Last week I talked about this new CM networking opportunity I am trying to put together. The idea is to create a round table environment online for CM people. In other words, it’s a way for A LOT of CM people to get together and talk about any item in CM, without the cost of travel.
All you have to do is log in or call to this page (information for how to do both are on THIS page) at the time the show is going to begin. Then from there, we talk/type. We simply pick a topic and discuss it…being open to hear every perspective and grow from what we learn from each other.
If I am honest…I have NO idea how this is going to look when we first begin. The first one will probably involve a lot of learning as to how things work, but ‘hopefully’ its something that is an interest for a lot of you guys and the turnout will be great!?!?! 
However, what I do know is that I could really uses you guys’ help on deciding what to talk about. I mean, if you could sit around a table with a bunch of other CM people what would you want to know, discuss, debate even…? Something like…(please insert your feedback here)!
June 5th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I’d love to be involved, if nothing more than just to listen and learn. But I work a 9-5 office job too and I can’t access it from here. At the very least, I’d like to listen to an archived version when you do it. I am new to the CM world and would just like to glean whatever I can from those more experienced than I…
June 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am
How to clone a good volunteer….
I’m interested, tell me when to sign up!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:54 am
This is a GREAT idea and I can’t wait for the conversation! I’d love to hear about how to get children’s ministry volunteers to spend the time to be fed spiritually themselves. To go beyond the response of “I learn so much just by preparing to teach!” (which is true…but not enough).
June 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I would love to talk about how you juggle all the different responsibilities and programs that often come with Kids Ministry.
June 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Pudge, great idea on the networking deal. The thing that I would love to talk about that I am seeing more and more is the tension between authenticity and excellence. Notice that most of the highest viewed videos on YouTube are not excellent but very authentic (not polished). Meaning, most of the time the videos are done very poorly, funny but poorly. Should this or does this fact have anything to do with Children’s Ministry or Ministry in general? If so, how do you think this impacts it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not in favor of doing authentic (ie not polished or poor) work for God but is there a point to people wanting to meet an Authentic God and not really worrying about super polished Ministers.
June 5th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
how to move your “older/old-fashioned” teachers from flannelgraph to 2008 …
June 6th, 2008 at 2:23 am
This sounds like fun! I like Matt’s idea.
The other idea I would love to discuss or at least hear discussed is successful models for small groups for elementary aged kids. I’m getting ready to launch small groups on Sunday mornings in the fall. In the past I’ve had breakout groups (not the same as it wasn’t always the same leader each week), but I had small groups one Wednesday nights where kids had the same group and leader every week. The weeknight groups were relational, but they were also intentional about teaching kids the basics of faith (following more of Saddleback’s small group model). I’m wrestling with this as I’m not convinced weekend small groups effectively train and develop kids. I see them developing “life-changing” relationships (which I totally value) where spiritual growth is fostered, but not convinced it’s the silver bullet. I’d love to hear from those that are just doing small groups on the weekend.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I’m in.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I echo Kenny! I am in the exact same boat with starting small groups this fall. I am also researching “simple” churches and how they incorporate missions and serving into Children’s Ministry without creating another program.
June 11th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Man, this is all good stuff and I love the diversity! I would like to add…..how do we build margin in our lives as children’s pastors/ministers/directors, etc…? What does this look like? What are some practical applications that we can put in place so we keep our priorities in line and not fall in the pit! Are we addicted….to children’s ministry that is? I can’t wait to meet everybody at the round table! See ya then!
June 12th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Did the date get changed? I was sure it was today…June 12 but now I see that it’s June 19.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Yes, we rescheduled for next week. Sorry about that. I did a post about it this week if you want to know more!
Thanks for understanding!
pudge
June 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
No problem…I just wanted to make sure not to miss it (and that I wasn’t crazy)!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
No Liz, you’re not crazy…it looks like I may be getting there a little more each day though!
See ya at the Round Table!
pudge