Leadership

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!

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!

88 Leadership Quotes and Questions from #D62017

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Greg Baird – @GregJBaird

“The Church is divinely designed to develop leaders through the discipleship process.”

Ephesians 4:12 “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry…” What does an equipped saint look like?

Are the few doing the ministry for the many? Or are the few equipping the many for the ministry?

Do new believers get called and sent into the mission upon conversion?

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Ron Hunter – @ronhunter

“Disciples is not an event, it’s a way of life.”

“Isn’t it interesting what God can do with an hour if it is given unto him.”

Do my conversations connect influentially with my kids?

If our kids dressed in the armor of God the same way we do as parents, will they be protected?

“Our roles as ministry leaders is to help parents connect with their children.”

“Face to face is confrontational but shoulder to shoulder allows an atmosphere for tough topics.”

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Christina Embree – @EmbreeChristina

“Discipleship at home was not about doing more but inviting Christ into what we were already doing.”

“Brushing your teeth can become discipleship. Parking far away can be discipleship. Hearing sirens can be discipleship.”

“The most ordinary thing becomes the sacred thing when Christ is in it.”

“Christ can take the most ordinary, mundane thing and make it sacred through His Holy Spirit.”

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The Skit Guys – @skitguys

“The truth about the little ones we get, it’s God idea, and our responsibility.”

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Dr. Gary Chapman – @DrGaryChapman

“As the family goes, so goes the nation.”

“The time to prepare for marriage is not after you get engaged, the time is now.”

Does this rule keep the kid from danger? Does it teach positive character trait? Does it protect property? Does it teach the child responsibility? Does it teach good manners?

“The question is not do you love your children. The question is do your children feel loved?”

What if my children turned out to be like me? What if they handle anger the way I handle anger? Love spouse how I love? Drive a car the way I drive? Work with the same ethic? Talk to others? Handle conflicts? Respond to drugs or alcohol? Same quality relationship with God? Handle money? Treat in-laws? Treat their children?

“Children are far more influenced by our model than our words.”

“You won’t have any problem with your children forgiving you if you’re willing to apologize.”

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 4

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Dr. La Verne Tolbert – @drltolbert

Who is your most memorable teacher?

As we look to teach like Jesus, how do we exemplify the Christian character?

Do we have a relationship with those we are leading? Do we pay attention to their needs?

How well do we use the baptism and communion and the church calendar as teachable moments?

“Jesus was sensitive to time. Jesus had a scope and sequence to His teaching.”

Why is it that we only teach auditory?

“In John 3-4 Jesus ministers to Nicodemus and the woman at the well. The uttermost to the guttermost.”

“We must not be too busy that we cannot pray.”

“A church without children is a dying church.”

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Dr. Richard Ross – @richardaross

1/2 of kids leave the church, but what about the 1/2 that stay. Why?

“If we pay attention to those who stayed, it might cause us to change the perspective of why we do what we do.”

“Spiritually lethargic parents create spiritually lethargic kids. Spiritually alive parents produce spiritually alive kids.”

“Teenagers who leave High School with little love for the bride will eventually wander away from the Groom.”

“The goal of family ministry is families who love God, love people, and make dimples of all nations.”

We tried replacing parents with the professionals for 60 years. So how’s that going?

“Those kids who stay [in church] come out of homes with moms and dads who are spiritually alive.”

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Dr. Vern Bengtson –

“Data showed parents having substantial influence on their millennial children’s faith formation.”

“There are more years of shared lives between grandparents and grandchildren than any time before. Grandparents are influential.”

Should there be a singles group for 65 year olds? Widow support group? Session on facing death?

“Don’t forget the seniors. Most churches do.”

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Candace Payne – @candacepayne

“Joy is a byproduct of a deeper work, hope.”

“May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace that you may abound in all hope.

Jesus is our hope. It’s found in a person.”

“Stop doing ministry without God!

Stop working for God, without God.”

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

“There is a beauty in only depending on what the spirit can do.”

“We’ve got places to be, and the first one is in His presence.”

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Michael Bayne – @michael_bayne

“Why do pastors spend so much time day-dreaming about the future church and not focusing on their present church?”

“If your dreams for your future church are hijacking the passion for your current church, there might be a problem.”

“What God has entrusted you with is critically important.”

“You get no credit for the time you spend coveting another church.”

Have you ever seen God’s people not complain or the complain free church?

“Lead like you’ll be there forever because you are responsible forever.“

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Dr. Eddie Moody – @EdwardEMoodyJr

“We need to prepare our kids for bad things, for the storms of life.”

Psalm 46 “When the mountains are moved into the heart of the sea.” “If God says He will be there in this time than we should expect this time to come.”

“In the U.S. 5% of kids will have one parent die before the age of 16.”

“Acting like pain and suffering doesn’t happen doesn’t serve our children well. Equip them. They can handle it.”

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Dr. Timothy Paul Jones – @DrTimothyPJones

“If all you get is the kids, you won’t have the parents and then eventually you won’t have the kids either.”

“Provide every child a family in faith.”

“Make a phone call to say; thank you, can we pray for you, how can we pray for your child, and thank you!”

“You aren’t doing it for results, you are doing it because it’s right. Your goal is faithfulness. The results belong to God.”

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Joshua Straub – @joshuastraub

“I made a conscious decision that the pattern of divorce in my family would stop with me.”

“I didn’t need to be the pastor of a megachurch to reach thousands of people. I just needed to be a parent.”

“Prayer doesn’t just change the generations that go after us. Prayer changes the generations that go before us.”

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Michael Covington – @m_covington

Are you too comfortable in your church?

Are you lacking the results you desire from your message because the way you deliver it is too comfortable?

“Any ministry or organization that lacks a clear focus of message…may need to bring themselves back to that time when they were brand new.” Do you remember that time?

“The right tone at the right time is a grace delivery method.”

How can your words be gracious if they don’t have the right tone?

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Kristie Christie – @kristievos

Why do we believe that happiness comes when we get more?

“College students today are about 40% lower in empathy than their counterparts of 20 or 30 years ago, as measured by standard tests of this personality trait.”

How do we teach kids empathy? “Talk to your kids about life being hard.”

“People matter more than things. Our entitlement is not setting us free.”

Why does it matter what you choose? “Allow kids to feel the consequences of their actions as we walk beside them. They can make a big difference and they can make a big hurt.”

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Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell – @josh_mcdowell @Sean_McDowell

“When I started doing this…the dead sea was only sick.”

“God can use all of us regardless of our backgrounds.”

“If you really seek after truth, I believe you’ll find Jesus, ’cause he is truth”

“Don’t reject something because it’s the faith of your father. Reject something because it’s not true.”

“Pornography is the number one barrier to apologetics today.”

“The number one thing that causes a child to stay pure from sexual immorality was deep religious beliefs.”

“Rules without relationship leads to rejection.”

“Truth without relationships results in rejection.”

“Lord, never again, do I want to put my family before my ministry. My family is my first ministry.”

Why re-write this new book? “Truth never changes, but its critics do.”

 

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Leadership as Discipleship – #D62017 Breakout Notes

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How many of your churches have a discipleship plan?

How many of your churches have an intentional leadership development plan?

If we are to “go and make disciples” then our ministry will only go to the depth of our discipleship so increasing discipleship focus ought to be one of our highest priories. If everything rises and falls on leadership then our ministry will only rise to the level of our leadership so increasing leadership focus ought to be one of our highest priorities. Both of these are important, we need leaders in our churches. But have we focused on developing leaders at the expense of discipleship?

The Church is divinely designed to develop leaders through the discipleship process. Leaders ought to be developed through our discipleship process. What if leadership development took place within the context of our discipleship process?

Possible differences between Leadership development vs. discipleship.
Discipleship: I learn to live like Jesus
Leadership: I learn to lead like Jesus
Discipleship: Primarily about character
Leadership: Primarily about competencies
Discipleship: Leading self
Leadership: Leading others
Discipleship: Cultivating intimacy with God
Leadership: Cultivating influence with people.

Ephesians 4:12 “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry…”

What does an equipped saint look like?
Loves God/loves others
Exhibit Godly character
Doctrinally sound
Kingdom builder
= Influencer 

An equipped saint becomes an influencer. Leadership is influence.
We are developing others to become influencers.

Cultivating a Leadership as Discipleship Ministry:
1.  Model true discipleship.
2. Commit to leading a disciple making ministry.
3. Create a discipleship pathway.
4. Equip the Saints for ministry.
5. Cultivate leaders being discipled.

Seven questions to determine if you have a disciplemaking culture:

1. Are the few doing the ministry for the many? Or are the few equipping the many for the ministry?
2. Do we spend the majority of our time equipping, training and developing leaders?
3. Is it apparent that every member is to be a full-time minister in your church?
4. Do new believers get called and sent into the mission upon conversion?
5. Do you celebrate those who leave to start new works?
6. Is there shared leadership within the local body?
7. Do you intentionally create vacuums for other leaders to fill?

The Disciple Making Pathway
Needs to be simple.
Needs to be systematic
Needs to be sustainable

Congregation (Worship Gathering) – A disciple should gather together with the corporate church body for weekly worship. During this time, believers are equipped and edified for the work of the ministry through expository preaching of the Word.

Community (Life Groups/Small Groups) – This mixed-gender group of 10-20 people is the starting point for relationships, spiritual growth, and service both inside and outside the church. Friendships are formed in this context for future D-Groups (Discipleship Groups).

Core (D-Groups) – These are gender-exclusive groups of 3-5 people who meet for 12-18 months. The maturity of these groups is measured by the M.A.R.C.S. of a healthy D-Group.

Crowd (Engage the World) – Through divine appointments and relational evangelism, a disciple engages non-believers with the Gospel by forming intentional relationships in their workplace, neighborhood, and community.

Resource- Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development by Eric Geiger

@GregJBaird #D62017

17 Excellent Books You’ll Want To Read In 2017

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“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Joseph Addison

2017 can be your best year yet! You can work hard, reach your goals, and truly steward your time well. I believe a great book can motivate you to become the best version of you possible. Over the last 2 years, I’ve read over 120 books and I’ve narrowed this list down to a few of my favorites. Here are 17 excellent books that you will want to read in 2017!

31946312Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church
by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, Brad Griffin

Across the United States, churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation’s leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults.

Memorable Quote: “The internet can’t help you move into your new apartment. Only a close community will do that.”

26821682Lasting Impact: 7 Powerful Conversations That Will Help Your Church Grow
by Carey Nieuwhof

In Lasting Impact, Carey Nieuwhof leads you and your team through seven conversations that will help your church grow and have a lasting impact. Maybe the future belongs to the churches that are willing to have the most honest conversations at a critical time.

Memorable Quote: “If the change inside the church isn’t equal to or greater than the change outside our walls, greater irrelevance is inevitable.”

12609433The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
by Charles Duhigg

At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work.

Memorable Quote: “Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.”

11734990A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
by Gene Edwards

This best-selling tale is based on the biblical figures of David, Saul, and Absalom. For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope.

Memorable Quote: “He seemed to understand something that few of even the wisest men of his day understood…God wanted a broken vessel.”

13497505Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
by Bob Goff

When Love Does, life gets interesting. Each day turns into a hilarious, whimsical, meaningful chance that makes faith simple and real. Each chapter is a story that forms a book, a life. And this is one life you don’t want to miss.

Memorable Quote: “I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”

18077903Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull

Creativity, Inc. is a book for managers who want to lead their employees to new heights, a manual for anyone who strives for originality, and the first-ever, all-access trip into the nerve center of Pixar Animation.

Memorable Quote: “Failure isn’t a necessary evil. In fact, it isn’t evil at all. It is a necessary consequence of doing something new.”

11198480Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
by Kyle Idleman
Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly. In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style.

Memorable Quote: “Fans mistake knowledge OF Jesus for intimacy WITH Jesus.”

76865Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t
by James C. Collins

But what about the company that is not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? For years, this question preyed on the mind of Jim Collins.

Memorable Quote: “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”

22505257You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity
by Francis Chan, Lisa Chan

In his latest book, Francis Chan joins together with his wife Lisa to address the question many couples wonder at the altar: How do I have a healthy marriage? Setting aside typical topics on marriage, Francis and Lisa dive into Scripture to understand what it means to have a relationship that satisfies the deepest parts of our souls.

Memorable Quote: “Again, our marriage problems are not really marriage problems. They are heart problems. They are God problems.”

14453237Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
by Paul David Tripp

Dangerous Calling reveals the truth that the culture surrounding our pastors is spiritually unhealthy–an environment that actively undermines the wellbeing and efficacy of our church leaders and thus the entire church body.

Memorable Quote: “No one celebrates the presence and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ more than the person who has embraced his desperate and daily need of it.”

377640Seven Practices of Effective Ministry
by Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, Reggie Joiner

There’s no scoreboard in the sanctuary, and the only plate is probably for the offering. But every church leader needs to know how to win, and every congregation needs to know when to cheer. This insightful book speaks to every church leader who yearns for a simpler, more effective approach to ministry.

Memorable Quote: “Nothing hinders morale more than when team members with separate agendas are pulling against one another.”

15869598Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human
by Judah Smith

Jesus is greatly revered, harshly criticized, and sorely misunderstood. Judah breaks down who Jesus is and explains to readers how understanding Jesus more fully will not only enrich their lives, but also give them meaning, as well as save them.

Memorable Quote: “Grace is a person. And his name is Jesus.”

27163727Tweetable Leadership
by Jim Wideman

Tweetable Leadership is a collection of more than 500 tweetable truths that are taken from Jim Wideman’s books, blogs, and teachings that will help jumpstart your thinking and learning so you can apply them in your life.

Memorable Quote: “If God leads us in steps, why don’t we think in steps?”

6234075Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance
by Bob Buford

Bob Buford believes the second half of your life can be better than the first. Much better. But first, you need time to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. So he recommends that a reader call “halftime” to reflect not only on where he’s going, but why.

Memorable Quote: If the first half was a quest for success, the second half is a journey to significance.

944267Boundaries: When To Say Yes, How to Say No
by Henry Cloud, John Townsend

Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not.

Memorable Quote: “Forgiveness gives me boundaries because it unhooks me from the hurtful person, and then I can act responsibly, wisely. If I am not forgiving them, I am still in a destructive relationship with them.”

18685328The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
by Patrick Lencioni

Throughout the story, Lencioni reveals the five dysfunctions which go to the very heart of why teams even the best ones-often struggle. He outlines a powerful model and actionable steps that can be used to overcome these common hurdles and build a cohesive, effective team.

Memorable Quote: “Trust is knowing that when a team member does push you, they’re doing it because they care about the team.”

56501Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service
by Kenneth H. Blanchard

“Your customers are only satisfied because their expectations are so low and because no one else is doing better. Just having satisfied customers isn’t good enough anymore. If you really want a booming business, you have to create Raving Fans.”

Memorable Quote: “As for what I’m doing here, I’m here to show you the three magic secrets of creating Raving Fans, the ultimate in customer service.”

To read how to read 400% more by next year check out this blog post: LINK! With less than 1% of participants reaching their goal on the Goodreads social network this year, I believe part of the problem is a failure in select great books! I’m looking for books to add to my next reading list and must ask, “If we were to round these 17 up to 20, which 3 books would you add to this list?”

How To Easily Network With Other Leaders Now

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So what is your strategy to network with other leaders at your next conference?

Do you stand at the entrance, handing out business cards to everyone as they enter?

Do you pay thousands of dollars to advertise your social media content, hoping for followers?

Do you print your twitter handle on stickers and attach them to everything as you walk through the exhibit hall?

If you’re like most people, the thought of asking a stranger for help or reaching out to an author to ask questions begins a nervous feeling deep down in your gut. You know the value of networking but you find it easier said than done. Right now, I want to share with you a few tested tips to give you a successful networking experience at your next conference!

Know Your Goal.

Most people fail to network well because they don’t know what they are looking for in the first place. Are you looking for advice? Are you trying to land a book deal? Do you want to learn from someone further down the road then you? Are you just looking for someone to vent to? Start now by determining your goal.

Prepare. 

If the presenter walked off the stage and asked you to go to dinner would you be prepared to ask meaningful questions? Do you know where you are currently in leadership and what you need to get to the next level? Take some time right now to write down a few questions. Prepare for the chance encounter. Know your schedule and when downtime will make networking natural. Print off a couple of business cards in case you need to cut a conversation short. And make sure you follow conference hashtags on social media to connect digitally as well!

Create Opportunities.

Make every minute count. Whether you are waiting in line for coffee or walking through registration, look up from your phone and connect with the people around you. If this is intimidating then consider getting a wing man to help you out socially or write down a few ice breaker questions that can spark meaningful conversation. Maybe you create an opportunity by hosting a meal or offering to pick up the coffee tab in exchange for a person’s time. Remember to be generous.

Be Worthwhile.

Nothing frustrates a leader worse than wasting valuable time. If someone agrees to invest their time into you, do the work necessary to return the favor. Ask targeted questions and actually listen, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Give the leader your full attention and take notes when appropriate. This can be a reciprocal relationship but keep close attention to how much you are talking and the body language of the other person. Remember it’s better to leave the conversation with the other person desiring more.

Follow up.

When you turn and walk away can you clearly articulate your next step? Did the leader give you a deep wisdom that you need to take some time to digest? Did you set up a conference call or ask if you can connect on social media? A sure fire way to building a lasting relationship with someone is to follow up with them, expressing what you learned and how meeting them has impacted your life.

Networking doesn’t have to be complicated. You can easily connect with other leaders and form genuine relationships. Take time right now and do the work necessary to set yourself up for future success.

What 5 Scriptures Need To Be In Your Office To Build Yourself Up?

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If there’s one essential quality in successful ministry leaders, it’s a passion for God’s Word. You can keep your priorities, manage your time, and delegate all the right responsibilities but without a solid foundation everything can come tumbling down. At Jim Wideman’s Infuse 11 retreat, he asked the question, “What 5 Scriptures need to be in your office to build yourself up?” Here is a quick process for determining which passages you need to ask God to impress in your heart.

First, determine where you are currently. Are you struggling with a specific sin or temptation? Are you in a season where you need encouragement? Do you need to focus on one of God’s promises?

Next, decide where you want to be. Is there something holding you back from reaching your potential? Is there a promise found in God’s Word that can push you closer to the person God made you to be? Is there a fear holding you back that the Bible can speak into?

Research and listen to the Spirit. Jump over to Bible Gateway and type in a keyword or two to begin researching. Check out different translations and ask the Spirit to speak to your heart through His word. Remember that whatever you feed will grow.

Write down the 5 scriptures that need to be in your office post them visually. Place them somewhere that you will read them regularly and consider creating some digital graphics for your desktop or background.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

How Effective Planning Can Jump-Start Your Week

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As you shut down your computer on Friday and reflect on your workweek, you either feel a sense of fulfillment or you wonder where the time went. We’ve all had weeks when we kick butt and take names. We’ve also all had weeks when we busily go from one thing to another but have nothing to show for our efforts at the end of the week. With some effective planning on the front end, you can jump-start your workweek and feel satisfied as you roll into the weekend.

1. DETERMINE WHERE YOU’RE GOING.

Stephen Covey eloquently said,

“Begin with the end in mind.”

As you begin your week, visualize what you want to achieve. Sure, it would be great to plan that next big event, write months of curriculum, personally disciple every student in your ministry, and create a killer social media strategy, but with only 168 hours this week, you won’t be able to get it all done. You can’t do everything in one week, but with some planning you can do some things. Pull out your calendar, pray for God’s will to be done, and write down your goals for the week.

2. CHOOSE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TASKS.

The work of ministry is never truly done—you can always have more conversations, improve your systems, and spend more time in the Word. So choose and write down a few big tasks that are both important and urgent for this workweek. If you’re planning a service project, finding transportation is important, but the details you first need to determine are date and location. On Friday, you don’t want to look back and see all the little tasks you accomplished as you failed to complete the big and urgent goal.

Read the next 3 steps by clicking here!

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!