Safe Hands-on play

      

Hands-on activities effectively convey Bible stories and concepts, so try these fun, safe ideas to enhance your lessons.
Building-For Bible stories that involve building, such as the ark, the temple, Joseph the carpenter, and the parable of the wise builder, use small or varied sizes of cardboard boxes with lids securely taped, beanbags, plastic bowls with lids securely fastened, paper cups (not Styrofoam), and graham crackers on a clean surface.

Travel-Loose sand is messy, and children tend to get it in their eyes, hair, and mouths. For travel stories involving sand, such as Abraham, Moses and the Israelites, Joseph and Mary, Jesus, the disciples, and Paul, try these alternative ideas.

• Place a scoop of sand (or salt, sugar, or flour) inside a plastic resealable baggie. Close the bag securely and then tape it shut with packing tape. Children can still enjoy squeezing, pounding, and shaking the sand without the mess. Closely supervise children as they play.
• Place a scoop of sand inside a plastic jar and secure the lid. Give each toddler a jar to shake while you tell the story or review the lesson.
• Give each toddler a piece of sandpaper, plus finger puppets or story figures from the lesson. Help children "walk" their puppets or figures across the sand.
• Place a long strip of brown paper on the floor. Walk with children across the "desert."

Water-For lessons dealing with boats, such as Noah's ark, the fishermen's great catch, Jesus quieting the storm, Jesus walking on water, and Paul's shipwreck, use these safer activities.

• "Float" boats on blue paper or cookie sheets dampened with water.
• Give each child a "mast and sail" (a paper towel tube with a paper sail that's taped on). Have toddlers hold their boats high as they "sail" around the room.
• Place a rug in the center of the room and call it a boat. Help toddlers climb into the boat and pretend to sail, dipping hands into pretend water.
• Use a spray bottle to spray a mist of water into the air. Have children pretend they're in a boat and try to catch the "spray."

For other Bible stories focusing on water, such as the Creation, the Flood, and Moses parting the Red Sea, try these ideas.

• Provide safe spray bottles for toddlers to spray water onto plastic or real plants or flowers.
• Fill a plastic jar halfway with water. Add a plastic flower or other item and secure the lid. Toddlers will enjoy shaking the jars and watching the items inside float.
• Provide white butcher paper and water tinted with food coloring. Let toddlers-wearing smocks, of course-fingerpaint the paper.

Article by Mary Davis
Montrose, Iowa

20 best selling children's books of all time

Check out this list I found! Here are the 20 best selling children's books of all time. This is not an endorsement of these books, but simply an informational list.

As you look at this list, think about these questions...

What made these books so popular with kids?

What can we learn from these books about connecting with kids?

Do you see any patterns or common threads in these books?

What emotional needs kids do these books met?

#20 - Are you There God? It's Me, Margaret - 6.4 million copies

#19 - Island of the Blue Dolphins - 6.6 million copies

#18 Where the Red Fern Grows - 6.7 million copies

#17 - Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing - 7.1 million copies

#16 - Cat in the Hat - 7.2 million copies

#15 - Scuffy the Tugboat - 7.3 million copies

#14 - The Saggy Baggy Elephant - 7.4 million copies

#13 - Pat the Bunny - 7.5 million copies

#12 - Love You Forever - 7.9 million copies

#11 - Green Eggs and Ham - 8.1 million copies

#10 - Tootie - 8.5 million copies

#9 - The Tale of Peter Rabbit - 9.3 million copies

#8 - The Outsiders - 9.6 million copies

#7 - Charlotte's Web - 11.3 million copies

#6 - The Poky Little Puppy - 14.8 million copies

#5 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - 44 million copies

#4 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 55 million copies

#3 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 60 million copies

#2 - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 65 million copies

#1 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 107 million copies

10 people we need on our team--which are you?

The success of your Children's Ministry depends on the strength of the volunteer team you build. Here are 10 people that can help make your team strong. Check out this article I found-good stuff!

                 The Veteran

Profile:
a pillar of the Children's Ministry, many years of faithful service, has a heart to mentor new volunteers, someone you can ask for advice when making decisions, solid relationship with Christ
Positions:
large group teacher, oversee group of volunteers, advisory board, small group leader


The Young Gun

Profile: teenager or college student, passionate for Christ, brings new ideas to the table, kids think he is "cool", good role model
Positions: classroom helper, small group leader depending on maturity level, skits, games, greeter, tech, sound


The Encourager

Profile: positive attitude, smiles, sensitive to the needs of others, compliments and builds up others, kind, welcomes new volunteers to the team with open arms
Positions: teacher, volunteer coach, nursery


The Prayer Warrior

Profile: heart for prayer, ask others how he can pray for them, prays consistently for the ministry
Positions: prayer team leader, teacher, small group leader


The Party Person

Profile: fun, spontaneous, people person, brings humor and laughter, life of the party, great at hosting people in his or her home, loves to help plan parties and celebrations
Positions: event planning, event host, teacher, party planning, party host


The Rock Star

Profile: high energy in a large group setting, knows how to communicate with kids, gets kids excited about God's Word, does song motions with enthusiasm
Positions: large group leader, worship leader, large group teacher


The Grandmother

Profile: loves kids, kids love her, parents know her and ask for their kids to be in her classroom, gives appropriate hugs to kids, expert with crafts, brings extra cookies or snacks for the kids
Positions: teacher, small group leader


The Talk Show Host

Profile: outgoing, friendly, knows how to make new people feel welcome and comfortable, takes a personal interest in people, good at conversation, never met a stranger
Positions: greeter, guest services


The Kid Magnet

Profile: loves kids, kids love her, kids are drawn to her, makes kids laugh and have fun, connects well with kids, kids know her by name
Positions: teacher, small group leader, greeter


The Second Miler

Profile: willing to give lots of volunteer hours, dependable, first one to arrive and last one to leave, servant's heart, goes above and beyond when given assignments
Positions: special events, teacher, preparation

Do you have any of these people on your team? They are in your congregation...just waiting for you to ask them to join your team. Get them on board and watch your Children's Ministry flourish.

Can you do this?



The mindset of the world is that the focus is all on me me me. We want to know what people are going to do for us, we want to be treated fairly, we want to be noticed and recognized for what we do.. you get the point.

You guys all have a leader that is growing to become a better leader.. a leader that prays for you and is trying their best to equip, encourage and empower you. They are the ones that appreciate and love on you.

Question---you guys are pouring out into the kids, but are you pouring out into eachother?

Try sending a team member and your leader a note of appreciation, write something nice on their facebook wall, go the extra mile to serve others. Also, we weren't meant to go through this life alone--get plugged in. Go out for an icecream together, get the kids together to play.. get to know your team members outside of Sunday mornings! You already have one awesome thing in common--you're serving together in an awesome mission field!

Can you do it?

*Remember, being a leader isn't developed in a day, it'd developed daily. None of us have arrived, but we can't give up on this journey of doing all that God wants us to.

Love you guys

PT

Serving in weakness, serving in strength

When St. Paul talks about spiritual gifts, he's not talking so much about abilities we have, but about acts of service that he's encouraging us to do, as he notes that those acts will be different from one person to another because of the differing grace we've received. Our English Bibles translate 'spiritual gifts' from two different Greek words, both of which are mostly unique to Paul.Charismata (1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:6) means 'grace-things' and pneumatika (1 Cor. 12:1 and 14:1) means 'things of the Spirit.' Both emphasize God's active involvement not only in the giving but also in the using of the gifts. Paul and Peter emphasize that when we're using gifts God has given, he is the one working through us. It's not about us at all!

Gifts get in the way when we let ourselves get in the way. When the focus is on us, our abilities, our desires, our wants -- then we're definitely not using spiritual gifts as God intends.
The 'gift lists' include as many actions and positions as abilities.

It's good to discover our gifts only if we're doing so NOT as a way to answer the question, "What do I have?" but instead to answer the question, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" When we're choosing between option A and option B, or when we're looking at various possible ways to spend our time, seeing where our gifts could best be put into God's service is always wise.

But God also calls us to serve through the places he puts us and the people and needs he puts along our path. In those times, when we care for a family member, neighbor or friend who needs us, whether or not our gifts match the need, we often serve in weakness.

I've heard serving described in terms ofthe players on a baseball team. When the team takes the field, everyone 'serves' in a position -- pitcher, shortstop,fielder -- that matches their gifts. But when it's the team's turn to bat,everyone gets the same opportunities to hit the ball, whether or not hitting is their strength.

Serving in our areas of giftedness may bring better results in the eyes of onlookers, but also might tempt us away from reliance on God's grace. Serving in areas of weakness, on the other hand, has the God-pleasing result of increasing our total reliance on him.

We think of spiritual gifts as something that we have, abilities God has given to us, but perhaps it is more accurate to think of them as actions, things that we do. Paul's discussions of spiritual gifts occur in the "how you should live" sections of his letters rather than the "what we believe" sections.

But the basics remain: Every believer has gifts of grace given by the Spirit. These gifts are to be used to serve others.

How to Deal with Profanity: Ages 2 to 12

Hear No Evil --Ages 2 to 5
You can be sure that if children this age hear any word often enough, it'll become part of their vocabulary -- regardless of whether they understand its meaning. The same is true of racial slurs and obscene gestures. Preschoolers don't use profanity for its shock value; they simply repeat what they hear. I know a parent who withdrew his preschooler from Sunday school, fearing the child would repeat in church what she heard at home.
Parents, older children, and other people are a child's main source of inappropriate words and gestures. Movies, television, and popular music also provide exposure. How are we to apply the brakes?
The obvious remedy is to prevent exposure, but that's an increasingly difficult task for parents and teachers. When a young child uses profanity or obscene gestures, don't react in shock and anger. Calmly explain that the word or gesture can hurt others' feelings. If the behavior persists, separate the child from the rest of the group; then discuss the incident with the child's parent.

Speak No Evil -- Ages 6 to 9
Children this age are old enough to understand that the use of profanity insults the speaker and the listener. For example, when we misuse God's name, we insult God. Sadly, misusing God's name is so common that it's rarely recognized as breaking a commandment. To help children learn to verbally honor God, explain that praising God or calling on God in times of need are acceptable examples of how to use God's name. Tell children that using God's name inappropriately is disrespectful to God.
Children this age can also become confused about words that have both an obscene and an appropriate application. A smirking youngster recently brought my attention to a "bad" book in which the word "ass" appeared. The reference was to a donkey; the book was the Bible. Explain to children that words are "bad" whenever they're used to hurt others or to take God's name in vain.

Repeat No Evil -- Ages 10 to 12
To kids this age, the ability to shock adults is considered a talent. Preteens use profanity to get a reaction from adults and to impress their friends. And often it only takes one child in a group to get the ball rolling. Without intervention, preteens will pick up bad language to fit in rather than be considered an outsider.
Without appearing shocked by what you've seen or heard, let kids know that the use of profane language or obscene gestures in your class, club, or home isn't acceptable or allowed. Preteens think this type of behavior is clever and sophisticated. In reality, it's dishonoring to God and bad for them (Matthew 15:11).
Sometimes a preteen may use an obscene word, unaware of its meaning. I still remember a sixth-grade girl's embarrassment when my wife took her aside and quietly explained the definition of a term she had used freely without knowing its real meaning.
Teaching preteens discernment will help them censor their language. Examine the content of popular media influences (music, television, and videos) and suggest appealing, less offensive options for kids. You can't blindfold and gag preteens, but you can help them develop a preference for what's "pure and lovely" (Philippians 4:8).

#@!!%...What to Do When Kids Swear

I'm a word person...so words matter. I hear some people say that words are just words today and we shouldn't be uptight about the words people use. I'm not so sure.

I always think about the Scripture where Jesus says that out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouth speaks. So words come from what's in our hearts. And as we guide children to grow in their relationship with Jesus, we're cooperating with God to shape their hearts.
1. Determine which words are and aren't acceptable. Words matter because they reveal our hearts, but words also matter because as a society we've determined what is and is acceptable in normal discourse. There are definite words that we consider acceptable and unacceptable. Which words are on your list?
2. Convey your no-no's to your team. You may have a set of words that you find totally reprehensible while others think they're no big deal. I'll refrain from listing what these words might be, but for the sake of explanation let's talk about the word "crap." This word in many circles has become no big deal; when I was a child I'd get disciplined for using this word. It may be on your no-no list--along with other words--but it may not be on everyone's list on your team. Communicate what is and isn't acceptable in your ministry for consistency.
3. Stay calm. What'll you do when you hear these words come out of the mouths of babes (and preteens)? The first thing is to not freak out; stay calm. Often kids are looking for a reaction and that reaction serves to reinforce the use of the word.
4. Give another option. We all need words to express our emotions. For kids who are around adults who use swear words, they may believe those are the only words possible. Instead, give kids other words to exclaim. My family used "crayola" in place of the aforementioned C-word (in case my mother is reading this).
5. Confront in private. For an older child who swears, take the child aside and explain that swearing is inappropriate. If necessary, have a conversation with the child's parents.

Keep Your Language Minty-Fresh

found this article and thought it was cute! This would need to be for an age appropriate classroom to understand the concept!

I was in another room when I heard what seemed to be Morse code coming from my television. It turns out that it was the censors blocking what seemed to be every other word. At least the objectionable words were bleeped out. More and more, it seems, foul language has been sprinkled throughout movies, video games, and books, many of which are aimed at young kids. One study has found that the more teens hear swearing in television and games, the more likely they are to repeat the taboo words themselves.
If you have kids with vile vocabularies or who use hurtful language with others, here is an activity you can do with them to help them understand the power of their words.
---
You'll need: A travel-sized tube of toothpaste for each child, a paper plate for each child, and some hand wipes for each child
Give each kid a paper plate and toothpaste tube and say that you have a challenge. Tell them that they have 10 seconds to squeeze as much toothpaste out of the tube as they can onto the paper plate. After you call time, explain that therealchallenge is that they have 30 seconds to put the toothpaste back in the tube.
Give kids time to try to put back all they squeezed out. Some creative types may get a little back in, but the majority of the toothpaste should still be on the plate.
Distribute the hand wipes and let kids clean up. Afterwards, ask the kids these questions:

• How did you feel trying to get the toothpaste back into the tube?
• How is getting the toothpaste out and then back into the tube like the words that we say?
• (Read Psalm 34:13) Why do you think God wants us to watch what we say?
• What are some things you can do instead of using bad or hurtful language?

---
It is easy to say to a child who uses bad language "that's bad, don't say that" and let it go, but you would be missing an opportunity. Explain what the Bible says about bad words, and then encourage kids to find other words to say or other outlets for their emotions. Use 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as a starting point to show that God wants us to be helpful with our words, not hurtful. Before long you will be busting putdowns and hearing uplifting, encouraging language coming from your kids.

Teacher Tip on Discipline: 4 Essential Strategies for Classroom Management

Helpful disciplinary tips for teachers that'll help increase joy and effectiveness in the classroom.
You love God and children. You feel called to teach and be enthusiastic about the year ahead. But now you find yourself faced with disruptive children. You don't want to give up; you're just frustrated beyond belief.
This probably sounds familiar. Most children's ministry teachers or volunteers have the passion and the right attitude, but relatively few are equipped for when the "little angels" behave less than angelically.
Unfortunately, that leaves many formerly upbeat teachers ready to throw in the towel.

How can you prevent discipline problems from diminishing your effectiveness and joy? Here's a bounty of practical pointers from my 40 years in children's ministry.


1. RELY ON GOD
Ground your discipline strategy in God's Word. Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." Children usually don't view discipline as training in right living, though. They often interpret strictness as meanness. Although the former is okay, the latter is never appropriate.
A discipline policy is really a discipleship process that allows us to demonstrate Jesus' love. Although we may not like everything children do each moment, we always love them. They need to hear and feel that from us often.

Adults' character and conduct are very contagious to children, who learn more from how we act than what we say. So it's important to respond in a Christian manner rather than react in the flesh. When we adults rely on God to model respect, manners, concern for others, and a gentle spirit, we teach volumes.

Discipline is far more effective when you move slowly and quietly, praying for God's guidance. Prayer is the Christian version of "counting to 10." It slows down our human reactions, puts things in proper perspective, and gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to work. In our weakness, God can use us to glorify him.


2. DEFINE YOUR SYSTEM

Don't wait until problems arise to create a discipline plan. Teacher training needs to include details about how to handle common behavioral problems-and when to seek help for the "bigger" issues as well. Try these steps.

• Set ground rules. I've found that three simple rules work well for children of all ages: 1. When you want to talk, raise your hand and wait to be called on. 2. When someone else is talking, be quiet. 3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself unless you have permission. If you teach young children, you may need to repeat these three guidelines every week.
• Establish a clear discipline process. I recommend this simple three-step approach. The first time children violate a rule, walk to them and quietly tell them the rule. In other words, assume they have rule amnesia, which is prevalent in childhood. State the desired behavior first; for example, "We use our hands to love and help, not hit." For a second violation, walk to children and ask them what the rule is in your room. For a third violation, have an immediate consequence related to the misbehavior.
• Develop logical consequences. The purpose of a consequence is to retrain the brain and transform the heart. Training through discipline requires that the deed and consequence be logically related and that it occurs right away. The consequence helps children see that their choices determined what happened. This brings accountability into the picture.
  
  Consequences must maintain children's dignity. Respond only to the current misbehavior and don't bring up a long list of past offenses. Instead of saying, "You always…" or "You never…," simply say, "Because you've chosen to do this behavior, this is the consequence."
  
  For example, if children talk rudely and inappropriately, they must find a nice way to say the same thing. If children hurt someone else, they must do something kind for him or her. Connected, immediate consequences can lead to significant changes in children's behavior.

3. TAILOR YOUR SYSTEM
Although rules need to remain consistent, it's also important to factor personalities into the equation. Children often hear rules through the grid of their God-given personalities.

• For a strong-willed child who may evolve into a discipline problem without guidance, preface a desired behavior in words that empower; for example, "You can be in charge of cleaning up the block center."
• Fun-loving children may be busy talking with their friends and forget the rules. They usually respond well to warm, loving words about something enjoyable. You might say, "I wonder if we can get our centers all cleaned up by the time I count to 10? Then we'll have time to play a game."
• Otherwise calm, peace-loving children may have problems making transitions between experiences. They respond best when you provide warnings and time to respond. For example, "In five minutes, we'll move on to our centers."
• Perfectionists may have trouble because they get stuck emotionally or can't do something just right. They usually respond well to encouragement. You could say, "I know you're upset that those colors don't match, but it's a very detailed drawing. I'm sure your mom will want to hang it up when you get home."

4. REFINE YOUR SKILLS
Sometimes the more we use our voices while trying to discipline, the less effective they become. In other words, when we talk too much, children begin to tune us out. Instead, use these techniques.

Offer focused attention. Ever noticed that children seem to act up whenever you're crunched for time, short on help, or expecting a classroom guest? Children are very sensitive to our moods and can tell when we're under the most pressure. If you ignore or isolate them-or, even worse, yell at them-the problems escalate and no one wins. The best solution is to stop and give children your undivided attention or, if they're young, simply hold them.

Move slowly and maintain eye contact. Look into children's eyes and truly focus on them, just as Jesus did. Avoid turning your back on a child you've just disciplined; otherwise, you may inadvertently set yourself up for round two.

Act detached from the deed, not from the children. Don't take children's misbehaviors personally. Pretend you're trying to win an Academy Award in detachment. As you begin acting that way, you'll actually start feeling that way.

When you do speak, pray that God will give you the right words and the right tone of voice. Our voices tend to go up when we're upset, which makes it harder for children to take us seriously. Instead, stair-step your voice down and use visual clues along with your words. As you state what you want children to do, nod your head and smile. As you state what you don't want them to do, shake your head "no."

Close the matter properly. Verify whether children understand you. Then ask kids to apologize to others involved, realizing that they may not. Don't force apologies; repentance is a learned skill. Even so, it's important to set forth the expectation that kids will apologize when they've hurt someone. Train children in the habit of apologizing and trust God to change their hearts.

Keep your sense of humor. Humor is an important principle of discipline because it helps us put things into perspective. Often we have to step back, take a few deep breaths, and pray that God will show us the lighter side of a situation. With little children who are squirmy and inattentive, you could say, "Did you eat wiggle worms for breakfast? I know you must've had silly cereal!" With older kids, you could say, "Is this my life, or am I in a TV show-because I'm ready for a commercial break!" Humor isn't for kids only; it helps us see the funny side, too.

When your ministry has an established, loving discipline strategy, children feel secure and are able to learn more. And teaching becomes a joy, not a chore.

Article by: Jody Capehart has more than 40 years' experience as a children's minister. She's the coauthor of The Discipline Guide for Children's Ministry and the author of numerous other books.

GH Team Retreat

Date: Friday, September 21

Time: 6-9pm

Location: It's a surprise for now.. but it's a 20 minute drive.

Why? This is a time for us to come together as a team to relax and get refreshed--with childcare provided at the church by our student leaders! Let me love on you and appreciate you while we all spend time together as a team!

What to bring: lawn chair to plan to be outside

Tuesday with Tiff--VIDEO TEAMWORK

http://youtu.be/d9NF2edxy-M

How is this an example of good teamwork?

How can we improve our teamwork?

What are the results of good teamwork?

How will working more effectively as a team benefit us?

7 enemies of Children's Ministry

Your Children's Ministry has enemies. They seek to render your ministry ineffective. Watch out for them. Guard against them. Don't allow them to get a foot in the door.

MR. DISUNITY

Mr. Disunity seeks to destroy your Children's Ministry through gossip, division, backbiting, and slander. He has his own agenda and is unwilling to submit to leadership.

How to defeat Mr. Disunity:
Unity doesn't mean you will agree on everything. But it does mean you will talk out any differences or questions using direct communication. Face-to-face with direct reports...not through side conversations. And once a final decision is made, everyone stacks hands and goes with it. And if you can't stack hands...then leave quietly.

THE ABUSER

The Abuser is a deadly enemy who seeks to destroy your Children's Ministry through secret abuse. He will not only hurt the life of a child but also severely damage your ministry's testimony in the community.

How to defeat The Abuser:
Have a thorough process for on-boarding new volunteers. This should include a personal interview where you ask hard questions, a background check, and reference calls. Also, never allow anyone to be alone with a child.

MRS. INWARDLY FOCUSED

Mrs. Inwardly Focused wants to shift your attention away from those outside the walls of the church. She is most comfortable in a holy huddle. She can be very outspoken. You will hear her say things like "it's not deep enough" or "we need to care for our own instead of worrying about getting more new people in" or "I don't care if the music is helping reach people...its too loud!"

How to defeat Mrs. Inwardly Focused:
Stay focused on what matters to Jesus. He has the world on His heart. He came to seek and save those who are lost. He is the friend of sinners. At the same time, provide pathways for believers to grow in their faith. It's not either or...its both and.

THE CALENDAR CROWDER

The Calendar Crowder wants to fill your ministry calendar with random events and programs. His mantra is "the busier the better." He wants to push you into mediocrity as you spread your volunteers and budget dollars thin across a myriad of calendar items.

How to defeat the Calendar Crowder:
Be very strategic in your calendar planning. Remember less is more. Do a few things with excellence. Say "yes" to the unique calling God has for your ministry and "no" to everything else. Sometimes you have to say no to good things so something great can live.

COUSIN COMPLACENCY

Cousin Complacency tends to approach you after you've been in ministry for awhile. He hangs out in familiarity. He loves to whisper "been there, done that" in your ear. He wants you to put the ministry on cruise control, kick back, and relax. Why strive to grow spiritually and as a leader? You're doing just fine. No need to reach more people for Christ...just hold out until Jesus comes.

How to defeat Mr. Complacency:

Refuse to stop growing personally. Discipline yourself to spend time with Jesus and His Word. Read books that stretch you on a consistent basis. Evaluate the ministry each week and take one step toward improving it. Set ministry and personal goals on a regular basis and measure your progress.

MR. PRIDE

Mr. Pride's goal is for you to stop depending on God and start depending on yourself. He wants you start believing the press reports and take credit for what is happening. He wants to render you unteachable. And why wait for God to promote you when you can promote yourself now?

How to defeat Mr. Pride:

Don't worry about who gets the credit. Don't believe your press reports either way. Push others into the spotlight. Own your mistakes and be quick to say "I'm sorry" and "I apologize" and "I was wrong." Listen a lot more than you talk. Lead by being a servant.

THE SOLO SUPERHERO

The Solo Superhero wants you to do ministry alone. Instead of training and investing in others, He wants you to do everything yourself. He'll try to convince you to spend all your time doing instead of showing. Besides...they can't do it as well as you. You know Solo Superhero's been at work when you have a ministry ran by a "rockstar" or a "martyr."

How to defeat The Solo Superhero:
Don't do ministry alone. Always have someone by your side that you are investing in...mentoring...preparing to lead. Empower your team and give ministry away. Remember you may be able to go faster alone...but you will always go further together. Make yourself unnecessary to the success of the ministry.

20 Ways to Wake up the Kids in your Class



(Found this great article and wanted to share!)

Glassy-eyed, restless, squirming kids who'd really rather not listen to your pearls of wisdom can cause endless anxiety. How do you handle them? What can you do to rein in their interest? You could give up, get angry -- or get creative. Try one of these tactics to engage even your most challenging child.

1 Break in with a funny personal story. I have a trove of bizarre and revealing "My-brother-Daniel-and-I" stories that includes (but is not limited to) an attack by a skunk, sliding my 3-year-old sister down the stairs in a plastic tub, and chopping off a snake's head that we found on the floor of our room. I'm not making this up. Believe me, kids' attention becomes laser-beam sharp when they recognize you're about to spin a yarn.

2 Start whispering. Kids will think you're hiding something from them, and they'll strain to hear what you're saying.

3 Give candy randomly. Tossing out a few treats every now and then will keep kids alert and interested. (Don't use these as rewards for good behavior or correct answers; kids are not dogs, after all! Just occasionally surprise kids with a sweet treat.)

4 Fake a coughing, gagging fit. My mother did this when she was being mugged, and her assailant actually became so concerned that he tried to help her. True story!

5 Show the emergency room photo of your son's gaping leg wound. I did this last week in Lubbock, Texas, with a group of fifth-graders. Gross as it is, kids can't get enough of seeing my son's boating injury. Maybe you didn't remember to bring a camera to your last emergency room visit, but a photo of an odd-looking animal or other freak of nature will do the trick, too.

6 Say the magic words, "I have a movie clip." You'll see kids' eyes instantaneously light up at the change of pace.

7 Scream at the top of your lungs for no apparent reason. You'll definitely get kids' attention (just ignore the unintended consequence of other adults and security running into the room). Then return to your normal speaking tone. Kids may decide you're a bit unbalanced, but they'll be listening.

8 Pull out a crazy toy from your Mystery Box. This can't be any old toy or gimmick they've seen dozens of times before. It's got to be something that truly captivates.

9 Quickly leave the room for a potty break and return in a Bible-times costume. And stay in character the rest of the class.

10 Take out a digital camera and feign ignorance about how to work it. The kids will stumble over themselves to help you -- instant engagement. Once they've educated you, they'll be happy to dive back into the lesson.

11 Bring in a junior high schooler or high schooler to help with a game, music, or art project related to the lesson. Your kids adore older kids; it's the natural order. This brings together two things they love -- older kids and fun.

12 Take kids into a different room or outside for a change of scenery. I can't tell you how many teachers I know who love to transition with a location change. The walk alone works out boredom and wakes up kids, and the new surroundings offer a fresh start for your lesson.

13 Sob and dab your eyes with a hanky. A crying adult always made me freak out as a child -- and you'll be rewarded with kids' total attention (if not an Oscar).

14 Start a stampede. Say in an excited tone, "On the count of three, everybody run to the wall on your left...one, two, three!" Kids will drop everything and run without understanding why; this can be entertaining to watch as an adult. When everyone's at the wall, continue with your lesson or move on to something new.

15 Form groups. Change the pace by asking kids to get into groups for the next activity. This social change is a reliable way to get kids excited and checked back in.

16 Chase rabbits. Or let kids go off on tangents. Kids' topics of interest keep them engaged and interested in your lesson...and a creative teacher can find some strand of insight that relates to the lesson aim.

17 Fall prostrate on the floor and begin praying in Hebrew. No doubt about it, this is a showstopper.

18 Give a "For instance..." A "For instance" is something that relates to kids' real world. Ask them about specific things going on in their culture and how they'd apply the Bible Point to that situation, on the playground, or at home with siblings.

19 Turn the problem into the solution. If they'd rather be anywhere than in your classroom, take them where they are in their imagination. Pull out your Improv Supply Box, and let kids create scenes as the lesson takes on international, mysterious, or creative dimensions.

20 Ask the rowdies to do -- not help. Hand over one segment of the lesson, and then sit back and enjoy yourself as kids try their hand at teaching. (And don't forget to give yourself a small pat on the back as you realize that you truly are the key ingredient to kids learning about Jesus in your classroom.)

Tuesday with Tiff (6.12.12) VIDEO

We have been talking a lot about recruiting and with this sports series we are in, it's vital that we get men involved. Instead of you looking at me talking to you about recruiting, here's a GREAT video with tips on this!

Check out the video below and in the meantime... please JOIN ME IN PRAYER to pray for the workers!
^{MATTHEW 37} He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. ³⁸ So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

The ministry is great and it's growing. We need to be continuing to grow as leaders but continuing to add to the workers who will tend to this crop we're growing. PRAY WITH ME! Ask Him to send the workers!

This month, 14 new people are trying out the GH.

Pray and invite!
http://youtu.be/l-aPsanX0kA