Leading

Leading. Leading is a stretching and growing experience. At the age of 24, I have quickly had my share of growing pains as I learn what works and what doesn’t. To me, Children’s Ministry Volunteers are a priceless possession. I love our volunteers. And I know that they are serving in Children’s Ministry because they want to help change kid’s lives. How fun and inspirational!

Now, these leaders look to me. And I love being their leader. But sometimes a problem arises. I don’t always give them the leadership that they need. How do I lead them toward success? What is the most important thing that I can communicate to the leaders under my oversight, so that they feel valued? What am I doing to make their service experience the most satisfying? How am I providing an atmosphere so that they can flourish in their gifts?

Jesus was such a great leader. He knew exactly what to say and when. He communicated what needed to be said whether through voice or action. I think what is important to remember is that he ate with those under his care, he traveled with them, spoke into their lives, walked beside them, cried with them, and prayed with them.  He spent quality time with them. Those who he tended to knew that he cared. They knew they were loved. In turn, they wanted to do everything they could to give back because Jesus had given everything he had.

I want to be such a better leader than I am now.  And I know that can only come by experience, trial and error. But what needs to be remembered the most in leading is relationships come first. Everyone has a life they are living. Everyone needs help bringing out the gifts that are inside of them. A little nudge. You can’t be a friend to everyone under your care, but you can make sure that your sheep are physically and spiritually nourished, ready to serve under your leadership on Sunday mornings. Take the time to pray with your leaders. Encourage the leaders under you to encourage the leaders under them.
Here’s what will happen: Volunteers will be on time, even early. They’ll show up prepared. They’ll be ready to give help where needed. They’ll be in their classroom ready to receive early visitors. They’ll stay to make sure the room is neat and tidy for next week. See what happens? Pretty cool.
Create a culture that revolves around pursuing and deepening relationships and your volunteers will be inspired to give what you have given.

Joy to the World

Letter from Jesus about Christmas –
 
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. 
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don’t care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
 
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn’t allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn’t be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
 
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 – 8.
 
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
 
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
 
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don’t have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
 
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don’t you write and tell him that you’ll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up… It will be nice hearing from you again.
 
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can’t afford and they don’t need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
 
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
 
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don’t know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
 
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren’t allowed to wish you a “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn’t make so much money on that day they’d close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
 
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary– especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
 
9. Here’s a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no “Christmas” tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don’t know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
 
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don’t do things in secret that you wouldn’t do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
 
Don’t forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I’ll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I’ll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Let’s Give It Away

Chris Tomlin’s new Christmas Worship album is awesome! (click here to listen on YouTube) I have been listening to it this morning and in to this afternoon and it is so good. It seems like every year Christmas becomes more and more special to me, as I understand more of the gift that Jesus was and is to this world.  He brought peace, love, hope,  joy. This morning on my way in to work i was listening to the radio (95.5 the Fish) and heard some testimonies from some people who decided to give during the Christmas season to some folks who were in need. I was in tears. God’s heart towards broken people, struggling people came upon me. I want to help bring hope to people. God use me. Use us all to bring Your hope. You were born Jesus, that we may have life, and now we have it. Help us share it and give it away. Let’s give this Christmas away.

the blog

Never blogged before, so here we go…

Looking forward to the potential this site has and what it will turn in to. I desire to use it for the edification of the body of Christ and for the building up of children’s ministries all over.