GUEST POST – Expanding the Kingdom with a Ball, Balloons and a Bullhorn

March 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Doing church today we have developed intricate programs and processes all neatly packaged and finely tuned, each geared towards a common theme of reaching out and going deeper. I love it. It is a beautiful thing to see many well-oiled parts moving in a rhythmic motion to accomplish the goal. However, I was reminded this last weekend that amidst the complexities of doing church how truly simple it can be to expand God’s kingdom through the local church. Sometimes all you need is a ball, balloons … [Read more...]

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Strategies for Easter—Part 4

March 29, 2012 by 3 Comments

Here we go with more thoughts on Easter. As you read these thoughts, keep in mind these are just my thoughts. They are not based on scripture and they are totally debatable. I just want to share with you some ideas that have been forged in the fire of experience. So here we go with thought number 4.   Your Weekend Service at Easter Should, In Some Way, Reflect a Typical Weekend Service The big idea here is not to make your services or weekend experience SO special and different … [Read more...]

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Strategies for Easter—Part 3

March 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment

More Easter thoughts with part 3 of “A Strategy for Easter.” Don’t Try To Do Everything On One Day The reality is this…you only have so much energy to work with. You have to be smart about how you spend that energy. It is possible to “over plan” your services. Yes, we should have really cool activities going on for our kids, and yes, it should be special. But if you and your volunteers are stressed over the five object lessons, two egg hunts, a dunking booth, dramatic presentation and a … [Read more...]

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A Strategy for Easter—Part 2

March 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Today we’ll continue exploring Easter in part 2 of “A Strategy for Easter.”  My second thought is: Focus on the “Experience” The focal point of the Easter service has to be the message of Christ’s sacrifice and His ascension. But for the guests walking onto your church property, they are noticing the little things. Like the church grounds, the bathrooms, the smell of the hallways and the ratty plastic plant in the corner that has not been dusted since the release of Michael Jackson’s … [Read more...]

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A Strategy for Easter—Part 1

March 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Easter is right around the corner. We’ll be celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord with our church family and the people from the community who only show up at Easter and Christmas. And you know they will be there. To them, they are “doing their religious thing” so they’ll show up and feel like saints because they actually went to church. Regardless of why they are there, the big deal is…they are there. We have a great opportunity to reach out to these people and show them the … [Read more...]

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GUEST POST – A Place Where Runny Noses Are Welcome and Boo Boos Get Band-Aids

March 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

…was a phrase I overheard this week and it has stuck in my mind like sticky fingerprints on a doorknob. While echoing the simplicity of a child’s heart, one parent completely wrapped up what we are all about in the nursery. We love kids where they are at and care what they care about while connecting them to God and others AND, here’s the best part, our families understand that!  But sometimes, in the everyday hustle and bustle of ministry, I can forget it. It’s easy while working with the … [Read more...]

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Great Minds Don’t Think Alike

March 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I have come across some sayings that don’t make much sense when you really think about it. Here’s one: “No one goes there anymore…it’s too crowded.” Ok, then how is it crowded if no one goes there? Here’s another one: “Be still my beating heart.” Umm, I’m not a medical professional, but I think that’s a bad thing. Check this one out: “Great minds think alike.” We have all heard this saying and I’m not going to spend a great deal of time dissecting the phrase. We get it. But it does raise the … [Read more...]

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Raising the Level of Excellence

March 21, 2012 by 6 Comments

If you are a football fan, then you are well aware that Christmas came early for the Denver Broncos. I know, I know...those of you who are T-Bow fans are a little bothered at the moment. Yes, T-Bow is a good guy, a solid Christian and apparently a good teammate. But the Broncos needed a quarterback who can throw for more than 90 yards in a game with a QB rating better than 32. And by the way, don’t get mad at me for repeating the stats. Some people, who shall remain nameless (Kurt Johnston), … [Read more...]

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Resource Spotlight – “Minute To Win It”

March 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Last week I talked about how we can utilize games in our children’s services to communicate truth, set atmosphere and tear down walls of resistance with the kids. This week, I want to spotlight a great resource for games. I’m sure many of you have already taken advantage of this great resource, but just in case here it is…“Minute to Win It.” It’s as if someone at NBC said, “Hey, lets help out the children’s ministry leaders by developing a great resource for their services.” Well, I seriously … [Read more...]

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That One Family

March 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Every church has ”that one family.” You know the ones I’m talking about. They are the first ones to complain about the music being too loud and they are the ones who send your Sr. Pastor those “we don’t want to cause trouble but just thought you should know” letters. They are the ones who CONSISTENTLY show up an hour late to pick up their child after an all night lock in. (Which by the way, tests my Christian faith like nothing else). They are the ones who constantly ask you to make exceptions … [Read more...]

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