Highlighting Dr. Houston Heflin

Dr. Houston Heflin will be another of our speakers at the Christian Education Conference in Nashville, January 20-23. Dr. Heflin is the Spiritual Formation Minister for the Richardson East church of Christ in Richardson, TX. This just happens to be where I attend as well and I served on staff with Houston for six years. He is a graduate of Abilene Christian University where he received his B.S and M.S. When he first came to Richardson East he was a Youth Minister and transitioned into his current role of Spiritual Formation Minister in 2005. Houston remains passionate about training others in Youth Ministry. He is an adjunct professor at ACU and Dallas Christian College. Houston received his doctorate in Education at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Dr. Heflin has recently developed a website to help the body of Christ grow stronger by providing resources that build up the church . You can access more information at http://www.preparetogrow.com. He gave me permission to post this quote which describes the intent of his website. "Our curriculum will challenge minds, convict hearts, and prepare hands for action. Our seminars help train teachers with skills and equip them with resources as they teach for spiritual transformation. Our consulting service will help your ministry find purpose within the mission of the church and facilitate the process of clarifying expectations to create unity and prepare for growth."

I am personally thankful that Jerry Bowling scheduled Houston for Wednesday morning. I know that our crowds usually start thinning on Wednesday mornings, but I want to encourage you to make plans to take later flights home this year because you will not want to miss the blessing of hearing the wisdom that the Lord has given Houston. He recently had a knee injury and had to have surgery. He told me that God showed him that there are many correlations about the ways you rehab a knee and the way we train our hearts. I know you will not be disappointed in hearing what the Lord has put on Houston's heart to share with all of us. This will be Houston's first year to attend the Christian Education Conference so he is glad to have the opportunity to see what the CEA is all about and we are looking forward to him networking with the Association and sharing his wisdom and insights for many years to come.

CEC Speakers

From now until the Christian Education Conference in January we hope to tell you a little bit more about some of our speakers than just the bio information in the brochure. Once again you may download a copy of the brochure at http://www.christianeducator.org/cec/cec_2008_broc.pdf
We thank Jerry Bowling for his hard work and the great program he has put together for our conference this year.

The first speaker I would like to highlight is Larry Fowler because his book Rock Solid Kids is one of my favorites. It is filled with practical insights in how to engage parents in the spiritual development of their children. I found it to be the perfect follow up to George Barna's Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions.

Larry Fowler is the Director of Global for Awana Clubs International. You can read more about him on the Awana website http://www.awana.org/pressroom/docs/larry_fowler_bio.doc
This quote by Larry resonated with me because I think it is the desire of not just children's ministers but to all of us that minister in churches with families, "I want to help change the children's ministry culture in America. I long to see churches more effectively focus on engaging parents in the process of training their children." Perhaps this is a passion of Larry's because he himself is the father of two and the grandfather of seven!

If you haven't had the opportunity to read Rock Solid Kids you can read some reviews at http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Solid-KIDS-Larry-Fowler/dp/0830737138

You can also listen to short quote from Larry at http://www.awana.org/ri/files/2ndlarryf.mp3.

In doing research for this article I found that Awanas have started a new program called the Rorheim Institute. http://www.awana.org/ri/ri_pages/default.aspx?id=806 Their website says they exist to equip churches with leadership who have cultivated a biblical world view. They have training seminars and resources to help accomplish this goal. The training seminars particularly sound interesting to me.

I am really looking forward to hearing Larry Fowler in person and having an opportunity to dialogue with him further regarding how we can better train our parents and help them in building Rock Solid Kids. We hope you are planning on joining us in Nashville and joining in the dialogue.

Children's Ministry Web Resources

I am thankful for all the good uses that the internet provides. I find myself often going to it to find supplementary material for my kids Bible classes, help for LTC and other ideas. I am not going to link every site I use, but wanted to share some that are my "go to" sites and a few that you may not have discovered. Most offer at least some resources for free, but some do not. I've indicated membership and other costs when applicable.

MSS Craft and Resources for Bible Stories This is a great site that has resource and craft links to other sites for over one hundred Bible stories. It is listed by book and there is also a general topic section. This is one of my first stops when browsing for activity ideas.

Kids Sunday School Place offers lessons, games, crafts, and application lessons for pre-school through Elementary. They have just recently started a Teen Sunday School site also. The Kids site offers some items for free, but for full access there is a annual membership fee of $32 per individual or $84 for group. Currently all the teen resources are free.

Kidology is a site that has been one of my favorites for years. It is an expanded version of the Kids Sunday School Place adding Power Points, discussion boards, a store and other resources. This site also offers some ideas for free, but for full access you need a membership. The cost for membership is $12 for a volunteer, $44 for a professional and $275 for a group that allows up to 200 members from your congregation.

Toyboxtales features short movies featuring - what else? TOYS! You can find some good application films here. One of our kids favorites is "All Things Are Possible" featuring Kermit and Buzz Lightyear. These are down loadable from the site for free and can be shown through Windows Media or Quick Time.

KidzMatter offers down loadable Power Point games for a small fee - most costing $3.50 each. These are great for a change of pace with your kids when reviewing or just having fun. One of the "just for fun" games that our kids enjoy is Watch the Hand

Hands On Crafts for Kids is a general craft site. The instructions are very thorough and include pictures. It is not organized in the easiest way to navigate, but there are several ideas I have not found other places. One we recently completed was this candle cover.

For those times you need a quick Bingo card - check out Bingo Card Maker. There you can enter 9 or 25 terms and make a 3 X 3 or 5 X 5 card. You can print out a card, scramble the terms, print out the next card, scramble the cards, etc. for the number you need. It's a little cumbersome, but it's free.

Wisco Computing offers software for educational purposes. One that I have found useful is their Vocabulary Power software. This software cost $41.95, but you can download a free evaluation version before taking the plunge. Vocabulary Power Software gives you the following programs:

Vocabulary Bingo Cards (up to 40 different cards per word list)
CryptoLists (crack the code - letter substitutions - optional help)
Fill-in-the-blank Quizzes (use your clues - up to 50 in each quiz)
Flash Cards (also used for vocabulary bingo cards)
Juggle Letters (with and without clues)
Magic Number Squares (9, 16, and 25 squares per activity)
Matching Quizzes (up to 50 questions in each)
Multiple Choice Quizzes (up to 50 questions in each)
Word Searches (36 by 25 grid, use words, clues, or first letter)

I don't use a lot of worksheets, but when I need quizzes, flash cards or Bible bingo cards I have found this to be a great resource.

What's your favorite web resource?

If We Are The Body

I have found the words to Casting Crown's song "If We Are The Body" to be very convicting. I hope that you will too. May the Lord continue to bless all of us as educators in our efforts to be His body and in encouraging those that come behind us to do the same.

Casting Crowns
Album Casting Crowns, 2003
If We Are The Body

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is
carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
tells him that his chances are better out on the road

But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ

If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way

Google Map for CEC Nashville

I've started making a map in Google with things of interest in and around our 2008 Conference location in Nashville (Marked with a flag on the map). If you know me, you won't be surprised that the first things I added where Starbucks and Restaurants within walking distance of the Hotel! (These are marked by little coffee cups and knives and forks on the map.) People love to network and talk to people at the conference and nearby places to get coffee might be just what the doctor ordered.

I also added the touristy sites (yellow push pins on the map) that Lynn mentioned in her great post yesterday (scroll down)! I'll keep adding things so feel free to email or leave a comment if you want something added to the map!

I've also added a couple of golf courses, an ice cream parlor, a pharmacy and a bookstore.

View Larger Map

You probably need to zoom out to see everything there is to do at this years location!

I strongly suggest you click the link that says View Larger Map since it will give you much more info about each site and allow you to print out a map that is any size and magnification you choose. Explore and let me know if you want to add something!

Why Come To The Christian Education Conference?

We hope that you are making plans to join us in Nashville for the Christian Education Conference January 20-23, 2008. This year's theme is "Teaching From The Heart". You can download a brochure at http://www.christianeducator.org/cec/cec_2008_broc.pdf

We asked some of our members why they attend the CEC conference and thought you would enjoy hearing some of the answers we received.

The number one reason people gave for attending the conference is networking. "Of course the best thing I think there is to offer at CEC is the networking. It is so neat each year to see new and old faces and get new ideas for children's ministry. "(Sandy Jameson, New Heritage Church, Allen, TX)

Another reason given was the great speakers and topics that are chosen each year. "We always have thought provoking speakers on relevant topics. The mix between 'cutting edge' and 'in the trenches' presentations is always helpful. With one, I am challenged in thinking and action and with the other, I'm presented with skills and suggestions to improve my ministry."
(Scott Waltman, Central Church of Christ, Wichita, KS)
"Hearing from a wide variety of Evangelical church leaders/thinkers/practitioners as well as leaders/thinkers/ practitioners from the Churches of Christ. This is very broadening and stretching." (Paul Learned, Director of Business Development, Standard Publishing)

A conference favorite is always free time. We have a rotation of sites for the conference so there are always favorite things to do and places to go. Here are a few Nashville favorites:

• The Hermitage http://www.thehermitage.com/
• The Grand Ole Opry http://www.opry.com/
• Country Music Hall of Fame http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/
• Cheekwood Arts and Gardens http://www.cheekwood.org/
• Opry Mills http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1259

So why wait? Log on today http://www.christianeducator.org/cec.html and print your registration form and reserve your place at the Downtown Sheraton. January 20th will be here before you know it!

Children's Ministry Seminar

When I first started in Children's Ministry I went to a conference and chose a class lead by Jim Wideman of Church On The Move in Tulsa (not to be confused with Jim Weidmann who spoke at CEC in Glen Eyrie). I have been to many conferences, workshops and seminars since then and would say it was still by far the most beneficial for me. A year later I also went to a three day seminar in Tulsa, led by Jim Wideman and learned so much about how to organize and lead my ministry.

Yesterday I received an email from Kidblitz and see where Jim has a new seminar entitled "Let's Get Organized". Jim Wideman and Doug Fields are the presenters. You can find more information regarding it at http://www.kidzblitzconference.com/

One Day/118 Ideas
The 3 main duties of every effective minister
The 4 ways to know if you’re a true overseer
How to be a better manager
The 3 types of management we all face in ministry
The 5 responsibilities of personal management
The 4 key relationships in family management
The 3 keys to successful ministry management
The 6 secrets of organization that anyone can do
The 4 key elements of manufacturing more time
Jim’s Top 10 List for excellence in life & ministry
12 things you can do to connect with your family for life
12 steps to improve your management skills in children’s ministry
The 6 ways to find and identify potential leaders
The 5 ways to qualify all children’s ministry candidates
20 steps to develop volunteers that stick
10 ideas to keep kids on the edge of their seats

Thankfully none of the dates interfere with our own CEA conference which I hope you are making plans to attend. We will be posting more about that conference in the days and weeks to come.

Dates and Locations of Seminar
12-14-07: Colleyville, TX (near Dallas)
2-19-08: Columbia, SC
3-11-08: Shreveport, LA
7-20-08: Raytown, MO (Kansas City Area)

If interested you can find more information about Jim Wideman at http://www.jimwideman.com/

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Praying For Persecuted Christians

I subscribe to a site called Open Doors http://www.opendoorsusa.org . If you are not familiar with this site it is an opportunity to learn more about Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith and to partner in prayer with them.

Yesterday I recieved an email notifying me of the death of Rami Ayyad, 30, the manager of the Bible Society Bookshop in Gaza. I found this video by his family to be very moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glpd032iqT8

I ordered a free kit for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church which will be on Sunday, November 11th. Steve and I are hoping to use it with our small group. Just thought others of you might find it an opportunity to involve your church or small group in a prayer effort as well. You can find more information at http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=idop&autologin=true

What the kids are into: Webkinz!

I thought I'd post here from time to time about trends in the lives of Children and how we can apply them to Children's Ministry. (Yes, I know, CEA is for adult ed. too! Chillax, there will be posts for you too.)

Today its Webkinz! (Click the link.)

These things are like a cross between a virtual pet and a beenie baby.

You buy a Webkinz (either online or in stores, about $12) and your stuffed animal has a tag that lets you "adopt" a virtual pet online. There is no further fees or costs besides the initial purchase!

Then you can buy cloths, decorate pets rooms and play games. Again, let me be clear, you don't buy this stuff with real money. Your pet can make fake money (kinzcash) online by playing games, working little jobs (also games) or answering school-like study questions based on their age and interest (surprise, surprise, this is a game too).

How to apply it to Children's Ministry?

1st - Your kids might already have them! I bought one and soon after so did Cece! Your virtual pet can be friends with their virtual pet online. But even if you both aren't logged in simultaneously you can still send them notes and gifts through the mail. All games are kid safe and non-violent. I've given one to some to kids when I do hospital visits, lots of good activities online when they are home sick. (Also all the content is kid safe. I've never seen an advertisement inside the game that isn't for the game itself. Meaning, don't worry about banner ads for online dating services.)

My niece has one that she checks daily. She has also learned a little about responsibility because if you only feed it junk food it will get sick. I can stay in touch with my all my webkinz friends if I get on for like 10 minutes a week.

So this is a chance to connect with something they are already into or at least you'll know what it is when a kid mentions webkinz.

Hope this was useful!

XOXO,
TL

Spiritual Formation Website

I returned from a week in Kauai today and noticed that Eddie sent out the notice that we now have the Christian Educator Newsletter up and running in a blog format. I hope that many of you will find this site to be a blessing and will join us either by commenting or submitting information or even be a guest writer.

I thought I would start today by referring you to a site you may or may not know about. It is fairly new and I am finding it interesting. http://metamorpha.com/ It is easy to become a member.

This month's e-newsletter had this survey.

Metamorpha Survey results:
Question: What is your church's focus on spiritual formation?
11.3% of people said - spiritual formation is not on my church's radar at all
15.9% of people said - the phase is used ("spiritual formation") but there is nothing really substantial to help people grow outside of the main service
36.8% of people said - it is on the radar of the church, but few people have taken any initiative
23.1% of people said - it is a priority, but is sometimes pushed behind other priorities
12.7% of people said - I am very satisfied

I think their results speak to the question that Doug Brown asked several weeks ago as to what is the definition of Spiritual Formation in our churches. Looks like many churches are actually struggling with the same question.

What resources have you found to help in the spiritual development of your members?