RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Do you want your ministry to grow?  Of course, we all do.

But for the ministry to grow, you're going to have to grow as a leader.  If you don't continue growing as a leader, you can become the lid that hinders growth.

Rick Warren said this:

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

Abraham Lincoln said this:

"If I have 6 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first 4 sharpening my ax." 

I believe this - if you'll grow you, the ministry will grow with you.  Growing isn't over when you graduate college or have been in ministry for 20 years.  No, personal growth has to be a lifelong journey.  We must continue to read, learn, collaborate and stretch ourselves.

That's why I started Advance Children's Ministry Coaching.  It's a 6-month coaching experience for children's ministry leaders who want to grow to the next level in their leadership.  With 29 years of ministry experience, I have helped build some of the largest and fastest growing children's ministries in the country.  I can help you achieve your ministry and personal growth goals.

Here is what 2 leaders who have been through the coaching, have to say about it.

"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 somethings and avoid the rest.  If you are willing to learn, Dale can help you with the rest."
Joel Smith, First Colony Church, Richmond, Texas

"I am so thankful for the coaching experience I was able to have with Dale Hudson.  I have learned tools that will leadership, growth and structure.  I know that this information will help me today, tomorrow and for years to come.  I would highly recommend anyone in children's ministry to take part in this amazing coaching experience."
Michelle Clary, 5 Points Church, Easley, South Carolina

Advance coaching will help you...

• Have more leadership influence with the team you lead.
• See your ministry grow and expand.
• Go to the next level as a leader.
• Receive a personal investment in you and your ministry.
• Navigate the challenges and struggles you are facing.

 The 6-month program includes...

• 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 on-demand access afterward.

•  July - self-leadership
• August - leading staff and volunteers
• September - leading through change and challenges
• October - keys to a growing ministry and multi-site
• November - creating a dynamic children's ministry culture in your church
• December - staying relevant in ministry

• Personalized growth plan.  Dale will help you identify your blind spots and work with you to create growth steps.

• Copy of Dale's books.

• Inside access to the notes from the Kidmin Gig.  3  years ago, Dale started a roundtable for the 30 largest children's ministry in the country.  You will get the latest notes from this gathering.

 The deadline to apply is June 22.  Go to this link for more information and to apply.

Come join us.  I promise you will grow and become a better leader for your ministry.

Want to be a better leader for your children's ministry in 2015?  Here's 10 steps that will make this your best leadership year ever!

1.  Spend more time with God.  This is where it all begins.  The more time you spend with God, the better leader you will become.  He will infuse you with more wisdom, grace and spiritual power.  If you spent 15 minutes a day with God last year, up it to 30 this year.  If you spent 30 minutes a day with God last year, up it to 45 this year.  The time you spend with Him backstage will improve your leadership front stage.

2.  Improve your motivational skills.  Read the autobiographies of great motivational leaders.  A few suggestions are Jack Welch, Dean Smith, John Wooden, and Lee Iacocca.  Great leaders motivate team members with a compelling vision and mission.

3.  Serve more.  The more you serve others, the better leader you will be.  This comes from the greatest leader of all times who modeled this by washing His team's dirty feet.

4.  Listen more.  Listening will help you uncover great ideas and big impact strategies.  If all the ideas came from you last year, then you are limiting the ministry.  This year, listen twice as much as you talk.

5.  Try something new.  Growth will happen outside of your comfort zone.

6.  Live by a schedule that helps you accomplish your priorities.  If you don't plan your time, someone else will plan it for you.  Know exactly how you are spending your time.  Of course, things will arise that will temporarily take you out of your schedule, but let that be the exception, not the norm. 

Remember, the goal is not to be busy.  The goal is to be productive.  There is a difference and living by a schedule will help you accomplish your priorities.

7.  Read.  Read.  Read.  The books, blogs, articles, etc. that you read this year will be a big factor in how much you improve as a leader.  You've heard the statement, leaders are readers.  It's so true.

8.  Make a list of the mistakes you made this past year.  And then ask some of the people around you to add to the list.  Learn from your past mistakes so you don't repeat them this year.

9.  Give lots of care and a little critique.  Bottom line.  People are motivated a lot more by praise than by criticism.  This means you earn the right to critique people by first showing them that you care about them and have their best interests in mind.   

10.  Help those around you become better.  Meet with a few of your key leaders and help them develop a personal and ministry growth plan for 2015.  The natural result of helping them improve will be you improving as well.  When you help other people grow...you grow.

The floor is yours.  What are some steps you are taking in 2015 to become a better leader?  Share them with us in the comment section below.