Children’s Ministry and Culture

Last night’s holiday, Halloween, is a perfect example of the different ways children’s ministries choose to relate our surrounding culture. Some of you offered alternatives to Halloween while others closed Wednesday night ministry to join the lines of trick-or-treaters. The truth is that every day of the year, we decide how we should intersect with the surrounding culture.

Our readership continues to grow, month-by month. Here are the top-10 Children’s Ministry and Culture posts that you clicked on this month.

The controversial, rated M-17, Halo 3 was released this month, which renewed the debate over the effects of video games on children. Check out Keith’s excellent post. Also, the New York Times observed a tension between our theology and our evangelistic efforts when we use violent games to reach the unchurched. (I’m personally ambivalent on the matter. The rating keeps my church from using the game with teenagers. However, I’m not objecting to our young adult ministry hosting a Halo Tournament. I’m told it’s “Star Wars” violence– we’ll see. The worship leader invited me to his house for a round of Halo to see for myself.

Practitioners are still looking for help teaching children how to discover their spiritual gifts. I love that children’s pastors ”get it.” Say a child comes to Christ at the age of six but doesn’t discover that God empowered her with leadership gifts until she’s twenty-eight. That’s twenty-two years of supernatural empowerment rotting on the vine!

Be-Bratz.com launched. The makers of Bratz dolls launched a social networking website for girls 8-12 to compete with Mattel’s similar Barbie website. These are two artifacts which suggest that children want to interact with technology, and with other children through the medium. They are not seeking out new ways to passively sit in front of a screen.

I taught a class to parents on how to talk to your children about sexand posted my outline. I’ll get my other two outlines “How to Talk to Your Children About God” and “How to Talk to Your Children about Money” on-line soon.

The Harry Potter Series remains morally complex. Rowlings admitted to using Christians themes of resurrection and then revealed that Dumbledore, a wise, nurturing, heroic character who was an admirable care taker of children, was a homosexual. I suggest that this revelation isn’t as much as a challenge to marriage as it is a healthy assault on negative sterotypes that we tolerate about gay men.

Keith uncovered a great article on six different ways to motivate children in a classroom setting. Somehow I missed this article until just now. This is getting emailed to all my teachers.

Several of you procrastinated to purchase Christmas productions. Aaron Reynolds has two great ones for you.

Earlier this year, I interviewed author Barbara Coloroso for a Children’s Ministry Magazine story. Thoughts that didn’t fit in the article ended up here.  

And finally, who are Keith and Larry? Wouldn’t you like to know.

All the best,

Keith Johnson and Larry Shallenberger

If you’re new to the Children’s Ministry and Culture Website, the “Digest” is a monthy feature that points you toward the ten most clicked upon threads over the past thirty days. So if you’re behind on your CM&C reading here’s a quick way to get caught up.

Spiritual Gifts for Children: Attention publishing world: Children’s Ministers want help with the process of helping children discover their spiritual gifts. As of today, 1,702 children’s ministers clicked on that post looking for advice. We’re ready to purchase a well written, hands-on cirriculum that begins the journey. Children’s ministers: the challenge of course is our distinctives. It would be difficult for a publisher to craft a curriculum that appeals to a broad audience when we differ on issues such as tongues and prophesy. If you chose to write your own curriculum consider these tips.  

Be-Bratz: Social networking for children has arrived. Toy companies (Be-Bratz.com and Barbie.com) and Disney (Club Penquin) have all figured out how tap into this phenomenon. To my knowledge, only Group Publishing is on the cutting edge with their Grapple curriculum and the accompanying www.mygrapple.com. We’re using Grapple at my church and I’m waiting to see to what extend the tween’s embrace their online community.

Lunch Box Review: Many new readers found their way here through Keith’s link to the WSJ’s review of the best lunch boxes.

Speaking of new readers, Children’s Ministry and Culture has grown from a few hundred readers a month to several thousands of new monthy readers. Several of you are curious as to who is behind this blog. Keith and I are two children’s ministers and authors who are attempting to stay current with the cultural trends that influence how we do children’s ministry.

Aaron Reynold’s blew our collective minds with the release of “The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School” (Zondervan). Now our readers have been clamoring for information about his two new Christmas Productions. Need a second opinion? Check out Henry Zonio’s review at www.kidology.org.

And you can’t get enough of Orange. You’ve been clicking here to see what Reggie Joyner and Sue Miller have in mind with their traveling family ministry conference next year. 

Dozen’s of you clicked here find out where to download a video Craig Jutila’s talk in Texas. The video has come off the www.empoweringkids.net website. But Craig did say it was for a limited time. Monitor the website and perhaps you’ll be rewarded with another treat.

A while back I interviewed Barbara Coloroso for this article on the wisdom of using economic incentives (reward, bribes) in our ministries. The article has gotten some mixed reactions and has been discussed at both the www.kidology.org and and the www.childrensministry.com message boards.

Speaking of writing, many of you have been exploring links regarding Keith’s and my books. Keith is the author of Teacher Training To Go. TTtG is a unique approach to teacher training. Keith has created email blasts and audio files that you can use to get bite-sized pieces of training to your teachers as they need it. Teacher Training to Go is the multi-authored follow up to that book.

You clicked here to read chapter one of Lead the Way God Made You. LtWGMY is designed to help you know your leadership style and the styles of those leaders around you. You’re also clicking here to read chapter one of Divine Intention: How God’s Work in the Early Church Empowers Us Today. Here’s a youtube link to a TV interview I gave regarding the book on the Harvest Show.

Thanks for reading,

Keith and Larry

Hope you’re having a fantastic summer. Did you get behind on your reading due to vacation?  Here’s are the most clicked upon posts of July.

Bratz launches a social networking website for children:  Keith noted that Bratz, that line of diva-dolls for preteens, is launching a website that allows girls to create personalized webpages and interact with other doll owners. Keith also noted that Group Publishing is launching “Grapple” this fall, a Sunday School curriculum that includes an online web community. I’m trying it out this Fall. I’m curious to see whether children use the online side of it or not.

Spiritual Gifts for Children: I love that this post keeps rising to the top. Children’s ministers believe that children have been empowered by God to serve the church…today. I did catch wind that a publisher is considering developing a curriculum. I have no idea whether or not the idea escaped the editoral team.

Did you hear there was another Harry Potter book and movie? Larry’s post lamenting the church’s divisiveness over Harry earned more clicks. Internet Hacker, Gabriel, was wrong about the ending of Harry Potter. But many clicked anyhow to peek. Keith boldly canonized Rowlings in the same category as C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. After reading Book Seven, I concur. The Deadly Hallows is not an allegory by any stretch of the imagination, however the pages are pregnant with Christian themes regarding life and death. Rowlings, for years, has quietly endured insults and libel from countless pastors bothered by her magical world. Rowlings has meekly reminded us that she is an Anglican. I began reading The Deadly Hallows a Harry Potter fan. I ended the book a Rowlings fan. She wrapped up her epic masterfully, tying up countless lose ends. And she also makes profound theological statements without falling into propoganda.

Larry posted about his decision to let VBS go.

Several of you also were looking for information on Larry’s new book, Divine Intention: How God’s Work in the Early Church Empowers Us  Today. Click here to read the first chapter. Brother Jim Wideman’s endorsement of Divine Intention drove much new traffic to the website and many of you wanted to know just who is behind this blog.

Speaking of books, it’s time to think about teacher training opportunities. In the left column, you’ll see two thumbnail pictures of teacher training books. Teacher Training on the Go is a fantastic book written by our own Keith Johnson. Teacher Training to Go is a multi-authored book in the same format. Keith’s thumbprint is all over the book. Larry made a few contributions to it as well.

And everyone wants to know what Brother Jim Wideman is up to these days. If you are looking to book Jim as a conference speaker or a church consultant– get on it. Word has it that he’s well on the way to getting 2008 booked solid.

And finally, Keith posted this list of links about the effects of video games on children.

God bless and have a great summer!

Keith Johnson and Larry Shallenberger

It’s a few weeks tardy due to holidays and vacation. Here are posts that our readers clicked the most in June. Behind on your reading? Then catch up quickly… 

 Letting VBS Go: Larry blogs about a new (to him) summer strategy for outreach.

Spiritual Gifts for Children: Tips on helping children discover their spiritual gifts. Here’s a related post with more help.

Video Games and their effects on Children: Keith provides a masterful round up on studies on the subject.

Don’t click this unless you want to read a possible spoiler on the Harry Potter finale: Keith reports on a online hacker who claims to have read the ending of HP Book 7. Disappointingly the hacker claims to have stolen and posted the ending to please God and to hurt the HP franchise. Meanwhile Larry muses at how predictible the church has become at being outraged over Harry. Larry also recommends Peppermint Filled Pinatas as a handbook being loving in a diverse, pluralistic society.

You clicked here to discover what Brother Jim Wideman is up now that he’s full time with Jim Wideman Ministries.

There’s still curiousity about claims of a five word baby language. And parents are report high levels of stress when it comes to naming babies.

And finally, you clicked for information about Larry’s new book Divine Intention: How God’s Work in the Early Church Empowers us today. Click here to read chapter one.

Here are the top posts of the last month…

Readers continue to want to understand Craig Jutila’s resignation from Saddleback. By far, these have been the most clicked on posts in our blogs history. We continue to encourage everyone to visit Craig’s www.empoweringkids.net and read his letter of expanation. And kick around the website, Craig hasn’t gone away. Empowering Kid’s is filled with valuable curriculum that has benefitted countless ministries.

We also reported that Brother Jim Wideman has opened a new chapter in his ministry. Brother Jim is now full time with his “Jim Wideman Ministries.” Jim Wideman has been one of the most sought, but hard to book speakers in Children’s Ministry circles for years. His availability just changed. If you are looking for a conference speaker or a consultant, visit www.jimwideman.com.

Readers should note, that with Sue Miller and Reggie Joiner moving to the “Orange Conference”, Craig Jutila moving to EmpoweringKids.net, and now Bro. Jim announcing his new venture, we’re all watching changing of the guard. Each of those pastors contributed to reinvent CM as we know it. Who can say what, or who, is next?

Keith posted a round up of websites regarding the effects of video games on children. Keith also posted a much read article on the Millenials entering the church volunteer force. Perhaps we’ll need to follow up with a “the effects of video games on children’s pastors” article.

The topic of spiritual gifts for children is still pressing. Readers have been clicking http://childrensministryandculture.wordpress.com/2006/05/03/spiritual-gifts-for-children/

and

http://childrensministryandculture.wordpress.com/2007/02/06/tips-on-creating-a-spiritual-gifts-curriculum/

Larry interviewed Barbara Coloroso for an upcoming article in Children’s Ministry Magazine. The article will focus on the use of incentives in the classroom setting. Keith noted the new Billy Graham museum uses incentives to get children interested. But please, Keith, was not criticizing Billy Graham or his legacy.

Larry rambled about the issues of memory and accessing key information quickly in “Playlists.”

Finally, Larry’s new book, Divine Intention: How God’s Work in the Early Church Empowers Us Today is now avilable at www.amazon.com. Divine Intention is an ancient-future look at the Book of Acts. Readers explore the similarities between the challenges of the first church and the modern church. If you’ve read and enjoyed Divine Intention, please stop over to Amazon.com and leave a review.

Here’s the top clicked upon posts of April:

The news of Craig Jutila’s resignation from Saddleback prompted much “googling” among a generation of children’s pastors blest by his ministry. Our top two posts this month were regarding this surprising announcement. We’ll refer you to Craig’s website, www.empoweringkids.net, where Craig directly addresses the issue with candor. Craig has said everything worth saying on the matter. We wish Craig the best and we’re grateful for how his work changed how we approach our own children’s ministries.

Thoughts on Presenting Scripture spun out of a discussion at www.kidology.org about the pro’s and con’s of topical and chronological “scope and sequences.” We discussed how the ways we organize our lessons change or even challenge a child’s perception of Scripture.

Children’s ministers are dying for resources on Presenting Spiritual Gifts to Kids. If Christian publishers monitor this site, here’s a secret: This is one of the most searched for topics, month after month, on this topic.

Larry asked for help on how to relocate a church campus and got much wisdom here.

Are we “blinded with (old) science?” Is there a place in the church for reward systems based in behavioralism? We share some thoughts here.

Several of you readers were interested to know that Brother Jim has a blog.

People continue to be curious as to whether there’s a five-word baby language. Note to self: Create a concept that appeals to a universal desire, like the desire to be a good parent. Now craft a “cure” whose benefit can’t be proven nor denied. Market vigorously.

The Millenials are now volunteering in your children’s ministry. Read Keith’s post to learn how to lead the most affirmed generation in recent years.

And finally, Aaron Reynolds is making waves with his new book “The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School.”

It’s been a few months since I posted the hottest post of the past month. Next weekend I’m booked with ministry, so I thought I’d post a “Digest” early.

A Five-Word Baby Language?

This month people were dieing to know if there is really a “baby language.”  I doubt it. But this parenting “resource” points to a powerful need among new parents. We want to get parenting right. And we’re willing to pay any dollar amount and believe anything in our quest to do right by our children.

Spiritual Gifts For Children?

This has been top-ten of posts for months. Children’s ministers want to help child Christ-followers to understand their spiritual gifts. But there’s little available in the line of curriculum. I suspect that denominational distinctives regarding the topic keep publishing houses from creating curriculum on the topic.

 Ted Haggard DISAVOWS “Jesus Camp” Prior

Ted Haggard DISAVOWS “Jesus Camp” Prior to it’s release. Folks are using search engines to attempt to understand these pair of bizarre artifacts of the culture wars.

Sundance Movie “Houndog” has pre-teen rape of Dakota Fanning

The disturbing scene in Hound Dog raised eye brows and offended sensibilities. Neither Keith or I saw the film, but Keith noticed that there had to be a different way to tell the story.

Newbery Award Controversy

The word “scrotum” offended some parents in a Newberry Awarding Winning book. Keith noted the controversy and I wondered what the big deal was.

Aaron Reynolds Coming Out with “The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School.

Graphic artist, Aaron Reynolds, released a new book on children’s ministry. Keith reported that Aaron made a strong impression a CPC. This could be a great read.

Book Review: Myspace for Moms and Dads

Connie Neal brings common sense and Biblical Wisdom to the issue of social networking. I’m taking my copy into the office so the pastoral staff and easily get caught up on the topic. (It’s seems that adult congregants can get into the same kinds of trouble teens can. Go figure.)

Founder of Tweenland.com emails us with information

Cyberspace was filled with inquiries trying to find out where tweenland went. Tweenland was a noble idea that deserved financial backers. I hope to see it resurface.

Twinkies Deconstructed

Just what is in a Twinkie? If you have to know, click here.

Dear Children’s Ministry and Culture Reader,

Thanks for your support of the website. Keith and I are amazed by the continued growth of the web traffic and we hope our postings help you better understand the larger cultural context in which we are all doing children’s ministry. In the “Digest” Post I’ll share with you the top ten stories that your peers in children’s ministry are reading over the past thirty days.

Ted Haggard’s recent fall from prompted hundreds of readers to review Rev. Haggard’s statements about the “Jesus Camp” documentary. Our readers also wanted to hear from the directors of Jesus Camp themselves.

In a close second place, Larry’s post on attempting to use podcasts instead of takehome papers received several hits. Apparently many of us are wrestling for meaningful ways to make the “home connection” work.

Readers were also concerned about changes in foreign adoption laws. There are promising reforms that will continue to protect children but make the process kinder to potential adoptive parents.

And what children’s pastor doesn’t like snot, Digital:Snot that is?

Youth Pastor Ron Luce made the cover of the New York Times with dubious claims about the future of Christianity in America. Again, another example of how evangelism’s “Culture Wars” are bleeding down to our children and youth ministries. We’re in need of a new way of conceptualizing how we connect to our society, gang.

Keith found a brilliant article on the growing field of infant pyschiatry. Brian research is giving us more clues into how babies learn.

Nickolodean TV understands the need to be a leading in the growing concerns with childhood obesity. Their message to kids: Go Outside and Play.

And finally, some of you are wondering aloud in the “comments” section about the merits of same-gendered classrooms.

I’d like to offer Keith a huge thanks for carrying the block of the post while I finish writing the manuscript for my next book. I’ll be more active within a few weeks.

Larry and Keith

CMC Digest is a new feature that summarizes the ten most trafficked posts of the past month. So if you’re behind on your children’s ministry culture and leadership watching, here’s your chance to get caught up. (more…)