RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

A story is simply a communication tool.  And when it is well done, it will grab people's attention and convey the message.  There is something about stories that draws us in.  Jesus knew this.  He used a lot of stories (parables) to communicate truth.

Have you ever noticed when you are teaching that everyone focuses in when you begin telling a story? And when the story is over, you can sense they pull back some of their focus?  It's a natural reaction.

Disney is good at connecting with kids and families because they are good at telling stories.  Watch this short video and see how to tell stories..Disney style.  After the video, I list 4 key components of great storytelling that I've learned from them.

Posted by Dale Hudson

Dr. Ronnie Floyd is one of my heroes and mentors in ministry.  He has been a pastor for over 35 years.  Since 1986, he has served as the Senior Pastor of
Cross Church.  Under his leadership, the church has grown to minister to thousands of people each week.  He has authored 20 books that have been used to equip believers around the world.  His books Our Last Great Hope, The Power of Prayer and Fasting, and 10 Things Every Minister Needs to Know are must reads for those in ministry.

I had the honor of serving on his staff team for 7 years as Children's Pastor.  A few weeks ago, Cross Church
celebrated his 25th anniversary as Senior Pastor.
I had the joy of going back to be part of honoring him and sharing how he has impacted my life.  What he has taught me by word and example over the years has made a huge difference in my life.  Here are some leadership lessons I have gleaned from his life and ministry.

Faithfulness. For two and a half decades, he has faithfully lead Cross Church.  Remain faithful to God's call on your life.

Integrity.  Who you are is more important than what you
do.  Lead from the inside out.  

Passion for the lost.  He has a great passion to reach his area, America, and the world for Jesus Christ.  It permeates his life.  Live the great commission.

Family.  He has been a loving husband and caring father.  His most important ministry has been his wife, Jeana, and their two sons.  Both of his sons are serving Christ full-time.  Home is where ministry begins.

Prayer and Fasting.  He has taught us to make walking with God a priority in our lives.  Our public ministry must be a reflection of our private time with God.

Legacy.  There are leaders around the world who are part of his legacy because he has been intentional about pouring into others.  Invest your life in helping others succeed.

Children and Student Ministry.  He has made reaching the next generation a high priority in his ministry.  He invests heavily in these areas.  He opened the door for Bruce Barry of Wacky World to build the first animated children's worship environment in the nation.  Bruce found Christ under his ministry and has gone on to create children's worship environments in churches across the nation.  Below is a picture that Bruce drew to celebrate Pastor Floyd's 25th anniversary at Cross Church (Bruce - left, Pastor - middle, me - right).


Thoughtfulness.  He takes time to express appreciation to those around him.  Those who have served with him can attest to this.  I have many hand-written thank you notes he has given me.  Be intentional about saying "thank you" to the people you serve with.

Encouragement.  On a number of occasions he has told me, "I believe in you."  Those words have brought encouragement and confidence.  Use your words to speak life and blessings into those around you.

Thank you, Pastor, for your impact and investment in our family.  We will continue to pass along what you have taught us to others.

Here is a short clip of what I shared at the 25th anniversary service.

Do you ever lose children's attention while you are teaching or leading a class?  It happens to all of us at times.  In this short video, I share 7 simple ways to re-engage children when you lose their attention.


Posted by Dale Hudson

This week I am posting Christmas ideas for Children's Ministry.  Idea #5 is taking the kids to sing out in the community.  There are many places looking for children's groups to sing Christmas songs during the Christmas season.  We have sung in malls, retirement homes, city Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, festivals, and more.  When you lead the kids to reach out to the community at Christmas...

• It is obeying the Great Commission to go into the world and share the good news.
• Children grow in their faith by serving others.
• You have the opportunity to invite families to visit your church.
• You are serving your community.
• You are partnering with parents.  Parents will get involved and help when their children have these type opportunities.

There are lots of opportunities for the kids to make an impact in your community at Christmas.  Be intentional about looking for those opportunities and then ask to be part of them.

Posted by Dale Hudson

Here's a strategy that we have had good success with.

• 4 weeks out begin asking people for a one-time serve for Christmas services.  Normally I do not recommend doing church-wide asks in the adult service.  But Christmas and Easter are the exceptions.  If you present it as a church-wide push for people to step up and help at a Christmas service, you will usually get good response.  Present all church ministries together when doing this.  This should be in addition to the best way to enlist volunteers...one-on-one asks.  You will need to do both to be the most effective. 

• Enlist with vision instead of need.  Explain to potential volunteers that many families will try out "church" at Christmas time who otherwise would not attend.  By volunteering, they are playing a key role in reaching families for Christ.