Tag Archive - teaching

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

August 27, 2008 in Ministry, Personal with 3 Comments

As one who has worked around kids for a few years now, I can honestly say that some kids are more fun to work with than others. There are some kids that really try my patience, and usually they are accompanied by parents who are similar. The funny thing is that sometimes it’s through these ‘trouble’ kids that I become a better teacher, minister, and servant. It’s the hard kids that force me to think through what I’m preparing way beforehand to fill in all the gaps perfectly, it’s the hard kids that sharpen my methods, and it’s the hard kids that ultimately have made me the Children’s minster I am today.
While in Dallas for 4 years I worked with some of the hardest kids, families, and parents I have ever ministered to. Don’t get me wrong, not all of them were this way; but the % of hard to easy was WAY on the hard side. These kids weren’t use to discipline, order, and structure; and they bucked like wild horses at anything that wasn’t their idea. It was during this season that I learned how to organize classrooms, orchestrate services, and arrange check-ins areas that would become staples of my style today. In hindsight I didn’t always appreciate those moments at the time, but now I can say that I count it all joy to have been through those experiences.
As I listen to staff, volunteers, and parents bemoan the troubles of certain ‘trouble’ kids around them I feel that they may be missing some great opportunities. We have been assured that in this world we will experience trouble, so it’s high time some teachers get over themselves and see these kids the way God sees them. It’s time that we all begin to see these kids as challenges to overcome, and less as obstacles to get around. And trust me, I’m talking to myself as much as to anyone who might be reading!

Look Up Here, Look Up Here

August 22, 2008 in Ministry, Personal with 1 Comment

There have been so many things said to me this week regarding the talk I gave almost two weeks ago. I’ve forgotten how weird it is to be in the spotlight. Let me explain. I love what I do, but I do it with about ZERO attention from anyone in the church. It’s not the church, it’s just the job. I have encountered more grateful people in Lubbock, TX than anywhere else I’ve ever worked, however it’s not uncommon to go 6 months without a compliment from anyone. It used to bother me, but now I’m pretty used to it. I figure I know what God thinks of me so why should I care if some parent never notices anything I do?

But after speaking in “BIG Church” on a Sunday morning, and exposing my passion and personality to a congregation of 2,000 people; I’m as popular as I’ve ever been. I appreciate all the kind words, and testimonies related to what I spoke about, but it’s unsettling to me just a little. It seems that the only way to get attention is to be on that stage. Is it just me? I love to hear I did a good job, I am human. I just forget how funny people are about that stage. I can remember a few years ago giving announcements at a church and afterwards thinking about what a great job I did; only to then walk into a classroom and have a kid barf on me. In some sort of weird way, I think I’d rather be taking care of a sick kid. Not nearly as complimentary, but it sure feels more Christlike.

Preach the House on Fire

August 8, 2008 in Ministry with 2 Comments


About 60 days ago I was asked by our Senior Pastor to speak in the 2nd and 3rd services at our church on a Sunday morning. I accepted, but because of my busy summer schedule I haven’t given it much thought until about 2 weeks ago. Isn’t it funny how these things sneak up on you? It’s quite an honor, and I hope that I can help people get past the novelty of my appearance to be impacted by the message. Do you mind saying a prayer for me?

I immediately knew what I would speak about, but it hasn’t been until just recently that I put my thoughts into notes that I will use on Sunday. It’s gonna be a great time! If you live in or around Lubbock I expect to see you at Trinity Church for the 9:45 & 11:15 am services on Sunday morning. If you can’t be on time, then be early!

To Those In The Know

July 31, 2008 in Ministry with 3 Comments

Dear Person Whose Children Have Moved Away From Home Years Ago,

You know who you are. You go to my church. I’m the children’s pastor, remember me? You are the person that always tells me that if I ever need help on a temporary basis, or if I ever need a substitute that you will be more than glad to step in and help. You never sign up for special events, because you want a personal invite. You’ve broadcast that you once ran a Vacation Bible School in 1983, and it was talked about all over town. You’ve worked in the children’s areas in the past, but since your kids all grew up you have stepped away. You’re never short of opinions, no matter how invaluable they may be. Yes, I’m talking to you.

Now that we’ve confirmed your identity, let’s get something straight.

When you tell me that you’ll help me in a pinch, please help me. I’ve asked you 4 separate times to fill in, but you’re never feeling ‘up to it.’ Please stop waiting for a personal invite to assist me with a special event; in fact consider this your longstanding personal invite. I’m so glad that you experienced success at your previous VBS, but that doesn’t mean we have to use Elmer’s glue and craft sticks at this VBS. I really wish you would consider giving yourself to the parents of today and to their children. I know that your kids are out of the house, but your responsibility to the next generation isn’t over yet. And finally, I mean this in all sincerity… your opinion is only as valuable as your willingness to help. I’m NOT short on opinions, I’m short on those that will work along side me.

Please know that I love you, and think that all the work you’ve done in the past is infinitely valuable to the kingdom. I’d just like you to rejoin the team!

Sincerely,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Children’s Pastor

To Do or Not To Do

July 30, 2008 in Personal with 1 Comment

I can remember in college there were times after that first class that I would think, “What have I gotten myself into?” I would consider dropping the class and picking up another course, but mostly I just got temporarily depressed about how hard it would be. Over time I learned to appreciate these classes the most. I learned that it was when I felt challenged, or up against a wall, that I came out learning the most about myself. So by the time my Senior year in college rolled around and I learned that I would have to submit two 100+ page research papers for my Business Policy class; I actually looked forward to the challenge. It wasn’t easy, but I was better for it when it was all said and done.

Now I’m 10 years removed from that time of my life, but I still seek out challenges. I personally define a challenge as something that I need to do, but I will have to learn how to do it during the process. A true challenge is something that I’m not fully qualified to complete before starting, but when I’m done I’ll be there. Make sense?

So as a leader, pastor, father, and boss I’m in the position of bringing some challenge to those around me. It’s a fanstatically scary role to play in people’s lives. Putting people into positions they may have never volunteered for, but I see potential for growth in that area. Here are some questions I’ve been asking myself:

  • How many challenges can each person take?
  • Is it my job to put people in certain positions that they need to be in, but may not feel comfortable doing?
  • How do I find that place where I want someone to be uncomfortable, but not wanting them to be miserable?
  • How much of their ‘personality’ keeps them from being who God needs them to be?
  • How many more conversations do I need to have before putting someone into a new leadership area?
  • Do I really see potential in this person, or am I just wanting them to be this for me?
Page 15 of 20« First...10«1314151617»...Last »