Archive for 'Orange'

Why #Orange11 was so different

Posted on 02. May, 2011 by .

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I’m finally catching my breath from Orange last week. Looking back, one word easily describes my take on the 2011 Orange Conference. DIFFERENT.

It was my fourth to attend, but it certainly stood apart from the rest. I’m not going to say that it wasn’t what I expected. I think that it exceeded my expectations. I’ve actually been telling people that it is by far the BEST Orange Conference I’ve attended. Was it better speakers? Beter topics? Maybe, I’m not sure if it was or wasn’t. That’s not what made it better… at least for me.

Bottom line, I only sat in 1-2 sessions in the arena and 1-2 breakouts in addition to the ones I taught/co-taught. What was I doing with all my extra time? Having rich and meaningful conversations with people about all things ministry, life and the Orange Strategy. I came home full to the brim with ideas, encouragement and with new friendships. The breakouts and sessions I did attend were amazing (as always). However, some of the most meaningful breakouts were those that happened at Chipotle, IHOP, the Arena Tavern and in the back of the Bloggers Suite during one of the general sessions.

I think that what was different for me was my willingness to miss a breakout or a session. It’s hard to purposely miss because they’re so good, but I kept reminding myself, “I can just pick up the recordings later.” I truly believe that it is the mindset that we should all have when attending the conference. These breakouts and sessions are recorded and will be available later, but the time when hundreds and thousands of incredible leaders are all gathered in one place is so short.

So, over the years I would have posted 18-20 posts from Orange Week. This year I posted 5. Ha! Don’t worry, this week is the overflow of the Orange Conference for me. I hope to share some of the things that I did learn from Sessions and Breakouts as well as some of the things I learned outside the normal conference hours.

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It’s not my birthday

Posted on 29. Apr, 2011 by .

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So, yesterday I got punked by my own prank. It was so funny. At lunch yesterday, I told everyone about a great new facebook prank to play. I recently learned it and hadn’t tried it yet. If you can hop on someone’s computer when they’re not on it, get on their Facebook account and change their birthday to today. Later in the day, they’ll find out what you’ve done after they have dozens of “happy birthday” comments.

Well, yesterday during the main afternoon session, I spent the entire time meeting and talking with people. While away from my computer, some other blogger (Jonathan Cliff) changed my birthday. So, since last night, people have been wishing me a happy birthday. I think someone even brought me a cake. Very funny, huh?

Now you know a great prank. Have fun with it… just be ready to get punked by your own prank.

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Orange: Multi-Site Breakout

Posted on 29. Apr, 2011 by .

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This year I’m helping host some breakouts, so Multi-Site Kidmin is the only breakout that I chose to attend. Nina Schmidgall, the Children’s Pastor led the breakout and did a great job. Here are some details about the church:

  • National Community Church is a multi-site church in Washington D.C.
  • They have 7 locations: One coffee house, one performing arts location and five movie theaters.
  • 78% of the church are in their 20′s or 30′s.
  • 63% are single (49% are in 20′s and 29% are in 30′s)
  • 27% are unchurched
  • Campuses launch with full time pastor and volunteer kidmin

Don’t use “only” or “just” as it devalues what we’re asking them to do. Say it like it is, don’t say, it’s “only” once a year or “just” a one time meeting. Have more confidence in what it is you’re asking them to do.

Kid’s Campus Pastors – Keepers of the DNA

Sorry, there was a little more, but my battery died while I was taking notes. It was a great breakout and some good insight from a church doing multisite in a big way.

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    Orange: MinisterSearch

    Posted on 28. Apr, 2011 by .

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    As you know, I’m blogging for Orange this week, my third year straight. One of the things that is making it much easier to blog this year is some space that David Lyons of MinisterSearch has provided… the blogging suites. Woo hoo! If you’re here at Orange, MinisterSearch wants to connect with you. Come by anytime today and stop by the blogging suite and meet David as well as all the bloggers. Here’s some incentive for you. Drop by and sign up to be entered into a drawing for a new iPad. Yeah, that’s right… a new iPad.

    So, who is MinisterSearch? What is MinisterSearch?

    MinisterSearch is a search firm for those who serve in the church. Whether you’re a church looking to hire someone or you’re seeking a position in a church, MinisterSearch is a great resource for you. Several years ago I worked with a Search Firm to secure my position at Gateway Church. Let me tell you, it was an AMAZING experience. A search team like MinisterSearch have connections that you won’t know about. They know about unpublished positions or people that no one knows they are looking to move. They are thorough in their processes and the entire experience is wonderful. Job transitions can be so very difficult, so be sure to connect with MinisterSearch.

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    24 hours into my 2011 experience

    Posted on 27. Apr, 2011 by .

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    I already feel like I’ve crammed 4 or 5 days in the last 24 hours. It’s been a wild ride already and we’re just getting started. I hope I have enough juice to last all week. Ha!

    I got started yesterday with a two hour lunch with Rob Bradbury from Melbourne, Australia. I met him 3 years ago at my first Orange Conference. I only knew him as the guy on the cover of the first K Magazine. Over the years I’ve gotten to know him casually through his blog and through others and he’s gotten to know me through my blog. It was an AMAZING lunch. I love that guy. I’ll write more about my meeting with him later.

    Last night I connected with the rest of the blogging team for dinner and a late night hang-out with some of my good friends. It was a great night.

    Then this morning, I kicked off the Pre-Conference with 4 breakouts back-to-back. CRAZY! It was SO MUCH FUN! I’ll write more about those later as well. Ha!

    Now I’m getting ready to grab dinner with Jim Wideman and other Infuse people before the conference kicks off. It’s going to be amazing!

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    Speaking at Orange for the first time

    Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by .

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    In case you didn’t know, I’m speaking at Orange this year. Crazy, huh?

    I still can’t believe they asked me to lead a couple of breakouts. I’m excited, nervous and honored all at the same time. So, I thought I’d share with you what my breakouts are about this year.

    • How to Plan a Ministry Calendar – You know that I’m passionate about this kind of stuff. I’ve written blog posts (plural) about this kind of stuff. It’s only natural that they’d pick me, ha! I think that too often we don’t make the best use of our time each year. We often have good intentions, but ministry is busy and when the year is done we wonder why we didn’t do this or that. In this session, I’m going to share some key practices that should be in place anytime you set up to plan your calendar.
    • How to Design Great Signage – Matt McKee and I are co-hosting. This one is going to be epic. I’ve done series about this kind of stuff. I can break this one down for you. You have an important message to share. People need to hear the message you have. Don’t make crappy signs ever again!
    • How to Communication with Volunteers Via Text Messages – Honest truth, Matt McKee is leading this breakout. I’m just there to help him out. He’s the mobile tech king and I’m just honored that he might let me sit in the corner of the stage and give a little input here and there.
    • How to Connect with Parents Using Social Media – This too is going to be a great breakout. Do you have a communication strategy to families that involves Social Media? Do you just dabble in Social Media? Matt McKee and I are going to propose that if you’re not neck-deep in social media communication, you’re limiting your potential to connect and impact parents! Don’t just dabble. Jump in, we’ll help!

    Well, I’m excited. Come join us if you can (Planning a Ministry Calendar and Connecting with Parents using Social Media are sold out). If you can’t make it, then all I can say is… “You’re going to miss out!”

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    One last push!

    Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by .

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    In case this is your first day on the internet and you just found this blog, I thought I’d let you know about an incredible conference that’s kicking off this week in Atlanta. It’s called Orange and if you serve in the church, you don’t want to miss it!

    Although it might be a little pricey, you can probably still book some airfare to get out to Atlanta and attend. I’m telling you, it’s worth it. Just start driving right now! Click here to register for Orange!

    For those of you who can’t come for whatever reason, just stay connected right here. There are dozens of “Orange” bloggers this year and I’ll connect relevant content here as well as more original content that you’ll have time to read.  As good as it’s going to be here on ChildrensMinistryOnline.com, I’d still encourage you to register and get to Atlanta!

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    I’m giddy

    Posted on 25. Apr, 2011 by .

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    Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited about Orange. I’m expecting to learn some stuff I didn’t know before and get blown-away, challenged and encouraged all at the same time. However, there’s something else I’m looking forward to more than these things. Seeing and hanging out with some of my favorite people in the world!

    I’ve been fortunate to have gotten to see Sam Luce, Matt McKee, Jonathan Cliff and Gina McClain multiple times since last year at Orange. I feel like practically see Sam every month. :) But Orange is the one time I get to see all of these friends at once. I love it!

    In addition to those other guys, I get to see other good friends that I know and love. I get to share a meal with Brother Jim at least twice as well as Kendra from North Point, Anthony from California, Rob from Down Under, Craig from Mississippi, Jenny from Birmingham, Dan from Michigan, and so many others, I just don’t have time to list them all.

    I’m also so excited to meet some folks that I’ve not ever met in person. One guy I’m looking forward to giving a big bear hug to is Jared Massey. I’ve not met him yet, but I feel like I’ve known him for years. In case you didn’t know, he’s got the top kidmin blog in the world! There’s a bunch of other people who said they’d like to meet me and I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know every one.

    I’m also so pumped to meet some I’ve never met online or offline before. I expect to go home having made some new friends. Wow, how rich am I?

    Not only as Orange created a great venue for learning and growing, they’ve created a place where relationships can begin and continue. Seriously, every year it feels like a massive reunion!

    That’s just me. Here’s my little soap box to end with. If attending a conference like Orange isn’t more an more like a reunion the longer you’ve been in ministry, you’re doing it wrong! Don’t do ministry alone! Share, connect, network and invite others into your life and ministry. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do! If you’ve not done that before, start this week!

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    Orange Roll Call!

    Posted on 20. Apr, 2011 by .

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    Okay, I’m making my list. Who’s coming to Orange. If you read this blog and you’re coming to Orange, I want to at least shake your hand or hug your neck (ha! I never say “hug your neck”). So, do me a favor. Leave a comment if you’re coming to Orange. That way I’ll know you’re coming and I’ll be keeping an eye out for you. If your visit to Orange is a secret (not sure why it would be), leave me a message here.

    Woo hoo! Can’t wait to see you in Atlanta!

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    The calm before the storm

    Posted on 17. Apr, 2011 by .

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    It’s been really quite here. It’s been over a week since any new content has posted here and other than a little post here and there, it’s been over two weeks since I’ve posted anything significant. I’ve had a few people email me asking me if I was dead (just kidding, no one has done that). So, what’s up Mr. Kenny? Did you quit? Since you hit glorious year number four, did you decide to pick up another hobby?

    I’m sure’ you’ve been asking those very questions.

    No my friend. This is simply the clam before the storm… and it’s going to be a pretty big storm.

    I’ll give you a little teaser, so you’ll know what to expect in the coming days/weeks.

    • At Gateway we’re doing some cool stuff with baptism, so I’m excited to share with you what’s happening.
    • We’re neck deep in camp planning/recruiting. I’ve got a lot to say about our camp processes, what we’re doing and how we do it.
    • ORANGE is coming! Woo hoo. In 8 days I’ll be flying to Atlanta to take part in my fourth Orange Conference. It’s going to be unreal, so look forward to some posts this week about what’s coming up at the Orange Conference… as well as a whole mess of blog posts coming from Atlanta during the conference.
    • Okay, I’ve got a little secret I’ve been keeping that I’m about to let out of the bag. It’s something I’ve been working on for several months now and I think I’m finally ready to let everyone know. So, expect my announcement on Wednesday. Stay tuned…

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