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Are you being Proactive?

If you are the one placed in charge of a children's ministry, most likely you are a leader. However, unless you are intentional, the weekly demands of ministry programs and needy volunteers can quickly push you into a role of being a reactive leader - constantly reacting to the needs that are presented to you via e-mail, voice mail, and in person.

You will be doing a lot of good, but you'll soon feel like the ministry isn't going anywhere - and you'll be right. You'll be treading water and doing all you can to keep your nose above the surface.

Start by praying, "Lord, who would you have me minister to this week? What would you have me move forward with this week? What needs to be improved?" Then make a short list of a few things you think need some proactive leadership. Jot down a few action steps to get them in motion. Then you may check your e-mail!

Because Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"
Object Lesson: Winning the Inner Battle
Chocolate Milk
Here's an object lesson from the forthcoming DiscipleTown Unit 6: How to Make Good Choices, written by Karl Bastian:

"Invite a child on stage. Explain to them that the glass represents their body and that it can't be tipped. The water which you pour into it is their soul, the pure life that comes from God, so it can't be poured out or they will die - it is their essence.

Hand them the glass and have them hold it over the basin -- just say that is there in case they spill because you don't want the floor getting wet and you don't want to get in trouble with the janitor 'like last time.'

Now get out the chocolate powder..."

» Read the rest of this object lesson
» View other DiscipleTown units
Review: What's in the Bible?
What's in the Bible?
Kidology CP Team member Henry Zonio takes a look at Phil Vischer's new DVD series, What's in the Bible?

"This new series is geared to tell the overarching story of God, his love for us and his plan of redemption that is present throughout the entire Bible. The great thing about it is that Phil tells this story as he walks viewers through each book of the Bible!

The series is slated to have 13 DVDs in all. In addition to walking through each book of the Bible, this new series will also teach on topics that cover who wrote the Bible, why it's put together the way it is, how we can be sure it's trustworthy, etc."

» Read Henry's full review
Eggceptional Easter Stuff
Easter Zone
We all know that Easter is more than bunnies and Marshmallow Peeps! But how do you relate Christ's resurrection with your kids?

If you are a Kidology Member, grab some fresh ideas eggsploring our collection of Easter resources in the Zones. There's still time to pull everything together for Easter Sunday."

Here are some ideas to get you started:

» Visit Kidology's Easter Zone!
New Stuff in the Kidology Store
Kidology StoreHave you dropped by the Kidology Store lately?  Remember that Kidology Premium Members receive substantial discounts on the many items in our Store and in the Kidology Garage Sale!

Every purchase helps support the ministry of Kidology!

Take a look at some recent offerings:
If you are a Kidology member, then you can use the Kidology Garage Sale to sell your used children's ministry stuff!

»
Shop the Kidology Garage Sale
» Sell your used items today
Article: Proactive Leadership
Children's Ministry Professional EditionThis article by Karl Bastian originally appeared in Children's Ministry Professional Edition and we're excited to be able to share it with you!

"You may be a servant leader, and that is a good thing - but you if you want your ministry to improve you must learn to be a proactive leader - one that is driving and determining his or her actions more than being driven by the endless demands that are constantly pouring in.

...What does it mean to be a proactive leader? It means you lean into the challenging situations that face you. You don't avoid them, post-pone facing them, or pretend they will resolve themselves if you just ignore them a little longer."

» Read the full article

Kidology offers discounted subscriptions to this monthly newsletter via the Kidology Store. Members can save $15!

» Children's Ministry Professional Edition Newsletter Subscription

Unbridled: Don't be afraid of something so tiny
Unbridled"Due to our wonderful wintertime weather, I have been spending a lot of time riding indoors.  Last week, something flew past my head and it startled me. I knew right away from its erratic flight pattern that it was a BAT! I really dislike bats... in fact, I would even go as far as to say, "I hate bats."

While I was driving home from the barn it struck me. How often do we let something so tiny drive us away from doing what we love? Maybe it is the bad attitude of a volunteer in your ministry, or an unsupportive staff mate at your church...."

- Children's Pastor Kim Bobb, via the Unbridled Blog



Do you need time to refresh and worship?  Look no further than Unbridled.

Unbridled is our 2nd annual Kidology Women's Retreat at 3P Ranch in Circleville, Ohio, from May 24-26, 2010. We will be learning about horses, saddling up, hiking, spending time in the Word, having bonfires, enjoying nature, laughing, and bonding together.

Take a break, get away from the busyness of ministry, and listen to what the Lord has for you! Join us at Unbridled, only 3 spots left!

» Learn more at UnbridledRetreat.org
» View photos of last year's retreat
Did you miss Manic Monday?
Manic Monday
Manic Monday is a weekly event that features special discounts on items in the Kidology Store.

The ONLY way to get in on the deals is via the Manic Monday E-mail Newsletter.  Did you miss it?  If you don't want to lose out on future savings, make sure you sign up today!

Since you are already a subscriber to Kidology's regular e-mail Newsletter, just click the Update Profile/E-mail Address link at the bottom of this e-mail... or visit our Newsletter area to modify your newsletter subscriptions.

Once you've confirmed your e-mail address, simply add "Manic Monday Kidology Store Specials" to the list of newsletters you'd like to receive.  And as always, you can unsubscribe at any time.

» Sign up for the Manic Monday Newsletter
Yosemite Summit: Make "Someday" a Reality
Yosemite Summmit"What are you saying you will do someday? Write a book? Go on some dream vacation? Produce a resource? Start a business? I can't even guess what it is for YOU, but YOU know what I'm talking about... I'm scratching that itch RIGHT NOW. I know I am.

The point is, start planning it NOW. At least get out a pad of paper and start scratching out the first few steps..."

- Karl Basitan, via the Yosemite Summit Blog


To help you make "someday" a reality, we're pleased to announce that a scholarship has been provided to attend Yosemite Summit, our 3rd annual personal sabbatical for male children's pastors.  If you have been wanting to go on this retreat, but can't afford it, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

This 5-day adventure takes place May 23-27, 2010 at Yosemite National Park in California.

If you are interested, visit YosemiteSummit.org for the scholarship application details. One recipient will be chosen by the end of February. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of being selected. Others who apply and qualify may be put on a waiting list in case other scholarships become available.

Limited to 8 men, it's a unique opportunity to get away from the office, the church, the phones, the Internet, and the busyness of life and ministry. Recuperate with fellow ministers while hiking, worshiping, and enjoying genuinely refreshing fellowship surrounded by vistas that only God could create.

» Learn more about Yosemite Summit
» Register today!  Only 5 spots remaining!