Showing posts with label empowered. Show all posts
Showing posts with label empowered. Show all posts

Why Kids Love "Frozen" and What Children's Ministry Can Learn From It

8:11 AM  Dale Hudson  

Frozen...it's the highest grossing animated film of all times.

It is also the most downloaded kid movie from iTunes.  You can often hear kids singing, "Let it Go...Let it Go...Let it Go!"  Last October,  you could see kids in Elsa, Anna and Kristoff costumes at fall festivals across the country.

Disney, as usual, used their expertise in marketing and you find the characters images on clothes, toys, school supplies, lunch boxes and more.

Let's stop and think about why Frozen has resonated with kids so well.  What makes them want to watch it over and over?  What's the appeal?  Why do they connect with the characters so well?  What can we learn from this?

Recently two psychologists, Yalda Uhls with Common Sense Media and Maryam Kia-Keating with the University of California shared with CNN why Frozen was such a big hit with kids.

There is a strong family-themed message.  The story line is about the bond between two sisters.  Family ties are extremely important to kids.  It defines their world.
  • Use family relationships as examples when you teach.
  • Make equipping parents a key part of your discipleship strategy.  The more you can get families talking about the lessons at home, the more effective it will be.
It engages kids imaginations.  Kids have big imaginations and they respond well to stories that capture their imagination.
  • Tap into kid's imaginations when you share Bible stories. 
  • Let kids use their imaginations to discuss situations where they can live out the lesson.
  • Give kids opportunities to use their creative imagination through crafts, activities, games, etc.
It shows characters facing challenges and overcoming struggles.
  • Show how characters in the Bible faced challenges and overcame struggles.
  • Show kids how they can personally face challenges and overcome struggles through Christ.
Makes them feel empowered.  Kids often don't feel powerful.  They are always being told what they can and cannot do.  When they do have opportunities to be in control, they get excited.  Ever seen a kid wag his or her finger like Elsa while singing, "Let it Go?"  It's all about empowerment.
  • Give kids choices during the service.  Let them choose between activities, help pick which songs will be sung next weekend, choose which group they want to be part of, etc.
  • Teach kids how the Holy Spirit can empower them to accomplish anything God asks them to do.
It is done with excellence.  The movie is in line with the high standard of excellence that Disney sets for it's productions.
  • You may not have the budget that Disney does, but do the very best with what God has given you.  
  • Don't fall into the mentality of "it's just for the kids, they won't notice."  Do everything with excellence.
  • Pay attention to the details.  Small details done well add up to an excellent production.
What are some other reasons kids like Frozen?  What ideas have you taken and used from Frozen?  Share with us in the comment section below.
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3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Children's Ministry Every Week

9:43 AM  Dale Hudson  

Our ministries are a work in progress...and always will be.

There are 3 simple steps you can take to improve your children's ministry.  Though simple, they can accelerate your ministry if implemented each week.

#1 - WALK
John F Kennedy said, "Walk slowly through the crowd."  It's a simple, but powerful principle.

Each weekend, make time to walk through your ministry and observe.  What do you see that's working?  What do you see that needs adjusting?  What do you see that needs replaced?  What do you see that needs repair work?  What do you see that needs updating?

Watch check-in.  Is it easy for families?  Watch dismissal.  Is it safe and secure?  Watch the services.  Are the kids engaged?  Watch your volunteers.  Are they smiling?  Are they connecting with kids and families?

#2 - TALK
Talk to kids.  Do they remember the main point of the lesson?  Are they having fun?

Talk to parents.  How can you improve the ministry?  What's an idea that would make the ministry better?

Talk to volunteers.  Do they feel empowered?  What needs to be fixed?  What can be done to improve the ministry?  What is missing?  What's one thing that would help them feel more empowered?  Is the curriculum effective and easy to use?

 #3 - CHALK
In other words, write down all the ideas, input, and suggestions you gather.  Write it down as hear it...on the spot.

Then on Monday...transfer your notes to a list.  Work through the list.  Implement what needs to be implemented.  Tweak what needs to be tweaked.  Fix what needs to be fixed.

Follow these 3 steps every week and you will see a vast improvement in your children's ministry.  
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7 Goals Your Children's Ministry Should Aim for

6:07 AM  Dale Hudson  

Here are 7 goals every children's ministry should aim for.

Parents are equipped to be the primary spiritual leader of their child.
No one has more influence in a child's life than his or her parents.  Your goal should be to partner with them and place tools in their hands that will help them be successful. 

Each child is known by name.  
Each child should have someone who knows them by name, whether it's their teacher, the Children's Pastor/Director or a volunteer.

Kids are coming to Christ.
Kids are inviting Jesus to be their Leader, Forgiver, and Friend.

Kids are growing in their relationship with Christ. 
Kids are taking spiritual steps and developing spiritual disciplines that help them grow in their faith.

Each child is in a small group.
Children are in a group with 8-10 other children where they are known, build relationships, and are cared for.  This format may be a Sunday School class, a mid-week program, or a breakout group.  The main thing is not the format, but the connection.

A solid team of volunteers who are being equipped, encouraged, and empowered.
Without a solid team of volunteers, children's ministry is ineffective.  It's not what you can do, it's what you can empower others to do.

Kids are having fun.
Kids are laughing, smiling, playing, and dragging their parents to church.  By fun, I simply mean engaging.  Kids love going where it's fun and hate going where they are bored.

What other goals do you believe a children's ministry should have?  
What are some goals you have for the children's ministry you are part of?  
We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 
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