Best thing about KidMin where I live:
I love being in a place that has people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Being a part of a children's ministry and a church that looks like heaven (over 30 different nations calls Peoples Church home) is absolutely amazing. I am humbled that God has allowed me to minister here and to be a part of their lives. Finding ways to bridge cultural divides and helping kids see that no matter the color of their skin or the economic background they come from, God wants us all to be together united and showing the world how much God loves everyone.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
It is great being a part of a larger group that cares about kids and their future. Seeing them come up with new and creative ways to effectively minister to kids and their families is encouraging. It's nice to know you have other people you can turn to and to know they want to help.
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like:
I want to see KidMin's that fully embraces a multiethnic/racial idea. As our schools, neighborhoods, and extra activities change I want to see the church change with them. KidMin's should not be a silo of one group of kids but a diverse group of kids from all over coming together despite their differences and embracing each other as family. To see KidMin's that look like the picture John painted in Revelation 7:9 a group of kids "from every nation, tribe, people and language.
Best advice I ever received in KidMin:
When I stand before a child/children, God is allowing me to be his hands and feet. In those moments you are becoming the physical representation of Jesus. Use that moment to show kids who Jesus truly is and how much God loves them.
Book I am reading right now:
If Disney ran your children's ministry.
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
I would love to be able to teleport myself. To be able to go anyplace I want at any time.
Best thing about Kidmin where I live:
South Carolina is a growing state for children's ministry, with the creation of the Carolina Kidmin Network, an upcoming CM course at the District School of Ministry and our annual Bridge Conference. There has never been a better time to be in Kidmin here in the Carolinas, plus the people are so friendly.
What I love about the Assembly of God:
I believe there is no other denomination that puts as much effort in reaching and training kids with support from both the state and national level. Programs like BGMC, Royal Rangers, Girls Ministry and JBQ help equip Kidmin leaders in such an awesome way.
What I hope the future of Kidmin will look like:
A future where revival sweeps the nation ushered in by Holy Spirit filled kids from all denominations. Where young people stand up and say "enough", we do not want to continue this course of action anymore!
The best advise I ever received in Kidmin:
Dream BIG, we serve a BIG God and you can't scare Him
Books that I am reading right now:
Leading Kidmin
The E Myth - Revisited
Relational Children's Ministry
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
Barry Allen's "The Flash" speed, there is soooo much I could do and get done, plus a metabolism to match- WOW!
Best thing about Kidmin where I live:
I love Iowa City because of the incredible diversity. We have people from close to every nation and every tongue in this town, our preschool class alone represents 4 different continents! I also love that I work with such an amazing team that is dedicated to reaching kids in our community, whether their parents are able to attend or not. I love that our church culture honors and serves the kids of our town, through reading programs, feeding programs and people who are willing to offer their homes to kids who need them. I love that we live in a diverse community that is committed to see everyone have a seat at the table.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
I love that the Assemblies of God has an ever growing awareness of the importance of diversity.
What I hope the future of Kidmin will look like:
I hope for a future of KidMin where kids and leaders from every nation and every tongue love God with all their heart and love their neighbors as themselves.
Best advice I ever received in Kidmin:
Don't get focused on behavior modification, you are building disciples, teach kids to know and love God and others, to obey his call, even if it means following God into dangerous places to save his people.
Book I am reading right now:
African American Children at Church by Wendy L. Haight
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
The power to communicate in any language and to stop time, just long enough to take a good nap!
What is it that you love about children's ministries?
I love being able to connect with the whole family; to be able to build relationships that span generations! It is my absolute joy as a pastor to do life together and for our kiddos to know that they are known and loved and wanted by God and by us! How cool is it that I GET TO help ignite an excitement and hunger in kids to build a relationship with God that lasts a lifetime?! I LOVE IT!
What is one of the most interestings things going on in your life right now?
We have been able to partner with some new missionaries this year through BGMC and I am so stoked about it!
What do you do for fun outside of ministry?
I am learning to play the ukulele! I also love to learn new things, drink coffee, and spend time making my own two kiddos laugh (:
What is the best lesson you have learned from children's ministries?
This is hard. SO MANY. One of my favorite things, is seeing how sweet ministry becomes the longer that you stay and the deeper relationships you work to build. I think I have learned to love people better and deeper. I have been at New Hope for almost 12 years and the trust that is built when you are able to stay somewhere for a long time is so incredible. I love being able to say to a new kindergartner in our elementary ministry, "I have watied for you all your life!"
What is the best lesson you have learned in children's ministry?
The best lesson I have learned in Children's Ministry is that kids shouldn't just be ministered to but should be a vital part of the ministering. They are never too young to be used by God!
What is it that you love about being in children's ministry?
The thing I love most about being in Children's Ministry is those moments when you see a child "REALLY" get it. You know that moment when you see them putting their faith into action - that's the moments I love most!
Jessica Downs
We love traveling, especially overseas! I also love going on fun dates with my husband - taking a pottery class or a cooking class, finding a new coffee shop, etc. And a good board game night with friends refreshes me!
"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken." ;) I've learned that I can plan all I want, but things will come up and those plans may have to change. I have to hold things lightly and not put my identity in my ideas...otherwise it can be really difficult to be willing to switch things up! Ooo...also...I learned how important it is to understand your lead pastor and how he/she ticks. They may function and think totally different than you do and it's your job to learn how to communicate with them so you can both be on the same page. There are a lot of great personality and leadership profiles that can give you invaluable insight into that working relationship!
Best thing about Kidmin where I live:
Our missions statement at The Oaks Fellowship is, “Growing Generations that Transform Communities.” My pastor, the staff and the congregation lives this statement. Epic Kids Ministry is supported, loved and cheered on by the whole team. To have that kind of support and backing is pretty amazing. I also love the cultural diversity in our church and throughout the community we serve.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
I value the friendships, resources and fellowship the Assemblies of God provides! The growth and development that is available to us as ministers is phenomenal. The relationships that I have gained continue to push me to become all that God has called me to be.
What I hope the future of Kidmin will look like:
It is my hope that kids will be naturally super-natural, that they will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and engage this world with the gospel of grace; for passion, obedience, courage and understanding to flow from the depths of their hearts.
Best advice I ever received in Kidmin:
“It will always be messy. It will take longer than you think. You will never be done. But it will be worth it.” - Reggie Joiner
Book I am reading right now:
“The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni
“Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow
If I could have a superpower, what would it be: Teleport - No question! You could travel the world in the blink of an eye. No extra luggage fees or walking through security.
What is the best lesson you have learned in children's ministry?
I will give you two.
What is it that you love about being in children's ministry?
Seeing a child's faith develop over the years. I also really love the bluntness of children.
What book are you reading right now?
Titus and James ... The most recent one I've finished was "Good or God" by John Bevere.
What does a "perfect day" in kidmin look like for you?
No drama and lives changed.
What do you love about the AG?
I'm most thankful for the relationships with others and the understanding that we are all working towards one common goal.
Best thing about KidMin where I live:
THE YOUTH! I would not be able to serve the children of Real Life Church, without the dedication of the Youth ministry who serve along side me. Pastor Cody Scott leads a dynamic group of Youth that I'm blessed to see grow in their talents which they lend to Children's Ministry. They make leading hearts to Jesus FUN!
What I love about the Assemblies of God: It would definitely be the connection and education. There are so many resources for learning how to do anything, create anything and be everything God wants us to be. From building sets, to deep devotions and advice on handling volunteers. AG is a community of people serving each other in order to best serve others.
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like: MORE, the future I'm hoping for is a MORE future....volunteers, salvations, events, leaders!
Best advice I ever received in KidMin: Step away from the computer, eat a handful of goldfish crackers (or animal crackers) and remember this is KIDS ministry.
Book I am reading right now:
Good or God by John Bevere
If I could have a superpower, what would it be: The ability to Fly! I love to travel, and being able to fly would get me everywhere faster.
Best thing about kidmin:
Our mission statement at C3 kids is "to love kids to a growing relationship with Jesus.” We do that by telling our kids the truth about Jesus. Our awesome team members care about families, and care about how kids will grow up. We care about walking through the messiness of life, and through it all, help kids build a relationship with Jesus.
Within our community many of the local Children's Pastors from various denominations get together, have lunch and celebrate what is going on in our kid ministry.
What I love about AG:
I love and value the friendships and relationships that I have found within the Assemblies of God. As my extended family live Scotland, my friends within the AG have become like family to me.
I also appreciate our Ohio School of Ministry, which has provided me with an excellent education and resources, to enable me to fulfill my calling within children's ministry.
What I hope kidmin will look like in the future:That as leaders, we continue to model a "lead small" approach. Teaching kids that all through our lives, whether 5 years old, 15, 25, 35, 65 years old, we need to belong to a "small group or community", to do life with. We were not meant to do life alone.
Through all of this we will teach kids to love Jesus, love others and love life.
Best advice:
Make your words sweet. You may have to eat them - Ryan Frank
Book I am reading right now:
Chase the Lion, by Mark Batterson
As a kids team we are reading “A new kind of leader”, by Reggie Joiner
If I could have a superpower it would be:
Flying; maybe I watched Peter Pan, Wendy and her brothers taking off in the night sky, too many times as a kid. I can only imagine a world with no traffic jams. I could travel anywhere in the world at anytime, visit anyone, and be back home in time for dinner.
Best thing about KidMin where I live:
I love doing Kids Ministry in the inner city of Chicago. These kids have no time for phony baloney! It definitely challenges me to be genuine and passionate in everything I do. These kids are facing tough situations and it's our job to show them just how real our God is!
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
#HolySpiritFlow!!
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like:
A place where kids are overwhelmed with God's love.
A place where kids are challenged to worship deeper.
A place where kids are given the opportunity to grow in their gifts.
A place where kids are encouraged to make Jesus go viral!
Best advice I ever received in KidMin:
"Don't try to copy the leaders who were placed before you. Work towards the vision God has given you for such a time as this."
Book I am reading right now:
The End of Me - Kyle Idleman
Stay the Course - Choco De Jesus
If I could have a superpower, what would it be: The ability to speak every language. I love meeting new people!
Best thing about KidMin where I live:
In 16 years of serving in Kid's Ministry.. I have never served alongside a more loving, caring, committed, creative and fun team. I believe with all my heart that I have the BEST team and I could not do what I do without them. I thank God for them daily and I love the passion they have to serve the children in our church and our community.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
I believe that the Assemblies of God is one of the greatest organizations on the planet! I am blown away by the constant commitment to win lost people and bring them God.
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like:
If we could get the church and parents to intentionally work together towards one goal I believe that every child that walks through our doors every week would have a better future.
PARENTS + CHURCH = GREATER IMPACT
Best advice I ever received in KidMin:
Strive to make your KidMin Service the best 90 minutes of every kid's week.
Book I am reading right now:
Sandcastle Kings - Rich Wilkerson Jr.
LIVE, LOVE, LEAD - Brian Houston
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
Mind Control - Imagine that... "OK Kids! You're all going to sit up straight and listen now..." :)
Best thing about kidmin where I live:
Our children love to worship God and pray for one another. One of goals for our boys and girls is for them to want to worship Him and then know how to pray for each other. There is nothing like ending a service with kids praying for other kids in the front.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
The Assemblies of God provides us with a fellowship of other children’s pastors to partner with and have a network for all of us to succeed in what God has called us to do.
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like:
I pray that the Kidmin of the future is a driving force in our culture where boys and girls are on the positive side of changing and leading their schools and their friends follow them to Christ. Boys and girls need to see and hear their families in their homes serving and knowing God in an outward way so others would be drawn to Him.
Best advice I ever received in KidMin:
Never give up on a child! Those little ones that give you the most grief growing up will sometimes grow up to be great men and women of God called into the ministry and doing great things for God.
Book I am reading right now:
Good or God, by John Bevere
Follow Me by David Platt
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
To see what others are thinking and to steer them to the right thoughts
Best thing about kidmin where I live:
Our mission is helping kids find and follow Jesus. In everything we do, we want kids to know Jesus and to live like Him.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
The AG is all about partnering with you and the vision God has given you. They are consistently striving for excellence in every aspect of ministry. One of my favorite things about the AG is our dedication to missions and spreading the Word of God around the world.
What you hope the future of kidmin will look like:
Kidmin should be the focal point of every church, it is the heart of Christ to reach children. Every church’s kidmin should be the number one evangelistic tool in reaching families that don’t know Jesus. Every environment should be irresistible to kids which will draw families to the body of Christ- if the kids are happy then the parents will be, too!
Best advice I ever received in kidmin:
"Be patient, what you envision and desire will happen, but you must be patient and wait for it.” This was given to me by my lead pastor when I first began in KidMin.
“Have a pastor’s heart.” This was given to me by our executive pastor in dealing with conflict and clashes that happen within the team.
Book I am reading right now:
Going Deep- Gordon MacDonald
Spiritual Leadership- Oswald Chambers
It’s Just a Phase- Reggie Joiner
If I could have a super power what would it be?
Seeing into the future… I like to know what is happening and when!!!
About KidMin where I live:
I love our kids’ passion for missions. We’ve taken the whole summer to bring in missionaries to teach the kids, and have exposed them to foreign culture, customs, and activities while working through the book of Acts. Our kids have absolutely loved getting to lay hands on missionaries in prayer during service and writing letters to them overseas. They are itching to go overseas on their own trips.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
I love how AG is committed to the Great Commission in making God’s family even bigger through world missions.
What I hope the future of KidMin will look like:
Kids Ministry really involved the whole family, not just the kids.
Best advice you ever received in KidMin:
One of Brian Dollar’s books changed my entire perspective on Kids Ministry by stating that kids are world-changers now. They don’t have to wait until they are older to make a difference.
Book I am reading right now:
Tea with Hezbollah - Ted Dekker
If I could have a superpower, what would it be: I have always wanted to be able to fly like Superman.
Best thing about kidmin where you live:
Untapped potential of reaching kids in our vast state!
What you love about the Assemblies of God:
Passion to reach the lost through the power of the Holy Spirit in the USA and around the globe!
What you hope the future of kidmin will look like:
Kids becoming life long followers of Jesus Christ and bringing other with them.
Best advise you ever received in kidmin:
Serve the lead pastors vision above your own.
Book you are reading right now:
"Raising Kingdom Kids" by Tony Evans
If you could have a super power what would it be?
Control weather. I wanted to be a metrologist until I realized how much mathematics is involved.
If I could Have a Super Power:
The ability to travel through time and space. I'd love to be able to experience different time periods, especially the 50s. I also love the idea of being able to be anywhere instantaneously.
What gets me going for kidmin:
Seeing kids play out their faith in real life. Once when teaching on gratitude, I had a student write a thank you note to the ladies who work in the school cafeteria. Those kind of things really inspire me to keep going.
If I could Have a Super Power:
Teleportation (to DISNEY WORLD!)
What gets me going for kidmin:
Kids that have a REAL relationship with Jesus & Passionate Volunteers
Best thing about Kidmin where I live:
I have had the blessing of serving here in Lebanon, PA for almost 15 years. This has allowed me to build so many awesome relationships with kids, families, and the community. I love seeing kids who were once in our ministry now having kids of their own, serving in ministries throughout the church, and changing the world through living out their faith.
What I love about the Assemblies of God:
First, I love that the AG has seen the importance of kids ministry and invests so much time, energy, and manpower into reaching the next generation. I also love that the AG comes along side of the local church and supports both paid staff and lay leaders in kidmin through resources, conferences, district camps, and so many other opportunities. We have so many great opportunities through BGMC, JBQ, and other kids' ministries. We are a blessed fellowship!
What I hope the future of Kidmin will look like:
I hope that people continue to see the great need to reach children while they are young. It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults. My prayer is that kids develop a passion for God, His Word, and missions while they are young. They are not just the church of tomorrow, but also the church of today.
Best advice I ever received in Kidmin:
When you lack creativity, go the the Creator. (Pray)
God doesn't direct our leaps and bounds, He directs our steps. Sometimes we want to skip the step by step plan He has for us, but each step of that plan is important to our development. (Proverbs 16:9)
"Little by little, inch by inch; By the yard it's hard, By the inch, what a sinch; Never stare up the stairs, Just step up the steps; Little by little, inch by inch."
Book I am reading right now:
Talk Now and Later - Brian Dollar
Beat the Clock - Jim Wideman
If I could have a superpower, what would it be:
The ability to rewind time!!! What kidmin leader doesn't have moments that they would like to go back and have a do-over?!?
