Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts

Easter is Coming...Lesson Now Available

11:22 AM  Dale Hudson  

Get ready.  Easter is coming.  For most churches, Easter is one of most attended weekends of the year. 

CEO's show up (Christmas and Easter Only).  Guests walk in the doors.  The families that normally attend 1 to 2 times a month are all there.

It's one of the key weekends when you need to be prepared to share the Gospel in a relevant way.

If you haven't started planning now for Easter, it is time to start preparing. 

That's why we created a stand alone lesson entitled "CSI" (Christ Scene Investigation).  This highly interactive lesson takes kids on a journey, where they explore the evidence and find out for themselves, if Jesus really rose from the dead.

Kids are invited to join the CSI Team to investigate if Jesus rose from the dead. They’ll examine three scenes to look for clues, collect evidence and talk with eyewitnesses. The evidence will lead them to make a decision about whether Jesus’ resurrection is true and if they want to enter a relationship with Him.

This lesson is also a great way to teach kids apologetics for the resurrection. It takes kids on a deeper diver to help them know why we can know Jesus rose from the dead.

Includes a ready-to-print evidence recorder book that kids use during the investigation.

 Here are some clips from 3 of the videos that are included.


Delivered Electronically - Instant Download
Includes...
  • investigative I.D. badge for each child (ready to print)
  • evidence recorder book for each child (ready to print)
  • graphics for posters, promoting, etc.
  • slide graphics for Power Point, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note
  • interactive lesson videos
  • lesson plan that can be used in large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format or mid-week format
  • lesson connects with all learning styles
  • lesson incorporates hands on, experiential learning
  • games that bring together fun and learning
Churches across the country have used this lesson and confirm it is highly effective.  You can get more info. and order it at this link.

 And for this week only,  I am discounting the lesson from $29 to $25 dollars. Just enter the code "CSI" at check out.

 Believing and praying with you that Easter will be a great time of harvest and encouragement for your ministry.
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Easter Lesson for Kids

1:26 PM  Dale Hudson  

Easter is just around the corner and it's a great time to reach kids and families with the Gospel.

It's also a great time to focus on sharing with kids why we know Jesus rose from the dead.

We've talked recently about how Gen Z wants proof before they will believe something.

That's why we created this lesson.  CSI (Christ Scene Investigation) gives kids the opportunity to examine the evidence for the resurrection.

Kids are invited to join the CSI team to investigate if Jesus rose from the dead.  They''ll examine three scenes to look for clues, collect evidence and talk with eyewitnesses.  The evidence will lead them to make a decision about whether Jesus' resurrection is true and if they want to enter a relationship with Him.

This lesson is also a great way to teach kids apologetics for the resurrection.  It takes kids on a deeper dive to help them know why we can know Jesus rose from the dead.

Delivered Electronically as Instant Download  
(you can get it at this link)

Includes...
  • investigative ID badge for each child (ready to print)
  • evidence recorder book for each child (ready to print)
  • graphics for posters, promoting, etc.
  • slide graphics for PowerPoint, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Key Note, etc. 
  • interactive lesson videos
  • lesson plan that can be used in large group format, small group format, traditional classroom format and mid-week format
  • lesson connects with all learning styles
  • lesson incorporates hands on, experiential learning
  • games that bring fun and learning together
Click here to see lesson sample

 Click to see sample of CSI student investigation booklet

 Below are video samples from the lesson 
(click arrows to watch full screen) 

 
See more information and order at this link. 
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The #1 Way to Grow Your Children's Ministry

7:10 AM  Dale Hudson  

What's the best way to grow a children's ministry?

Direct mail with great print pieces?

Television ads?

Vacation Bible school?

Outreach events?

Fall Festivals?

Bringing in a big-name special guest?

These are all different ways you can see families brought into your children's ministry.  But...there's one thing that is not listed above.  And it's the #1 way to grow your children's ministry.

Wait for it...wait for it...

Here it is...word of mouth.

People talk about a children's ministry that has impacted their lives.  And those people talk to other people...and those people talk to other people...and...etc.

Before long, you've got guest families walking through the door every single week.  And the majority are coming because someone told them about the ministry or brought them.

When this happens, you will experience the "big mo."  Momentum.  And when momentum kicks in, you will experience exponential growth.

The big question...how do you get people talking?

Give them something that's worth talking about.  
Create environments for kids that will get them excited about coming to church.  When that happens, parents will take notice and begin to talk.

Encourage them to talk. 
Message how important it is to invest in relationships with people who don't attend church and invite them to come.

Give them tools they can use to talk.
Create invite cards that people can use to invite their friends and connections.  Doing a really cool series?  Make invite cards for the series.

This past Easter, we had a lady that came to our church for the very first time and accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  When asked how she heard about the church, she told this story.  She is a crossing guard at one of our local elementary schools.  One of our kids talked with her and invited her to come to church while he was waiting to cross for school.

When people start talking...great things happen.  
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The Biggest Thing That Will Bring Your Easter Guests Back

9:05 AM  Dale Hudson  

You will probably have a good number of guests on Easter weekend...along with some CEO's (Christmas and Easter only).

The big question to ask - "How can we get them to return and become regular attendees?

What is the biggest factor in getting them to come back?

Is it an event?  A follow up phone call?  A nice letter sent to their home?  A personal visit?

Their is nothing wrong with these things...but they are not the main thing that will draw families back to your ministry.

The number one thing that will draw your Easter guests back is your FRIENDLINESS.

How do you teach your team to exude friendliness?  Here's 5 ways to train your team to move into the "friendly" zone.

 Put 100% of your focus on people when they are in front of you.  Have you ever walked into a store and the person was on the phone, engaged in conversation with someone else, or doing paperwork...and they didn't even acknowledge your presence?  It makes you feel devalued.  You feel like you are "bothering" the person.  And it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, doesn't it?  It may even cause you to not return.

 Again, train your team to be 100% focused on people.  If they are helping someone and another family walks up, acknowledge the new family's presence.

"Hi! How are you today?  So glad you're here.  I'll be right with you."

Make sure everyone is smiling.  Scowls, frowns, or a "I really don't care" look will deter people from coming back.

Teach your team that voice inflection communicates value.  How you say what you say matters.  It translates into "you are bothering me" or "I care about you."

Always walk...never point.  Don't tell guests where to go...take them there.  And engage them in meaningful conversation on the way.

Answer questions.  There are no dumb questions.  And never say "I don't know" and leave a family hanging.  Instead, say "I'm not sure, but let me find out for you." 

A lack of courtesy, friendliness, and sincere engagement will ruin your chances of a guest family coming back.  It doesn't matter how many times you call, send a letter, or do a follow-up email.  If they are not treated with courtesy and kindness on their first visit, the chance of them returning is slim to none.

I'll be reinforcing all of this with our team before Easter.  They do great...but I must continue to emphasize these values.  I would encourage you to have this conversation with your team as well.  Do so and you'll see more Easter guests return.
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20 Signs You May Be Oversaved

6:42 AM  Dale Hudson  

 You call everyone "brother" or "sister" at church instead of just using their first name.

When you receive recognition for an act of service, you get a pious look on your face and say, "It wasn't me...it was God.  I did it for His glory.  All the praise belongs to Him, not me."  (we know that, just say "thank you")

If a song at church doesn't match your taste in music, you think it's "worldly."

You don't think kids should laugh and have fun at church.

You think any church that is larger than yours must be "shallow."

You turn your personal preferences into commandments for others.

You pick a church based on whether or not they have kids memorize 20 verses of scripture each week.

You rant and rave against Harry Potter while watching The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Lord of the Rings.

You don't think kids should be allowed to play video games at church.

You think spending money on theming a children's environment is a waste of money.

You think the only way for kids to worship is with their parents in the "main" service.

You don't have a Christmas tree.

You think it's terrible to go trick or treating.

You think you are more spiritual than parents who have their kids in public or private schools.

You believe offering contests for kids are of the devil.

You are against using movie clips to illustrate Biblical truth.

You don't have any unsaved friends.

You think Easter egg hunts at church are evil.

You think Santa Clause is Satan Claus.

Reading this has irritated you.

The floor is yours. What do you think?  Agree?  Disagree?  What are some of other signs of being "oversaved?"
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Children's Worship Music Giveaway

6:38 AM  Dale Hudson  










My friends at God's Kids Worship are giving away free music.  They have pre-planned worship for the whole year, including Christmas & Easter.  It works with your worship leader, your praise team, or no leader at all. You get songs you know, and new songs that inspire and engage kids. 

God's Kids Worship works with any curriculum, any ministry event, DVDs, mobile devices, and computers.  It’s real worship for real kids.  Plan and prepare with free YouTube videos, or use it with no preparation at all.  It can even be used by your last-minute volunteer who would rather be set on fire than lead singing.

They will be announcing winners everyday through August 2nd.  You can enter the giveaway at this link.
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Easter Extras

9:56 AM  Dale Hudson  

Extra chairs

Extra volunteers

Extra services

Extra busy

Extra prayer

Extra patience

Extra anointing

Extra preparation

Extra boys wearing ties

Extra girls with new dresses

Extra people coming to Christ

Extra take home pages

Extra crafts

Extra smiles

Extra ladies' wearing hats

Extra first-time families

Extra rooms opened

Extra fun

Extra emphasis on Jesus' resurrection

These are a few of the things that make Easter extra special.

What makes Easter extra special in your Children's Ministry?
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What Are You Placing In Parents' Hands This Easter?

7:45 AM  Dale Hudson  

Easter is a great time to place key communication pieces in parents' hands.  Here are some of the pieces we are giving parents who attend Easter services.

Children's Ministry brochure
Special piece for those who only come Christmas & Easter
Lesson Take Home page
Small Group info.
Text and Facebook sign-up
Summer Camp info.
Faith Commitment / Baptism class info. (side 1)
Faith Commitment / Baptism class info. (side 2)
Parent Partnership info.
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Effective Easter Follow Up

7:38 AM  Dale Hudson  

Easter is a big day for churches.  The CEO's (Christmas & Easter Only) show up and you also have first-time guests.  Lots of preparation is made leading up to the services.  But don't let the preparation diminish the importance of what happens the week after Easter.

It is vital to have a solid follow up plan in place if you want to see the CEO's and first-time guests return.  Here's what we will be doing the week after Easter to follow up.

Give them a great experience while they are at church.  If they have a bad experience while they're at church, the rest of what you read below will not be effective.  The best follow up is creating irresistible environments.

Guest reception.  When they check-in before service, we give them the card below and invite them to a guest reception that is held right after the service.  We have staff and volunteers there to greet them.  We take time to get to know them.

Letter.  We mail a letter thanking them for coming.  There's a letter to the parent and a letter to the child.  We prefer this over email.  It's a big deal for a child to get a letter in the mail.  It's important to get the letter to them within 48 hrs. of the visit.

Parent survey.  We include a parent survey with the letter.  Here's what it looks like.
































We include a coupon with the child's letter that they can redeem for a free gift on their next visit.  Here's what it looks like.

















When they redeem the coupon on their second visit, we then give them another coupon.  It tracks their next three visits and they can then redeem it for another gift.  Here's what it looks like.



Personal phone call.  We call them and thank them for coming.  We ask if they have any questions or if we can be of any service to their family.  Nothing pushy.  And no...we don't show up on their doorstep.

What do you do for Easter follow up?

Share your ideas with us in the comment section below.
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6 Secrets to Effective Easter Follow-Up

6:30 AM  Unknown  


In a few weeks Easter will be over.  Then it will be time to follow up on the guests and CEO's (Christmas and Easter Only) who came.  The goal is to help them take a step toward becoming consistent attenders.

Here are six ways to help them get started.

#1 - Make sure they have a great first experience.  This is the best thing you can do in my opinion.  If we spent more time up front making people feel welcome, we wouldn't have to spend as much time afterwards trying to get them to come back.  If people have a bad experience, it doesn't matter how many times you call them or write them, they are not going to come back.  Meet and exceed their expectations on their first visit.  Create irresistible environments and they will return.  This includes everything from parking to directional signage to Children's Ministry to greeters to worship and more.

#2 - Send them a personal, handwritten note within 48 hours.  We live in the day of digital communication with email, text, video, twitter, and generated form letters.  A simple, personal, handwritten note can have an even bigger impact than a letter created by mail merge or an email with a cool video attached.

#3 - Give them a personal phone call if they ask for one.  Give them the option to request a phone call on the guest card and if they check "yes," call them by Wednesday.  The phone call should be relaxed and not come across as a "sales pitch."  Ask them if they enjoyed the service, if they have any connections at the church, and if they have any questions about the church?  Listen a lot more than you talk.  Sincerely thank them for coming and let them know they are welcome to come back any time.  Offer to help them get connected if they are interested.

#4 - Offer a free gift if they return.  Send them a coupon they can redeem for a free gift the next time they return.  We do this on a weekly basis for guests and see a good number come back. 

#5 - Show them the value of consistent attendance.  Reach out to your CEO's and share with them the importance of consistent attendance.  Here is a piece that we created last year to send home with all the parents on Easter.


























#6 - Plan a special event or big day the weekend after Easter.  I have seen this work.  We did this at one church I served at and had a larger attendance the weekend after Easter than we did for Easter.  Here is an example of a big day the weekend after Easter.
















What are some other ideas you have for Easter follow up?  Would enjoy seeing your thoughts in the comment section below.

Posted by Dale Hudson
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Free Easter Lessons That Kids Will Connect With

7:12 AM  Unknown  

Easter is fast approaching and now is the time to start planning your lesson if you haven't already begun.

We have found that Easter is a great opportunity to share the Gospel with kids.  There are usually lots of guests and the CEO's (Christmas and Easter only) show up.  Below are some of the elementary lessons we have written and used in the last few years.  Feel free to download them at the links below if you'd like.  We are praying with you that many kids and parents will come to Christ this Easter.

Easter 2009 Lesson Materials

Easter 2010 Lesson Materials
 
Easter 2011 Lesson Materials

This Wednesday I will be posting "6 Secrets to Effective Easter Follow-Up."

Posted by Dale Hudson
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