Spread the word…Dick Gruber is offering his Evangel Art: Reproducible Art for Children’s Ministries for FREE! This incredible resource includes:
over 40 evangel pages
385 picture words
124 scripture pictures
All artwork is provided in .jpg format and can be easily incorporated into any word processing, desktop publishing, or presentation software. To request a free download of Dick Gruber’s Evangel Art, simply complete the download request form at http://www.cmuo.com/resources/evangelart. You will then receive an email with more details for downloading your free copy.
Looking for more free resources? Dick has also written a song entitled, “The Children’s Pastor’s Prayer” that can be downloaded for free from http://www.cmuo.com/freesong.
Dick Gruber and I discuss the topic conferences and training events. Dick shares the following acrostic in outlining his reasons for attending children’s ministry conferences and other training events:
Lifelong learner Investing in future education always brings a return Friendships are made and renewed Enthusiasm is generated
The following conferences were mentioned during the episode.
If you know of other children’s ministry training events that you’d like to recommend, leave a comment for more details!
In our next episode, we’ll be discussing children’s ministry conferences and training events. What children’s ministry conference do you recommend for others to attend? Why should children’s ministry leaders consider attending conferences or other training events? Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook. We’d love to include your comments in our next episode.
Looking for an efficient way to share photos of your latest children’s ministry event with parents, volunteers, or the children of your ministry? Give online photo sharing a try. If you take digital pictures, you need to watch this 3 minute video that explains the value of posting photos on a service like Flickr for sharing or safe keeping.
Thanks to Mike George for passing along a great site offering information for parents regarding the different video games that kids are playing: http://www.whattheyplay.com. Check out the site and pass it along!
Jim Wideman discusses the importance of delegation when he writes,
Mr. Webster defines delegation as a person or persons appointed to represent us. Delegation is not finding someone who is willing and dumping part of your ministry responsibilities on them. We need others to represent us. But this cannot happen if you don’t take the necessary steps to make it happen and develop volunteers through action. We must allow others to get involved.
A healthy children’s ministry is one in which opportunities for others to serve abound and are clearly articulated. As a children’s ministry leader, it’s not enough to simply make a list of the opportunities that you have for others to serve. Go the next step…clearly articulate the qualifications, responsibilities, tasks, etc. for each position. Whether in the form of a job description, ministry opportunities catalog, or some other form, make sure to articulate the available ministry opportunities.
Then, as God is faithful to provide volunteers to serve in your ministry, empower, delegate, and release them to serve. You always should be looking to train your replacement. Early on in ministry God impressed on me that he’s called me to do what only I can do. I’ve always tried to take the approach that if I can train someone else to do what I’m doing, then I need to do that so that I’m free to do what only I can do.
As a children’s ministry leader, what has God called you to do? What are elements of your ministry that only YOU can do? Once you identify what those items are, then work at training and releasing others to do the other things. You’ll be blessed and you’ll open doors for others to be blessed as they serve God’s children.
While a few details still have yet to be finalized, this conference will truly be a first of its kind children’s ministry conference that you won’t want to miss! Here’s the top 10 reasons why you should mark your calendar now to participate in CMUO LITE 2008!
10. Networking with other children’s ministry leaders
One the the key benefits to any children’s ministry event is the opportunity to connect with other children’s ministry leaders. CMUO LITE offers an opportunity to start building your children’s ministry network with others not only in attendance on-campus but also online!
9. 30+ breakout sessions
An extensive exhibit area and full slate of top children’s ministry practitioners will be available during CMUO LITE 2008.
8. Knowledgable, inspiring speakers
Internationally recognized speakers David Boyd, Dick Gruber , Dale VonSeggen, and Jim Wideman will be sharing during the general sessions. These times promise to be filled with encouragement and inspiration for all those who minister to children.
7. Refreshing praise & worship
Gifted worship leader Kimberly Green will be leading refreshing times of praise & worship during the general sessions.
6. State-of-the-art training facilities
General sessions will be held in VFCC’s chapel and workshop sessions will take place in VFCC’s Cardone Hall, offering a first class training environment. WiFi access will be provided to all participants so that they can enjoy online access throughout the conference.
5. Archives of all sessions to be made available to registrants
Those who attend on-campus will not only have the benefit of attending many fabulous sessions, but will be able to access recordings of all 30+ breakout sessions after the event is over. Online attendees will also enjoy access to archives of all general sessions and breakouts.
4. Online community
All participants in CMUO LITE 2008 will receive a complimentary membership to CMUOnet, the online community of Children’s Ministries University Online, allowing them to participate in a variety of online activities and discussions with the presenters and participants of CMUO LITE 2008 before, during, and after the event. More details will be provided at the time of registration. In the meantime, current CMUO or former CMUO learners can access the CMUO LITE community via CMUOnet at http://cmuonet.org/cmuolite and begin networking today!
3. Attend either on-campus or online Unique, flexible registration options are available, allowing one to either participate in the on-campus conference or in an online-only format. Registration for the on-campus conference includes:
>> 4 General Sessions
>> 7 Breakout Sessions
>> Exhibits
>> 2 Meals
>> Online conference community for networking before, during, and after the event
>> WiFi Internet access on campus
>> Access to archives of all sessions for download
Registration in the online-only version of the conference includes access to archive of recordings of all general sessions, breakout sessions, and the online conference community for networking with the speakers, presenters, and others participating in the event.
2. Earn 3 credits to put towards a 1 year certificate in children’s ministry from CMUO
Participants, either on-campus or online, wishing to earn 3 credits for participating in CMUO LITE will have the option to register for an elective CMUO course and complete a few additional assignments offering the opportunity to demonstrate how the skills learned are being applied in the local children’s ministry setting.
1. Connections
The theme for this event is “Connections” drawn from Psalms 78:72 - “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” You will be challenged to connect deeper with God, your ministry skills, and others.
We hope you’ll consider joining us either on-campus or online for CMUO LITE 2008! For complete details and to register online visit www.cmuolite.com. Register before May 1st to receive the early-bird discount. Group and student discounts are also available!
General sessions will also be webcasted live for those who can’t attend. Stay tuned to the CMUO LITE blog for more details.
American Idol returns for its seventh season when it premieres on January 15. The hit series empowers viewers to discover America’s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted American Idol title.
Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. Kids watch on TV as week by week the next American Idol gets closer.
Idol is the going to be the buzz word at school, on the playground and on the web beginning in a matter of days. What are you doing about it in your children’s ministry?
KidzMatter is proud to announce, Who’s Your Idol?. Who’s Your Idol is a dynamic and relevant 4-week curriculum series for elementary children. Ryan Seacoast hosts this series that teaches kids to put God #1 in their lives.
Look at what you get:
Editable lesson files
Video skits (featuring Simon, Paula and Randy)
Memory verse videos
Idol spoof videos
Quiz videos
Graphic slides
Games
Object lessons
A 60-second countdown
6 worship videos
Puppet scripts
Small group questions
As you can see, this package contains everything you need to have an awesome four-week children’s church experience! You can check it out more details and get your copy here.
In the latest episode of Children’s Ministry Talk, Dick Gruber and I discuss the topic rest for the children’s ministry leader. Dick shares the following acrostic in outlining his suggestions for rest:
A sabbath is a Jesus kind of thing Relax Trust others Expect God to give you peace and rest Recycling is not a sin Include your spouse Everyday with Jesus Simple is good too
In our next episode, we’ll be discussing children’s ministry conferences and training events. What children’s ministry conference do you recommend for others to attend? Why should children’s ministry leaders consider attending conferences or other training events? Drop us an email, leave a comment for us on our blog, or visit us over on Facebook. We’d love to include your comments in our next episode.
The public beta version of YouVersion has been LIVE for several months. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should. Here’s a glimpse from the YouVersion blog of the features in this free online Bible study tool…Simply go to YouVersion.com to see how it works. Everything is free and will remain free, but to interact with some of the personalized features you’ll need to go through a simple registration process.
Here’s a glimpse at what you can do with YouVersion:
Search for scripture, jump to a book/chapter/verse, or scroll through our Bible Reader
Star verses and content
Tag verses and content
Contribute and/or associate images, videos, links, and text to verses or series of verses
Start journaling in the “My Journal” feature
See what others are sharing
Email items to your friends and family
Rate content
And so much more…
More details are here. I’ve signed-up with YouVersion and am I really enjoying the using it thus far. I am especially enjoying the 1 year Bible.
Go ahead and give YouVersion a try for yourself and comment with your feedback. How might you be able to use this tool to enhance your personal walk with Christ as well as your children’s ministry?
