Parenting Seminar #6 – Technology

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 #5 – Grief

Our latest Saddleback Kids Parenting Seminar focused on the challenge of grief facing children. Sadly, more and more children in our ministry are dealing with the loss of extended family, friends, siblings and parents. The need for additional parenting support, especially founded on God’s Word, is critical in this time of loss. Kathleen and Kristina Fucci share from an extremely personal and real perspective about the struggles and the triumphs in moving children through grieving.   … [Read more...]

The 12th Man

In the game of American football (I realize I just lost 85% of you), there is a phenomenon called the "12th man.” You see there are 11 men on the field of play during the game – not less, not more, always 11. The “12th man” is the radical fan in the stands who is on his or her feet cheering for their team no matter what the score or the circumstances on the field. When you are on the field of play, the energy from the fans in the stand can literally change the momentum of the game. That is why … [Read more...]

Spiritual Tools To Take Home!

Children are our number one priority and focus.  Of course!  That makes total sense since we are Saddleback Kids, the Children’s Ministry of Saddleback Church.  But at the end of the day we cannot overlook the primary disciplers of the children—parents (or other loving adults).  After all, it is the moms, the dads, the grandparents and more who spend the most teachable time with the children in our ministry.  At most, we get 3 hours a week, if they attend weekend services and are in a Kids Small … [Read more...]

Great Resource for Parents in Your Ministry

As children's ministry leaders, we are constantly on the look out for great resources that we can use ourselves or provide to the parents we minister to. Talk Now and Later written by Brian Dollar is one of those great resources everyone should have in their library. We all know it is hard to be a kid these days with all of the things they have to face. This book helps parents lead kids through some of life's tough topics when they do not know what to say or how to address them. Some of the … [Read more...]

Hope

What is driving you today? Is it hope or despair? Our hope comes from God so let hope drive your faith. … [Read more...]

OPPORTUNITY

Take the opportunity to check out this month’s leader encouragement video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbdiBheWAHc … [Read more...]

I’m Sorry, But It Was Funny! 

I am standing in front of the Children’s Ministry Center at Saddleback after one of the Easter services. There were some kids running around the outdoor baptismal pool just about 20 feet away. This is a common scene at Saddleback. We have a waterfall and a small stream close to the baptismal pool and, as you can imagine, kids love to play in and around the water features. Well, I turned my back to talk to someone and I heard a loud splash. That can only mean one thing…one of those kids fell … [Read more...]

I Don’t Know How to Pray, No One Ever Taught Me How

Recently I saw the movie “Gravity” starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. I am a NASA freak so I will see anything connected to NASA or space. However, I was skeptical of “Gravity” after seeing the previews. My initial feeling was to skip this one because in the preview Sandra Bullock's character cried while in the middle of a mission in space. We all know astronauts don’t cry! Well, my wife and son Matt wanted to see the movie so we went. While I recognize I am not a movie critic, I … [Read more...]

25 Lessons in 25 Years – Lesson 7: “It Is All Too Easy to Forget”

We recently returned from a PEACE trip (that’s Saddleback’s Missions Initiative) in Manila. We took a team of parents, staff and 6th graders. We were given total access to a public elementary school, which is something that is quite uncommon in that part of the Philippines. We focused our ministry efforts on 5th and 6th grade students by offering a VBS style event two times each day on their campus. It was one of the most impactful mission trips I have ever been a part of. I cannot wait to go … [Read more...]