A Goodbye...

A major change has again come to myself and my family. We are leaving our church and moving into the adventure of church planting. Leaving isn't easy since we will miss so many people. However, when God says "go" you either step to or you step out of God's will. I want to stay in God's will.

Here's the announcement as read on Sunday morning.

After much prayer and consideration Kim and I feel that God has instructed us to resign from Assembly of God Christian Center. We did not come to this decision easily, but we are sure that it is the course that God has for us. We understand that the timing of our resignation is difficult. However, in discussing the matter with Pastor Art, we both felt that this is the will of God for this time.

For the past several months God has been redirecting my heart from Children's ministry towards church planting. Initially I believed this call was for the future, but God has impressed in me by the Holy Spirit and through other factors that now is the time. Kim and I will be going to McKinney, TX to assist a pastor there in planting new churches in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Many doors have already opened and more are opening for us every day.

Next Sunday will be our last Sunday with you. We realize this is an abrupt change, however, due to circumstances beyond our control and the leading of the Spirit we see that now is the time. Please do not think that our abrupt departure in any way reflects on our love for this church or on how our belief that God has a great plan for Assembly of God Christian Center. Our love for this church and it's people has grown deep in the past 22 months. We will miss all of you.

Kim and I are now looking to the future. I ask all of you to do the same. Assembly of God Christian Center is not built on any one person, it is built on the foundation of Christ Jesus. I know God will take care of this church and provide everything you need to accomplish the mission God has given you. The leadership of this church already has things in hand, but they will need your support, your prayers, and your time in the coming weeks.

We love you. We know that God has a great plan for you and this church.

Thank you.

A. Crapper Legacy

I'm not being crude. Really!

A. Crapper left us a legacy. He was the first man to successfully mass produce and sell toilets. While he didn't invent anything particularly new concerning the porcelain throne, but he played a big role in getting it mainstreamed.

This gives the phrase "I'm going to sit on the Crapper" a whole new meaning! The phrase didn't start out as an uncouth way to refer to using the restroom, it was a statement of fact. It's as innocent as saying you are going to take a ride in your new Honda (car), buy a Mac (computer), or listen to your iPod (mp3 player).

Ok... it WAS that innocent. Now it's a bit rude.

That leads us to an interesting point. No matter how well something starts out, it might end wrong. We as children's pastors have to orient how we minister to children so that it will create a legacy of faith and personal responsibility. It is possible to teach kids about Jesus, but leave no lasting impression. I know how easy it is to fall into the "let's just get through this Sunday" mentality. However, there is so much more at stake. Kids need a lasting foundation, not flurid prose and spiritual fluff.

Here is my challenge: every week as you prepare ask yourself this question, "does my plan just fill the time, or will it build a Godly legacy for the kids I teach?"

10 Ways to Grow A Children's Ministry

Here are 10 ways to grow your kids ministry.

1. With 3 year olds
2. With 4 year olds
3. With 5 year olds
4. With 6 year olds
5. With 7 year olds
6. With 8 year olds
7. With 9 year olds
8. With 10 year olds
9. With 11 year olds
10. Never have a to-do list that does not have "prayer" as a line item.