On Monday I started this series on starting or changing your career in Children’s Ministry; however, the conversation hasn’t gone in the direction I intended. That’s a good thing though, I feel like a good foundation was put in place here and some important things have been processed… for me at least. Next week I’ll get into the highly practical stuff of resumes and searching for an open ministry position. The following week I hope to talk about the interview process. I really do hope that this little series will be a great resource for those preparing to enter the ministry or make a jump to a different stage of ministry.
This post; however, I want to wrap up a theme that’s emerged this week. I’ve been in Kidmin long enough to see that a real change has taken place. When I started 1997, there were not a lot of resources. Sunday School was king and no one was talking about small groups. Kids music consisted of Arky Arky and Father Abraham, the same songs I sang as a kid 10-12 years earlier (wow, I was a young CP). A decade later, we have a flood of resources and there’s never been a better time to be a children’s pastor. However, I still see two flavors of Kidmin. One tends to still be hanging on to some of the older ways of doing things. They may not be doing Arky Arky anymore, but there are systems and processes that haven’t changed in ten years. Then there is another side that is reinventing what Kidmin looks like. It’s not just the style of music or technology used or way of presenting the message (although that is part of it), but it is the philosophy underneath. It is leadership driven. It’s using creative and innovative ways of leveraging influence in the lives of the kids through schools, teachers and parents to make a lasting impact.
This second flavor of Kidmin is still the minority. Although some of the biggest and loudest ministries in the world are home to these types of ministries, the average church in the average town hasn’t made this transition yet. That’s where this revolution needs to begin. That’s where the change needs to happen. So if you’re a current Children’s Pastor, it would do you well to evaluate where your ministry stands. Does it need a revolution? Is your ministry creatively using innovative strategies to make an impact, or does it use what it’s always been using? Are you getting ready to go into Children’s Ministry? Decide now what kind of Children’s Pastor you want to be. Don’t let the church you go to or the church you think you want to work at dictate what kind of Children’s Pastor you’re going to be. You always have a choice.
That’ll preach!
.-= jonathan´s last blog ..Kidsplace Promotional Video =-.
Well said! I’m definitely inspired.
Kenny,
I’ve been following your posts this week. What I struggle with is that I lead at my church from a volunteer standpoint. My 8-5 job takes up 50 to 60 hours of my week. Add to that time with my family, and the end result is, I don’t end up with a whole lot of time to devote to doing the job I know God called me to do.
Nevertheless, I think the average church in the average town can begin the transition your talking about taking advantage of the internet. Things like the baskstage (makingoforange) feed that was live last week whet the appetite of those (like me) that didn’t/couldn’t make it to Orange.
Paul – I just wanna say “thanks” for do things like reading kidmin blogs and watching makingoforange, even though you’re “just” a volunteer. I appreciate that level of commitment and believe the Lord will honor it.
I get it Paul. Family first. In your situation, you have to give whatever you have to give. Ditto what Star said. I’ve seen you comment on the blogs and your tweets around and I just assumed you were a full time Kidmin guy. I get frustrated with those who do this full time but don’t get out there and learn and connect with others. Way to go!
Here’s what I know. This Kidmin revolution applies to people in your exact situation, volunteer CP’s who only have 5-10 or so hours to give. When equipped with leadership and vision, you’ll turn that 5-10 hours of time into 40-50 though the team you’re leading to do the work every bit as effectively as those with full time jobs. I’ve seen it happen. It is possible. Go get ’em!
My quick thought on a great post:
I think the revolution starts with Senior Pastors identifying and owning the need for a shift in the way children’s ministry is done.
One of the biggest problems I think we face is that your average senior pastor at your average church has zero clue as to what strategy is in place for their children’s ministry program.
Great post. I’m so grateful to now be at a church where ‘revolving’ is not just accepted but encouraged. I pray for those CPs who are in places where it’s not. I think we’ve all been at such place before.
Paul, Ive lead CM as volunteer before and understand your situation. On top of that I lived in a non-English speaking country where kidmin resources were scarce. I pray that God will provide the right, trustworthy people you can delegate great chunks to.