Articles

The Children’s Pastor Who Can Do It All

Remember that part in the Bible where it says “You have every strength and talent and gift to do it all. Don’t feel like you have to rely on anyone. You got this!”? No? Good. Cause it’s not in there. In fact, a quick read…

How do we know it’s working?

You’ve heard it before, but let me say it again. Ministry is so hard. It’s easy to point out the uniquenesses of children’s and family ministry. We work with volunteers and children. I could probably end the list there and it would be enough! We…

The Best Flavor of Leadership

Great coffee. Fresh watermelon on a hot summer day. Roasted vegetables that were brushed with balsamic. Cherry pie from my favorite pie shop in Chicago. My mom’s famous stuffing and cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving… I love the flavors of all of these things. They’re all…

3 Odd Habits of Effective Leaders

What makes leaders and teams so effective that living out their mission and achieving their vision is inevitable? And what are the habits that we can cultivate which end up nurturing our effectiveness for the long run? These questions have been following me around for…

5 Surprising Questions Great Leaders Ask

If you have influence over others, and you’re in a position where you can maximize the talents and passions of others in order to reach an envisioned outcome, then you’re a leader. Some of the greatest children’s ministry leaders I’ve met are changing the world…

Don’t Move

What moves you? I’m not talking about the things that stir your affections. Like a hobby or pastime, or a piece of music. What shifts you, alters your spirit, changes your direction, robs your focus, impacts your choices and decisions…what moves you? For me, it’s…

3 Ways to Connect with Millennial Parents

It is projected that 80 percent of Millennials will have families by 2023. Did you know that over half of this generation already has kids? As a children’s and family ministry leader, you likely wrestle often with two questions. The truth is that the future…

In It for the Distance

There is a common sight that begins every August in Michigan. Flock after flock of large birds, flying overhead in the distinct and intentional shape of a “V”. Being one of the first signs that summer is coming to a close, I normally choose to…

Two Things We Can Show Children in the Aftermath of Charlottesville

Charlottesville. I’ve been drawn repeatedly to Paul’s opening words to the church in Corinth. He writes, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”…