Tag: kidmin

Resources for Kidmin Leaders

In Links I Like, Ministry, UncategorizedTags Cross Formed Kids, Curriculum, Gospel, kidmin, Parents, podcast, resourcesFebruary 21, 202389 ViewsLeave a comment

samluce

I recently launched a podcast with a couple of friends aimed at helping kids ministry leaders to think more deeply, lead more effectively, and to love God and kids more extravagantly. I would love for you to listen and give us a review as that helps other kids’ ministry people find us. Here is a summary of what the episode is all about. You can find the full episode here on Apple podcasts. It is also available on every podcast …

My New Favorite Podcast and My Least Favorite Statistic

In Gospel, MediaTags Cross Formed Kids, Gospel, Hunter Williams, kidmin, Kidmin Leadership, Kidmin Resources, podcast, Ryan CoatneyFebruary 14, 2023100 Views2 Comments

samluce

My Favorite Podcast Today with my good friends Ryan and Hunter we launch my new favorite podcast Cross Formed Kidmin. A podcast dedicated to the development of kidmin leaders and the teams they lead. I love …

How ChatGPT Can Make You a Better Pastor.

In Links I Like, Ministry, PersonalTags Children Pastors, Digital, internet, kidmin, Pastor, TechnologyJanuary 28, 202337 ViewsLeave a comment

samluce

One of the things I enjoy doing is finding new or novel ways to do things that make life easier or more enjoyable. I remember ten years ago when online rewards systems were just coming online, …

Parents as Partners

In Leadership, MinistryTags Family Ministry, Gospel, kidmin, Leadership, ParentingDecember 16, 20214 Views3 Comments

samluce

I have been a part of the children’s ministry conversation for over 20 years. Several years ago, I was in a conversation with a few friends where we coined the term “Kidmin.” Initially, I saw the …

Why Our Kids Ministries Should be More Like Mr. Rogers and Less Like Disney.

In Leadership, Media, MinistryTags Excellence, kidmin, Kidmin Leadership, Leadership, Mr. RogersDecember 4, 202018 Views5 Comments

samluce

One of the pressures that kids pastors face from parents, leaders, or themselves, and sometimes it’s all three, is to be like Disney. I have often looked at how Disney engages kids as inspiration in engaging …

We Are Going to Have to Start Over

In MinistryTags COVID, kidmin, Kids Ministry, Leadership, Youth Ministry, Youth PastorAugust 11, 20200 Views11 Comments

samluce

Over the past few months, we have learned that there really is only one thing that remains constant…that is that nothing is constant. COVID has come in and seems to change everything we have held dear …

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11 responses to “We Are Going to Have to Start Over”

Marianne T Lange

August 11, 2020

So very thoughtful. I have been looking at the comment box and not sure what I want to say. I believe you have hit on some very important points. I have not returned in person. I’m not afraid. I have had serious health issues in the past but not now. So have my grandchildren. I know I factor that in. My family doesn’t need me to get sick. I have no doubt they would take care of me. That’s not the issue. They just don’t need more. I stay connected in every way I am able. This is my church.

Overall, not speaking of church, there is such a lack of truth all around us. That is overwhelming. I don’t want to vote for anyone. That’s not good, I know. I have limited social media because I am sick of conspiracy theories and lies. As I said there is such a lack of truth no matter what camp, party or group you are a part of . I pray and I feel like I am waiting. Been as honest as I can here.

1. samluce
  
  August 11, 2020
  
  Marianne I totally understand. I hope you don’t feel pressure especially since you and those you love have health issues. I just didn’t expect so many to stay home and rather than try to get things back to where they were I have been thinking maybe we should use this time to make some changes. Maybe we should start over. Love you Marianne know that you are missed but we fully understand.
  
Kim

August 13, 2020

I’m right there with you. For some years I’ve been struggling with how things are in the church, especially larger churches, and this season does feel more like God’s invitation to trust Him in the “start over”. I feel like my own vision has flipped as far as how I look at the church building and it’s purpose. The building should never limit or cripple the growth and impact of the church. If the deep and impactful ministry that brings lasting fruit happens in the discipling relationship, then it makes sense to see the church as small groups and see the building as a place to offer space for community service and engagement, not as a place where church “happens”. See and treat small groups as small churches and expand what we include in a small group, beyond just a quick huddle and Q and A as part of a Sunday program. Look at changing when church happens to break the check of Sunday only worship. What does a daily 24/7 life with Jesus look like? Invest in the leaders and relationships of that group and include the parents. Look for opportunities to build prayer, worship, space for wrestling questions, innovative ideas for serving each other and community, etc. (Messy and rough ideas but I had to throw some down! I love what God is stirring in you Sam!)

1. Sam Luce
  
  August 14, 2020
  
  Thanks for your comment Kim. This has been a season like no other any of us have experienced. We are clearly in uncharted waters but we proceeded with confidence because Christ is a skilled sailor. Blessings to you Kim.
  
Dot

August 15, 2020

Wow, Sam….this has been on my mind for some time now. We can’t go back to normal. But this “new” normal is not working either. There is so much fear. The enemy is feeding on it, ravenously. We need to starve him.
I agree that small churches, gatherings is key. People are hungry for intentional relationships ….not just casual friendships.
I am a children’s pastor in southeast Ohio. About 50% of our kids have come back…but on different Sundays. It’s never the same kids two weeks in a row.
The Lord has laid upon my heart to reach out beyond the 4 walls, and not always online, to our kids and families.
Discipleship……key. How do we make kids into Jesus disciples ? How do I make disciples out of my volunteers? ( all but 1 of 9 volunteers have come back) Some Sundays, an entire age group is absent. It’s very disturbing….the fear…the lack of “want” to come back.

Becky Fischer

August 19, 2020

Sam, this is profoundly important insight. Right on! We minister in 12 different nations, with close to 1,000 children’s ministries we call Powerclubs. I would say 90% of them have been shut down by government edit. We’re concerned about re-starting once the restrictions are lifted. Few of my leaders have the luxury of videos as they are in developing nations. So we have just had to close altogether, and parents are scared to let their kids return. It’s a real wait and see situation.

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Elena Loera

January 25, 2021

I agree. We do need 2 bring some small beginnings back. I have been involved in AWANA at my church since its inception, 1986. I was Chum’s Director for 10 yrs, then club secretary 4 all clubs, (still doing om-line ordering/ registration). Stepped in 2 run HS club for 5 yrs, 5 yrs as Commander, now secretariat work, plus listener where needed. Ocean View Church, originally Midway Baptist Church, started with just Sparks – 6th grd. We now offer Cubbies-Journey.
Yes, r church has lost leaders due 2 pandemic. Those faithful who hav returned r doing an awesome job with their clubs. I believe , with modern technology, we hav more opportunities 2 stay in touch with r kids. Old fashioned weekly calls would also help give words of encouragement & let clubbers know they r valued. Praying 4 AWANA clubs everywhere. Just celebrated my 41st yr ❤with r LORD, 1-20, 71 yrs ❤ in this world, 1-13. 😊

1. samluce
  
  February 5, 2021
  
  Love this! Thanks for your comment!
  
Register for Our March Free Online Event: Coming Back to Different - Awana

March 16, 2021

[…] team of Redeemer Churches and Ministries, a multisite church in upstate New York. Sam’s blog “We Are Going to Have to Start Over” offers inspiration and tips for ministries to consider when resuming prepandemic […]