New #kidmin discussion at cmconnect.org…
With the Swine Flu pandemic getting more and more media attention, I got to thinking: “How are churches preparing for this year’s flu season?”

Do you have a plan to help your community?

Are taking extra steps to protect your church?

Join the conversation… click here!

From now, until September 1, you could win one of two sets of tickets to the upcoming D6 conference in Dallas, Texas.
To enter, simply use our INVITE tool to help us spread the word about this community.

Every invitation sent equals one more chance of being randomly selected to receive the FREE tickets.

On September 2nd, if your name is drawn, you will be contacted to accept or reject the tickets. Upon acceptance, the winner’s name will be given to Randall House Publishing, creators of the D6 Conference, for receipt of prizes.

1). they are using a Mac
2). they are sippiing Starbucks
2) … ummm… 2) part two, they probably have their pinky up
3). they are sporting a go-tee
4). people are sitting at their feet to gain wisdom

Ok, so forget the first 3, err… 4, a real guru is spotted, not by stereotypes, but by who is sitting at their feet to learn.

And here enters my thoughts on social networking… a study was done, you may have heard of it, called 6-degrees of separation. Yes, that annoying facebook thing is grounded in real sociological science. It has to do with a “small-world experiment” performed by Stanley Milgram. Just in case you slept through sociology in college, here’s a link to the wiki-pedia article: click here.

Milgram, boiled down, said we are six people separated from anyone in the country. His experiments proved this to be true… however, now it is all different. With social networking, brought to you by Al Gore’s internet, we are virtually one or two degrees of separation from everyone on the planet. Now, I haven’t done the science to prove it; but, I think it stands to reason that if you can google someone’s contact info, track them via twitter, read their blog, friend them on facebook, and get a G.P.S. address to their back door… then we’ve broken down some barriers.

We are freakishly connected. Seriously, just ask your grandma or your mom, they’ll probably tell you it’s a little bit weird that you have all of your personal information online.

This is a scary thought: In our super-connected, high speed world, we can all claim to be gurus.

However, and this is my point, the true test of a guru is going to be right there at their feet. Because you can fake the funk, self-promote, and sale goods as ministry all day… but, people are smart and they will see through it… in ministry, the gurus are the ones to whom God has given a voice and an audience. They are time weathered and ministry tested.

Here are some people I have found to be trust worthy sources of wisdom and guidance within their specially gifted areas:
Urban Ministry/Inner City: Denny Dillman, James Kennison, Jared Kennedy
Small Groups: Bill Search (my boss)
Leadership: Reggie Joiner, Jim Wideman, Dave Stone, Bill Search, Brett Deyoung, Brad Devries
Children’s Ministry on a large scale: Jim Wideman, Sue Miller, Craig Jutilla, Steve Young
Children’s Ministry worship: Yancy, Sara Semenick, Jason Hauser
Children’s Ministry at a smaller to medium sized church: Ryan Frank, Rick Chromey
Children’s Ministry at a church plant: Stephanie Porter
Children’s Ministry at a satelitte campus: Pudge Huckaby
Children’s Ministry related events: Roger Fields
Children’s Ministry in a desperate place: Justyn Smith
Children’s Ministry videos: Eric Peterson, Matt Melton, Todd Hampson, Phil Vischer
Junior High Ministry: Jon McCallon
Senior High Ministry: Matt Reagan
College Ministry: Ben Hardman
Conferences: Nevan Hooker, Judy Comstock, Roger Fields
Crazy faces and creativity: Johnny Rogers
Being a constant student: Spencer Click
Blogging and Twitter: Sam Luce, Kenny Conley, Jonathan Cliff, Matt Guevara, Gina McClain
Portable Church: Dave Dummit, Brad Tate
Canada: Henry Zonio
Australia: David Wakerly, Rob Bradbury
Graphic Art: Brandon Milburn
Preteen Ministry: Rob Tuma, Nick Diliberto, Patrick Snow
Fitness: Michelle Romaine
Scholars: Rick Chromey, Diane Garland
Free Resources: Andy Johnson
Looking really pretty: Rose Chanley (my wife… yes, I know… it’s shameless)
Family Ministry: Reggie Joiner, Brian Vanderark

These servants of the church may not qualify as gurus in your book. They are people that I know I can go to for help in specific areas of ministry. Each of them are humble enough to be approachable and to share their thoughts, counsel, and encouragement.

I hope you have your own list… if not, well, maybe YOU are the guru we’ve all been looking for!

If one were to search across history, they would find at the center of all civilization a small group… also known as family.

We were designed to exist in community. Community is where we learn, interact, play, and generally experience life.

Think about it… it is everywhere and in everything. Family is at the center of every society that has ever existed.

Though family may be central to community, there is also a need within the stages of development to segregate into age appropriate groups. Within these groups one can connect with their peers, learn basic steps, or and develop important skills.

Enter the Church… Most churches are really great at the family SEGREGATED model. That is, we are good at running excellent Adult, Youth, or Children’s focused ministries. How many are good at family INTEGRATED models?

At Southeast Christian Church, we are in the process of integrating family into some of our small groups. Our goal is to accomplish the vision that has been set forth by our Senior Minister, Dave Stone and approved by our Board of Elders. That vision is to “Connect People to Jesus and One Another.” My role in this vision is to create and shepherd over the development of groups for Parents and Families. It is a unique blend of Children’s, Youth, and Adult ministry. As we move toward the launch of these groups and their continued development, I will be writing about them, posting resources, and sharing my thoughts, successes, and failures with the parentunity.org community. I invite you to join me in this journey.

Your feedback will be a huge blessing.

Michael Chanley

“Here am I, Lord… use me.”
Sounds simple; yet, it is a prayer that has changed my life over and over again. In the last several years, God has answered this prayer, “to be used by Him,” in some incredible ways.
As I reflect on 2009, I can’t help but realize how it has been a huge blessing to be used by God. I love to serve the Church and to help people in ministry to connect with families. He has truly opened up some incredible doors to serve.
So, as I continue to review my calendar for the next year, I thought I’d share my speaking schedule. My hope is that I will get a chance to meet you at one of these locations:

The D6 Conference
Dallas, TX
Septemeber 23-25

Scribble Sessions
Louisville, Ky
October 9

The Leadership Conference at Southeast Christian Church
Louisville, KY
October 23-24

Children’s Pastors Conference (CPC)
San Diego, CA
March 15

Orange Conference
Atlanta, GA
April 28-30

If you’re going to be at any of these conferences and you’d like to connect, email me: michael@pureconnect.org. It would be a blessing and an honor to meet you and learn about your ministry.

One last thing, I have left a few dates on my calendar to serve local churches. Making time to teach and train at other churches has been a great blessing; and, it has helped me to grow some great new relationships. If you need help moving your ministry to the next level, please let me know. I would be honored to serve you and your team.
I am available to speak or teach on the following topics:
Parenting and Family Ministry
Children’s Ministry
Leading from Your Strengths
Advanced Leadership: The Marine Corps Way
Leaving a Strategic Legacy

I hope our paths cross this year…

Michael Chanley
creator of the pureconnect.org communities

The mission statement for the Elementary Ministry at Southeast Christian Church is “connecting kids to Jesus and one another.” Everything we do is filtered through this mission. As soon as the children enter our wing, we are striving to build a relationship, to help foster new friendships, and to connect them to Jesus. Our mission statement is tied into everything we do; it is our DNA.

To translate this mission and make it come to life, we have to help our volunteers develop the ability to communicate effectively with children. As adults, we become accustomed to, well… to talking and thinking like adults. This generational difference interferes with our ability to relate to children. Consider this; adults probably can speak with some knowledge about current events, the weather, or who is running for president. Most children could care less about these topics; it is comparable to the attitude we adults may have when asked to discuss who is more powerful: Pikachu, Bulbasur, or Charmander. All of those being Pokemon characters, in case you didn’t know. While some adults have no problem relating, there are many individuals who, whether by intimidation or a fear of rejection, are unable to connect or even relate to the kids in their ministry.

With this in mind, here are some steps to narrow the gap and breakdown the communication barriers.
1. Posture – To connect to kids we have to get on their level. Think about it like this, when was the last time you had a conversation while staring into someone’s belly button? Ok, I don’t really want to know the answer to that. When we talk to children, it helps to bend at the waist (or take a knee) so we can look them in the eyes during the conversation.
2. Vocabulary – Have you ever tried to read stereo instructions? Talking to kids often means we have to make an effort to use words they understand. If you are looking them in the face, see Posture above, you should be able to see the confusion in their faces when you are making no sense at all. If you are talking to them and they get that glazed over “what are you talking about look?” Try repeating your point in simpler terms. Instead of using words like “repent,” which most adults can’t define, ask them, “What does God want us to do when we sin?” “Should we keep sinning or stop?”
3. Names – Learn their names, memorize them, and use it when you greet them, speak to them, and when you pray for them.
4. Consistency – Nothing says you care like showing up. It communicates to them, in action and truth that you care. Jesus didn’t make disciples by spending one hour a month with them, how can we expect to?
5. Commonality – When we choose our friends it has a lot to do with the things we have in common. When you spend time with children, find something you have in common with them. Whether it is a passion for sports, a love for music, or a similar life experience (i.e. your parents are divorced) it will help you to relate to one another.

Finally, as those who are charged with ministering to the next generation of Christ followers, we must find a way to relate the gospel message to their world and be diligent in doing so. Don’t spend all of your time talking to the other adults you serve with. Make the most of each moment by connecting to the children. Communicate you care and let them know you are there to help. Get to know them and get on their level. Consider what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:21-23 (NIV) “To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

Teach children; change the world…
Michael

August is upon us… summer is over… vbs is done, so is camp… and, don’t forget, your budget will probably be due in the next couple of months.

For most Student and Children’s Ministers your schedule is lightening up, except for those of us who have a fall promotion. egads!

So, now is the time to plan for 2010.

Here are some things to think about:

1. What will you do differently next summer?
2. What lessons did you learn this summer?
3. Can you plan for a better spring/fall transition in 2010?
4. What programs or events will need special budget consideration in 2010?
5. In five years where do you feel God is leading your ministry?
6. What step in 2010 can you take to advance that purpose?
7. What conference would you like to attend?
8. Who will travel with you to the conference?
9. Do you need to add to your training budget?
10. Will you invite a speaker to train your volunteers?
11. What will you need to budget for their honorarium?
12. Do you need to improve your environments?

Take a day and pray over these decisions. Make a strategic plan for 2010 and then begin to build the necessary partnership, identify the needed resources, and, most importantly, pray for God’s leading.

Your 2010 can be so much better than your 2009 has been… just don’t wait until January to make a plan. You need to plan now for a succesful start to the new year.

Ok, we’ve been hinting about some BIG news for the Children’s Ministry community for about a week now… so, here is the news:

Finally, there is a professional association for Children’s Pastors!

Here is just a short list of what the American Children’s Ministry Association (ACMA) will strive for:

ACMA will establish and uphold standards for children’s ministry

ACMA will develop local ACMA chapters to provide guidance and
encouragement on the grassroots level.

ACMA will advance the importance of children’s ministry

ACMA will work to use the collective influence of American children’s
ministers to impact a small nation of children (Belize) for the Gospel
while providing educational and medical resources. David and Karen
Rhodes are spearheading this effort.

ACMA will provide an expanding array of relevant benefits to members

ACMA board is comprised of leaders from various children’s ministry
sectors and denominations.

For more information please visit the ACMA home page. You can also contact Michelle Romain, Association Director, at info@ACMAonline.com or 800-264-9100.

Ever wonder if there is something else out there?
Your church having trouble finding the right candidate for an open position?

Now, we can help!

Check out our new career center under the “Callings” tab.
It is free for the next 30 days… just enter code: PURECALLING.

www.purecalling.org is the new community from pureconnect. It is “the professional community for those called to serve the church.”This new network exists to connect volunteer and staff members of churches who serve in ministry support roles.

If your church has administrative support let them know about our new site… it is just for them!

Thanks,
Michael Chanley
creator of the pureconnect communities