There is not a day I live on planet earth that I don’t network. I have been amazed at the doors that open everyday if you are looking for them. I joined Facebook the other day. It has been amazing the “young” Children’s Pastor’s I been able to connect with by taking advantage of a free tool. (If you are on facebook, please invite me to be your friend also sign up to talk about leadership on my group “theClub”.) Another wonderful book to read if you are serious about growing your sphere of influence with others is the book “Never Eat Alone.”. This book is the best I’ve ever read on the power of networking. Make a people to connect to list and call or email them with 1 short question. (Depending on your relationship.) I am amazed at the people that I give my cell phone number to that doesn’t take advantage of that relationship. If I have some one’s cell phone I try to call them at least once a year to stay connected. It’s Wednesday and just off the top of my head I’ve talked to over 35 Children’s Pastors by phone and email to learn something. I guess what I’m wanting you to do is stop and thinK about the relationships you are taking for granted that God has presented you to grow and learn from. He’s the one that created the whole iron sharpening iron thing not the leadership, and personal growth coaches.
That’s the way I see it.
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Ministry Watch just released their list of the 30 best ministries out there. They call them “Shining Light Ministries.” Click here to get the PDF and learn about all 30.
It is interesting to spend some time on the website and look at the criteria considered when selecting the top 30. Here are the top three criteria in a nutshell.
• They have no significant issues that would be of concern to donors.
• They treat their donors right.
• They aren’t unashamed of being identified as an evangelical Christian ministry.
Maybe we should create a task force or committee to determine the 30 best children’s ministries today. What would be the top three criteria?
If you look close at the Google home page, you’ll notice something new that happened this week. Google replaced the “Video” link (that use to be next to “Images”) with “Products”. The “Video” link is still there, it’s just buried under the “more” tab.
I know what you’re thinking - what’s the point? Ryan’s a geek. True, but not the point. Google is changing it’s strategy. Maybe, but not the point.
Here’s the point. Google video isn’t all that interesting anymore. Consequently, they replaced it with something that is. This sounds like something we should be doing on a regular basis. If you’re doing something that isn’t interesting to kids, change it. Don’t get rid of it for good - remember the “Video” link is still there - it’s just not in a prime spot.
Many of you have come to appreciate the music ministry of Uncle Charlie. Late last night I received a phone call at home from Uncle Charlie’s mother that he had been in a car accident just a few hours earlier. It was a very serious head-on collision. Charlie is okay although he has a long road ahead of him. He has some fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, and his right arm was broken in several places. We are praising the Lord that God’s hand was over Charlie. The Lord must not be finished with him yet! Amen?
Here are two things you can do for Charlie right now:
1) Lift Him before the Lord in prayer and get as many people as you can praying for him. Have your kids pray for him Sunday morning in Kid’s Church.
2) Send him a card of encouragement. Let him know you love him and are praying for him.
Cards can be sent to:
Charlie Bancroft
Upward Bound Ministries
4729 S.E. Sunnymead Drive
Lawton, OK 73501
Disneyland in Anaheim, California will close down the “It’s A Small World” ride for a year beginning in January to retool and refurbish. The reason? Bigger passengers.
The problem, quite simply, is that the flume that the boats ride in, and the boats themselves, were designed and built in 1963 on the assumption that the male adult riders would average 175 pounds and the women about 135, which they pretty much did at the time. The ride now must accommodate adults who frequently weigh north of 200 pounds, which it often cannot do. Overweighted boats get to certain points in the ride and bottom out, becoming stuck in the flume.
We all understand that American’s are getting larger. How well are we doing teaching kids in the church to glorify God with their bodies, and their diet? I must confess, I don’t remember the last time I talked to the kids about pleasing God with the way they eat and take care of themselves.
Maybe this Sunday is a good time to start… the weekend before Thanksgiving.
The Barna Group sent an update today saying that one out of every four pastors admit that they don’t screen the people who work with their kids. A little scary huh? This update is worth your time reading. Click here to get the whole story.
I have received probably 20 emails the last three days from people forwarding me warnings about the new movie, The Golden Compass, coming to theaters in December.
My friends, Michael and Heidi Martin, have just written an excellent article on the movie that warrants your reading. I encourage you to take ten minutes and read it. Click here to read the article.
I love to tell people the story about how Children’s Pastors’ Conference saved my ministry. I won’t take the time now, but here’s the story in two sentences. The devil was planting seeds of doubt and discouragement about my call to children’s ministry and God used Children’s Pastors’ Conference 2002 to remove those seeds of doubt. In their place, he gave me a bright hope and promise.
Children’s Pastors’ Conference is the highlight of my year. I’ve explained it to many people as “my Bethel.” It’s the place I can go and feel close to God and be with my best friends.
All of that to say this. The deadline for the early bird registration rate is right around the corner. If you’re going to San Diego, you still have time. If you want to see Mickey while you’re at CPC, you only have until November 15. Click here to learn more and to get signed up!
Willow Creek has influenced the way people do church for many years. While I have always had a few philosophical differences with Willow Creek, I’ve admired their drive and passion to meet people at every stage of life.
This morning Evan Doyle emailed me an article on Christianity Today’s blog that I found interesting. Bill Hybels has looked back over the past 30 years and wished they would have done some things differently. As you read the article, apply their findings to your children’s ministry.
INCM just announced the appointment of Judy Comstock as INCM’s Executive Director effective November, 2007. She has served on the INCM Board of Directors for over 15 years. Judy’s passion for reaching children with the Gospel of Christ is part of her life long calling to children and ministry leadership.
I have worked close with Judy for several years and am excited about the powerful leadership she will bring to this organization.