I think after vision and calling the next thing that is important is the resources you choose to use.
I am a huge believer in reading and networking because you become like those you choose to listen to. I know that my philosophy was largely shaped by my time alone with God and the ministries/resources that I allowed to shape my thought process.
I believe it’s Ed Young who says this “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future”. So with limits on time and budget the resources you pick matter.
(Disclaimer this by no means is a comprehensive list, but is meant to be a starter list to get ya going.)
Curriculum -
252Basics & MyFirstLook- We have used this curriculum for 5 years. I love it is the most flexible curriculum out there main reason Word Documents and PDF’s – Also church plants can get 252Basics free for the first year.
Elevate & Elevate Jr. – We have used this curriculum – Love what they do as far as training small group leaders by video every curriculum should do this.
Big (from Hillsong) – Loved the simplicity and effectiveness of their small group stuff and as you would expect the production quality of the videos stuff they produce can not be touched by anyone out there.
Kidmo & Little K – This is the only one out there that I have not used. But if my good friend Gina McClain likes it that’s good enough for me.
Lifekids.tv – FREE! Need I say more? I am so impressed by Lifechurche’s desire to serve other churches with the resources they have. I really like this curriculum. We use it in one of our campuses. (Important note the regular series stuff they do is seeker driven Konnects is their deeper discipleship stuff.) It is worth a look see.
Books -
Children’s Ministry Leadership Guide
Transforming Your kids into spiritual champions
The Effective Executive
Raising Great Kids
Think Orange
Volunteers That Stick
The Tipping Point
Outliers
Blink
The Purple Cow
Inside the Magic kingdom
The Starbucks Experience
My First 90 Days in Ministry
Conferences -
Napkin – A new conference with lots of great speakers and different format all based around the idea of leveraging ideas to see change.
Orange – A conference for Youth, Children, and Senior pastors centered around the idea of leveraging the combined power of church and family.
CPC – The original Children’s Pastor’s conference.
C3 – Went to this conference a few years ago the Mike Johnson and his team at fellowship church do an amazing job. If you use elevate curriculum this conference is a must.
Conspire – I also went to this conference when it was the promiseland conference. Love willows passion and innovation.
Twitter Peeps -
@jimwideman
@r_frank
@mikejohnson
@Kennyconley
@Johnathancliff
@mattmckee
@gina_mclain
@funnymandan
@kidsinspiration
@tmckeever
@henryjz
@jcisonline
@anthony_prince
@SpencerClick
@christiaanv
@thurios
@CindyFiala
Blogs -
ministry-to-children.com – Tons of articles, ideas, and links
kidministry.org – A collection of a ton of kids blogs and twitter updates
justpudge.com
childrensministryonline.com
jonathancliff.com
ginamclain.com
mattmckee.com
Davidwakerly.com
JustynSmith.com
Inside Northpoint kids Kendra and her team rock my face off with every post.
Ministry Networks -
Kidology – Resources, ideas and connections with other Children’s Pastors
CMConnect – Facebook for Kids Pastors
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Unfortunately, Conspire isn’t happening this year. They do have a simulcast conference called Blueprint being hosted at different churches at the end of April, though, that combines children, students and parenting.
Thanks for the update Henry. I wasn’t aware of that. Do you have a link to that info?
You have not tried Kidmo? It is the best video curriculum being produced right now. I’ve tried them all and Kidmo is on top. The innovation and excellence that they put into the curriculum is over the top. Give it a shot.
Josh, as a current KidMo user, I agree that they’re putting together a great resource. The thing that separates something like 252 from KidMo is that KidMo has a finite selection, whereas nearly everything else on Sam’s list (252 included) has more than a two year run at their disposal.
If you’re running large group with multiple grades combined for Lil K or Kidmo and have kids in your program for more than 2 years, they’ll hit reruns every other year. Not only that…. but, when you have to start back at the beginning, the production value in the most current series of KidMo is amazingly better than their first handful of episodes they produced. And, trust me, the kids notice.
As a church, we’re looking at transitioning away from KidMo and Lil K in 2010.
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And, Sam, thanks for the twitter love! (@anthony_prince)
I made the twitter peeps list, thanks for the mention. I have n idea how you narrowed down your book selection, I am not sure I could have done that. Good job on your part though.
Anthony – It will be the best two years of your life!!
Josh and Anthony,
The kind folks at KidMo sent me a couple of samples. I have to say I am very impressed. Thanks for the recommendation and for helping steer some of my readers to a great Kidmin resouce.