In our final Parenting Seminar, Scott Burnett from Integrity Computer Concepts brings his passion and expertise in protecting children in a technological world. This session is action-packed with tons of practical, hands-on tools. Scott opens our eyes to the protection pathways and applications to keep our kids safer in their use of technology. Our hope and prayer is that every bit of information brings you and your children a step closer to using technology wisely. … [Read more...]
Parenting Seminar #4 – Creating SAFE Communities
Join us for a practical and powerful Parenting Seminar on creating SAFE communities. Kevin Robertson, Head of Security atSaddleback Church, and Steve Garrison, Deputy Officer, have a passion for building SAFE communities. This team provided practical tips and wisdom on how to create safe homes, communities, schools and churches. This was a truly encouraging time to build homes founded on a rock solid foundation of Christ and security. … [Read more...]
Norm!

This weekend I visited our Irvine campus and saw something so simple but surprisingly effective. I was standing at the check in center and could hear a constant stream of voices. Our Irvine Children’s Director, Kecia, said “you should go check out what our 5th and 6th grade leader is doing.” So I walked around the corner and watched the action. Here is what I saw. As each pre-teen came into the room, our volunteer would greet them by name and then do something very interesting. She would … [Read more...]
Watching Others Do What You Do

This past weekend, the Saddleback Kids team from our San Clemente campus came to the main campus in Lake Forest to observe and connect with other volunteers who do what they do. We gathered together after the service for dinner and some training with the team. It was very interesting. I had several people say this to me…“I’ve never thought about doing it like that before.” It is a simple fact, getting out of your regular ministry environment and watching someone else do what you do is … [Read more...]
PODCAST 4 – Ways to Engage with the Kids in Your Ministry

Hi Guys, Today we are chatting about “Ways to Engage with the Kids in Your Ministry” and “How We Manage Wearing so Many Different Hats.” These topics are something we deal with on a daily and weekly basis in ministry and I am sure you do too. If you have any ideas, input or strategies on either one of these topics, please send them to me at steve@morethanpuppets.com. We’d love to hear about them and share them with others. … [Read more...]
GUEST POST – Are They Getting It?

Preparation for the weekend is quite a process. You think of fun games, really dig into the message, pray over it and then bring it on the weekend. But once the lesson is over, you wonder: did the children get it? Did the children truly understand the truth of the message? Did the children not just hear knowledge, but did they receive the power of the gospel? Do they know that the message of the gospel will impact their life? I have battled with these questions over and over many times. … [Read more...]
Podcast 3 – How to Intentionally Use Events that Draw Kids to Your Church

We have a special guest, Randy Isola from Chicago, IL, with us as we discuss how to intentionally use events to bring kids onto our campus. Think about how you plan an event. Do you strategically plan and approach an event in how it can lead to the next one? Are they a one-off event? Are they balanced in how they can move a child in their spiritual maturity? Are you going after the kid, but also highlighting the parent’s experience and gaining a new leader in the process? Today we talk about … [Read more...]
Sector 5 – Day 4: Hope

Today I am sharing our teaching outline and video testimony for Day 4 of our summer event called Sector 5. Enjoy! Key Verse: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) Day 4: Key Dimension - Hope Truth – I can have hope because the Master is in control. Hope helps me to see that everything will be ok. The enemy is trying to steal my Hope Bible Story – The Lame man by the … [Read more...]
PODCAST 1 – HOW TO GET VOLUNTEERS AND HOW TO KEEP THEM

Welcome to our launch of the More Than Puppets podcast. My desire is that this will be an encouragement and resource to Children’s Ministry leaders everywhere. In each podcast we will discuss a few topics and generally just have fun. We are working on Phil’s enthusiasm level so stay tuned… In this episode, you will find out ways to get volunteers and then how you keep them. … [Read more...]