Culture Point #2 - Investing in the Spiritual Lives of Others

A few weeks ago, we began taking a close look at the culture of CEF—what we believe, what we value and how we function. Our leaders have developed six culture points that define us as a ministry. Each of these are hallmarks that we, as IOTs, need to be sure we are exhibiting in our training ministries.

Earlier this month we examined the first point – the Importance of Godly Leadership at Every Level. This point reminds us that, as ministry leaders, we must have a heart for God and an ability to discern His will as we lead. We also considered the foundations of godly leadership such as having a growing relationship with God, spending time in His Word and in prayer, yielding ourselves regularly to the control of the Holy Spirit and being clean vessels through which God can work.

Today, we want to consider the second culture point:

Importance of the Spiritual Welfare of our Workers It is vital that we are never satisfied to simply teach our staff the methods of how to reach children and how to train others to do so, but we must purposefully invest in the spiritual lives of our staff. When CEF staff are men and women who are primarily driven by passion for God and His glory and have a clear call from the Lord, the work will prosper. If we keep our focus on God and on His calling, then we will be sustained in times of challenge.

This culture point is especially important for those of us in the training ministry. Our work as instructors of teachers is so much more than just teaching our students the skills needed to reach and disciple children effectively. We are investing in their lives; building into their character; adding vital links to their spiritual life chain. Those intangible things can’t be accomplished just by teaching a curriculum. So how do we see to the spiritual welfare of those God has entrusted to our leadership? Here are some thoughts to get you started:

Balance academics with inspiration When you have to communicate a lot of information, evaluate and grade student performance, it’s easy to get focused on academics. But you need to also give attention to the inspiration of your students. Keep in mind that the inspirational aspects of your classes should not be focused just on what students are doing, but also on who they are and what they are becoming. Encourage your students to let God’s Word soak into their own lives before they try to share it with the children. Remind students often that their strength for service comes not from developing a technically-correct lesson, but from time spent with the Author of the Word they are teaching.

Remind students frequently that their ministry is not a “job” but a calling Even volunteer teachers can begin to feel like their club is a job they must do. You need to constantly remind your students of God’s call to this ministry of reaching children. As this culture point reminds us, “If we keep our focus on God and on His calling, then we will be sustained in times of challenge.” Those of us in children’s ministry encounter challenges all the time. There are always reasons to quit. When those times come, it is often the reality of God’s call on our lives that keeps us going! Use Scriptures such as Matt. 18:14, Mark 10:14, Mark 16:15 and Rom. 10:14-15 to inspire your students for the work God has called them to do.

Share in practical ways Looking out for the spiritual welfare of your students is not just what you say in class. You can also encourage them in practical ways.

• Encourage students through informal conversations during the course. Ask how they’re doing and how they’re feeling about what they’re learning. Offer a word of personal encouragement when you sense a student is struggling.
  
  
• Have scheduled and unscheduled prayer time with your students. You might want to have a “God Can” in your TCE class. Encourage students to write down requests to put in the can, and then take time at each session to pray for them. Have prayer partners among the students and also from outside the class. When a student shares a need with you personally, stop and pray immediately for that need.
  
  
• Keep your eyes open for inexpensive inspirational gifts for your students. A card at their place with an inspirational quote or Scripture verse can be a real encouragement. Small inspirational books or other gift items can be found at your local Christian bookstore or on Web sites like http://www.christianbook.com/.

Share your heart, not just your head When you consider what illustrations to use in a class session, go beyond just the stories about how you put a certain teaching skill into practice (although they DO need to hear those stories!). Think also about personal stories that reveal your own struggles and how God is working in your life. Your students love to know that you are still a “work in progress” just like them! Don’t depress them—but do share about times you feel uncertain or even defeated in the ministry and how God lifts you up on those difficult days.

Follow up your TCE grads After students graduate from your TCE course, keep in contact with them beyond their involvement in the ministry. Maybe you can develop a monthly or quarterly e-mail letter to your TCE alumni to encourage their spiritual walk as well as their ministry with children. This type of brief communication can go a long way to keep them inspired and motivated. Plan a yearly get-together for TCE alumni – a time for sharing and encouragement – and of course dessert! This type of follow up lets your students know they are not just a statistic on your monthly report, but a part of your CEF family.

Set a good example This is undoubtedly the hardest of these suggestions to carry out. We all have “unlived-out” truth in our lives. We know what we’re supposed to be and do, but often fall short. It’s the same struggle Paul describes in Rom. 7:15-24. There are no perfect instructors of teachers. Did you hear that? None! But, we need to be yielding ourselves to God daily so that the Fruit of the Spirit can be revealed in our lives. When you have challenges in your TCE courses, with your TCE students or even with your fellow instructors, check your attitude. Ask God to give you grace to be the example of a Spirit-controlled teacher as you interact with others.

Look out for your own spiritual welfare What are you doing to continue developing your own spiritual life? We all have our own ways of recharging our batteries. Whether you refresh your spiritual life by reading good books, setting aside extended times to be alone with God, talking with spiritual a mentor or keeping a journal, you need to find ways that work for you. And don’t forget that taking care of your physical needs relates to your spiritual life as well. Make sure you are getting sufficient rest and time to just relax with friends.

Remember, it is vital that “we are never satisfied to simply teach our staff the methods of how to reach children and how to train others to do so, but we must purposefully invest in the spiritual lives of our staff.” How are you doing in this area? Are there some things you need to do differently or better? Do you have additional ideas or suggestions? Please click the “comment” link below and share with us!

New CMI Module Now Online!

The CMI Online team has been diligently working to create a training option for people who minister to children and cannot attend the Children's Ministries Institute or local training. We are very excited to announce the launch of a new course – Understanding Today’s Child.

Students who successfully complete this course online will receive credit toward the on-campus CMI diploma program and various certificates. If you are a CEF worker needing to complete your CMI training, here is your opportunity to take the week 2 module in the comfort of your own home!

Children today are growing up in a world that is incredibly complex and ever-changing. For an effective ministry, children’s ministry leaders must have insight into the child’s unique problems and an understanding of how to meet his/her needs in the classroom, one-on-one and as part of their overall ministry. Join us or encourage someone you know to join us for this practical and effective course online this September!!

Course Dates: September 13-November 21, 2009
Registration Open: August 15-30
SPACE IS LIMITED

Emphasis in this course is placed on the role of the children’s ministry leader/teacher in helping children to develop physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Students will also learn ways to effectively minister to children dealing with the effects of divorce, abuse, natural disasters and death of a close relative or friend. In addition, students will learn how to teach children from various religious backgrounds.

Individual and group assignments along with community forum discussions allow students to interact with the curriculum on both a personal and interpersonal level. As well, project assignments provide the students with practical tools that can be directly used in ministry.

Read more about this online course Here.

Prospective students need to Apply Now!

(Note: The approval process takes 3-4 weeks from the time the application is submitted and must be completed before you can register for this course on August 15.)

Spread the word in your area about this excellent opportunity to learn how to effectively minister to today’s children!

Culture Point #1 - Godly Leadership

Thank you for your patience with us in updating the blog! Like many of you, our blog administrator has been busy with ministry, including CYIA training. But we're back in the saddle now and ready to go!

A few weeks ago we listed the CEF culture points – those principles that should guide our ministry. Over the next few weeks, we will take a closer look at each culture point. For our examination of the first point, we thank Dr. Martha Wright for allowing us to adapt this material from her seminar on being a “Leader of Influence.”

The first of our CEF culture points is:

Importance of Godly Leadership at Every Level Spiritual leadership is the highest form of authority. The men and women who lead must have a personal heart for God in order to be able to discern the will of God and lead the ministry effectively. Regardless of the skill of a leader, if he or she lacks a heart for God, the work will be eroded at its very foundation.

A leader has been defined as “a person that influences others; the ability of one person to influence others to follow him/her.” Christian leadership, however, carries that definition a step further. For the Christian, “True leadership is giving oneself to God’s service and the service of others.” If we are fully given to serve God and others, our leadership will influence others for the kingdom of God. You may not see yourself as a leader, but you have TCE students who are watching and learning from you--and not just from the classes you teach!

King David is a wonderful example of godly leadership. Psalm 78:72 says, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart, with skillful hands he led them.” David not only did the things a leader should do with skillfulness, he also had a heart of integrity to be the person God wanted him to be. Even in times of failure, David was able to correct his course and move forward by God's grace. Godly leadership is not so much what one does outwardly, rather what one is inwardly.

The Lord Jesus Christ is, of course, the greatest example of godly leadership. As you read the Gospel accounts of His earthly life and ministry, you see Him leading with compassion, integrity, strength, humility and grace. He understood the weaknesses of His followers, encouraged their growth, mentored their learning, forgave their failures, challenged their faith and set the example by His own life.

Godly leadership begins in the heart of the leader. God uses those who are in a right relationship with Him (2 Chron. 16:9a; 1 Sam. 13:14). When a leader is right with God, he can be used to influence others despite his own limitations. God can use all of the experiences in your life, good or bad, to build character required for leadership that could not be developed in another way.

What are the foundations of godly leadership:

A growing relationship with God Are you constantly seeking to know God better? Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Author Henry Blackaby says, “Leaders who neglect a close relationship with God will not be able to accomplish God’s will through their organizations.”

Regular time spent in Scripture and in prayer Spending time in the study of God’s Word and in meaningful prayer is the resource of strength for godly leadership. You not only need this time for your own well-being, but for the wisdom you need to lead others. Remember, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Under control of the Holy Spirit Are you daily allowing God’s Holy Spirit to fill and control you? Ephesians 5:18 reminds us to, “Be filled with the Spirit”—He is your guide! Only the Holy Spirit can produce spiritual change. He alone can give wisdom and bring about the results that will ultimately accomplish the task.

Regular times of confession of sin Are you keeping short accounts with God? Godly leaders must be clean instruments through whom God can work. The Apostle Paul said, “. . .”If a man cleanses himself from the latter (wickedness) he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Tim. 2:21).

Godly leaders aren't perfect people, but they are consistently growing in their walk with God. When these foundations are in place, your leadership will be characterized by compassion, grace, humility and forgiveness.

Our world is filled with competent leaders. There are scores of people who have natural leadership abilities and who have learned good leadership skills. But as a believer—and a CEF instructor of teachers—we need to go a step beyond. We need to be godly leaders!