January 2009 Newsletter

 
 

A NEW YEAR. A NEW OPPORTUNITY.
The old has passed, the new has come! January is a time we find ourselves naturally evaluating our lives and ministry. If you haven't already, you may want to consider taking some time to invest in your sanity with the Refine, Define and Shine online training Lab to help you get a better grasp of all that you are trying to manage.

It's also a time to turn your focus forward and think about how you want to grow and learn this year. To help, I've prepared my Top 10 CM Books, Websites, and Experiences you may want to consider for 2009. One of the best investments you can make in your ministry is to invest in yourself - and especially your walk with God.

Because Jesus Loves Children,
Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"

 
THE KIDOLOGIST'S TOP 10 IN CM
Top 10 in CM"The other day I got an e-mail from a senior pastor who will soon be speaking to a gathering of children's pastors from around the country," notes Karl Bastian, the Kidologist.

"He asked, 'If you were a denominational Christian Education Director who oversaw the children's ministry for all the churches in a given state or region...'
  • What 10 recent books would you read or tell other directors about?
  • What 10 websites would you share with other directors?
  • What 10 experiences, conferences, or resources would you tell other directors about?
My response? "Sounds like a great topic for Kidology!"

» View the Top 10 selections and add your comments!
» Agree or disagree? Chime in over at the Network Forums

TRENDS ON TRACK?
Kidology ReportTwo years ago, we published a Kidology Report on the Top Ten Trends in Children's Ministry. It's wise to reflect back on these things and look ahead with fresh eyes, especially in a new year. Let's take a moment to look back on these trends and see what has changed or stayed the same!

» Original 2007 Report: Top Ten Trends in Children's Ministry
» Discuss where we are 2 years later!

NEED IMAGES FOR VALENTINES DAY?
Worship PhotosJust in time for Valentine's Day, the Love Mini-Collection from Worship Photos is an exceptional graphics collection of 34 creative original backgrounds that you can use with PowerPoint or other presentation software.

Now available in the Kidology Store for immediate download! Kidology members save $2.

» Get this collection NOW!

PRODUCT FLASHBULB: 2 NEW NAVPRESS BOOKS!
My First MessageNavPress just sent Kidology 2 new books for review, and we've got an extra set we want to send you! Here's a quick look through this Kidology Product Flashbulb...

The first is My First Message, a devotional for kids ages 4-8 featuring the text of Eugene H. Peterson's The Message Bible. The second is My First Message Bible Search, described as a "Bible Concordance and Dictionary for Kids" (ages 6-10).

Learn more about these new resources and your chance to get a copy. Join the ongoing conversation in the Resource and Product Feedback area on the Kidology Network Forums.

» More info about these two new products!

SHOP & SELL: KIDOLOGY GARAGE SALE
Kidology Garage SaleBattle tough economic times and shrinking budgets by shopping for bargains on gently-used items in the Kidology Garage Sale

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

YOSEMITE SUMMIT & UNBRIDLED
Challenge your spiritual life by attending our upcoming Kidology Retreats in 2009. They are "Unconferences for Children's Pastors!"

Yosemite Summit is a 4-day personal sabbatical for male children's workers, taking place in California's Yosemite National Park from May 17-21, 2009. Only 6 slots remain available!

» Men: Learn about Yosemite Summit!

Unbridled is a 3-day retreat for female children's workers, taking place in central Ohio from May 18-20, 2009. It also only has 6 slots available.


» Women: Discover what Unbridled is all about!

Yosemite Summit

Unbridled

VALENTINE'S DAY ZONE
February 14 will be here before you know it, so it might be a good time to check out Kidology's Valentine's Day Zone for some great teaching ideas. And hey, if you have a great idea for the holiday, why not submit it and share it with everyone else? We would "love" it if you had the "heart" to do so!

» Visit the Valentine's Day Zone

HISTORY IN CONTEXT
White House"It took me a while to understand the importance of witnessing to my own child the events that happened these past few days... How do some of you discuss the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the doors that have opened for other races now that Obama is President?"

» What are your long-term hopes for kids of minorities?

MEMBER BENEFIT: ONLINE TRAINING
Membership CenterDid you know that your Kidology Membership includes access to video-based online training? Yup, it does!

In fact, if you are a Professional or Group Member, you can interact with all 5 of our Leadership Lab lessons right now. So, why not take advantage of these membership benefits right now and start watching!

  1. First Things First
  2. Visionary Leadership
  3. Kid-Focused Ministry Foundations
  4. Partnering with Parents
  5. Define, Refine and Shine
And if you aren't a Kidology Member, why not join today?

Kidology Online Training is exclusive to Professional and Group Members.
Want to access free online training videos and more? Upgrade today!

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