Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

In this episode, we celebrate one year of the podcast with a special Q&A episode where we answer questions you all have asked and submitted throughout the year!

One Year Celebration

Congratulations to Jhark423 for winning the $50 Amazon Gift Card. Thanks for the rating and review you left on iTunes, and for listening and learning along with us!

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of Carey Nieuwhof's course, High Impact Leader, check out The Ultimate Guide to Productivity, and leave a comment with your name and a tool, app, or best practice that helps you stay productive. On Friday, we will randomly choose one person who commented to win Carey's awesome resource.

The Five Questions

1. How do you train volunteers when time is limited? What are some practical ideas for when you are training volunteers? And, what does it look like to train volunteers in a digital age? Start Time: 9:35
2. How do you recruit and develop coaches, or volunteers who lead other volunteers? Start Time: 19:37
3. What are some ways you can measure and determine whether or not you are winning in ministry? Start Time: 37:25
4. What are some suggestions or best practices when following up with new families? Start Time: 48:57
5. How do you navigate leading in a role, or in a church, that is not what you expected? Start Time: 56:30

Links Mentioned in This EpisodeQuestion #1: Training Volunteers

1. Develop a good onboarding process. Download our Volunteer Onboarding Process,  Application and Background Check Email, Volunteer Application, Volunteer Reference Email, Volunteer Reference Form, Volunteer Interview Questions, Orientation Book, and 6 Week Follow-Up to help you get started.
   1. Cast vision and answer, “Why does this matter? Why should you serve on this team? And, what is the difference you can make?“
   2. Clarify and communicate the fundamentals of your environment, ministry policies, and security procedures
   3. Pair them with an expert volunteer and allow them to apprentice for six weeks
   4. Have conversations throughout the process to see if the role they are pursuing, or the ministry environment, is a good fit for them
2. Create a culture where the leaders who lead a group of volunteers have one-on-ones with them. These meetings allow for personal care and leadership development. (Check out Episode 041 with Allyson Evans for some great thoughts on leadership development)
3. Hold trainings (Read the 7 Keys to an Effective Volunteer Training System here a

In this episode, I talk with Jeff Henderson of Gwinnett Church. Jeff and I talk about Champion Tribes–something new he’s launching to help busy dads connect with their sons in unique and life-changing ways. If you lead in ministry, it’s an awesome way to partner with parents and help families in your community  win. And, if you're a parent, it's a phenomenal resource that helps you journey with other parents and students who are walking through the same critical phase.

Jeff Henderson

Connect with Jeff on Twitter and Instagram

Champion Tribes

Gwinnett Church

Notes From This EpisodeChampion Tribes: Breakdown

• Launches June 1
• Download content digitally with the app
• 12 sessions, completed over the course of 6-12 months
• Gathering of 5-8 dads and their sons (ideally between the ages of 11 and 14)
• Small group format with a game, movie clip, discussion questions, and teaching
• Includes gifts that dads give their sons along the journey
• Ends with a final blessing

Action Items

1. Check out Champion Tribes and consider piloting it with a group of dads at your church
2. Talk about how your team can make this tool an integral part of your strategy to help families win

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Leave a rating and a comment in iTunes to let me know how this podcast is helping you and your ministry. Also, let me know how we can make it better!

Next Episode: One Year Q&A

Next week, we celebrate one year of the podcast with a special Q&A episode where we'll be answering questions you all have asked and submitted throughout the year. Starting this Monday, May 15th, we'll also be giving a bunch of stuff away–several gift cards and resources that will help you as leaders. If you follow the blog, subscribe to the email list, or connect on social media, there will be opportunities every day for you to win one of our giveaways. Then, we'll kick off another year of the podcast with two of our very first guests, Kenny and Elle Campbell. We'll talk about what they've been up to over the past year, and all the new things they are doing to empower and help youth leaders.

In this episode, I interview Jared Massey. Jared and I talk about what children’s ministry in a small church looks like. Jared shares his definition of a small church, why he is passionate about leaders who serve in a small church context, and unique strengths and challenges they face. Whether you serve in children’s or student ministry, the principles apply across the board.

Jared Massey

Connect with Jared on Facebook and Twitter

SmallTownKidmin.com

Warsaw Assembly of God

One Year Anniversary

The One Year Anniversary of the podcast is Tuesday, May 16th. You won’t want to miss this episode! Like NickBlevins.com on Facebook and check your email for giveaways and more info as it approaches. I’ll also be doing a special Q&A episode, where I answer questions that all of you have sent in throughout the year. If you’d like to submit a question, email me at [email protected], send it on Twitter @nickblevins, or click the “Ask a Question” button on the right side of this page to leave a message. I’d love to hear from you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Orange

RuralCompassion.org – An organization that helps small churches in rural areas make an impact in their communities

Leadership and Church Size Dynamics – Dr. Timothy Keller shares how size effects the culture, style, strengths, weaknesses, and roles within a church

The Grasshopper Myth (book) – Karl Vaters argues against the myth that small churches are less than what God desires them to be

Strengths of Small Churches

1. Opportunity to know and care for all individuals
2. Environment that feels like home
3. Fewer facilities and resources to manage
4. Lack of red tape creates an ability to be mobile and respond quickly to needs

Barriers Small Churches Face

1. The need to be all things to all people
2. Spending too much time in areas that are not your strengths
3. Finite resources

Recruiting in a Small Church

1. Have conversations with people and ask lots of questions
2. Don't make assumptions, and don't allow what you know to disqualify someone
3. The best conversations happen outside of church

Action Items

1. Check out some of the resources mentioned above to see where your church falls in terms of size, strengths, and other dynamics
2. Evaluate the different ministries and initiatives in your church to determine what you can eliminate

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In this episode, I interview Brad Griffin of Fuller Youth Institute. Brad and I talk about the book, Growing Young, which is all about six essential strategies that help churches reach young people and create churches they love to attend. Brad and I dive into some questions about how to apply it practically, look at what churches are currently doing to apply the principles in this book, what's working, and what's not working.

Brad Griffin

Connect with Brad on Facebook and Twitter

Fuller Youth Institute

One Year Anniversary

The One Year Anniversary of the podcast is Tuesday, May 16th. You won't want to miss this episode! Like NickBlevins.com on Facebook and check your email for giveaways and more info as it approaches. I'll also be doing a special Q&A episode, where I answer a lot of questions that you've sent in throughout the year. If you'd like to submit a question, email me at [email protected], send it on Twitter @nickblevins, or click the “Ask a Question” button on the right side of this page to leave a message. I'd love to hear from you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Growing Young (book) – Dr. Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin dive into the six essential strategies that help churches reach young people and create churches they love to attend

ChurchesGrowingYoung.com – Check out more resources for Growing Young

FREE Assessment – See where your church lands with regards to the six core strategies

Kara Powell and Carey Nieuwhof talk Growing Young – Carey Nieuwhof interviews Dr. Kara Powell about what she has discovered about what matters and what doesn't when it comes to reaching young people

Sticky Faith (book) – Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark talk about the relationships and best practices required to help young people develop long-term faith

Growing Young Found that These Things Didn't Matter

1. Church size
2. Church age
3. Location or region of the country
4. Denomination

A Strategy of Disproportionate Prioritization

1. Intentionally pay attention to young people
2. Support and equip parents

In this episode, I talk with Katie Edwards. Katie is the Junior High Pastor at Saddleback Church in California. She shares some great insight on how to understand middle school students, and then how we can help them understand just how much Jesus loves them. Katie walks through the specifics of what they teach, how they train leaders, and how they use what's unique about middle schoolers as they plan their ministry for the year.

Katie Edwards

Connect with Katie on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Saddleback Church

One Year Anniversary

The One Year Anniversary of the podcast is Tuesday, May 16th. You won't want to miss this episode. Like NickBlevins.com on Facebook and check your email for giveaways and more info as it approaches. I'll also be doing a special Q&A episode, where I answer a lot of questions that you've sent in throughout the year. If you'd like to submit a question, email me at [email protected], send it on Twitter @nickblevins, or click the “Ask a Question” button on the right side of this page to leave a message. I'd love to hear from you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Understanding Your Young Teen (book) – Mark Oestreicher shares insight into early adolescent development, how cultural changes impact this, and practical advice for parents on how to understand middle school students and lead them

Middle School Ministry (book) – Mark Oestreicher and Scott Rubin's comprehensive guide to connecting with middle schoolers and their parents, and helping them grow

My Faith | My Family | My Friends | My School (book series) – Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher's junior high survival series that helps put readers in the mindset of middle schoolers

It's Just a Phase–So Don't Miss It (book) – Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy walk through the phases of a kid's life, sharing information about development and pointing to what they need most at each stage, allowing parents and leaders to maximize each phase

Orange – Check out Orange's resources for middle sc

In this episode, I talk with one of the small group leaders from our church, Shannon Pijanowski. Shannon is a phenomenal small group leader who leads a group of 2nd graders every Sunday morning, and a group of 11th graders every Sunday night. We walk through what she does on a week-to-week basis to connect with kids and students, and how she partners with their parents.

Shannon Pijanowski

Connect with Shannon on Facebook and Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Community Christian Church

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Lead Small – Check out more posts and resources to help small group leaders as they invest in their few

Small Group Leader Pre-Sunday Best Practices:

1. Read the curriculum before Sunday morning. Knowing it well helps you communicate better and frees you up to connect with kids and students.
2. Adjust the curriculum according to your few, and integrate extra props, visuals, and interactive elements to engage them
3. Circle up and touch base about with other leaders to share wins and stories, and what's working/what's not working
4. Invest in yourself. Go to trainings, read blogs, and check out books. They don't always have to be SGL-specific. Parenting blogs, resources for family ministry leaders, and others, can be really helpful.
5. Set an example for other leaders
6. Pray specifically for the time you will have with your kids or students each week

Small Group Leader Sunday Best Practices

1. Intentionally focus the time
2. Compliment them
3. Talk about their lives
4. Make agreements and invite them into making those agreements
5. Champion students owning their own faith, and encourage them to serve at church
6. Look for opportunities to give your kids or students ownership/leadership
7. Validate and encourage questions
8. Show them your Bible

Small Group Leader Post-Sunday Best Practices

1. Pray for each kid or student every week, and pray for bigger things going on in their lives multiple times a week
2. Pray for their families and connect with parents for prayer requests
3. Compliment them in front of their parents
4. Follow up with parents about what was talked about during group, especially if a big topic or question was broached
5. Notice when they are not there and send a handwritten note
6. Send birthday cards that personally celebrate them and call our their gifts
7. Celebrate milestones with them (ex: baptism, driver's license)
8. Go to events and games outside of Sunday
9. Follow up with other leaders

Shannon's Elementary Small Group Agreements:

1. Keep our hands, feet, and bodies to ourselves
2. Look for ways to be helpful and encouraging
3. Be kind with our words and actions
4. Be respectful to our friends and leaders
5. Have fun

Action Items

1. If you're a small group leader, choose one of the things Shannon talked about and try it this week
2. If you're a ministry leader, share this episode with your volunteers and use it as a springboard for discussion
3. Consider moving from a class or concert model to a small group model where individual leaders invest in their few ever

In this episode, I talk with Student Pastor Justin Knowles. Justin and I have a great conversation about creative ideas for youth ministry events and programming. We also dive into what makes a great volunteer culture and he shares his 3 year plan for revamping the ministry he came into at Christ's Church.

Justin Knowles

Connect with Justin on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

JustinKKnowles.com

Christ's Church of the Valley

Click Here to Win a FREE Orange Conference Ticket

Like the page and comment on my OC17 Ticket post with your location and church. I will be choosing a name this Friday, April 7 at 5PM Eastern Time. If you're planning to be at the Orange Conference, feel free to reach out and let me know. It'd be great to connect with you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Download Youth Ministry Blog – Check out Justin's posts and other resources to find more creative ideas for youth ministry

The 4 Disciplines of Execution (book) – Chris McChesney shares how to determine what is most important, develop a strategy for going after it, and seeing it through to completion

Event Ideas

• Glow-in-the-dark night
• Silent disco with headphones and dancing
• Fall flannel festival with fire pits, a photo booth, and all things pumpkin flavored
• Backyard BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, inflatables, human hamster balls, and an ice cream truck

Christ's Church's New Student Area

1. Invite new students to the back of room at the end of the night
2. Have them fill out a quick info card
3. Give them a giant candy bar
4. Follow up that week with a personal text from the leader they were introduced to

Justin's Process for Revamping Student Ministry

1. Started with leaders
2. Rewrote volunteer expectations
3. Had all leaders reapply
4. Onboarded new volunteers
5. Created opportunities for leaders to hang out together
6. Began 3 year plan (Programming, small groups, serving)

Action Items

1. Try planning and hosting events that take place during your regular programming
2. Gather a team of people and brainstorm creative ideas for youth ministry programming, events, trips, and culture

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In this episode, I interview Next Gen Pastor Aaron Jack Bauer of Journey Church. We talk about leading yourself and the specifics of how Aaron takes responsibility for his own growth. Aaron also walks through what it has looked like for the Children's and Student Ministries at Journey to align as one NextGen team.

Aaron Jack Bauer

Connect with Aaron on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Journey Church

Click here to register for Orange Conference 2017

Let me know if you’ll be there–it’d be great to connect with you!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Jim Wideman's Infuse – An online coaching program for kidmin leaders

Orange Legacy Countdown – An app to remind you that you do more with the time you have when you can see how much time you have left

Leading Yourself: Questions to Ask

1. What's it like to be on the other side of me?
2. If you were employed by you, how would you lead you?
3. What information am I taking in? What am I reading and/or listening to?
4. Who am I connecting with and learning from?
5. How well am I leading myself?

Leading Yourself: Evaluate

1. Analyze your time and priorities
2. Know and understand your strengths and areas of challenge
3. Take a personality profile test, study it, and return to it periodically (Ex: Path Elements, Right Path, StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs, The Four Temperaments Test)

Leading Yourself: Tips for Learning

1. Don't limit your information consumption to the church world
2. Read books and watch movies that are popular and ask why those things have been a success, and what this says about culture
3. Listen to podcasts
4. Meet up with people in your local area
5. Have conversations with other people who do what you do
6. Seek answers to questions you don't even know you have

Transitioning Your NextGen Team

1. Spend time in one another's environments
2. Draw out the different ministry areas and find where you already overlap
3. Specifically, think through grades that transition from one environment to the next, resource sharing, volunteer training,  and your leadership pipeline
4. Partner with one another as students looks to serve in children's environments
5. Share wins and stories
6. Develop and use common language
7. Value one another and show unity

Action Items

1. Evaluate how well you are leading yourself
2. Invite leaders from other areas of family ministry into your environment

In this episode, I interview Children’s Pastor Corinne Noble. Corinne and I have a great conversation about creating remarkable kids' worship experiences. She talks about what this looks like practically from building teams, training leaders, setting up the environment, to the nuts and bolts of choosing music and scheduling. Corinne also shares a unique idea that her team has pioneered in order to engage kids in worship, and the impact that has had on kids' worship at Desert Springs Church.

Corinne Noble

Connect with Corinne on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

KidminCorinne.com

Desert Springs Church

Click here to register for Orange Conference 2017

Let me know if you'll be there–it'd be great to connect with you!

Elevate Kidmin

Check out our website to see what Elevate Kidmin is all about and search #elevatekidmin to hear stories of different leaders' experiences at the conference. Consider gathering leaders in your area for encouragement and development. I'd love to have a conversation with you about how to launch something like this in your area. Click here to listen to my interview with Andy Needham where we talk more in depth about what this looks like practically.

Notes From This EpisodeTips for Creating a Remarkable Kids' Worship Experience

1. Expect all leaders, not just worship leaders, to set the example for worship
2. Encourage leaders to worship with kids, not behind kids
3. Cast vision to male leaders especially that in order for their boys to participate, they need to participate
4. Encourage worship leaders to lead verbally and set up the worship experience by explaining what it is
5. Bring down the lights and bring the sound level up
6. Invite kids out of their seats
7. Choose music intentionally and repeat songs

Kids' Worship Nights at Desert Springs

• Teach kids about worship–what it is, why we do it, how we can do it
• Time for small groups to talk about worship and worship in different ways
• Host 2-4 times a year, with the goal of once a quarter
• Click here for Corinne's tips on how to plan a worship night

Action Items

1. Evaluate your current kids' worship experience with other leaders in your ministry
2. Discuss the idea of having kids' worship nights
3. Consider building a team of student worship leaders and develop a plan to recruit and train them

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In this episode, I interview John Huber. We talk about the values that he and his family ministry leaders utilize, and how these values help them create a great culture.

John Huber

Connect with John on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Westside Family Church

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Good to Great (book) – Jim Collins explores why some companies make the leap from good to great while others don't

If (book)- Mark Batterson encourages followers of Christ to overcome their doubts and fears and live accordingly to the reality that if God is for them, no one can stand against them

The Advantage (book) – Patrick Lencioni dives into the roots of organizational dysfunction and gives practical advice on how to achieve a healthy staff culture

West Side Church's Values for Family Ministry Leaders

1. Leadership: We choose to love first and lead second, but always do both
2. Risk: We have a big God, so we take big risks and trust Him for big results
3. Effort: We work hard, give our best, and put family first
4. Team: We want to take the hill, and we want to take it together
5. Attitude: We live on the solution side of every issue
6. Sober-minded: We know who we are and who we’re not and we do what is best for the whole
7. Outsiders: We exist for those who are not here yet
8. Model: Follow me as I follow Jesus

Making Values a Part of Your Culture

1. Review one value in each weekly or biweekly leadership meetings
2. Write them into the leadership training manual
3. Host quarterly trainings with leaders where you can repeat and emphasize the values
4. Provide videos and other quick forms of review

Action Items

1. Create a list of values for your family ministry leaders
2. Develop a plan for regularly incorporating these values into conversations and meetings

Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.