Childrens Ministry Online

Orange 2011: Networking with Brian VanderArk

Posted on 05. May, 2011 by Kenny.

I had the privilege of sharing a meal (it was more like cheese fries) with Brain VanderArk from Ada Bible Church. Sorry, this is the best picture I could find of Brian. Before last week, I had not met Brian, but I’ve sat in several Orange Conference Breakouts over the year and I’m good friends with his favorite employee… Dan Scott (I just made that up about Dan being his favorite… but if I were Brian I’d give Dan a HUGE raise). Actually, a whole bunch of people from Orange kinda showed up at a restaurant and I just invited myself to sit at the “Ada” table with Brain and Dan and some other staff (plust that guy from Scranton… Daren Kaiser).

I ended up having a great conversation with Brain about local networking. He actually led a breakout this year on the very subject and I plan to purchase that session later to have a listen and encourage you to do so as well. He told me the story of how he and his team created a network of family ministry leaders in their local community. He revealed that it was actually the start of how they were exposed to the Orange strategy which eventually led Ada to being one of the leading “Orange” churches in the world. Pretty amazing! We spent quite a while talking about the advantages of networking as well as the barriers that we’ll face while developing a strong and thriving network.

I was especially encouraged to have this conversation since just 3 or 4 months ago I helped start a kidmin network here in Austin that is almost 50 people strong. It’s still young and new, but I’m very encourage by what’s happening! I think I’ll write about how we started a network in Austin in a few weeks… maybe I can get Brian to speak into that as well. So, follow Brain on twitter or introduce yourself to him the next time you see him at Orange!

Best of all, Brain paid for my cheese fries! Thanks Brian!

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Orange 2011: Lunch with Rob Bradbury

Posted on 05. May, 2011 by Kenny.

I had several “defining moments” at Orange 2011. One of them happened the day day before the conference began when I met up with Rob Bradbury for lunch. It was epic (I say that because that’s what it seems Aussies like to say).

Rob and I met 3 years ago at Orange 2008. The only reason I knew him was because his face was plastered on the cover of K magazine. Other than that, I had no idea who he was. I bumped into him a few times at the conference and he almost always made me laugh. He was so filled with joy.

Over the years I’ve read his blog and have seen and heard of things he’s done and things he’s been doing at Planetshakers church in Melbourne, Australia. From time to time he’d write a kind comment on a post. He contacted me a week before Orange and said, “let’s grab some lunch.”

I was honored to be the first person to ever take him to Chipotle. He was so excited… and I think he loved it. Actually, I think he was studying everything about his food so that he could go home, replicate it and even make improvements. Somewhere behind his passion for kids, he has a real passion for cooking.

Rob gave me the opportunity to speak about what we’re doing at my church and how we’re using the web and social media to change the world. I think it really blessed him and armed him with some new ideas for his church. Then it was Rob’s turn. He began to tell me about what God has been doing in his life recently and how God is giving him a platform to significantly impact kids around the world on every level: spiritually, physically, emotionally and relationally. So much of what he said impacted me such a profound level, I’m still trying to sort out and process what he shared. Rob and I have some unfinished business, but I’m just not sure what it is yet. My life is tremendously richer as a result of the 2-3 hours I spent with him and I look forward to seeing what will unfold in the coming years.

I’m not even sure how to describe all the Rob does. He’s been the Children’s Pastor at Planetshakers church in Melbourne for many years. He also leads the Kid Shaper conference, a powerful conference based out of Melbourne that has now expanded to Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Great Britain. He’s also doing some powerful and significant things in other areas of the world that would blow your mind. Check out his sites and if you get the chance to meet him or share a meal, don’t pass it up. Oh, you can check out his blog here as well as some great kidmin resources here.

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The shortest Orange Breakout take-away

Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Kenny.

I had the privilege of introducing a few breakout speakers. One of these speakers was Stewart Hall. Stewart Hall is on staff with XP3 and has co-authored books with Andy Stanley and Louie Gigleo. He’s a legend in my book.

Although I did not get to stay and hang out for the entire session, he asked one question that I’ve not been able to shake. It’s a question that I’ll probably not be able to shake. Here’s what he asked:

What does your ministry environment SCREAM that you value?

Wow. I’ve sat down with my team and we’ve listed our ministry values. Many of them speak very loudly. Are they screaming? That’s a good question. I think it’s probably a question we should ask ourselves on a regular basis. It’s probably a question we should ask people who are new to our ministry. This is the rich feedback that we desperately need.

I wasn’t around for the full breakout, but I almost can imagine the follow-up question.

What does your ministry scream that you DON’T value.

Those are the things we need to take immediate action on.

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Why #Orange11 was so different

Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Kenny.

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 Kenny.

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: MinisterSearch

Posted on 28. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.

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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Speaking at Orange for the first time

Posted on 26. Apr, 2011 by Kenny.

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 Kenny.

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 Kenny.

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 Kenny.

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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