Last week, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Tom Bump of the Kid's Ministry Collective Podcast. We had a conversation ranging from building spiritual rhythms at home to leading in family ministry. Tom is a long-time children's ministry leader, genuine listener, friend and ministry coach. You can check out his website here. Have... Continue Reading →
CERTIFIED! [New Connected Families Parent Coach]
This year has been an exciting journey with Connected Families. I've been in training to become a parent coach using the CF framework of Foundation>Connection>Coaching>Correction. This month I am now certified. Woohoo! You can check out my CF bio here, then come on back to signup for private, customized coaching built on a proven strategy.... Continue Reading →
[Proverbs as Parables]: Gerald’s Waddle
There once was a duck. One of those white ducks with a bright orange beak and big, floppy, orange feet. His name was Gerald. Gerald walked everywhere. But not without difficulty. His big, floppy, orange feet made walking on lumpy grass and sandy shores quite the challenge. He wiggled and wobbled and…waddled wherever he went.... Continue Reading →
I’m in Training as a Parent Coach!
I'm excited to announce that I'm enrolled in the Parent Coach Certification program with Connected Families! I've been reading books, taking the Discipline that Connects course, receiving personal coaching and training in a cohort with other students from around the world including 2 from Ehtiopia. I'm hopeful for parents and families as more and more... Continue Reading →
Is this Really Worth My Time?
"Is all of this really making a difference?" Steve Adams, Executive Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Saddleback Church in California, asks this question in his book, Children’s Ministry on Purpose. And we all do don’t we? We wonder if our efforts developing children really means anything. Perhaps we should ignore our little ones and not... Continue Reading →
How a Child Grows
People who work with children have the privilege of watching children grow up. Even more, we get to see them form a solid foundation for their lives with Christ. Spiritual formation is a fancy term for becoming more like Christ. Michelle Anthony, author of Family Ministry Essentials, reminds us of this process: …Holiness is not found... Continue Reading →
Human Sin: Avoiding Two Traps
My wife doesn’t like this word, but sin sucks! Children are aware of their own sin. When approaching the topic of sin avoid these two traps: 1) Gloss over sin saying, “That’s just kids being kids.” (Seeds planted soon grow.) 2) Squash children with an overbearing weight of impossible expectations. Rather, teach awareness of personal... Continue Reading →
Human Worth: How to See the Good in Others
Why is it that so many of us feel worthless? Why is it that so much of the world treats others as worthless? Whatever the reason, let me state something very clear: you…have…worth! God made us to be like him. No other creature is given that gift. So see the good that God sees. Draw... Continue Reading →
Knowing God: 2 Steps and a Metaphor
God takes the first step in making himself known. He creates. He relates. He reveals. He writes. He speaks. He reminds. He loves. We respond to him. We listen. We look. We speak. We receive. We love. Connect this truth to a child’s heart this week. The God of the universe wants to be known... Continue Reading →
God Talk: Awakening Curiosity
Dive into any topic far enough and you’ll get overwhelming feelings. Dive into technical discussions about God and your head will spin! Let’s keep this simple. GOD IS GOD and we are not. When talking about God in your family or with the family of God, don’t turn it into a competition of who knows... Continue Reading →