RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

2015 is here!  I'm excited about another year of children's ministry, aren't you?

As you look at 2015, it's important to take some time to prepare for what's ahead.  Here's 7 steps that will help you and your team get ready.

Step 1 - Evaluate last year.
Take a hard, honest look at last year.  What worked well?  What flopped?  Where did you have momentum?  Where are the weak spots?  How many kids and families did you reach?  How many new volunteers did you enlist?  What goals did you reach?  What goals did you not reach? 

Step 2 - Take time to think, plan and pray.
Before you jump into the new year, take time to sit and just think, plan, and pray.  I take our team on a one-day retreat in January for this purpose. 

Step 3 - Identify your priorities.
Out of steps 1 and 2, identity what your priorities will be for 2015.  What do you want to focus on?  What are the few things that you really want to pour time, energy and resources into?

Step 4 - Set goals.
Once you've established your priorities, set goals that you want to reach.  The goals should be specific and measurable.  An example would be to enlist 25 new volunteers.

Step 5 - Create a strategy.
Create a strategy that will help you reach the goals you've set.  This includes spiritual steps, programming, events, classes, etc.

Step 6 - Set your calendar.
Translate your strategy onto your calendar.  Every item on your calendar should be a step that helps you reach the goals you've set.  Be very strategic with your calendar.  Don't do anything just because you've always done it or are trying to keep it alive.  Sometimes you have to let something good on your calendar die so something great can live on your calendar.

Step 7 - Rally the team.
Include key leaders in steps 1-6.  And then once you've completed steps 1-6, rally the team behind the 2015 vision and strategy.  Share the passion you have for seeing these things come to fruition.

Can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through your team this year!    

I am often asked for our staff retreat agenda.  I take our team on a retreat twice a year.

Once in January to prepare for the new year and once in the summer to prepare for the fall.

I have found these retreats (we call them "advances") deepen our relationships, renew our passion, and give us time to dream and plan for the future.

Whether you have 2 or 20 or 200 people on your team, I would encourage you to make some time to pull away together.  It doesn't have to cost a big chunk of change.  It can be as simple as getting together at someone's house or driving over to the next town and sitting in Starbucks together.

The benefits are enormous and it might be just what you need to help you and your team get to the next level.

If you'd likc a copy of our retreat agenda, feel free to email me at dalehudsoncm2@gmail.com and I'll send it to you.

Believing with you that 2014 is going to be your best ministry year ever!

Confidence is David facing Goliath.

Confidence is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego looking into a fiery furnace.

Confidence is Peter stepping out of the boat.

Confidence is Paul sharing his faith with King Agrippa.

Confidence is Esther walking into the king's court.

Confidence...is courage at ease.

Confidence...is knowing God is in control.

Confidence...is faith that leads to achievement.

Confidence...is something that will help you lead well in Children's Ministry.

People will gravitate to and follow someone who is confident.  Not cocky...but confident.  Not arrogant...but confident.  Not prideful...but confident.  There is a difference.

Do you have confidence?  Do you want to improve your confidence?  Here's some ways to gain confidence and show it as a children's ministry leader. 

Spend time with Jesus.  Ultimately your confidence must emanate from your personal relationship with Christ.

Depend on God...completely.  This leads to Godfidence.  Which is the best form of confidence.

Know your strengths and use them.  When you are operating in your sweet spot, you will naturally feel more confident.

Take care of yourself physically.  Exercise and eat right.  When you are healthy and in shape, it gives you confidence.

Walk straight and tall with your head held high.  Your body language is key in communicating confidence.

When you make eye contact with parents and kids, always smile.  Smiling shows confidence.

Use good posture when you sit.  Don't slouch.  Sit with your back straight. 

Learn to maintain eye contact when talking with someone.  Look directly into the eyes of the person.

Have a "can do" attitude.  A positive attitude speaks confidence. 

Take the initiative and introduce yourself to people.  When you walk into a room, be friendly and greet people instead of waiting to be greeted.

Dress sharp.  Your clothes do make a difference.  This doesn't mean your clothes have to be expensive, but it does mean you dress your best.

Always sit up front in meetings, services, etc.  Confident leaders gravitate to the front of the room.

Remind yourself of your successes instead of dwelling on your failures.  Make a list of your successes.  This is not to brag to others, but to remember that God is with you. 

Don't compare yourself to others.  God did not create you to be copy of someone else.  He created you to be you.  Confidence comes when you know who you are in Christ.

Know God's calling and purpose for your life.  When you know you are living out God's plan and purpose for your life, it instills a deep, abiding sense of confidence.

Prepare...prepare...prepare.  Walking into something prepared helps you walk in with confidence.
Practice makes perfect?  No...but it does make you confident.

Your turn.  What gives you confidence?