ORANGE PARENTS
Together, Reggie Joiner and Carey Nieuwhof wrote the book Parenting Beyond your Capacity, published by David C. Cook 2010, to remind parents that they don’t have to parent alone. Please join Reggie, Carey, and others as they continue the conversation in this blog and expand on the concepts of their book.

JIM WIDEMAN
Welcome to jimwideman.com the internet home of Jim Wideman Ministries, Inc.
Jim has a burning desire to help others on their leadership journey. Jim Wideman Ministries was established in 1983 to provide practical, proven resources for Children’s Ministers.

KIDOLOGIST by KARL BASTIAN
Karl’s Mission Statement: To Reach and Teach as many children as possible with the Good News of God’s Love, and in the process to Enlist, Equip and Encourage others to do the same

GROWING KIDS MINISTRY
Growing Kids Ministry: A place to share stories, resources and ideas. Children’s Ministry Workers, let’s grow together. “Growing Kids Ministry” can mean so many things.

ELEMENTAL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Long gone are the days of cookie cutter ministry. We need to innovate and adjust. It’s only when we grate against each others’ ideas that we can help children and families discover God’s story and how they can find their place in that story. Come join the conversation as we try to figure out what this children’s ministry thing is all about.

RYAN FRANK
Ryan Frank is the children’s pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Sweetser, Indiana. He is the creator of KidzMatter Inc. and the publisher of K! Magazine. Ryan also serves on the board of directors for the International Network of Children’s Ministry and the American Children’s Ministers’ Association.

CM EDGE
CM Edge isn’t just another children’s ministry podcast. We are a diverse group of people who love what we do and love talking about it! Some of us are children’s pastors and others of us aren’t. What we do have in common is our desire to advance God’s Kingdom.

GINA MCCLAIN
I follow Christ, develop People, equip Teams, and empower Parents.
I’m the wife of Kyle, mom of Keegan, Josie & Connor, and lover of coffee.
I read profusely, blog transparently, and put my foot in my mouth regularly.

KID INSPIRATION BY DAVE WAKERLY
David and his wife Beci Wakerley are Children’s Pastors in Sydney, Australia. David writes most of the words contained here at this blog including this little Bio which he is writing in the third person, otherwise it would get rather confusing.

SAM LUCE
My name is Sam Luce and I have been the children’s pastor at Redeemer Church in Utica NY for the past 13 years. I am passionate about empowering the local church to effectively communicate the gospel to kids and minister to families. When I am not working I love spending time with my beautiful wife and three kids.

Related Posts

• September 7, 2010 -- Orange Visual
• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…
• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!

Children’s Ministries in general have a well defined target of influence…children and their parents.  Two of the major influences in the lives of kids today include the Disney Company and Nickelodeon.  Born in the 1990′s, Nickelodeon has grown so large that half of all kids watching commercial television at any moment are watching Nickelodeon.

The average American kid is watching 27 hours of television a week according to the latest data from the Nielsen Company. That’s huge!  We are trying to reach those same kids with an average of 40 hours of influence a YEAR!  In my mind that places a priority on every minute we have with our kids.  The very best way we can leverage those hours of influence is to engage our parents outside of Sunday with the message and give them the tools they need.

So what’s a BHAG? A Big Hairy Audacious Goal!  It’s been said if we can accomplish our vision with our own intelligence, strength and resources then our vision is too small.  My BHAG is to make contact with and increase our influence on the approximately 20,000 children that live within a few miles of church facility.

How are we going to accomplish our goal?  Prayer – Planning – Preparation – Persistence.  This will include recruiting, building, contacting schools, and more.  Our vision as a ministry is “Connecting Kids and Parents to Jesus to Rescue the Next Generation.”  My prayer is we use every available resource to make this BHAG a reality.

Related Posts

• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…
• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!
• February 2, 2010 -- Top Ten Reasons YOU Should Be at The Orange Conference

When I was in Jr High (circa 1974) my brother and I became interested in Puppets. We began by performing puppet shows in our garage for our friends in the neighborhood. The Muppet Show came into existence in 1975 and became one of our favorite television shows. Jim Henson and his amazing creativity with characters, voices, and stories led to an international phenomenon.

As the popularity of the Muppets grew and as we grew older our puppet shows began to expand beyond the garage. We were eventually introduced to high quality puppets from Puppet Productions and began attending their training classes. What started as a way to entertain ourselves and our friends eventually became a full-fledged ministry. Performances were held at our church, neighboring churches, nursing homes and even a state park. It was great fun and the audiences loved the shows.

Puppets have been a part of Children’s Ministry for years now with differing degrees of interest and participation. Puppet Productions has grown, declined and been reborn as Puppets Inc. Do you ever watch “America’s Got Talent”? It’s one our family’s favorite shows. One of the front-runners to win this season’s Grand Prize is “Defying Gravity” – it’s a group of college frat boys who happen to be performing a version of Black Light puppetry.

I recently had a young couple come into my office asking “Could you use some puppets here at church?” Naturally being someone who rarely turns down a gift I said Yes. They brought in a few boxes one Sunday and I said “Thank you.” The next week they brought in approximately 20 boxes and I thought “Wow!” The next week 20 + more boxes “mysteriously appeared” in my office. We now have several hundred dollars in puppets, costumes and props. My goal for these boxes is to find a way to take something a little dated and make it fresh. Puppets seem to still hold a level of fascination for kids even today. My desire is to utilize these puppets to involve kids and families in a project together. I’ll keep you posted as we move forward with this idea of something old becoming something new!

Related Posts

• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• September 8, 2010 -- Top Ten Children’s Ministry Blogs
• September 7, 2010 -- Orange Visual
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!

One of our core values at Desert View and in Kid’s View (our Children’s Ministry) is being in the Word and memorizing scripture. This month our virtue is Peace – proving you care more about others than winning an argument.  For me personally it can be tough to concede in an argument particularly when I feel that I am right.  One such incident happened this week.

As you may know, I coach youth football.  I love the game and love working with the boys.  I also look at coaching football as an opportunity to have influence in their lives at a very impressionable age.  Sports can teach life-long values and help boys become young men of character.  One of the toughest parts of coaching youth sports can be dealing with parents.  This past week I had an incident with a parent that escalated to the point of requiring an Executive Board Meeting.

This meeting had the potential to become heated, even explosive.  When we sat down with this parent our decision on consequences had already been determined.  As you can imagine it was not well received.  One thing that kept running through my mind was “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19  I mean it was as clearly audible to me as any voice sitting at the table.  I just kept hearing it!

This is the memory verse for the month of August in our children’s ministry.  I know that my attitudes and reactions in this meeting were directly influenced by this Bible verse.  God was speaking to me “loud and clear.”  As a result of knowing the verse and hearing the voice I believe we left the meeting with a better than expected result.

God does speak and we need to be hearing his voice.  Get in the Word – Study the Word – Memorize the Word.  Hear God speak to you too!

Related Posts

• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!
• February 25, 2010 -- Making Vision Stick
• February 2, 2010 -- Top Ten Reasons YOU Should Be at The Orange Conference
• January 20, 2010 -- ORANGE-Mania

Sometimes I think we forget the benefits of true apologetics.  Sunday I was reminded of how subtle belief shifts can go a long way to dismantling the faith of a young believer.  Here are some FAQ’s that are addressed at www.creationministries.org:

What’s the problem with putting millions of years into the Bible?

Where did Cain’s wife come from?

How did Noah fit millions of animals into the Ark?

If we all descended from Adam and Eve, where did the different races come from?

How do dinosaurs fit into a young earth perspective?

Russ states: “When I saw the overwhelming facts which destroy evolution, and “millions of years” beliefs, combined with the facts which support the biblical accounts of creation and the global flood, I quickly realized that I had been fooled, as are millions of well-meaning people.”

My challenge to you this week is explore the facts and come to your own conclusions.  Share what you learn with others and take back the Creation Story as it is told in the Bible!

Related Posts

• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• September 8, 2010 -- Top Ten Children’s Ministry Blogs
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…

Now summer is over (technically, it’s still over 100 degrees daily!) and we are back to using 252 curriculum in our large group time.  Well, that meant that the black wall had to go!  So after two coats of Kilz and one coat of yellow we are back to normal.  Yea!

This project got me to looking around the room and noticing a few other things that need to go.  One corner had some left over project boards,  there were some staples left in the wall from VBS and I found a few loose cotton balls rolling around.  After going through and removing the objects and painting the wall the room really had a “new” feeling to it.

It is so easy for us to get accustomed to a little mess here and there.  We need to come in each week and view our environments with fresh eyes.  That’s the way every guest views our space.  A few minutes invested this morning and our large group room really looks nice.

This week I am going to walk through each room of our Children’s Ministry with “fresh” eyes.   Why don’t you take the same challenge and see what you find.

Related Posts

• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!
• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• September 8, 2010 -- Top Ten Children’s Ministry Blogs
• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!

9. Orange is the new Black!

8. You must investigate how a Secondary Color has overtaken the three primary colors!

7. Finally, a place where you can wear that outlandish color and fit in!

6. A great reason to visit the Atlanta International Airport and everyone LOVES that experience!

5. Knock, Knock!  Who’s there?  Orange.  Orange who?  Orange you glad you’re invited!

4. There’s a rumor that involves unlimited coffee???

3. Atlanta in the Spring is beautiful and the humidity is only 98%.

2. Guaranteed that you’ll get to meet the Original Gordo.

1. Reggie Joiner & Lanny Donoho – ‘Nuff Said!

Actually, the fact is, if you work with kids and families this is the absolute BEST conference to attend.  I know that all of us are on tighter budgets and have to be cautious with our discretionary funds.  However, I can think of no better place to receive training, encouragement and fellowship among our peers than The Orange Conference.  Look at this list of notable speakers:

Reggie Joiner – Donald Miller – Mark Batterson – Doug Fields – Perry Noble – John Ortberg – Nancy Ortberg – Chap Clark – Michael Chanley – Lanny Donoho – Craig Jutila – Sue Miller – Greg Payne – Jim Wideman -  and many more!!!

So what are you waiting for get to www.theorangeconference.com and register!  I’ll see you there.

Related Posts

• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• January 20, 2010 -- ORANGE-Mania
• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…

10.  Become a Census Taker

The 2010 census is underway and there may still be census taker positions available in your area.

9. Find an Online Gig

One valid work-at-home program is Amazon Mechanical Turk, where companies post tasks that machines cannot easily do, but that are relatively simple for humans. You choose an assignment, and, on completion, are credited with payment to your Amazon account. This money can be withdrawn once you accumulate $10.

8. Create a fundraising page…

Fundable provides a simple way to create a fundraising page in support of your project. In 15 minutes or less, you can customize a page with an appeal letter, your fundraising goal, and a supporting image.

7. Use pledges to build support…

PledgeBank is a tool for building support around certain actions through individual pledges. As part of your effort to solicit donations, you can post pledges on PledgeBank and encourage others to follow your lead.

6. Raise money for your project on Facebook…

Change.org is a social networking site that offers a fundraising application that integrates with Facebook. As a member of Change.org’s fundraising application, you can post a “change” that corresponds with your project. Use the space that Change.org provides to describe your project and upload related links, images, and videos.

5. Launch an online store in support of your project…

CafePress offers a simple tool for raising money by selling merchandise that relates to your project. Without much work, you can start selling T-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, and other items that bear the message or logo of your project.

4. Sell Stuff on Craigslist
A good alternative to the yard sale is to make use of Craigslist, a great internet site for buying and selling almost anything legal — furniture, bicycles, musical equipment, housewares, art, and whatever. Over 40 million people use it every month. It’s free and localized, so there is typically no shipping involved.

3. Become a Mystery Shopper

Some market research companies hire mystery shoppers to review service standards in hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores.  While the rates of pay are relatively low it’s fun and you may get an evening out for FREE.

2. Sell something – Hold a Yard Sale

The hands-down best way to raise money is to convert stuff you already own into cash.
If you have furniture, electronics, children’s items, sports equipment, jewelry, collectibles (in other words, the usual hodgepodge of clutter that most of us once thought we needed to buy), then a yard sale might just get you to Orange.

1. BEG

OK this may not be the #1 way to get the funds but it can be the most effective.  Go to your pastor, deacons, elder board – whoever the decision makers are and plead your case.  Go in knowing the details of Orange and how your church is going to benefit by your attendance.

Related Posts

• August 20, 2010 -- A Fresh Coat of Paint!
• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 25, 2010 -- GOD DOES SPEAK!
• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!

First to identify ORANGE:

“Orange is what red and yellow can do when they combine efforts.” – Reggie Joiner

The idea behind Orange in a nutshell is that if we combine red (the passion of the family) with yellow (the light of the church) we get the color orange.  Conceptually the implication is that the combined influence of the church and family teaming together is going to have a much greater impact on a child than the two influences operating independently.  I know you know the stats – 80% of teens are walking away from their faith after High School.  The question being asked: How do we stop the trend?  The concept of Orange is to get back to a biblical mandate with a contemporary approach!

The first thing you need to do to get in on the Orange discussion is to read “Think Orange” by Reggie Joiner!  As you are reading visit the blog sites that are sharing their insights about Orange-Mania:

www.childrensministryonline.com

www.samluce.com

www.jonathancliff.com

www.jcisonline.com

www.danscottblog.com

The next thing you need to do is register for the Orange Conference at www.theorangeconference.com Do whatever you have to do to get the funds!

Tomorrow I’ll share the Top Ten Ways to Raise the Funds to Get to ORANGE 2010!

Related Posts

• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• February 2, 2010 -- Top Ten Reasons YOU Should Be at The Orange Conference
• November 16, 2009 -- Jumping Back In…
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…

First, I thought I would share about our trip to Tanzania along with some general thoughts about missions.  We took a team of 3 women and 2 men to Tanzania for the purpose of presenting a VBS program to missionary children.  AIM, African Inland Missions, is the group who extended the invitation to our team and provided housing for our team.  AIM has missionaries that serve in several different areas throughout Tanzania.  Each year AIM hosts a missionary conference as a way to connect and encourage the missionaries throughout the country.

We looked at this as an opportunity to provide a much needed service to the missionaries and at the same time expand the influence of our CM beyond our community.  I think with those goals in mind we achieved both.  Another goal was to expand the life-experience of some key members of our Children’s Ministry Team and hopefully give them fresh eyes for ministry.  The ladies that traveled with me are key leaders here at Desert View and they were great on our trip. I know that this experience has influenced the way they view our role in both the community we live in and the world we are trying to reach.

Being among people who have given their lives to sharing the gospel with unreached people groups is truly a stretching experience.   Every time I’ve visited a place like Tanzania I am reminded of how spoiled we are and how much sacrifice these missionaries have made to reach others.  Suddenly, the things that seem so important – CM budgets, staff shortages, etc – don’t seem to be that much of an obstacle.  When you are in a place that the electricity may or may not continue working and where you are staying is patrolled by armed guards you get a fresh perspective.

So what about missions in general?  One of our 2010 goals here at Desert View is to refocus our mission efforts.  We have a couple of local mission efforts we support and we have a couple of global mission efforts we support.  It has been said that you must give up some good things to accomplish great things.  That is the view we are taking as we move forward with our mission planning.  What questions are you asking about missions?  What experiences are you seeking as a team?  Have you given thought to how you can engage families in local mission efforts?

Related Posts

• September 6, 2010 -- BHAG…who’s influencing who?
• August 27, 2010 -- The Muppet Show…
• September 7, 2010 -- Orange Visual
• August 31, 2010 -- DISCIPLINE…it’s not a dirty word!
• August 23, 2010 -- Dinosaurs & Fire Breathing Dragons!