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There are always going to be people older and a little more wise…but being a young’n shouldn’t stop me or give me an excuse to fall short and not give my best. This verse really caught my attention and gave me a check today:
Let no one show little respect for you because you are young. Show other Christians how to live by your life. They should be able to follow you in the way you talk and in what you do. Show them how to live in faith and in love and in holy living. 1 Timothy 4:12
People are looking to us to see how we are acting. So, no matter how old or young, how are we living?
I read an article written by Children’s Ministry genius Jim Wideman on how to lead above. He had some good thoughts on children’s leadership and leadership in general. I think it could be taken into other ministries and careers as well. Here are some of the highlights I took away:
Communication in your ministry is hard work. But to be effective every children’s minister must learn how to communicate effectively to the leaders above them! And to help you become effective, here are ways to gain the respect of the leaders above you and be an influencer:
1. Do not run to your pastor or supervisor every time you are troubled. Don’t go to those above you for encouragement, you must seek God. Don’t run to others within the ministry for answers and encouragement. Be like David and learn how to encourage yourself in the Lord!
2. Do your homework before you make any request. Be specific in your requests. If you need chairs, don’t just say we need chairs determine how many. It’s your job to think everything through and never present a half-baked idea. Remember to keep things short & to the point. Be known for saving money rather than spending it.
3. Don’t try to grab leaders for hallway conferences. Respect their time, if you try to do business in the hallways leadership will begin to avoid you.
4. Don’t seek your own agenda. Ephesians 4:11-12 Christ gave gifts to men. He gave to some the gift to be missionaries, some to be preachers, others to be preachers who go from town to town. He gave others the gift to be church leaders and teachers. These gifts help His people work well for Him. And then the church which is the body of Christ will be made strong.
5. Be faithful in small things. The real indicator of how you’ll handle large responsibilities is what you do with small ones.
6. Master the relationships in your life. It’s up to you to keep an up-to-date relationship with Christ. It’s also your job to manage your family and household well. Choose your friends wisely and don’t build loyalties to yourself build them to your pastor and church.
7. Keep you expectations of leadership realistic. If you expect nothing you won’t be disappointed.
8. The manner in which you carry yourself will determine how you are treated. It’s your job to carry yourself as a leader. It’s more than just taking care of your physical appearance; it’s also about measuring your words: Proverbs 17:27-28: “He who is careful in what he says has much learning, and he who has a quiet spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps quiet, is thought to be wise. When he closes his lips, he is thought of as a man of understanding.” Children’s ministry can be funny, but it doesn’t have to be immature. Do everything with good taste.
God has called us to influence and lead children but we also have a responsibility to influence and lead the parents we serve the leaders who serve with us as well as the level of leadership above us!
Well yesterday was my 22nd birthday and I got some great presents and quality time with great friends. And last night I went to get a tattoo! My first one. It was scary, and I was nervous. I went in expecting the worst pain ever. I am not going to lie, it hurt. But after it was over with, I am glad I stuck with it and didn’t give up half way through. (That wouldn’t have looked cool with only a few lines of black on my foot.)
So this is not about tattoos at all, but I was just thinking while I was sitting in pain, so go with me on this…
In life it is important to stick with things. It is easy to try a short cut or get someone else to do it for you. With technology it is easy to find that easy way out. But if you want something bad enough, jump in and go for it! Don’t give up. Even though it may hurt and it may be tough, but after you see the finished result, it will be worth it. Whether it is a new project, getting in shape, something at work, a relationship, getting a good grade, whatever…If you really want it to happen, stick with it and give it all you can, you’ll be glad you did in the end.
And here is a picture of my tattoo if you want to see it. It is the word faith, and if you look at it the other way it says hope:
So you might have seen this before, but maybe you haven’t. I’ve seen it several times, but I still crack up every time I watch it. It’s fun. It’s called Evolution of Dance and its for people of all ages. If you have some free time on your day off, and you are looking for something to do for 6 minutes, I think you’ll enjoy this…
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