Pull our your calendar and make this an appointment.

2. Create a System: Establish an organizational system that works for you and make sure to use it.

To establish an organizational system, start by setting clear expectations for volunteers, staff and families. Ensure everyone has written roles and responsibilities that are clearly communicated to the whole team. Create a structure that is easy to follow, with plans for regular check-ins and communication. Utilize technology to organize and track progress and information. Finally, provide ongoing training and support to ensure everyone is on the same page.

3. Prioritize Tasks: Take the time to determine which tasks are most important and focus on those first.

Prioritizing tasks for begins with understanding the mission and purpose of the ministry. Ask yourself what goals need to be achieved and which tasks need to be done first to reach those goals. Make a list of tasks to be accomplished and prioritize them based on the importance, urgency, and difficulty level. Once tasks have been prioritized, assign roles and responsibilities to each task and delegate to the appropriate team members. Finally, set deadlines for each task and keep track of progress to ensure that goals are met.

4. Schedule Time for Yourself: Don’t forget to make time for yourself and find balance.

Schedule some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. This can help you stay grounded and focused on what’s important and help you stay connected to God. Everyday at 1:00pm my phone reminds me to “Be Still and Know God.” This simple reminder keeps me focused on God. Find activities that you enjoy and and bring peace such as kayaking, reading, praying, hammocking, or listening to music. Make sure to prioritize yourself and your needs, so that you can be the best version of yourself for your family and your ministry.

5. Utilize Technology: Take advantage of technology to help you stay organized and on track.

Utilize tools such as online calendars, task management software, and social media tools to help manage and promote events, connect with parents and volunteers, and keep track of your massive to do list. Technology can be used as a distraction OR it can be used to simplify your work. With the right technology, kids pastors can keep children engaged and connected no matter where they are.

Don’t let the feeling of being overwhelmed rob you of the joy and impact of ministry. Put these 5 tips into practice and you’ll be amazed at how organized and successful you can be in your ministry. Your calling is too big to go on as before. Take an action step today and make a plan to get organized and maximize ministry impact!

Picking Curriculum Breakout Notes for #CPC20

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Random Facebook Post

Did you know there are over 50 kids ministry curriculum options each with their own unique way of doing things!?! Let’s explore the options and determine what questions you should be asking before you get started!

  1. Why Curriculum? What purpose does it serve?
    1. Tool Belt Teaching
      1. The Lesson –  The scope and sequence, the strategy, the goals, repetition vs. redundant, age-appropriateness
      2. Games – Do they help kids connect? Do they serve a purpose? Do they further the teaching? Are they fresh?
      3. Small-Group Materials – Supply lists, well-crafted questions, fun? 
      4. Videos and Graphics
      5. Worship Songs
      6. Crafts
      7. Environments
      8. Scripture Memory
      9. Parent Resources
      10. Social Media Plan
      11. And so much more…
    2. Tool Belt Varieties
      1. Some are too big
      2. Some are old
      3. Some tools don’t fit
      4. Some you just don’t like
      5. Some you don’t understand
    3. A good fit has the right belt with the right tools. But still, it takes work. 
  1. Question 1 – Will this curriculum help your kids learn the Bible?
    1. Is scripture read and taught?
    2. Will the lesson connect with your kids?
    3. Do the supplemental materials reinforce the Bible?
    4. Does the teaching lead to life-changing application?
    5. Will the kids be engaged and interested in the lesson?
    6. Does this curriculum make learning the Bible fun?
  1. Question 2 – When your kids completely the curriculum will they produce the fruit you are desiring to see in their lives?
    1. Wise and foolish builder illustration
    2. Bible knowledge and application
    3. The vision of your church
    4. Begin with the end in mind
  1. Question 3 – Will this curriculum be a good fit for your program?
    1. Does the lesson length fit your needs?
    2. Will the materials change lives or just fill time?
    3. Does the curriculum provide the service components you are looking for?
    4. Is it flexible? 
    5. Is it manageable?
  1. Question 4 – Will this curriculum be a good fit for your kids?
    1. What age level is it designed for?
    2. Will it make sense culturally and socioeconomically? 
    3. Are their materials for children with special needs?
    4. Are there supplemental materials your kids will enjoy?
    5. Does it encourage community and build relationships?
    6. Will your kids be engaged and have fun?
  1. Question 5 – Will this curriculum fit in your budget?
    1. What is the starting price of the yearly curriculum?
    2. What is the full and real cost of the yearly curriculum? 
    3. What is the cost of the supplemental materials and props?
    4. Are scholarships or flexibility in pricing available?
  1. Question 6 – Do other churches, like yours, recommend this curriculum?
    1. What are churches in your denomination using or avoiding?
    2. What curriculum has your church used over the years and why did they change?
    3. Do churches a little larger than you recommend it? 
    4. What are the arguments against using the curriculum? 
  1. VIII.Question 7 – Does this meet family needs? 
    1. Do the materials take the Sunday lesson into Monday through Saturday? 
    2. Does the curriculum matter for 1 hour a week or 168 hours each week?
    3. If a child attends every other week will they be able to follow along? 
    4. Are materials provided in the curriculum to equip the family?
    5. Will a nontraditional family feel included?
  1. Question 8 – How do you access and edit the curriculum?
    1. Do you have the technology necessary to make the curriculum accessible to volunteers? 
    2. Do you need a CD-ROM drive, jump drive, or high-speed internet?
    3. Do you have the audio, visual, and technical supplies to present the lesson?
  1. Question 9 – How much work will it take for you to make changes? 
    1. Is it editable and easy to alter? 
    2. Are there plenty of options if you don’t like a particular portion? 
    3. Are you going to be making minor tweaks or major rewrites? 
    4. Do you have the time and margin necessary for the changes? 
  1. Question 10 – Do I really need to change?
    1. Are you the only one feeling the need to make changes?
    2. Could you add some flavor to spice things up or do you need to change the recipe? 
    3. Is now the right time?
  1. A special note before making changes. 
    1. The change in your pocket illustration. 
    2. What’s at stake?
  2. Let’s look at some options

 

A link to this full google sheet: HERE

 

In a recent KidzMatter Magazine, you can see a description and overview of many curriculum options.

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This is a curriculum evaluation created by a team made up of 60 practitioners with years of weekly classroom experience.2

What do you do from here?

    1. Pray
    2. Research
    3. Contact curriculum providers
    4. Explore samples
    5. Seek wise counsel
    6. Pray

You Will Love to Laugh and Learn with Your Team

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Don’t you just love quality time with your friends filled with laughter and deep insights? With 15 stops all across the country, Orange Tour is an opportunity you’ll kick yourself if you miss. This one-day event will end with you and your team feeling inspired and equipped to make disciples of the next generation!

At Orange Tour Your Team Will Laugh

It’s so life-giving to relax for a minute and simply laugh with your team. Ministry can be full of deep and difficult conversations and during your programming, it’s hard to step back and just enjoy being present. Take a day to be blessed with shared memories and deeper more personal relationships. 

The Visionary Training Will Stick

You know how you say something a thousand times but it fails to stick until another person says the exact same thing? Well, Orange Tour might be what your team needs to create a common language with intentional vision. With speakers like Reggie Joiner, Kristen Ivey, Jon Acuff, Kara Powell, and Kellen Moore, you know your team will walk away with top-notch training. And don’t forget, with this being a regional event, you will also have access to a network of orange thinkers from your part of the country! 

And Best of All, It’s Affordable

This one-day local event means your conference experience is affordable! You can gather your whole team for an opportunity to experience Orange at just a fraction of the cost. And if sending your team even for the tour is out of your price range, consider doing what I did and invite them if they pay their way. 

An Orange Event is coming to a city near you! Registration is now open, pay only $99!

Originally shared on the Orange Leaders Blog at http://orangeblogs.org/orangeleaders/2019/07/12/will-love-laugh-learn-team/

Quick Book Review & Free Giveaway: Stretch by Jim Wideman

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stretchblog

If you’re leading a team of volunteers or oversee a ministry, you celebrate and search after growth. In Jim Wideman’s informative book, Stretch – Structuring Your Ministry For Growth, he asks the questions, “If a hundred new families walked into your church, would you know what do do with them? Would their kids have teachers? Would they even have a classroom? If fifty people who wanted to serve approached you this Sunday, could your system handle it?” These questions will challenge your thinking and throughout the book you will be see how to create a growth structure for your ministry. 

Stretch Teaches The Following Topics:

The Importance of Structure

Making Room to Receive

Beginning Keys to Building Structure in Ministry

Structuring Yourself for Growth

Enlarging the Abilities of Those You Lead

Structuring Your Organization for Growth

Structuring Your Volunteers for Growth

Structuring Your Facilities for Growth

Communicating Your Structure

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you desire to apply Biblical principles of structuring your ministry for growth, then Stretch is for you. Pick up a copy for yourself and then lead your team through each chapter. Take steps today, to move away from a maintenance model and create a strategic plan for the ministry you are stewarding.

If you would like to be entered for a chance to win a physical copy of Stretch, simply share this blog post to social media. 

How to Squeeze Every Drop Out of the Orange Conference

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The Orange Conference is a terrific opportunity for big next steps in your ministry, but few consider preparation a fundamental step for a successful experience. Here are five tips to help you squeeze every drop out of the Orange Conference this year!

Prepare Physically 

Registration for The Orange Conference 2017 opens October 13.  If you purchase your ticket opening day, you save money and get Insider First Access to Breakouts. We all love saving money, but what you may not realize is that breakouts fill up fast and with First Access, you get the best deal!

After you purchase your ticket, you’ll want to figure out transportation and which hotel or AirBnB you will use. To continue preparing physically, you may want to consider the purchase of an external battery for your phone, trying on some new orange shoes, and drinking a Crush Soda.

Prepare Mentally  

You will most likely be taking off work to attend this midweek conference, so prepare to be away. Complete your work for the days you’ll be gone as well as get ahead a few days so that once you return you can process what you learned and plan for the future. You need to build in mental margin so that you are ready to both receive and digest new information. If you have a large project you’re working on or a application-heavy book you’re reading, get to a stopping point before you head to Atlanta so your mind can set that aside and focus on why you’re there. Read through the brochures and breakout descriptions now so that you can prepare yourself for the content that will be coming your way.

Prepare Emotionally 

To squeeze every drop out of the Orange Conference you need to be fully present. Schedule quality and quantity time with your family before your departure, even if they will be attending with you. If separated from your family, let your spouse know when you will be available to FaceTime and set those appointments into your calendar. If you find yourself going into the conference emotionally drained then you may want to schedule some down time for yourself and quiet time with God. At the conference you will laugh, cry, and worship, so prepare yourself emotionally for these times.

Prepare Socially

Begin today by following #OC17 on your favorite social media. This will be a great way to connect with speakers, bloggers, and the Orange community! Consider updating your profile and snapping a recent photo so that people will recognize you when they bump into you in the coffee line. Schedule a meal or two with your online community and make sure you prepare quality questions to make the most of these opportunities. You will be surprised at how much you can learn and grow when you prepare socially for the conference.

Prepare Spiritually

One of the most important questions you can ask in preparation is, “Father, what do you want to teach me?” Ask the Spirit to guide your breakout selection and for Him to open your heart to what you need to hear. Know that the conference schedule is packed, but this does not mean that you need to be at everything. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds to be with His Father.

Whether this is your first Orange Conference or if you’ve been there since the beginning, take some time to fully prepare so that you can squeeze every drop from this year’s Orange Conference!

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A Useful Scripture Memory Tool Endorsed By Me

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Do you wish you had the willpower to memorize Scripture? Do you find it challenging to commit your favorite passages to memory? If you’re like most people who believe in the Bible, you wish you knew more verses by heart but have not taken the time to study. I recently found a scripture memory tool that works for me; membands. 

Membands are silicone wristbands that help the wearer memorize a verse. Embossed on the outside of the bracelet are capital letters, the scripture reference, and the membands logo. For example, I am currently wearing a memband that says, “TIMCBSACDNBAODFTLYGIWYWYG.” Embossed on the inside of the bracelet the verse is written out, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

When I first put the bracelet on, it looks like a secret code, but after a few hours, there is a breakthrough where I can easily look at the letters and remember the verse. After a day or so of glancing at my wrist while holding a coffee, driving down the road, or going for a walk I am always surprised that the verse is committed to memory. Then as the week is over, I can delight in knowing a new verse and can give this bracelet to someone who needs to hear the verse.

Membands are one of the many tools out there to help you focus on God’s Word. Over the last month, this method has proven itself to work for me. The company has plans to launch a Smartphone App to track shared bands and they are even looking into a subscription plan. If you’re looking for an easy way to hide God’s word in your heart, check out membands. 

 

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3 Common Mistakes KidMin Make (And How to Avoid Them)

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3 Common Mistakes

Hopefully, you are not the same caliber leader you were last year. And hopefully, you are not making the same mistakes today that you made yesterday. At least a dozen times I have heard Jim Wideman say, “Successful leaders make mistakes, and then they learn from those mistakes and keep going.” Today I want to share with you three common mistakes kidmin leaders make and how to avoid them.

1. Self-Reliance

Far too many KidMin leaders are relying on the strengths that God gave them instead of the God who gave them those strengths. Psalm 127:1 clearly states, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” God has also blessed you with a team who He has given specific and intentional gifts. Are you equipping those under your leadership to use their talents for God’s kingdom? If you are making the mistake of self-reliance, take a step in the right direction today by repenting and asking both God and your team for their forgiveness.

2. Not Allowing Outside Voices

One of the greatest catalysts for taking your next step in leadership is allowing someone to speak truth into your life. Find someone further down the road than you and invite them into your life. Ask specific questions that allow the mentor to address personal character issues as well as areas of failure that you might not see. Also, learn from coaches or people who you might not have a relationship with by reading their books and blogs. Learn from others successes as well as their failures. If a coach gives you personal access to them, ask great questions and apply the wisdom they shared with you. There are also local kidmin leaders who you can learn from if you allow the opportunity. If you are not allowing outside voices into your life, take a step in the right direction today by researching a mentoring group or inviting someone to speak truth into your life.

3. Failure To Prioritizing

Kids ministry is never really finished. There are always more prayers to be prayed, more conversations to have, and more people to evangelize. The sad truth is that while many kidmin leaders are busy doing work, very few are getting the important work done. With 168 hours in the week, you need to know and live by your priorities. If God is truly number one, is this reflected in your time and finances? If your family truly comes before your ministry, is this demonstrated in your kid’s attitude towards your job? If you are failing to prioritize, take a step in the right direction today by physically writing out your priorities and creating an action plan to keep them in the right order.

What Mistakes Do You See? 

I have outlined 3 common mistakes KidMin make and how to avoid them. What mistakes would you add to this post and how do you avoid them? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

5 Reasons Why Preteens Answer The Question of the Day

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Questions propel leaders forward. One of the best questions you can ask is simply the question, “Why?” Why did you make that decision? Why did your organization make that change? Why do you do what you do? Recently, I was asked the question, “Why do the preteens answer the question of the day?” I want to give you five reasons and a quick bonus idea about asking your preteens the question of the day.

1. Ensure students check in.
The answer to these questions is written directly on the students name tag. In order for a student to share their answer, they need to first check in. If you ever feel like the bad guy by continually asking students to check in then the question of the day can reframe your situation. Instead of asking if they checked in, ask how they answered today’s question.

2. Foster self-expression.
Preteens are developing their own personalities and are beginning to think for themselves. Asking the question of the day will help students express themselves in a safe and friendly environment. Questions are phrased in such a way where there is no right or wrong answer but simply determining what the students favorite option is in a specific situation.

3. Deepen understanding and preferences.
Do you know if the students in your ministry prefer pepperoni or cheese pizza? If the preteens had an hour to kill, do you know what they would do for fun? What TV shows are they watching and what books do they read? Asking your students these questions can help you gain a deeper understanding of their culture.

4. Easily divide students or set up teams for a game.
If you want to divide your room in half ask a question that will do this for you. Ask if students prefer the toilet paper up and over or down and under then use that answer to divide the room. If you need four teams ask which subject is their favorite in school: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, or Science.

5. Encourage friendships and connections.
Students love to connect. Two students build a connection when they write the same answer to the question, “If you could only eat ONE food forever, what would it be?” Friendships are developed when preteens get to know each other and talking about the answer to these questions can help.

As you can see the question of the day can be an easy system that you can begin using in your ministry to help both your students and their leaders. These questions can tie into the lesson, worship time, a game you are playing, or even the current season. For a quick bonus idea, you can even ask your students what they would like to ask and then use their questions in the future.

Do you have a question of the day in your ministry? What questions would you like to ask your students? Are there other benefits that you would like to add to this list? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!