The wheels have been turning at KidzMatter. If you haven’t heard, we are launching a magazine. The image on the left is one of the early comps from our art director. The first issue of K! Magazine (January / February 2008) will drop in the mail mid-to-late December.
If you would have asked me a year ago if KidzMatter would be in the publishing business, I would have told you that it’s a dream, but it’s a long way down the road. Isn’t it something when God makes your dreams a reality – even quicker than you would ever expect? A few months ago on our way home from Sunday night church, I told Beth, “Tonight God told me to start a magazine.” I was expecting her to go, “what?!?!”. Her response was, “I thought the same thing this morning.” A few days later I told Evan Doyle, our technology director, “Evan, we’re starting a magazine.” I didn’t get a “what?!?!” from Evan, I got the blank stare. You know, that stare that says, “Did he just say what I think he said?”
Our team has been great the last few months. We’ve been busy hiring an art director, working with Electricurrent on branding and concept design, meeting with editors, and everything else that comes with launching a magazine.
Electricurrent (the cool people who do our web work) will be making some major revisions to KidzMatter.com to include tools and information about the magazine. However, these changes won’t take effect until later this fall. In the meantime, check out the temporary K! page to get the 411.
One of the coolest things about this new magazine is that it’s being created for children’s pastors by children’s pastors. Our editorial team are people that know kids and work with them. They are each culturally-current in their approach to children’s ministry.
Check out the web page about K! Magazine. There are advertising opportunities, writing opportunities and you can even subscribe.
AWESOME! i look forward to reading the first issue of K!
I look forward to reading and hopefully contributing to “K”.
I am so looking forward to getting the first issue of “K”. I already love the current resources that you offer, “K” I am sure will be the icing on the cake so to speak.
God has told me that I will right articles someday and even books for children’s ministry, maybe God will open a door through “K”.
Brianna, thanks for the words of encouragement. Hopefully you will have a copy in your hands the second week of December!
Ryan
Todd, I tried calling you on your cell Saturday and will try again tomorrow! I’d like to take you up on your offer!
Ryan
Alan,
Thanks for the note! Your words of affirmation are a really big blessing to us. Let’s keep in touch about writing for the magazine. Call me sometime so we can talk.
Ryan
I pray this venture fulfills the desires of your heart while also touching the lives of many who seek wisdom and encouragement from experienced practioners such as yourself.
Ryan,
Congrats on the upcoming new magazine! Sounds like some exciting things are on the horizon for KidZ Matter! As they say in children’s ministry circles, “way to go bro”!
Ryan: I’m so glad you are taking the leap to create a magazine that is not just a collection of advertisements, tear-out postcards, and in-house product and event promotions. My best wishes and prayers are with you…If I can help in any way, just let me know. DaleV
Ryan,
I’m from kendallville Faith Free Will and our children’s ministry on Wednesday nights had really taken off. I use the web sight quite often for game ideas. I find them to be very effective and cannot wait to read your new magazine. God Bless you and your team for all of the work you do.
Ryan,
I am very excited to see you taking this jump and bringing a new perspective on professional children’s ministry. There are several projects that I have had in my head for a while that I think are potential for a magazine like this. I would like to talk to your editors about some of these ideas. Thank you for listening to the Lord’s voice and stepping out on faith.
Andy
Chairman, Nazarene Children’s Pastors’ Association
Wow, Ryan! I’ll pray for God’s direction as you head down this path. Feel free to query me about articles. I’d be happy to gift one or two to help you launch.
Larry
Hey Ryan,
Thank you so much for answering my first comment, I know you’re a busy guy. Ryan, could you please email me and let me know what number is best to call you on and when is a better time for you. Again thank you so much for your time.
Alan Phillips
Children’s Pastor
Glen Allen Community Church
804-364-5000
http://www.gacc-impact.com
Awesome Ryan
love the obedience and the look! Go for it man of God
Hey Rob,
When I try to pull up your website, childrensministry1234.com, I get this error message:
Not Found
The requested URL / was not found on this server.
Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.
Are you coming back online soon?
Blessings,
Glen Woods
Ryan,
One question. . . do you ever sleep? Wow. . can’t wait for the new mag. I have confidence God will use it to fuel the fire in children’s ministry. I will make sure to put a subscription on my Christmas list for Julie. Let know if we can ever help you out. Give Luci hugs! Michelle
Michelle-
The answer to your question- no, Ryan doesn’t sleep. He is part of a clinical trial for a new drug where no sleep is required. (We wish!)
No, he really does sleep. Or so he tells me. (I’m not sure if I believe him or not!)
Wow! Kidz Matter has been a huge blessing to me, so to hear they are coming out with a magazine is just AWESOME! I have utilized many of your online resources. It is the one site that I know I can go to and get ideas, inspiration, and actual “useable” stuff! I am certain that your new magazine will be an amazing resource, and I can’t wait for the first issue to come out. God Bless You all!
Ryan –
Congrats on such a good and worthwhile project! Children’s ministry is far too important to not have as many tools and as much encouragement for those serving the Lord through children’s ministries as possible. I trust that K! will become a major piece in the childrens’ ministry puzzle for years to come. I can’t wait get a copy of the first issue.
Chris Robinson
I am about to place my two year subscription order right now! Thank you so much for putting together this resource. I look forward to benefiting from the many great articles and tools that will be offered. I also look forward to possibly contributing an article or two.
Blessings,
Kyle
I’ll be sure to check out your new publication. I agree that most Children’s Magazines are full of advertisements for their own products and do not have the “meat” that a Children’s worker needs. I have been disappointed that these publications seem to write articles that seem “gimicky” (is that a word?) instead of Godly. Like you, I am interested in reaching the kids of the 21st century without “watering down” the Bible or giving kids the impression that Christianity is a GAME instead of a RELATIONSHIP. I look forward to reviewing “K” magazine.
Yana Wyatt
Children’s Ministry Director
Wow, I’m not comfortable with the vieled critiques of the established magazine. However, an alterate voice will lead to increased differentiation. It will be interested to see K! carve out it’s own space.