Kidology Newsletter - February 2009


	February 2009 Newsletter

READY TO RIDE THE WAVE?
Everywhere you look, from workshops at conferences to the newest children's ministry leadership books, you are hearing a growing call: The spiritual formation of children must be done by parents, not for parents. The church's role is shifting from one of serving and supporting parents to one of empowering, equipping and encouraging parents.

If you can't feel the wave growing, you've either let it pass ahead of you – or should see the swell rising behind you. To best "surf" this growing ministry wave, you'll need to carefully watch the swell growing, letting some of the advance ones pass, position yourself in the best spot, start paddling in the right direction, and get ready to push down at just the right moment. Soon you too can stand up and ride it in!

We hope some resources included in this edition of the Kidology Newsletter can help as you "surf".

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


	DEVELOPING STRATEGY FOR MAKING DISCIPLES In order to develop a ministry-wide strategy of making disciples, you must start to not only include parents in your considerations, but make them an essential ingredient. This will take effort, creativity, and a willingness to accept, even initiate change. "Ministry as usual" is certainly easier, but if long-term results are what we are truly after, then we must be willing to make adjustments now. » Read entire article by Karl Bastian


	THE NEW DEAL What do you bring to the table when it comes to partnering with parents? Maybe it's time to renegotiate your terms. This article by Karl Bastian originally appeared in Children's Ministry Magazine - January/February 2009. It's now available on Kidology for you to read and discuss! » Do you partner with parents? Keep reading!


	LEARNING THE WORK OF PLAY Episode 10 of Kidology's Children's Ministry Podcast is available for download. In this free podcast, Karl continues his 3-part series on how to be a Children's Ministry Missionary - reaching kids from within their culture. This episode focuses on learning the spirit of play and provides some helpful insights into how to use play to connect with kids... and it's more than just playing games. Brought to you by AlanRoot.com. » Download and listen to Episode 10 » Discuss this podcast in the Network Forums


	MANIC MONDAY IS BACK! Kidology is bringing back Manic Monday, a weekly event that features special discounts on items in the Kidology Store. This time around, the ONLY way to get in on the deals is via our new Manic Monday E-mail Newsletter. We're going to be notifying subscribers of special deals soon, so make sure you sign up today! Since you are already a subscriber to Kidology's regular e-mail Newsletter, just click the Update Profile/Email 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 new Manic Monday Newsletter

KIDOLOGY GARAGE SALE - GREAT DEALS!
Stretch your children's ministry dollars 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

KIDOLOGY ON TWITTER
For almost a year now, Kidology has been sharing updates from the children's ministry world via Twitter, a microblogging service. It's a great way to keep up on the ideas, conversations, and new resources that arise each day. (Plus, every now and then, you'll get some Twitter-exclusive discounts on products!)

Follow us: twitter.com/Kidology

Curious about Twitter and want to learn more? Here are a couple helpful resources:

Kidology Network Forums: How to use Twitter
Karl Bastian answers the question "Why Twitter?"
Follow Karl on Twitter as well: twitter.com/Kidologist


	MOVIE REVIEW: INKHEART "Mo Folchart is a silvertongue... a gifted storyteller who reads the written word and when he does, somehow, some way, characters come out of the book and come to life." "He has no control over who or when. This really became a problem while reading the book Inkheart," notes Kidology CP Team member Nancy Keith in her review of the film by the same name. As with all Kidology movie reviews, we provide children's ministry-oriented teaching tools such as an overview, areas of concern, teachable themes with scripture, and discussion questions. » Read the Review » Discuss the Film in the Forums!

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 4 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 4 slots remaining.

» Women: Discover what Unbridled is all about!


	MOVIE REVIEW: HOTEL FOR DOGS "...Everything is bleak, but the one bright spot is their dog named Friday. They care for this dog in secret. When keeping him out of sight in the apartment becomes too much, they go to a nearby, abandoned hotel to find a place for him to stay. There are already two other dogs living there..." "Hotel for Dogs is a great dog movie. It is amusing and engaging. The actors are great. The dogs are amazing. The tricks and special effects are wonderful. You might even cry at the end!" » Read the Review » Discuss the Film in the Forums!


	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

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