RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

In their annual report, Scholastic shared what kids want in books.  The findings provide key insights that children's ministry leaders should take note of as we look for ways to effectively communicate God's Word to kids.

Here are the top things that kids look for and connect with in books.

HUMOR.  70% of kids want books that make them laugh.

IMAGINATION.  54% of kids like books that let them use their imaginations.

MADE-UP STORY.  48% of kids like made-up stories.  Better yet...we have true stories that are even better than made-up stories.

SMART, BRAVE OR STRONG CHARACTERS THEY WANT TO BE LIKE.  43% of kids like reading about characters they want to be like.

TEACHES THEM SOMETHING NEW.  43% of kids like to read books that teach them something new.

A MYSTERY OR PROBLEM TO SOLVE.  41% like a mystery or problem they have to solve.

Want to see kids more engaged with your lessons?  73% of kids in the survey said they would read more if they could find books that incorporated the above elements.  The same thing applies to your lessons.  Bring these elements into your lesson experience and you will see kids excited about coming to your children's ministry.

Reading is one of the best things you can do to grow as a children's ministry leader in 2016.  Here's 10 books I recommend.

I'm excited to announce this new book that's coming out in late January.  You'll discover 10 keys from Disney's success that will help you build the children's ministry you've always dreamed about.  It's available now at www.kidminmouse.com.  100 ideas that will charge up your children's ministry -   you can order it at this link.   100 ideas that will charge up your preschool ministry -  you can order at this link. This book will show you the secret behind inspiring your team to action - You can order at this link.

What kind of children's ministry leader do you want to be?  What's the gap between where you are and where you want to be?

No matter how big the gap,  here are steps you can take to get where you want to be as a leader.

KNOW IT
To get where you want to be, you have to be self aware.  Take a hard, honest look in the mirror.  Dig deep into your personality and current leadership skills. 

DEFINE IT
What qualities do you want to improve?  What new skills do you want to acquire?  What strengths do you want to capitalize on?  What people skills do you want to get better at?  Define where you want to be.

MAP IT
Write down specific steps you're going to take to get there.  What books do you need to read?  What courses do you need to take?  What leader do you need to spend time with?  What conference do you need to attend?

REQUEST IT
You've heard the old saying...if you see a turtle on top of a fence post, he had help getting there.  You won't get where you want to be by yourself.  You'll have to request help.  Ask people who know you to give you honest feedback.  Do a 360 review.  Ask friends to point out your blind spots.  You'll never see them alone.  Don't let your insecurities stop you from doing this or you'll never get to where you want to be. 

CONTINUE IT
It takes time, tears and tenacity to improve as a leader.  It will be painful and joyful at the same time.  You will gain ground and then feel like you've lost ground.  Don't give up.  You will improve and you will get better.  

Like never before, we need strong, passionate leaders who are pressing for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!  Be that leader! 

One of the most critical choices you will make is who you bring close to you.  

Of course, you should be friendly, loving, and courteous to everyone.  But this is not about that.  This is about the people you decide to spend the most time with.  These are the people you hire for staff positions...key volunteers that you spend time with...people you go to for counsel...people who will influence your life.

Pick these people carefully, because they are the ones who will help you either grow personally or hinder your growth.

Here's 10 key questions to ask yourself before bringing someone in close. 

Do they talk more than they listen?  You want people who are confident and not afraid to express their opinion.  But if they talk a lot more than they listen in conversations, ask yourself why.  Are they self-centered?  Are they teachable?  Are they a know-it-all? 

Are they an energy-giver or taker?  Some people are just plain negative.  They drain the life out of you.  You want someone who is compassionate, generous, and encouraging.  Someone who energizes you.  Someone who challenges you.  Someone who stretches you.

Does this person act or react?  Watch out for people who get defensive or critical when faced with a problem or issue.  Surround yourself with people who jump into action and problem-solving mode when faced with a problem or issue.

Does this person feel real or do they just want something from you?  Watch out for people who flatter you with constant praise or try really hard to impress you.  They usually have a hidden agenda.  Look for people who are just themselves.  If they are really good, they won't need to prove it.  You will see it in the flow of their every day life.

What are their family and close friends like?  Their family and close friends are a reflection of who they really are.

How does this person treat someone they don't know?  Is this person kind and courteous to the waitress at the restaurant...the cashier at the store....the person on the elevator?  It's in these situations that a person's true attitude is revealed.

What has this person been reading?  You can tell a lot about a person by the last 5 books they read.

Would you want to go on a long car ride with this person?  Is this someone you want to spend time with?  Is there chemistry?

Is this person growing?  Do they know what their strengths and weaknesses are?  Are they taking action to grow and improve as a leader?  Are they life-long learners?

What do they talk about a lot?  What people spend the most time talking about reveals what is important to them.

Your inner circle.  Choose them carefully.  Because you will become them.

What are some other questions to ask before bringing someone close?  Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.