Comments for Elemental Children's Ministry

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by John

John — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:49:36 +0000

Thanks – I’ve been wanting to do this forever!

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:41:11 +0000

thanks so much you helped me tons!!!!!!! you rock!!!!!!

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by kelly

kelly — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:56:26 +0000

Thank you! With all of those steps I would not have figured it out on my own.

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by Cameron

Cameron — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:26:19 +0000

Worked perfectly.

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by stijn

stijn — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:41:34 +0000

thanks!

Comment on Getting Rid of That “Extra Space” You Get In Word:Mac 2008 by Kim

Kim — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:49:25 +0000

Thank you so much. This has been really bugging me and I’m so happy to have it fixed. Its the little things ;-P

Comment on Family Friendly vs. Family-Centric by Tim Ritter

Tim Ritter — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:55:33 +0000

I’m not sure I can agree with the need to be just family-friendly in the IKEA sense. I love IKEA, and a lot of what they do may inspire kids’ sense of design and prompt them to push parents to buy and do more of what IKEA promotes – but most of it is just accommodating kids or keeping them busy while the parents do the shopping. It is not kid-targeted intentionally – the parents do the deciding and the buying. Church is too often this way – we think it is kid-friendly or family-friendly because there are colorful decorations and fun things to keep the kids busy – all while the real business of the adult service takes place. At best, CM and youth gets on par with the level of quality and attention the adult service gets. Going an extra step and creating something families experience together is a great idea, but still falls short.
You stated that “we can’t make church family centric and have it revolve around what we are doing in children’s and student ministries.” That seems right and wrong. Right in the sense that we can’t simply re-package a children’s service, throw the parents in for good measure, and call that FM. But wrong in the sense that the only alternative is this ‘family friendly’ model where those not looking for FM can do their shopping for spiritual growth and never be bothered by all those kids over there. I think there is an opportunity here for some radical re-thinking an innovation inspired by this resurgence of interest in FM. If your role as a parent, grandparent, child, sibling, etc. is one of the most influential in the spiritual shaping of one another in our homes – why can’t church be completely centered around just that – bringing Christ into the home where the whole family engages in the growth that is spurred on, resourced, equipped, partnered by the church. Let the adult, youth, kids, seniors, and other ministry niches be that – and have the central task of the local church be connecting families to God. May not be the flavor of congregation everyone is drawn to, but I think it could very well meet a gaping hole of disconnectedness our families and neighborhoods are experiencing in today’s culture.

Comment on Need Some Help With That? by henryjz

henryjz — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:14:17 +0000

Kevin! Hey good to hear from you and glad to hear that you are doing well. Glad you found the blog. Feel free to comment and add your insights! I’ll have to email and reconnect with you!

Comment on Need Some Help With That? by Kevin Ganiere

Kevin Ganiere — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:56:16 +0000

Hey Henry,
Long time! Anyway saw your blog on facebook and thought I would check it out. I have stayed plugged in ministry since leaving OR and just recently came on part time as the Elementary Kids Pastor at our church (lifechurchgermantown.com). I am a do-it-myselfer and being part time and working 40-50 hours a week at another job has taught me to delegate and let people help. I would burn out way to fast if I didn’t.
Take Care

Comment on Oh Please!! Dr. Dobson Reacts to a Speech by Barack Obama by Chris Yount Jones

Chris Yount Jones — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:25:12 +0000

Yes! Henry, I love what you said: “It’s not about being right. It’s about meeting people where they are and pointing them to a more full life following Christ. It’s hard to do that when we are whining about how right we are.”

We are reaping what the moral majority has sown–people who are suspicious of the church (ie, the results in the book Unchristian).

Hopefully, a new generation is rising up that will speak the truth in love instead of just trying to cram its truth down people’s throats.