This is quickly becoming a serious issue for families to deal with! What does everyone think?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Who is Making the Call?
Ran across this video yesterday and thought it fit nicely with the last post on Service. Besides thinking that serving in ministry is optional - when according to God's Word it is not - we also tend to think that serving in Children's Ministry is something we do only because "they are desperate and really need me."
Here's the thing: as a Children's Director I am only God's mouthpiece! I am not the one who asks or calls you to serve - that's God department. What we do every week in Children's Ministry is JUST as important, if not MORE important, than "big people service." Think about how many believers accept Jesus before they turn 13??? It is a staggering percentage of adult believers came to Faith before they were in 6th Grade. These kids are impressionable, mold-able, and ready to alter their lives for the sake of the Call of God.
So, when you tell someone you can serve - or CANNOT serve - who are you answering!? God.....or "Pastor Bob?"
Here's the thing: as a Children's Director I am only God's mouthpiece! I am not the one who asks or calls you to serve - that's God department. What we do every week in Children's Ministry is JUST as important, if not MORE important, than "big people service." Think about how many believers accept Jesus before they turn 13??? It is a staggering percentage of adult believers came to Faith before they were in 6th Grade. These kids are impressionable, mold-able, and ready to alter their lives for the sake of the Call of God.
So, when you tell someone you can serve - or CANNOT serve - who are you answering!? God.....or "Pastor Bob?"
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Is Serving Optional?
If you've followed this blog or the Anchor Children's Ministry Facebook page for very long, then you know how often I put messages out there about needed volunteer and service opportunities. In fact, you may say to yourself, "Man, he sure is needy!" LOL. But, on top of trying to fill open service positions within Children's Ministry, there is a much bigger picture at stake here: Our on-going relationship with Christ!
As Christians we are called to model our lives after Jesus - He is to be our Ultimate Example (among other things) in life! He is the one we are supposed to pattern our lives after! So, the question becomes "Why did Jesus come to earth in the first place?" (You know where I'm going with this.....)
You remember the argument that James and John - and their mother - had with Jesus about who was going to sit at the right and left hands of God??? The Sons of Zebedee wanted to know how to be great! Jesus' answer would I'm sure have been rather shocking: If you want to be great, you must become a slave / servant to each other!
"Huh!?!?!? Jesus came to serve? But, he's the Son of God - the One who created the world. He shouldn't be serving anyone, but should be served by us!" As followers of Christ, if we truly desire to be committed to Him, WE MUST SERVE!!!!! There is no way around it. In fact, the Bible is riddled with verses and themes about serving others.
Fellow Believers - Serving is NOT optional! If you simply come to church every week, maybe give a little money, then go home - you are NOT following Christ. You may be a Christian - but you are not a Christ Follower! We are CALLED to serve!
Are you willing to step up to the plate? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of your kids? Service opportunities abound - will you answer the call?!?
As Christians we are called to model our lives after Jesus - He is to be our Ultimate Example (among other things) in life! He is the one we are supposed to pattern our lives after! So, the question becomes "Why did Jesus come to earth in the first place?" (You know where I'm going with this.....)You remember the argument that James and John - and their mother - had with Jesus about who was going to sit at the right and left hands of God??? The Sons of Zebedee wanted to know how to be great! Jesus' answer would I'm sure have been rather shocking: If you want to be great, you must become a slave / servant to each other!
"Huh!?!?!? Jesus came to serve? But, he's the Son of God - the One who created the world. He shouldn't be serving anyone, but should be served by us!" As followers of Christ, if we truly desire to be committed to Him, WE MUST SERVE!!!!! There is no way around it. In fact, the Bible is riddled with verses and themes about serving others.
Fellow Believers - Serving is NOT optional! If you simply come to church every week, maybe give a little money, then go home - you are NOT following Christ. You may be a Christian - but you are not a Christ Follower! We are CALLED to serve!
Are you willing to step up to the plate? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of your kids? Service opportunities abound - will you answer the call?!?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Visionary Parenting Conference
I cannot fully express how excited I am to announce (again) of an exciting opportunity for parents to attend a conference next February! Dr. Rob Rienow is a gifted communicator and loving husband & father - you won't want to miss this! Here is a brochure with all the information on it:
Visionary Parenting Seminar Brochure
Be on the lookout for more information as the time approaches!
Visionary Parenting Seminar Brochure
Be on the lookout for more information as the time approaches!
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?
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!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Bosch Mixer Giveaway
OK all you Children's Ministry men and women - you gotta check out this giveaway!!!
There are tons of ways to enter - so get started!
Monday, June 21, 2010
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!!!!
Song is sung my Sanctus Real. Here is the story behind the song from Matt:
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Better Way
OK, so I've gotta get something off my chest - so allow me to vent for a brief moment!
What's up with the "in a relationship" statuses on Facebook? I see tons (and I do mean tons) of young people's "relationship status" changing almost daily! Going from single, to "in a relationship," to "it's complicated" all in a week's time! Young people, take it from someone who's been there (albeit a loooong time ago): THERE IS A BETTER WAY."
I realize that as God-created humans we have a need to be relationships - even ones with those of the opposite sex. But I think we've gotten this whole relationship & dating thing all messed up! Teens: God doesn't want you to waste sooo much time on some random boy or girl, trying to "define" the relationship, then letting everyone know about it (through Facebook or otherwise).....He wants you to focus on the things that matter: Loving Him, THEN loving others! There is so much you have yet to experience, memories to be made - but you are so focused on the present you cannot see it, yet!
Parents: help your teenage sons and daughters understand that being "in a relationship" is not the epitome of the teenage existence!!! There is much that God has in store for your child/children - encourage them to spend time on that! Help them understand that all that relationship "stuff" will work itself out as we follow Him. Dads, let your daughters know they don't need to seek the approval from anyone other than you and their Heavenly Father. Moms, let your sons know you love them unconditionally no matter what!
When I was in high school and even college, I spent an incredible amount of time trying to figure out who I could "go out" with or who would be my girlfriend. It was a waste of time!!! Instead, 5 months after finally deciding I would "Kiss Dating Goodbye" I met the love of my life. She will even tell you that the first thing out of my mouth after meeting her was "Hi, my name is Dean and I'm NOT interested in a relationship." That turned out to be a challenge for her - and she won!!!!
OK, I'm done with that rant! Thanks for listening!
What's up with the "in a relationship" statuses on Facebook? I see tons (and I do mean tons) of young people's "relationship status" changing almost daily! Going from single, to "in a relationship," to "it's complicated" all in a week's time! Young people, take it from someone who's been there (albeit a loooong time ago): THERE IS A BETTER WAY."
I realize that as God-created humans we have a need to be relationships - even ones with those of the opposite sex. But I think we've gotten this whole relationship & dating thing all messed up! Teens: God doesn't want you to waste sooo much time on some random boy or girl, trying to "define" the relationship, then letting everyone know about it (through Facebook or otherwise).....He wants you to focus on the things that matter: Loving Him, THEN loving others! There is so much you have yet to experience, memories to be made - but you are so focused on the present you cannot see it, yet!Parents: help your teenage sons and daughters understand that being "in a relationship" is not the epitome of the teenage existence!!! There is much that God has in store for your child/children - encourage them to spend time on that! Help them understand that all that relationship "stuff" will work itself out as we follow Him. Dads, let your daughters know they don't need to seek the approval from anyone other than you and their Heavenly Father. Moms, let your sons know you love them unconditionally no matter what!
When I was in high school and even college, I spent an incredible amount of time trying to figure out who I could "go out" with or who would be my girlfriend. It was a waste of time!!! Instead, 5 months after finally deciding I would "Kiss Dating Goodbye" I met the love of my life. She will even tell you that the first thing out of my mouth after meeting her was "Hi, my name is Dean and I'm NOT interested in a relationship." That turned out to be a challenge for her - and she won!!!!
OK, I'm done with that rant! Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
" Faithbook" Summer Volunteers needed
Are you ready to have THE BEST Summer of your life? Would you like to change the life of a child? Are you looking to take the next step in your relationship with Christ? If so, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!!! For a short-term commitment (3 months), you can make a lifetime of impact. We are in need of at least 25 more volunteers to volunteer this summer allowing our school-year Children’s Ministry volunteers to have a reprieve! You can volunteer weekly, twice per month, once per month, for one month only (taking the rest of the summer off), as a sub only…..we will do our best to fit your schedule!
If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to take this next step, send an email to Dean answering these questions:
1) Which service time would you be willing to serve?
2) Which age group would you prefer to serve with?
3) How often would you be available?
4) What capacity – teacher, helper, large-group instructor, etc.?
Our Summer Program, faithbook, starts June 13th and runs through August 29th.
___________________________________
Work 810-984-5571
Cell 810-300-9221
www.anchorchildrensministry.blogspot.com
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