RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Do you feel like you have plateaued as a leader?

That the ministry has outgrown you?

Or perhaps you want to see the ministry grow, but you don't know what the next step is?

Maybe you feel paralyzed as a leader?

Are you looking to add more skills and tools to your leadership tool box? 

When you hear the quote - "Everything rises and falls on leadership,"  you cringe because you feel the weight of that statement.

You are not alone.  We have all been there.

But the good news is this - You don't have to stay at your current leadership level.  You can grow to the next level.  2020 can be the best year of ministry you've ever seen.

How can this happen?  The best way to grow as a leader is by having a coach.  Someone who has been where you are.  Someone who knows what you are facing because they have faced the same things.

I can be that person for you.  I would be honored to serve as your children's ministry coach.  I have served in churches with 50 people to churches that ministered to tens of thousands of people.  I can help you avoid critical mistakes because I have made them.

Advance Children's Ministry coaching includes...

• 6 months of coaching.  Next available session runs January to June 2020.

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live, one-hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topics with Dale and the other leaders in the group.  Sessions are also recorded so you have access to them later. 

• January - Self Leadership 

• February - Leading Staff and Volunteers 

• March - Leading through Change and Challenges 

• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry 

• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture in Your Church 

• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan:

Personal one hour phone session with Dale to help you identify areas of growth and development. From this, Dale will help you create a one year growth plan in those areas. Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Plan includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations to have with key people in your life, action steps, setting goals and help measuring progress. There is also an one hour follow-up phone session at the end of the program to access and celebrate your growth.

• Copy of three of Dale's books: ($46 value)

The Formula for Building a Great Volunteer Team

Lead Well in Children's Ministry

If Disney ran your Children's Ministry  ​

• Online support. Each member of Advance will have access to a special online forum where they can ask questions about children’s ministry and leadership directly to Dale and the other members throughout the session. This gives you an experienced team available whenever you need them. You also retain access to this forum after the 6 months so you have ongoing support and encouragement.
  

  Access to the notes from the Kidmin GIG round table. In 2016, Dale founded a gathering of the leaders of the 30 largest children's ministries in the country. Each year they meet for two days to discuss and share their latest ideas, insights, ministry wins and challenges. As part of the Advance group, you will receive a copy of the latest discussions from this gathering.

  FAQ's  

  How much does the Advance six-month coaching experience cost? For a limited time, the cost is only $499. Upon acceptance into the program, a non-refundable deposit of $99 is due to hold your spot. Then $100 is due on the first of each month until your remaining balance is paid in full. If you pay the entire amount before the program begins, you receive a $50 discount.
  

   How can I be selected to be a part of Advance? 

  • Complete an application (click here to access).

  • Upon acceptance, make your deposit or complete payment at this link. 

  • Session will run from January 1 to June 30, 2020.

  • Deadline to apply is December 15, 2019. Only 20 people will be accepted.  Spots are filling up fast. Apply today.

  More questions? Email us at dale@buildingchildrensministry.com

I played basketball in jr. high and high school.  As a basketball player, you are always looking for ways to improve.

One day after practice, the coach asked if he could give me a pointer on my shooting flow.

I responded with a "yes" and so he shared this piece of advice with me.

He said when I was shooting the ball, my elbow was going wide.  This was causing the ball to not go straight and was a big reason why I was missing many of the shots I took.

He told me if I would bring my elbow in and align it straight with the goal, I would be able to make more of my shots.  I took his advice and it worked.  I began playing better and scoring more points.

I am also thankful that through the years, I've had ministry coaches in my life that have helped me lead better in children's ministry.

You see, everyone needs a coach in their life.  Someone that encourages them, pushes them to lead better, points out blind spots they didn't even know about and takes them out of their comfort zone and into the next level of leading well.

Do you have a coach in your life?  If not, maybe now is the time to get one.  As we head into 2020, like never before, it is crucial that you are able to lead your ministry well.

I'd like to personally invite you to be a part of my coaching program.  It's a 6 month coaching experience that will help you get to the next level as a children's ministry leader.

The coaching program includes...

• 6 months of coaching.  Next available session runs January to June 2020. 

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live one-hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.  You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topics with Dale and the other leaders in the group.  Sessions are also recorded so you have access to them later. 

• January - self leadership

• February - Leading Staff and Volunteers

• March - Leading through Change and Challenges

• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry

• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture

• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan.  Personal one hour phone session with Dale to help you identify areas of growth and development.  From this, Dale will help you create a one year growth plan in those areas.  Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots.  Plan also includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations to have with key people in your life, action steps, setting goals and helping measure progress.  There is also an one hour follow-up phone session at the end of the program to access and celebrate your growth. 

• Copy of 3 of Dale's books: ($46 value)

• If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry 
• The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams
• Lead Well in Children's Ministry

• Each member of Advance will have access to an online forum where they can ask questions about children’s ministry and leadership directly to Dale and the other members throughout the program. This gives you an experienced team available whenever you need them. You also retain access to this forum after the 6 months so you have ongoing support and encouragement. 

• Access to the notes from the Kidmin GIG round table. In 2016, Dale founded a gathering of the leaders of the 30 largest children's ministries in the country. Each year they meet for two days to discuss and share their latest ideas, insights, ministry wins and challenges. As part of the Advance group, you will receive a copy of the latest discussions from this gathering.

Space is limited, so register today.  You can get more information and register at this link.  Come join us for this life-changing experience! 

Do you want to see the ministry you lead go to the next level?

Do you want to see your ministry be more effective at reaching kids and families?

Do you want to make a bigger impact in your city?

I have the answer.

It's improving you.

Improve you and the ministry will improve.

Better You = Better Ministry.

Your greatest challenge is the person you look at in the mirror.

Look what Rick Warren said about this

"Years ago, I stopped worrying about how to grow our church and instead focused on growing me.  As I grew me, our church grew."

Abraham Lincoln said this - "If I had 6 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening my axe."

If you want your ministry to operate at a level 10, then you've got to lead at a level 10.  The ministry you lead will be parallel to your personal leadership growth and walk with Christ.

John Maxwell has reminded us of this over the years when he says, "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

Children's ministry is just like any other ministry in this aspect.  The success your ministry has will rise and fall on your leadership.

Before you remind me that only God can grow a ministry, I want you to know I am in total agreement. But don't forget that part of God's process is using people who are prepared, willing and ready to make an impact for Him.

So how can you become a better leader?  How can you grow yourself, so your ministry will grow? Let's look at some practical ways you can see this happen.

Improve your personal walk with Christ.  Look what it says in Mark 3:14

"And He appointed twelve that they might be with Him, and that He might send them out to preach."

Notice in this verse what your first calling is.  It's to spend time with Jesus. And out of that will come ministry impact.  

If you'll spend time with Jesus back stage, He will bless your ministry front stage.

Look what it says in Matthew 6:6. 

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Private prayer sets up public blessings.  If you want to have a better ministry, then have a better prayer life.

Keep a "learn-it-all" attitude.  When you think you've arrived and you develop a know-it-all attitude, you will stop growing and the result will be your ministry will stop growing.  You see, God blesses humble people.  But He resists the proud.

I think there's a special message in that.  Someone reading this has been in children's ministry a long time.  You are a pro at it and you know it.  Beware.  No matter how long you've been in ministry and no matter what kind of success you've had in the past, if you become prideful, you will stop growing.

Read. Read. Read.  One way you can grow is by reading books.  Leadership books.  Devotional books that will draw you closer to Jesus.  Autobiographies of great leaders.  Ministry books.  Write down a list of books you want to read in the next 12 months and then go for it.

Ask a lot of questions and listen. Leaders that want to get better ask a lot of questions.  And they listen.  Really listen.  With the anticipation someone will say something they can glean from. 

Attend a conference.  Conferences are like steroids that infuse you with new ideas, fresh passion and a renewed determination to grow yourself.  Attend at least one a year.

Ask someone close to you to reveal your blind spots.  You have blind spots that are hindering you from personally growing. And it takes courage to face them.  But you can't face them until you know what they are.  Ask some people who know you to be brutally honest and tell you what your blind spots are. 

Find a coach.  Everyone needs a coach. A person who will come alongside you and help you grow. A person who will push you out of your comfort zone and into new arenas of growth.

If you would like a coach, then consider my coaching program called Advance.  I would be honored to invest in you as a leader and help you achieve your goals...while stretching you toward discovering new goals God has for you.

You can get more information below about the coaching program.  And you can apply at this link. 

One big reason I write articles for this site, is because it daily stretches me and helps me become better.  And I rejoice when I hear from someone who has been stretched, challenged and grown because of reading this site.  Thank you for support and encouragement.  My prayer is that we will all continue to grow and become better.  And as we become better, our ministries will be better.

Do you want to see your ministry grow in 2019?

There are many factors at play when you think about seeing the ministry grow.  What stops a ministry from growing to the next level? Space limitations might be a reason.  Limited population where you serve can be another reason.  Outdated ministry methods can make a ministry go flat.  These are just a few of the reasons a ministry can plateau or even decline.

But the biggest reason is the leadership personally stops growing, which results in the ministry not growing.  If you want to see the ministry you lead grow this year, then you've got to be committed to growing yourself as a leader.

When I was in middle school, I played on our school's basketball team.  I did okay, but often missed shots I should have been making.  My coach came to me and asked if he could give me feedback about my shooting form.

He showed me something about my shooting form that I couldn't see myself.  He told me I wasn't bringing my elbow in close to my body as I shot.  And it was causing my shoot to go off to the left.  I listened to his advise and adjusted my shot.  Wham!  I started making a lot more shots.

A coach can see things you can't see yourself...simply because they are looking in from the outside and can identify things you've have grown used to.  A coach can help you identify your blind spots and improve them.  A coach can give you the tools you need to build your ministry to the next level.  A coach...most importantly...can help you grow and stretch to the next level.

That's why you need a coach in 2019 to help you grow.  And as you grow...you will see the ministry you lead grow as well.

I want to help you grow and as a result, see your ministry grow.  That's why I started Advance Children's Ministry Coaching.  As part of this, here are a few things that are included for you...

• 6 months of coaching.  Next session will run January to June of 2019.

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live, one-hour sessions on the important topics listed below. Each session includes teaching and group discussions

• January - Self Leadership
• February - Leading Staff and Volunteers
• March - Leading Through Change and Challenges
• April - Keys to growing a ministry
• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry culture. 
• June - Staying Relevant in Ministry 

• Personalized growth plan:  Personal one hour phone session with Dale to help you identify areas of growth and development.  From this, Dale will help you create a one year growth plan in those areas. 

•  Copy of Dale's books.

•  Online support.  You get access to a special online forum where you can ask questions directly to Dale and the other members.  

You are a leader and now is your time to grow.  Participants come from all different sizes of churches, ranging from 150 to 15,000.  The principles and coaching works no matter how small or how large your church is.  Dale has led in churches from 25 to 27,000 in weekend attendance.

Here are some testimonies from some leaders who have went through the coaching experience.

I am thankful for the coaching experience I was able to have.  I have learned tools that will help me with leadership, growth and structure.  The information will help me today, tomorrow and many years to come. 
-Michelle Carley, 5 Points Church

Can you teach an "old dog" new tricks?  Dale did! Having worked in children's ministry for almost two decades, I have a lot of experience.  Basically that means I am good at some things and avoid the rest.  If you are willing to learn, Dale will help you with the rest.
-Joel Smith, Children's Pastor

I found the Advance program very helpful!  I'm convinced everyone would get something out of it - both those with formal training and those without.  Dale was affirming of therole of children's ministry in the church as well as provided encouragement to us as participants. He shares practical insight into building an awesome children's ministry.  
-Eric Gayer, Executive Pastor at Lifegate Church.

The next group begins in January and the deadline to apply is December 20.  Space is limited, so sign up today at this link. 

Believing with you that 2019 is going to take you to a whole new level as a leader. Come join us for the journey!   

Time is such a precious commodity. We all have the same amount of time each week.

How we use the time we've been given determines how successful we will be.

There's a lot of things you can spend your time on when you're in children's ministry.  There's plenty of people and projects vying for your time.

As I've studied successful children's ministry leaders over the years, it has become appearant that they all have something in common.  It's what they spend their time on.  Let's examine what's on their to-do-list.   

Successful children's ministry leaders spend their time BUILDING TEAMS.  I have often said this...

The success of your ministry rises and falls on the strength of the volunteer team you build.

Successful children's ministry leaders know this and spend a big part of their time each week bringing new people on their team.  Look at their phone call record and you'll see they logged many hours calling potential volunteers.  Check their schedule and you'll see they had coffee with potential volunteers.  Look at their email history and you'll see many of the emails were invites to a volunteer orientation.

How much of your time this past week was spent on building your volunteer team?  Think about how you can increase the amount of time you spend each week on this.  And if you haven't gotten a copy of my book "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams," you can get it at this link.  In this book, I share how we built a volunteer team of over 2,600 in a local church setting.

Successful children's ministry leaders spend their time BUILDING PEOPLE.  This flows out of the first point.  When they get a new volunteer, they don't shove them in a classroom and forget about them.  Instead, they spend time helping the volunteer grow in their faith and ministry skills.

They live by this mantra.

Rather than using volunteers to build the ministry, use the ministry to build volunteers.

Through coaching, feedback and training sessions, they pour time into equipping volunteers for the work of the ministry.  If you look at their calendar, you will see they spend more time equipping than doing.  This falls right in line with Ephesians 4, which says ministry leaders should "equip people for the work of the ministry."

The best way to build your ministry is by building the people who serve in your ministry.

Finally, successful children's ministry leaders spend their time BUILDING MOMENTUM.  They have a specific vision for the ministry and rally people to that vision.  They get people excited about the ministry.  They share stories of how the ministry is changing people's lives.

Check their social media posts and you'll see lots of posts about the ministry.  Check their meeting schedule and you'll see time spent building bridges to the other ministries in the church.  They are a squeaky wheel for children's ministry.

Here's a challenge for you. Keep track of your time for a week and see what percentage of it is doing the three things above.  Look for things on your calendar that you can delegate or drop, so you can spend more time building people, building the ministry and buiding momemtum.

If you are spending the marjority of your time doing, the ministry you are leading will remain stuck where it is now.  The best way to see your ministry begin growing, is to do the 3 things listed above.

That means you may need to say "no" to some things you are currently doing so you can say "yes" to the 3 things above.

If you'd like to increase your leadership skills and focus, there's still time to register for the "Advance Children's Ministry Leadership Coaching" program.  Advance is a 6 month coaching program that will help you lead your ministry with intentionality and focus.  Space is limited, so register now at this link. 

Every year, every month, every day, every hour, every minute and every second matters.  Focus your time and you will see the positive results.

What would the volunteers in your ministry say if they were asked about your personality and leadership style?  I'm sure they'd have some good things to say.  And if we asked them to respond anonymously and to be brutally honest, I'm sure they'd again have good things to say, but they might feel more freedom to also mention some traits they think you could improve in.  If that's the case, don't worry.  All of us have weaknesses and blind spots in our personality that we need to improve.

But do realize this - your personality makes a difference in your leadership.  That's why it's important to find out the weaknesses and blind spots.  It will enable you to work on those traits and improve your personality, which will translate into you being a better leader.

Let's look at 10 personality traits that can hold people back from being a better leader. 

#1 - The Me Monster.  This trait can be found in leaders who make everything about them. You'll hear them use the word "I" a lot more than "we."  They make decisions based on what's best for them, rather than what's best for the team.  When he/she asks for ideas, everyone knows he/she will choose their own idea, even if it's not the best idea.  This person shows very little concern for others on the team.

The Me Monster makes sure he/she gets all the credit for the wins, while shifting the blame on someone else when there's a mistake or failure.

They also do not focus on developing other team members because they don't want anyone taking the spotlight off of them.

#2. Non-apologizer.  This is a leader who refuses to apologize when they make an error or mistreat someone.  Even if they know they were in the wrong, they're not about to admit it.  They don't want to appear "weak" so they don't say "I'm sorry."  They are full of pride and have a huge ego.  Admitting they were wrong, would threaten their self-esteem.

#3. Communication Shortfall.  This leader likes to keep important knowledge to himself/herself.  They feel it gives them the "upper hand" among the team members.  When they do communicate, it's last minute and causes confusion on the team.  Team members have to struggle to get the assignments done since they get them at the last minute.

#4. Gratitude Deficit.  This leader expresses little to no gratitude.  Even with volunteers, they hardly ever say "thank you."  Team members are not celebrated.  The team ends up feeling used and not valued.

#5. Not Here to Hear.  This leader is always too busy to listen to those who are serving on the front lines of the ministry.  He/she has their way of doing things and does not want to hear any ideas - even if it could make things more productive.  They never ask for feedback or have debriefs after events and programs are over.  When you do get this leader to slow down for a second to listen to you, he or she pretends to be listening, but you can see in his/her eyes that they are not engaged or really hearing what you are saying.  They are closed-minded.

#6. Micromanager.  This leader assigns work, but doesn't stop there.  They not only tell team members what to do, but how to do it.  Everything has to be done exactly the way this leader wants it or it's not good enough.  They leave no room for creativity or flexibility.  It's their way or the highway. They are so busy doing everyone else's job, that they cannot do their own job well.

#7. Distruster.   This leader creates a culture of distrust.  Everyone has to watch their back and there is little to no collaboration.  Fellow team members are looked at as foes rather than friends.  People will do whatever is needed to climb the ladder a few steps...even if it means damaging someone elses' reputation.  Any disagreement with the leader is seen as disloyalty.  The worst is always assumed when a team member is struggling.  There is no safe place where people can share about their struggles without judgment.

#8. No Funny Business.  This leader is all business.  There's no time for fun or team building. You never hear laughter in the hallways.  There are few, if any smiles to be found.  Birthdays are not celebrated.  Anniversaries are not remembered.  This leader expects everyone else on the team to have an unbalanced life like he/she does and work overtime all the time.  They burn people out - toss them to the side - and look for the next person to use.  When there is a win, there's no slowing down to celebrate it.  It's on to the next big thing.

#9. Low Integrity.  This leader stretches the truth when needed. They take shortcuts that shouldn't be taken.  They say one thing and then do another.  They gossip about team members.  The team has lost respect for this leader because of it.  There is no transparency.

#10. No Vision.  This leader is satisfied with the status quo.  He/she is afraid to take risks.  Team members who want to make a real impact don't stick around.  The future is dictated by the past, even if it's not working.  Team members have no idea where the ship is going.

As you read through these, did anything jump out at you?  I look at the list and see that I have made some of these mistakes as a leader.  I want to continue growing and molding my personality into one that people will follow enthusiastically.

If you would like to improve your personality as a leader, there are three steps I want to encourage you to take.

First - personally work through these questions and identify any weak areas you see in your personality based on your answers. 

1. Do I spend more time promoting myself than I do promoting others?

2. When I make a mistake or I am wrong about something, do I sincerely apologize to those involved?

3. Am I proactive in my communication with the team?

4. Am I intentional about expressing my appreciation to team members. Do I do this consistently?

5. Do I listen, really listen to team members when they are sharing their ideas and insight? Am I proactive in asking for feedback and ways to improve the ministry?

6. Do I have a tendency to micromanage?  Do I give people the big idea and let them run with it?

7. Do I trust the team members?  Do I give them the benefit of the doubt and assume the best when something is in question?

8. Do I take time to celebrate the victories?  Do team members have fun at work?  Would they say it's a fun team to be part of?

9. Do I lead with integrity?  Have I done or said anything that might cause the team to not trust me?

10. Do I have a clear vision for where God is leading us? Can the team members articulate the vision?

Secondly, ask your team members to answer the questions about your leadership.  If you want to get a completely honest result, make it anonymous so people will feel more freedom to share their thoughts.

Look at the results and determine if there are any weaknesses and blind spots in your personality that you can work on.
Thirdly, I'd like to invite you to apply for the Advance Children's MInistry Coaching program. For 6 months, with our help, you'll have the opportunity to look deeper at your leadership, find your blind spots and work to strengthen those areas of your leadership.

Space is limited, so if you'd like to see more information and apply to be part of the group, you can do it now at this link.  Registration deadline is June 22.  The next session runs from July to Dec.

We have leaders from all sizes of churches participate - from churches of 500 to churches of 10,000.  We can help you grow personally which will enable you to grow your ministry to the next level. Click on the link and check out more information about it. It will be a game-changer for you.

2018 is just a few days away.  Time to enter a new year of ministry.

2018 is going to be a year of great challenges.  Challenges that we didn't face 10 years ago or even 5 years ago.  

Isn't it nice to have navigation when you are going somewhere you've never been before?  What would we do without GPS?  I guess we'd still be using big, bulky maps, wouldn't we?

I personally like an app called Waze.  It not only gives me accurate directions, but it also alerts me to hazards, wrecks and other dangers that are ahead.  How does it do this?  Other drivers who are using the app make an alert when they encounter these things.  This enables the drivers who are behind them to know what's coming and prepare accordingly.  Because other drivers, who have been farther down the road, let me know what's coming, I am able to drive safer and navigate the road more effectively.

When it comes to ministry, it's great to have help navigating the challenges ahead, isn't it?  I'm thankful for friends, leaders, co-workers and mentors who have helped me navigate ministry over the years.  They helped me avoid some pitfalls.  They challenged me to try new routes.  They pushed me out of my comfort zone.  They provided insight and wisdom when I didn't know what to do.  They helped me grow to places I couldn't have reached alone.

As you enter 2018, do you have someone to help you navigate the challenges you will face?  Do you have someone who will help you grow as a leader?  Do you have someone who will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone?  Do you have someone you can bounce ideas off of and ask questions?  Do you have someone who will ask you the right questions?  Do you have someone who can help you take your ministry to a new level...to a place you've never been before?

If not, I'd like to be the person to help you.  I recently started a new coaching program for children's ministry leaders.  For the first 6 months of 2018, you can journey with me and other kidmin leaders.  Here are some of the ways I can help you navigate 2018 in children's ministry.

• Monthly group coaching call.  Live, one hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.  You will have the opportunity to discuss these topics with Dale and the other leaders in the group.  Sessions are also recorded so you have access to them later. 

• January - Self Leadership
• Feburary - Leading Staff & Volunteers
• March - Leading Through Change & Challenges
• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry
• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture
• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan.  I will help you identify areas of growth development.  From this, I will help you create a one-year growth plan in those areas. Includes identifying your personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. Also includes developing a personal mission statement, key books to read, guided growth conversations to have with key people in your life, action steps, setting goals and help measuring progress. There is also an one hour follow-up phone session at the end of the program to access and celebrate your growth. 

• Copy of my books. 

• Online support. Each member of Advance has access to a special online forum and discussions where they can ask questions about children's ministry directly to Dale and other members.  You have access to this forum even after your 6 months has ended.

• Access to the notes from the KidMin GIG round table.  In 2016, I founded a gathering of the leaders of the 30 largest children's ministries in the country.  Each year, we meet for two days to discuss their latest ideas, insights, ministry wins and challenges.  As part of the Advance group, you will receive a copy of the latest discussions from this gathering.

In 28 years of ministry, I have navigated many of the challenges you will face in 2018.  I have led children's ministries in churches of a few hundred to churches of over 26,000 people.  I have navigated through rapid growth and led ministries through major change.  I have walked with families who were experiencing heartache.  I have seen thousands of kids and families follow Jesus and be baptized.  I have led through multiple building campaigns...some of them involving millions of dollars.  And I've also made lots of mistakes that I can help you avoid.  

You can get more information and apply to be part of the Advance Coaching program at this link.  The deadline to get in is December 31.  We have leaders from churches that range from 500 in attendance to 10,000 in attendance in the group.  There are only a few spots remaining, so check it out today if you'd like to join us.

Yes, 2018 is going to be a year of challenges...but it is also going to be a year of great opportunity.  I believe 2018 can be your greatest year of ministry ever.  I'd like to partner with you to help you achieve the dreams and goals God has placed in your heart...and even the ones you haven't even discovered or realized yet.

Let's guide our ministries well in 2018 and see God do amazing things.

You've probably heard this statement.

"If you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, it probably didn't get there by itself."

It's true, isn't it?  We all need people who help us grow and stretch to new levels.  

I'm thankful for the people who have invested in me over the years.  People who have challenged me, helped me see blind spots, believed in me and taught me valuable lessons.

All of us need a coach, don't we?  Especially if you are leading in children's ministry.  Children's ministry is one of the most challenging areas to lead in the entire church.  You interact with kids, students, adults, grandparents, volunteers and other staff members.  You have to enlist and equip volunteer teams, come up with creative ideas, navigate conflict, follow up with guests, walk with families through difficult times and so much more.  And most of this you simply can't learn from a textbook or college classroom.  You need people to come alongside you and coach you through the challenges of leading in children's ministry.

My heart is to help other children's ministry leaders thrive in ministry.  To see them not just get by, but have the ability and knowledge to move their ministries forward.  To reach kids and families and make a significant impact in their community.

That's why I started Advance Children's Ministry Leadership Coaching.

My coaching is not based in theory alone, but in 28 years of hands on, proven children's ministry leadership experience.  I have helped build and lead some of the largest and fastest growing children's ministries in the country.

ADVANCE children's ministry coaching includes...

• 6 months of coaching.  The next session is from January to June of 2018.

• Monthly coaching video call.  These are live, one-hour sessions on the important topics listed below.  Each session includes teaching and group discussions.

• January - Self Leadership

• February - Leading Staff and Volunteers

• March - Leading through Change and Challenges

• April - Keys to Growing a Ministry

• May - Creating a Dynamic Children's Ministry Culture in Your Church

• June - Staying Relevant in Children's Ministry

• Personalized growth plan. 

• Copy of my books.

• Online support forum for asking questions, sharing ideas, etc. 

Space is limited for this opportunity.  You can get more information and apply at this link.  Deadline to apply is December 22, so apply today. 

6 months from now you can be a much better leader.  6 months from now you can be equipped and ready to move your ministry to the next level.  Join us and see it happen.