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!

Bagels and Bibles!

Amazing things can happen over bagels, cream cheese and coffee!

Last time, we began a series on our CEF Culture points. Our desire is to examine each of the points and how they should impact our ministries as instructors of teachers.

This week, however, we are going to take a brief detour. We wanted to share the following testimony with you that came from one of our CMI Online students regarding her experience in taking the TCE Level 1 course online. We thought you'd be blessed by Eileen's words!

Just today I used material from Teaching Children Effectively Level l to get three adults – elders of their church! - to rethink their belief that young children cannot be saved.

Over bagels, cream cheese, coffee and prayer, all of us brought our Bibles to the table. I turned to specific pages of the TCE Level 1 manual, and then, God happened! The more I shared the Bible passages, the room became very quiet. The men and woman became thoughtful. All the time I shared in love God’s beautiful words from Matthew and Mark and John and Romans…

Did I change their thinking? They went away blessed and we will meet again.

So here is one terrific reason for taking Teaching Children Effectively Level 1. TCE 1 puts it all together – God’s precious Word - through his fabulous back-up team – CEF online administrator and her colleagues at World Headquarters! You will watch videos that amaze you with facts – facts that need to be explained and explored. Such as: What sin is and how a child, who does not hear the Good News, is not led to Christ. What that means for his or her life. What kids could avoid if they were given the Gospel and became believers when they were young.

You will learn from the great saints, from the founder of CEF to his own searching and questions as to could a child be saved? From Moody to Spurgeon – well, it is an awesome study.

So – don’t miss it! If you love the Lord and have a heart to serve kids, this is the best course ever. I have been a teacher for over 35 years and until I took this course, had never been able to explain salvation to one of my students – and then I used the Wordless Book - all taught in the class – and you can’t stop me now!

Have a great time, drink in God’s word and learn from his earthly missionaries why children can – and should – be evangelized.

Isn't that a great testimony! It might be something you could use in promoting your own TCE courses. Our thanks to online instructor, Carla Ratcliff, for sharing this testimony with us and for helping students like Eileen get excited about the ministry of reaching children for Christ!

The Culture of CEF

Every organization has a culture. The dictionary defines culture as “the sum of attitudes, customs, behavior and beliefs that characterize the functioning of a group or organization; transmitted from one generation to the next.”

We, in CEF, have a culture that is unique to us. It incorporates what we believe, what we value and how we function. It has been handed down to us, beginning with our founder, Rev. Jesse Irvin Overholtzer. We, in turn, must protect and pass this culture along to the next generation of CEF workers.

Recently, our leadership determined to put down on paper what it is that defines us as a ministry. They have distilled all of our unique hallmarks into six “culture points.” As you read through these six significant points, think about how you and your ministry as an IOT exemplify each of them:

CEF Culture Points

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.

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.

Importance of Prayer as Our Foundation - It is not the work we do, the meetings we hold or the decisions we make that bring the greatest advances in the work; it is the time spent before the throne of God in prayer, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that brings power, laborers and resources into the ministry.

Importance of Evangelizing Children - There is no limit to the number of organizations that do many good things that are important to boys and girls in need. We are thankful for them and believe that God uses them to help hurting children. CEF, however, has been called by God to exclusively present the Gospel so children may be saved and discipled in God’s Word. We must stay on point.

Importance of a Clear and Biblical Presentation of the Gospel - The fact that a young child can comprehend the simple message of salvation and become a child of God is the foundational principle of CEF. Everything else that we do is based upon this fact. The good news of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation. We must present it clearly and accurately.

Importance of a Commitment to Excellence, for the Glory of God - Every aspect of the work, no matter how big or small, has significance. This includes the training we conduct, the materials we produce, the facilities we use and the way we present ourselves. In every area we must strive for excellence to the glory of God!

In the weeks ahead, we will examine each of these culture points more closely and think about how they affect our ministry as instructors of teachers.

Candace's Story

Our friends from CEF of South Carolina gave us permission to share the following testimony that appears on their Web site. This is another powerful reminder of why we do what we do!

This was her first time to a CEF after-school Good news Club, but Candace really liked the songs, games, and especially the Bible lesson. As the volunteer teacher told the story from God’s Word, Candace listened intently. "...and God has made the promise from Hebrews 13:5, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’…"

As the invitation was given at the end of the Bible lesson, Candace responded. "I want to know the God that will never leave you." she said beginning to weep. She wept deeply as she explained why she wanted so desperately to know ‘the God who would never leave her’. Months earlier, her mother decided she would no longer care for little Candace. So, her Grandmother took her in and began to love Candace in a way she had never been loved before.

Months had passed and ‘Grandmomma’ began to get sick—so sick that she could no longer care for the little girl. When Candace’s mother was called upon to begin caring for her once again, her mother refused and signed the child over to the State. Now living in a foster home, Candace was being cared for but she so missed the love and attention she had received from her Grandmother.

"Will God really promise to never leave me? Will He hear me if I talk to Him about my Grandmomma?"

That day, Candace accepted the love and salvation of God. She still hurts and wants to be with her Grandmother but she has found a new relationship that she is growing in - a relationship with the Almighty God.

The volunteer workers at the after-school Good News Club are continuing to help Candace grow in her new found relationship through visits and guiding her through a special discipleship tool called The Wonder Devotional Book. Through this two month devotional and additional volumes to follow, Candace, and all the children who come to Good News Club, are not only learning about God but are learning how to spend time with ‘the God who will never leave them nor forsake them’. That’s really good news, especially for little Candace.

It is amazing how many children come to an after-school Good News Club with such heart-wrenching stories. Children just like Candace are finding hope in a real and everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ.

There are so many hurting children like Candace, who need to know the Father’s love. You might want to share Candace’s story with your TCE students as a reminder of why we need to know how to effectively present the Gospel and lead children to Christ. We’re glad those volunteer teachers in Candace’s club were well trained in how to evangelize the children and then follow them up. Because of them—and the work of the IOTs who trained them—Candace has the opportunity, not only to know God, but to develop deep roots in her relationship with Him.

Thank you to all of you who are faithfully training those teachers and volunteer workers. May God continue to multiply your efforts so that children around the world can come to know the God who will never leave or forsake them!

In the Zone!

This week we have a special guest blogger visiting the Café! Ashley Alden is not only a fellow instructor of teachers, she is also the CEF Wonderzone.com Coordinator! We’ve asked Ashley to tell us a little about Wonderzone.com, how we can use it in our training ministries and how we can be involved ourselves.

Hello there, fellow IOT! I am delighted to be able to share with you this week! My name is Ashley Alden and right now God has me working at CEF International Headquarters as the Wonderzone.com Coordinator in the International Ministries department. I’d like to share with you today about the AMAZING discipleship tool of Wonderzone.com so that you can give this information to your teachers, as well as consider becoming involved yourself!

Wonderzone.com, the online discipleship ministry of CEF, is an interactive, fun, exciting Web site where kids can learn more about God and be discipled in their walk with Him! Wonderzone.com features games, e-cards (called Wonder Cards), daily devotionals from the Wonder Devotional Book, and a series of adventures! These adventures are the “heart” of Wonderzone.com. The adventures can be one-level or multi-level, and each one teaches the child truths about God and His Word through flash graphics, games, and devotionals.

When a child completes an adventure on Wonderzone.com, his answers to the devotionals are sent to the message center, where a very special volunteer, called a “Trail Guide,” will answer that message. The Trail Guide corrects the answers from the child, prays for any requests, and encourages that child in his or her walk with God.

Our Trail Guides get to read all kinds of messages from the children that touch their hearts. Here are just a few:

"Are Jeses and god the same thing? If you ask god for forgiveness and he forgives you before he punishes you will he still punish you? I hope to hear from you soon."

"I fell very embarrassed to ask the question, "How do I know if I'm going to heaven?" ...whenever anybody asks me I say I think I do...but I feel guilty because I'm pretty sure God would like me to know and I'm avoing the fact that I don't. Can you please tell me how to get to heaven and how I know I will go to heaven. Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedual to talk/write to me."

"I just believed in Jesus on this website."

"I want ALL trailguides to know i like it here at wz. there arent very many christian websites for children like this one i totaly appriciate this website."

"I love this place. I think it's the coolest website ever."

"I love these WZ adventures! They are really bringing me closer to Christ!!"

Imagine getting to respond to comments like these! It’s no wonder our Trail Guides love their ministry! Read what some of them have said:

"It has been a real blessing for me to interact with kids through the WZ. I try to get on line every day, if possible."

"It is always a challenge to respond to a student, and I always ask God to guide me. We never know how what we say will impact someone, and everyone needs to be encouraged. I enjoy doing the Adventures, too! They are well written, with good, colorful graphics and fun games."

"Another way Wonderzone has impacted me are the challenging questions. I have always shied away from answering anyone’s challenging spiritual questions because I thought I didn't know the Bible, but now I enjoy answering these challenges. It makes me research the Bible more. In fact, I have begun writing down these questions so I can research and tell future children. "

One advantage to being a Trail Guide is the flexibility of this ministry. Trail Guides can disciple kids online ANYTIME—there is no specific time commitment, no specific place and no specific time to “report for duty!” It’s a perfect fit in today’s busy schedules.

Wonderzone.com is a powerful tool for discipleship of today’s kids! They are online—so that’s where we want to be! There were over 2,400 log-ins to Wonderzone.com in the past week. Since November 2008, over 36,000 lessons were completed online. And Wonderzone.com is not just about discipleship. Since November 2008, there have been 133 professions of faith on the Web site!

Will you tell your TCE students about Wonderzone.com? Will you commit to telling kids you know about this exciting discipleship tool? Will you consider being a Trail Guide—giving some of your time to disciple kids online?

Come visit us at: http://www.wonderzone.com/, and see what all the excitement is about! If you, or one of your teachers, are interested in becoming a Trail Guide, visit http://www.disciplekids.org/. For more resources on promoting Wonderzone.com, please email me at: ashley.alden@cefonline.com.

Thanks Ashley for giving us a glimpse of Wonderzone.com. We are so grateful to Ashley and all of the Trail Guides for the great work they are doing to disciple children online. Be sure to share this information with your TCE students and encourage them to direct the children in their clubs to Wonderzone.com!