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Forever Strong

21 Jun

A few weeks ago Kyle and I watched the movie, Forever Strong.

I was surprised by how much I loved this film.  And I walked away thinking through how a rugby movie applies to kids ministry.  Huh?

At first glance, it’s the story of a troubled teen, his strained relationship with dad, and a coach that brings them back together.  But what I saw was very different.  I saw the story of a coach that built a team of players that transcended the game of rugby.

Coach Gelwix established a culture of commitment that poured out from one generation to the next.  He built a brotherhood.

This brotherhood was so deeply rooted that the level of commitment to each other went far beyond the playing field.

I walked away from the movie thinking…

We’ve got a ‘game’ every weekend.  We practice and prepare all week long for the big game… weekend services.  We recruit, train, build up and shepherd a team of volunteers to be on our team and play by our side.  Is it possible to foster such a strong sense of family among our volunteers as this coach did with his rugby players?

I’ve seen the movie twice now.  I’m still asking this question.  Here are my take-aways:

  • Culture shapes the team. Look at what the players produce… it’s a reflection of the culture you establish.
  • The leader must care. The coach cared more about what the player could become off the field, rather than what he was on the field.
  • Perpetual Cycle. One generation can feed into the next.  Simply because people are no longer serving in my ministry doesn’t mean they don’t care deeply for it.  What would they say to existing volunteers today?  How can I leverage their thoughts and encouragement to build up my team?

Make Your Senior Pastor Your Biggest Cheerleader

11 Jun

The Art of Leading Up: Leveraging the Influence of your Senior Pastor

This is my contribution to the Children’s Ministry Telesummit on June 21 & 22.  Don’t miss this unique, “out of the box” event.  Register here if you’re planning to attend.

Free Kidmin Event!

10 Jun

We’re only a few short weeks away from this unique, online event for those serving in kids ministry.  You’ll hear from leaders like Jim Wideman, Justyn Smith, Michael Chanley, & David Wakerly.

Jeremy Collins with Bethel House Media has brought together a diverse group of kidmin thinkers for the first annual Children’s Ministry Telesummit.  All with the goal of equipping other in kids ministry… and it’s free.  Can’t beat that.

Check it out here.  Will you be there?

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