I’m always on the lookout for new (and old) media to communicate and articulate “The Story” (of the Bible). While I am not particularly poetic (read: NOT AT ALL!), Sharon Irving is! She blends a unique style of rhythm and pacing when it comes to communicating things about stories in the Bible. Enjoy. source YouTube
Generally, I have found in working with middle school students over the last 7 years that they “believe” in God, but don’t really know what that means… and to top it off, it’s generally not being reinforced at home, so the 2 hours a week they are at “church” often seems like a losing battle… […]
source YouTube
Eli and his two son, Hophni and Phinehas, get judged by God (according to Samuel’s) conversation with the Lord the previous chapter. Along with their judgment comes the Israelites’ as well as the Philistines’. I wonder if we treat God like He can be contained in a box? source Vimeo
I enjoy a good children’s book. That’s why I picked up “Halfway Herbert” by Francis Chan when I saw it available online. The book has stunning graphics and a pretty good story line. Halfway Herbert is known for doing things halfway. Herbert brushes his teeth, doesn’t finish his food, and approaches his schoolwork, all halfway. […]
The Judges was a dark stain on the history of the Israelites. Doing what was right in their own eyes was a 400-year problem for the Israelites. The story of Ruth is the only bright, shining light during this chaotic time. Enter Samuel. Samuel will be the last Judge of Israel. Pretty soon Israel is […]
Whenever I read a book, I get excited. Whether it’s a novel or a how-to book, the author pulls me into this grand and ideal world, full of possibilities and vision. The characters are larger than life. Concepts leap off the page and what you once thought was impossible suddenly creates a desire to engage […]
realizing and engaging a rhythm to ministry and life Shannon Whaples shared this via his Senior Pastor, Kevin Myers. Shannon said that Kevin communicates it is important to take 2 days off a week, but work hard the 5 days you are in the office. Don’t take your work home with you. Take vacations. Realize […]
keeping things simple and focused and sustainable Colleen Derr (Children’s Ministry Leader via Spiritual Formation Department @ The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters) shared along with Shannon Whaples about this concept of church ministry called: “Simple Church”. The idea is to do a few things and do a few things well, rather than try to accomplish […]
celebrating and thanking volunteers regularly Shannon Whaples (Next Generation Pastor @ 12Stone Church) had a volunteer appreciation event called “Ovations” on the second night we were in Atlanta (Friday: 7-7:3o coffee and cupcakes, 7:3o-8:15 celebrate spotlighted volunteers at each campus [with awards and gift certificates], 8:15-9:oo comedian). It was a simple way to celebrate and […]
creating a continual layer of leading leaders leading leaders As I said earlier, I have “evolved” into leading leaders rather than just doing the ministry myself. The thing that really gets me in trouble is my lack of understanding administration and organizational flow charts. I don’t mind the details and planning side of administration, but […]
having enough (programming enough) spaces for people to serve I love what we do on Sunday morning. I love the simplicity of it. I love the intentionality of storying through the Bible. I love that we are simple blend of large group exciting programming and old-fashioned, Sunday School-type “classes” after the large group time. I […]
building a culture of volunteerism Eric Echols (Executive Pastor @ Mountain Lake Church) lives and breathes this idea. At his church they are always asked 2 questions: 1) where are you in community? (small group) and 2) where are you serving? Echols said that 60% of the 2500 people that attend Mountain Lake are involved […]
On Saturday, during the Beyond Atlanta Tour, we did a couple of touristy things, one of which was visiting one of the largest aquarium’s in the world: The Georgia Aquarium. I had fun taking pictures because I knew my girls would love seeing the colorful fish and sharks! source YouTube
Over the next several days I plan to post some reflections on my trip this past weekend to Atlanta, GA on the Beyond Atlanta tour of church’s children’s ministry areas and strategies. About 5 years ago I went on a trip/tour similar to this one. We went to Southern California and visited sites like: Saddleback […]
Followers is an after school program held every other Monday @ Hayward Wesleyan Church. On October 25, 2010, I took the camera around during the program and snapped shots of the students while they were in their various stations. The video above is a snapshot of “a day in the life of Followers”. source YouTube
On Thursday, November 4, 2010, I’m flying to Atlanta, GA for 4 days to tour 5 different children’s ministries. I get to spend time with other Wesleyan vocational children’s pastors from around the country. We are visiting these churches and groups in the Atlanta area: 12Stone Church First Baptist Atlanta The reThink Group / Orange […]
Back in the Spring, The Wesleyan Church headquarters asked if I would write a 4-week series of children’s lessons on Advent. It was a fun project to write for an audience outside of my own ministry context. Week 1 – Hope: The Lord is With You Week 2 – Peace: Have No Fear […]
Last weekend, October 24, 2010, Hayward Wesleyan Church met at the LCO Convention Center for one combined church service. It was pretty neat. Dr. Jo Anne Lyon shared the message because we have been talking about what it means to be blessed these last several weeks. She talked about “The Blessing of Reconciliation” which is […]
My wife and the girls recently got some corn stalks from some friends of ours, and we carved some pumpkins up as a family a couple of weeks ago. Little did we know that we were providing the local squirrels with stuff to “nibble” on! Update: Here is another picture of our deteriorating, squirrel feasting […]