RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

• Don't let "like" fuel your pride. There will be times when you will have a lot of likes in ministry. Things will be going well. People will rally behind you and sing your praises. Don't let it puff you up. The dangerous flip side of being discouraged is becoming over confident in our own abilities when people begin to "like" what we are doing. Like or unlike...don't believe your press reports either way.

• Don't base your confidence on being liked. Normally, when we get a thumbs up, our confidence level goes up and when we get a thumbs down, our confidence level goes down. Let your confidence come from who you are in Christ, not from being "liked."

• Know who you need a "like" from when moving forward with a plan. If you are a leader, your natural tendency is probably to move forward quickly once you believe it's the direction you should go. But...you must also have the wisdom to know who needs to "like" it and give a thumbs up before you proceed. Many young leaders rush ahead too soon before getting a thumbs up from the right people. Yes, it takes longer to bring people on board and go through the proper "like" channels, but it's necessary for success.

• If you want people to like it, then let them have a say in it. People buy into something when they have a part in creating it. Want them to not "like" what you are doing? Then just shove something down to them. But if you want them to "like it," then collaborate with them and let them help you create it.

• There will always be someone who "unlikes" you or your ministry. Get used to it. You can't please everyone. No matter what you do, someone won't like it. In fact, one of the best ways to fail is to try to get everyone to "like" you. 

• Don't let your personality be the reason people "unlike" you. If someone doesn't like you, it should be because of your position, not because of your personality. If people don't like you because you are rude, overbearing, or inconsiderate, then you need to work on it. Know your personality. Find out your blind spots and fix them. When you offend people, find out why. It may not be because of "what you" said, but "how" you said it. If people are saying "that's just the way he/she is," then he/she needs to change! Our personality should reflect the fruits of the Spirit.

• Embrace feedback. Positive and negative. You can learn from both. Create a culture where honest feedback is sought after, where people feel comfortable sharing it, and know they will be heard.

Would enjoy hearing your thoughts on "like" or "unlike" in ministry.

What are some things you've learned about being "liked" or "unliked" in ministry?
How do you lead through "unlike?"
How do you get people to like a vision or leading from God?
What are some personality traits that you've had to work on?
How do you to stay motivated?

Posted by Dale Hudson

The Social Media Revolution. It''s not a fad, it's a major shift that is changing everything. Are you ready for it? Are you effectively shifting with it? Below is a recently released video that has major implications for the KidMin world. 

Below are also some thoughts I had as I watched it. As you watch it, what implications do you believe it has for KidMin? Would enjoy hearing your insight. 

Posted by Dale Hudson

Attending the adult service or "going to big church" as those in kidmin often refer to it. It's a constant struggle for many kidmin leaders. And the reality is that many kidmin leaders hardly ever attend the adult service.

To be transparent, it has been a constant tension for me over the years. I have to be very intentional about getting in the adult service on weekends. You see, every kidmin leader needs to be a part of "big" church.

Here are some reasons why kidmin leaders don't attend "big" church:

• Lack of volunteers. Don't have enough volunteer leaders to supervise the rooms when you are out.

• Lack of delegation. You do everything yourself during the service. Many times this is fueled by control issues.

• Lack of empowerment. You haven't empowered leaders to lead and take on key roles that will free you up to be outside the room.

• Lack of a plan. You must be very intentional about getting in "big" church. When you don't have a rotation plan for you, other kidmin staff, and volunteers, attending can fall through the cracks.

• Guilt. You feel bad about going into the adult service while other adults are volunteering in kidmin.

• Tyranny of the urgent. You plan on attending, but something "pops up" that changes your plans. 

• Love for kidmin. You love doing kidmin so much that you really don't have a desire to attend "big church." You are so used to the kidmin environment that you have a hard time sitting still and paying attention in "big" church.

But as kidmin leaders, we all need to attend "big" church on a regular basis. Here's why:

• Big church helps you see the big picture. It takes you out of your silo and helps you see the overall vision of the church. It enables you to more effectively align with the direction of the church as a whole.

• Big church brings big spiritual growth. Faith comes by hearing the Word. Hearing the Word of God taught will help you to continue growing spiritually.

• Big church brings big spiritual renewal. Corporate worship and corporate prayer will refresh your soul. It will pour water on your parched passion, energy, and joy. If you're going to go the distance in kidmin, you must keep your spirit renewed. A big way this happens is by attending "big" church.

• Big church models a big value. Hopefully you require your volunteers to attend big church. When you also attend, you are amplifying the value and importance of it.

• Big church can give your kidmin big exposure. Anytime you can get in front of the congregation it's a big win for your kidmin. It might be making an announcement, leading a prayer, or even bringing a message.  

• Big church can lead to big connections. Need more adult volunteers? Go where they are. Hang out before and after the service. Meet adults. Build connections.

• Big church can be a big boost for your family. If we are not careful, we can get in a pattern of not worshiping with our own family. When is the last time you worshiped with your spouse? With your kids? We must not to sacrifice worshiping with our family for the sake of kidmin. Weekends such as Christmas and Easter can be extremely busy in kidmin. But make sure you carve out time to attend a service in "big" church with your family. Don't look back and regret not attending worship with your family.

What are some other reasons kidmin leaders don't attend "big" church? What do you do to make sure you attend? What are some more benefits from attending "big" church?

Posted by Dale Hudson