Is Relevance Important?

If you run in any ministry leadership circles (which many of you do), you've likely heard the phrase or idea that the church must strive to be relevant to the world / community around it.  I wonder just how true that is....

On the one hand it seems to make sense Biblically:  "I have become all things to all people, that  by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" (1 Cor. 9:22-23).  It also makes sense logically:  If we cannot relate to those around us, how do we expect to have a voice to speak into their lives?


However, here are some elements we should keep in mind:

1. What's relevant in one community is not relevant in another.  Think of ministering in rural Michigan vs. inner city Detroit...
2. How easy is it to compromise on elements of the gospel as we seek to be relevant?  Granted, a lot of church don't compromise, but many have and continue to do so.
3. The gospel - more specifically being the 'good news' to others - is ALWAYS relevant.  Let's focus on being the gospel in the flesh rather than figuring out how to make the message fit.
4. The idea of relevancy only entrenches the consumerist mentality within the church.  That is, "We need to meet the needs of everyone."  

I'm sure there are other points to make, but these are just intended to start the conversation...we need to strike a balance between the issues of being relevant, being real, being loving and seeking Christ in every aspect of life.

An Open Apology

Over the last few weeks the Lord has continued to reveal things in my life that are not honoring or glorifying Him.  Some of these has been family related, but some of this has been ministry related.  I balance many roles in my life: Husband, father, Children's Ministry Pastor, leader, follower, servant, and so on...  There are certain areas that I am better at than others and the Lord is bringing me along in the areas in which I fall short.

This may came as no shock to you, but at times my personality can come on pretty strong.  There are times when I want people to value the same things I value; to believe the same things I believe; to think the same way I think.  Of course, I think we all have similar thoughts within us - namely when it comes to our kids - and we do a lot of things to strive to make that happen.  But....

I owe you an apology!  Because no matter how we qualify our actions, there are times where we have acted unjustly and sinfully.  I'm intentionally leaving this vague as details are not the issue.  The issue is the heart, a love of God's people, and my desire to live out God's Word in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."  So, for what it's worth...I have offended some of you - I was wrong - and I am sorry.


His, Dean

PS - Feel free to leave a comment if you've ever been in a position where you needed to apologize.  I'm sure we've all been there.

Out all Week

This is where I will be all next week:

I'm hoping to pick up some new insights and ideas to take the Family Ministry at Colonial Woods to the next level!  How can our Take-it Home Events be better?  What will hosting the Visionary Parenting Conference on February 18 & 19, 2011 help parents take the next step in discipling their children?  How can we begin to incorporate the youth ministry of CW into the Family Journey in Faith model?

What are some of your thoughts?  What would you like to see happen in the next 2 years at Colonial Woods to boost up Homes and Families?

I'll try and do some blogging while I'm there!

Lead Me - From Sanctus Real

Fathers:  in light of Father's Day yesterday, and the fact that our wives and children are SCREAMING for us to lead them, this video is just what I needed!!!!

Lead Me-Father's Day from Ryan Black Films on Vimeo.

Song is sung my Sanctus Real.  Here is the story behind the song from Matt:

The Story Behind "Lead Me" - Sanctus Real from BrightBulb Entertainment on Vimeo.

Family + Church = Collaborate / The Book Review

The latest book to hit the virtual shelves of Amazon and other websites in the genre of Family Ministry is called Collaborate!  This book is a compilation of 35 different authors that focus on different aspects of the  intentional partnership between the church and the home.  I was given the opportunity to receive an advance copy (for the purposes of reviewing it on this Web-Log) from Ministers Label and Michael Chanley - the collaborator of Collaborate!

This type of book is, from what I know, a one-of-a-kind approach within the field of Family Ministry.  It was enjoyable to hear the different stories of how certain ministries and programs came into existence.  For instance, Carey Nieuwhof's chapter on his journey into understanding the centrality of the family for evangelism and discipleship was excellent!  Maybe it's just because I feel a slight connection with Carey (he lives in Canada and I live near Canada - goofy I know) - even though I'll likely never meet him - I enjoyed hearing his story.

Another chapter filled with Story is Fred Stoeker's chapter called "Doing Book."  Fred, one the authors of the "Every Man's Battle" series, put his heart into explaining how he was able to have difficult, yet meaningful conversations with his pre-teens and teens.  You should check it out!

Basically, I liked just about every chapter that put the family BEFORE the programs and ministries of the church:

• "The Missing Piece - Developing a Biblical Worldview in your Children" by Jim Wideman
• "Paramount Parenting" by Matt Markins
• "The Small Conquering the Big" by Steven Dilla (again one with a dramatic personal story)
• "Living the Shema as a Dad" by Timothy Smith

My favorite chapter, by far, was Dr. Rob Rienow's entitled "Building a Theology of Family Ministry."  Rob does simply an amazing job at laying a whole-Biblical approach to the importance of Family Ministry - far beyond the standard Deuteronomy 6 and Psalm 78 passages.  His linking of the First Commandment (Genesis 1:28) and the overarching Meta-Narrative of the Covenant of God, the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-36), and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is exactly what every church needs to read / hear to see just how central the family is to the Covenant Plan of God.  I love this quote:

"If we are passionate about seeing the advance of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ, let us begin by turning our hearts toward home.  Let us ask God to help us begin our ministry in this world by 'making disciples' of our family members, even if they are scattered around the country - our parents siblings, spouses and children.  Let us passionately and biblically defend God's plan, structure and purposed for the institution of the family, as well as the institution of the church."

If we accept on any level what Dr. Reinow lays out, then that calls for a serious evaluation of how we do ministry! Is the Church missing the mark?  Has the modern church moved too far away from the plan of using the family to be the first and central place of discipleship and evangelism?  If that's the case, then it is a move that is AT BEST, ineffective or AT WORST, un-Biblical!  To that end, there were some frustrations with some of the chapters within Collaborate.

One such chapter for me was Justyn Smith's chapter on "PJ's All Stars Leadership Team."  This chapter about PJ's (Pastor Justyn's) seems like a great way to develop kid leaders - even including components for the kids to do at home.  But underneath this program is the idea that what happens at church is more important than what happens at home.  It puts the onus of raising discipleship squarely on the church - PJ specifically - and not onto the parents.  There are others that do a little of this as well: 

• "Selling Out - Sold Out" by Rob Bradbury
• "Family Nourishment" by Joyce Oglesby
• "Parent Liaisons" by Anna J. Light
• Even the logo on the front of the book puts the "church" about twice as big as the "home"

The problem is not that our churches DO NOT or CANNOT do discipleship with kids effectively, nor do I believe that we should stop all Children's Ministry programming ('cause then I would be out of a job!☺). But, are our ways of doing ministry with kids, youth and adults minimizing or even violating scripture by taking the responsibility away from parents.  Common objections would be:  "Well, parents aren't doing it effectively" or "This is how we choose to partner with the home."  Well, if that's the issue, what about if the families in our churches are not tithing or giving financially?  Do we begin to give FOR them?  Or do you teach and instruct them on the importance and commandment to give financially back to God?

I realize this may make me unpopular with many Children and Youth workers, so feel free to disagree.  In fact, I encourage it as I believe we are all still works in progress - ME INCLUDED!!!  I too am trying to work this stuff through and bring honor to God in my family and service in ministry.  Thanks Mr. Chanley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this though-provoking book!

Annual Family Journey in Faith Report

This year I decided to do an Annual Report for our Family Ministry as well - Family Journey in Faith.  Catch up on what's happening with FJIF!
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Purpose of FJIF

Family Journey in Faith was started a little over 3 years ago as a ministry to families to encourage, inspire and equip parents to intentionally disciple their children in the home – not just at church!

Take-It Home Events

The primary way we attempt to accomplish that goal is through monthly Take-It Home events.  These events bring together kids of a specific age/grade and their parents to practice one way to pass along faith to their children.  Usually, a resource is given to the kids to help them take the Take [the practice] Home.  You can see the complete schedule online colonialwoodsmc.com.

The Journey Newsletter

I am also excited to announce that the FJIF team also recently released the 1^st issue of The Journey newsletter to encourage parents to keep up fighting the fight in passing on their faith.  This unique blend of resources, encouragement and advice from church leaders and parents is available on the CWMC website.  We are even using pictures of some of our own Colonial Woods’ kids, so check it out!

Mark Holmen Event

Another event I am excited about, coming May 1^st & 2^nd, is in partnership with the Missionary Church’s Michigan District’s Family And Children Team (F.A.C.T.), Mark Holmen and Focus on the Family, called Faith @ Home Church Seminar.  There will be a time of training for church leaders and pastors on Saturday AND a parenting workshop on Sunday, May 2^nd, from 5-7 PM.  This will be a great opportunity for parents to gain valuable insight on how to pass their faith onto their children.  Be on the lookout for details.

Visionary Parenting Conference

Another exciting opportunity I am excited to introduce to you is a weekend Conference FJIF is sponsoring February 18^th & 19^th, 2011 called Visionary Parenting.  This conference will be for all parents of Colonial Woods – infants through high schoolers – who wish to take the first step, continue, or rise up a level in the discipleship of your children.  

Dr. Rob Rienow from Wheaton Bible Church in Wheaton, IL will be our featured speaker.  He will be presenting 5 Visions for how we can create a God-centered Home as we seek to make disciples of our kids.  There will also be times of connections with other parents over desert (Friday evening) and lunch (Saturday afternoon).  Check out the brochures at the information booth or contact the Children’s Ministry office for details.

Calendar of Events

April 18^th          Kindergarten Take-It Home Event

May 1 & 2       Faith @ Home Church Seminar

May 16^th          2^nd Grade Take-It Home Event

June 6^th            Elevate Family Worship Event

Sept 19^th          3^rd Grade Take-It Home Event

Oct 17^th           1^st Grade Take-It Home Event

Nov 21^st           3 Year Old Take-It Home Event

Dec 5^th             Elevate Family Worship Event

Feb 18 & 19    Visionary Parenting Conference

Future Vision

The possibilities for Family Journey in Faith are virtually endless as CW strives to be a church that encourages, inspires and equips parents to carry out their Biblical role of discipling their children.  Our hope is to see FJIF continue to expand into areas such as a Family Mission Trip, continued Family Worship opportunities, Parent-on-Parent mentoring, and so on.  Watch and see what God does!!!

In His Service,

Dean L. Butterfield

Director of Children’s Ministries

Annual Children's Ministry Report

Below is the text from the Annual Report for Anchor Children's Ministry.  Thought you might like the preview long before the report comes out this early Spring.  Enjoy!
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What a busy, but GREAT, year this has been!  Anchor CM @ CWMC has grown by leaps and bounds as we have seen many new families attending Colonial Woods. 

Purpose of Anchor CM

It is my desire to see Anchor CM be THE PLACE for kids and families seeking to go deeper in their walk with Christ.  Children’s Ministry exists to partner with parents of children (Birth – 5^th Grade) to see them become fully, committed Disciples of Christ.  It’s about Changed Lives & Hearts in the lives of our kids!  It’s not about Baby Sitting – It’s about serving our Lord & Savior, Jesus.

Saturday Venue Live            

For over a year now we have had full Children’s Ministry programming available during Saturday Venue Live.  We operate 3 different rooms that utilize volunteers to oversee, teach and help in each one.  Recently, in the 1^st – 5^th Grade room, we switched to using the same curriculum we use on Sundays during the 10:45 service – Elevate!  Elevate is a dynamic, engaging kid’s curriculum we use to encourage kids to take Biblical truths and live them out in their daily lives.  If you are interested in checking us out on Saturdays or Sundays, feel free to stop by!  Or, better yet, ask your Elementary kids all about us!

The other part of Elevate is the on-going desire to see kids to grow in mentoring relationships with mature adult Believers.  As a church, one way to partner with the home to help kids become ‘Anchored to Christ’ is by having a 2^nd adult (besides their parent) giving them the same message of God’s Love and Truth.  In order to accomplish that we are hoping to begin adding small group shepherds who will simply hang out with kids and encourage them in their walk with Christ.  Ultimately, we would like to have 1 adult for every 7-8 kids.  If that’s something you are interested in, let us know.

Praying for Leaders

One major thrust for the next year will be in the area of leadership.  There are nearly 150 volunteers in Children’s Ministry who serve either weekly, monthly or on a 6-week rotation – far too many for a single person to manage.  What I will be seeking God and others on is to identify and train 6 ministry coordinators who will be asked to oversee a certain sect of the on-going ministries – Sunday AM and PM, Saturday PM, & Wednesday PM. 

One of those coordinators is already in place, Elementary @ the 10:45 service, but more are needed.  This will allow me to then work with these 7 individuals to manage and oversee the volunteers to ensure program needs are met and kids are effectively being ministered to.

Kid’s Spring Musical

Please take not that we are NOT conducting a Kid’s Spring Musical but will re-group the Kid’s Choir and hopefully perform the annual Christmas program the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  If you are interested in that leadership, please let me know.

Anchor CM Blog & Facebook

Keep in mind that Anchor CM is also has a blog:  www.anchorchildrensministry.blogspot.com and is also on Facebook as a ‘Fan Page.’  It is a great way to stay connected with various happenings around the church – not just in Children’s Ministry.

Calendar of Event

Pinewood Derby             April 30^th

Tea for Two                    May 8^th

Happy Time Camp          June 21^st – 25^th  

VBS                                July 18^th – 22^nd  

Back to School Bash       September 1^st

Trunk or Treat                 October 30^th

Christmas Musical           Nov.  28^th  

Christmas Day Camp    Dec. 4^th  (New Date)

In His Service,

Dean L. Butterfield

Director of Children’s Ministries

The Changing Face of Children's Ministry

There is a new wave happening in the church today!  A move allowing Children's Ministry to be put on display for the larger Church to see.  The reason for this is because we are beginning to see just how important it is to influence others when they are young - under 13 especially!  It's a move that allows and requires us to keep the parents informed on how to pass on a legacy of love to their children and how the Church can SUPPORT that.  So, of course, with that limelight comes some responsibility - but more important an opportunity!

An opportunity to put our best foot forward.  An opportunity to allow parents, church goers and non-church goers just what can be accomplished in Children's Ministry when the church and parents work together.  And an opportunity to show just what kind of quality and effective programming can be put forth.  This brings me to my main point.

I recently received a brochure from a large Children's Ministry para-church group in the mail recently.  It was nicely done - glossy and in full color, laid out well, a good balance between information and vision capturing.  But, there was a one glaring issue for me:  It looked "old!"

• The pictures of the two main people for the organization were ladies in at least their 50's.  There is a difference than BEING 50 and LOOKING 50!
• The names listed as board members were all likely older folks; and though I am sure they are all quite distinguished and respected, only 1 name I recognized.
• The font choice was boring.
• The other pics used were ones someone had simply taken with their personal camera and not professional looking.

There is, however, a New Face of Children's Ministry.  One that includes

• High capacity leaders; 
• Young people excited, passionate and gifted for CM; 
• Uses video to enhance their vision; 
• Works hard at making things look inviting
• Understands that CM can be cutting edge, but it takes work.

Let me show you what I mean....

Here is a site that I would say has "The New Face" of Children's Ministry.  Jonathan, an up and coming young Children's Ministry Leader, does all of those things listed above; including a great video explanation to parents the importance of Salvation and Baptism.  Also, a couple of great brochures on Salvation and Baptism for parents to work through with their kids.

On the other side, here is a Children's Ministry brochure (Not the same one I received in the mail) that shows a good quality, but not all that inviting.  On the surface there is nothing wrong with it, but it tells a lot about they style and "face" of their ministry - Old School.

Now granted, at times my brochures, postcards, posters, etc. I have made up in the church are often not that great (something I am working on), but then again I'm not on a national stage either.  One way to help with this is to find someone with a creative edge and "an eye" for good design.  For instance, this summer one of our interns did this poster for VBS:

To compare here is one I did (Just hurts to look at it!):

Which would you rather be involved in???

Food for thought!