Archive for December, 2011
Christmas Infographic
Posted on 21. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
Here are some interesting numbers surrounding the Christmas holidays!… Read the rest
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Soapbox: My technology pet peeve
Posted on 20. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
There’s probably no way I can write this post without coming across as a little bit of a jerk… so I apologize and the front end. This isn’t directed to any particular person… but just multiple encounters I seem to have on a weekly basis.
It seems that almost everyone has a smart phone today. That’s probably thanks to the iPhone where a very friendly mobile internet is available to all. With our phones, we have access to almost anything and everything. It’s an amazing time in which we live.
My pet peeve comes from when people with these amazing tools to access almost infinite knowledge ask me questions that no longer seem necessary any more. Obviously, if its something I should know that you don’t know, then ask me.… Read the rest
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Equipping teenagers in kidmin
Posted on 20. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
One of the most significant forces for kidmin in the local church are teenage volunteers. Every kidmin has them and some highly depend on teens. Although some teenagers lead small groups or have a strong presence from the stage, most fill many valuable roles here and there as helpers, behind the scenes volunteers and on the floor with preschoolers having fun. Teenagers in kidmin are highly valuable because many will be the next generation of volunteers and staff. I’m amazed by how many kid’s pastors I meet who were volunteers in children’s ministry when they were old enough to serve.
Unfortunately, many of these teens get over looked. They’re treated as another warm body that helps us keep our ratios. It’s not that we’re not grateful for them, but they’re treated differently than adult volunteers.… Read the rest
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Excuses are lame
Posted on 19. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
I love to see people overcome opposition. A few months ago I had a survey that I wanted potential new staff to fill out (as part of the interview process). The online form I used for the survey broke. It was not intentional at all, but how staff candidates responded taught me a lot about what they were made of. There were several that I had to track down as they got stuck with the broken survey and did nothing. Others submitted what they could with the broken survey and didn’t worry about what didn’t work. However, there was a select few who overcame this obstacle. One called the company that hosts the survey to find out why it wasn’t working.… Read the rest
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Nashville Illuminate – Only 60 days away!
Posted on 19. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
I can hardly believe it, but the greatest event for kidmin volunteers serving in the local church is only 60 days away. It will be here in not time.
So, if you live within 3-5 hours of Nashville, TN, I highly encourage you to check out Illuminate as a viable training option for your staff and volunteers. Technically, the early bird rate expired last Friday, but I’m extending it through this week. Anyone who registers by Christmas can save some money.
I know it’s just a few days before the craziness of Christmas Eve services, last minute shopping and good family time, but I’d highly encourage anyone within driving distance of Nashville to consider registering this week. I’ve actually got a great story that I’ll post later today that should encourage anyone.… Read the rest
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Free Children’s Bibles for Christmas
Posted on 15. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
A few days ago I wrote a review about Group’s “My First Hand’s on Bible” and I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback saying that the review was very helpful. Well, I’ve got something even more helpful for you. How would you like 18 of these Bibles for your ministry? I know I would! Click here to see more info on this great give-away! Merry Christmas!… Read the rest
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The Power of Persuasion: Repetition
Posted on 14. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
I came across a very interesting article on the role of repetition when it comes to persuasion. Essentially, we have to remember the elements of human nature when hoping to persuade someone to volunteer or some other thing we need. It’s not that people don’t want to do what we’re asking, sometimes they just don’t get it yet. In the case of repetition, it may mean that they need to hear the request 3-4 times before there is a connection in their brain that says, “Hey, I think I want to try that.”
Persuasion can be exhausting. Ever spent an hour on the phone calling through a list of parent trying to get them to volunteer? Of course you have! It takes a lot out of most of us.… Read the rest
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Christmast Prayer Activity
Posted on 14. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
I don’t repost stuff on this site very often, but I figured that I couldn’t pass this one up as it was too popular last year.
A year ago as we were preparing for our Christmas Eve services, I led our staff in a prayer event for our church that had a fun Christmas theme involving Christmas music. What’s not to love about that? Click here to read that post and download files to host a similar Christmas prayer event with your staff or volunteers.
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Children’s Bible Review: My First Hands-On Bible
Posted on 12. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
A few months ago I was given a copy of “My First Hands-On Bible” while at Group’s Kidmin Conference. It seemed to be just the right age for my son, so I was anxious to get home and see how it worked as a Bible he and I could read together.This Bible appears to be a cooperative project of Tyndale Kids and Group Publishing. This Bible intended for preschool age children is very unique from most other children’s Bibles aimed at this age group for two main reasons:
- The Bible follows Groups philosophy of R.E.A.L learning (Relational, Experiential, Applicable and Learner-Based). Every Bible story includes questions and activities that engage kids in R.E.A.L learning. This is not a passive children’s bible, but requires active engagement.
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The Power of Persuasion: Limit the choices
Posted on 12. Dec, 2011 by Kenny.
As much as we love to have the freedom of choice, sometimes it can be our very downfall. I’ve worked with kids long enough that you never ask a group of kids, “what do you want to do?” or “what movie do you want to watch?” Chaos, disappointment and tears always follow such questions. Instead, I ask, “Hey, do you guys want to go to the park or to the pool?” or “Do you want to watch this movie or that movie?”
Studies show that options also have a significant effect on persuasion. Interestingly, the more choices you offer, the less effective you’re going to be in persuading someone to pick something. An intriguing study was done to illustrate how extensive choices can be demotivating.… Read the rest
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