Children's Ministry Talk

Episode 22 - Curriculum, Decorating Ideas, Tweens

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:17:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode answer questions and comments from Facebook, topics including: curriculum, room decorating ideas, and tweens. They mentioned the following links during the show:

CM Blog Directory - childrensministrytalk.com/blogs
Free CM Stuff - freecmstuff.com
Dick Gruber's Free Resources - dickgruber.com
Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls
J12 - j12.com
One Way Street - onewaystreet.com

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. You can now give us a call! Leave us your question or comment by calling (484) 442-0322. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 21 - Introducing the ACMA

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Jason Rhode and Ryan Frank discuss the American Children's Ministers' Association. They mentioned the following links during the show:

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Episode 20 - Using Technology in Children's Ministry

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:42:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss using technology in children's ministry. Jason shared the following points to remember when using technology in children's ministry.

Points to Remember...

Technology is just a tool...think of it as another tool in your ministry toolbox that can help you to be more effective in your ministry.
You will only be as effective in ministry as you rely on God for your strength; avoid the temptation of relying on your own strength just because you can.

Keys to Using Technology Effectively in Your Ministry:

Have a purpose. Don't just use technology for the sake of using tech.
Use technologies that are the best fit. After you determine the purposes or needs that you have, select technologies that help you meet those needs (ie: communicating with others, ministry administration, time management, presentations, etc.)
Spend less time, not more! Technology should ultimately make your life easier, not more complicated.
Know when to pull the plug. In our society today there is often the expectation that we need to be available 24/7. Email/IM/SMS all make this possible. Set boundaries and take time away from the technology.
Start with free. If there is a free version of a technology that's available, try the free version first before spending too much time and $$ on a premium paid version
Stay relevant. Pick technologies that your staff, kids, or parents are also using.
Be realistic. Don't take on too much at once, don't try to master too many new technologies at once.
Involve kids whenever possible. Just because you can do something with technology, doesn't mean YOU should; train-up kids to use the technologies.

Rhode's Top 10 Online Technologies You Can't Live Without

Google Reader (reader.google.com) - keep track of your favorite news, blogs, or other RSS-enabled sites
YouVersion (youversion.com) - online Bible study site, also available on mobile platforms like iPhone, iPod Touch, and BlackBerry
Google Docs (docs.google.com) - collaborate with team when developing documents, spreadsheets, or presentations
Twitter (twitter.com) - keep in touch via 140 character short messages from either online, computer client, or mobile device
Facebook (facebook.com) - Stay connected with volunteers, parents, and kids; create your own groups
Ning (ning.com) - create your own private social network for connecting with workers, parents, or kids in your ministry
YouTube (youtube.com) - share videos from ministry events; kids create videos to share in ministry
SlideShare (slideshare.net) - share PowerPoint presentations with others
Google Sites (sites.google.com) - create a simple online presence for your ministry or yourself
Delicious (delicious.com) - bookmark your favorite online resources for easy access from any computer and/or share with others

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 19 - Building Relationships Thru Summer Events

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Tue, 5 May 2009 14:07:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss building relationships thru summer events. Dick shares guidelines for children's ministry activities, parties, events, and field trips [PDF].

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 18 - Technology in Children's Ministry

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Fri, 3 Apr 2009 13:07:00 GMT

Jason Rhode and Dwayne Riner discuss the use of technology in children's ministry. They discuss philosophy of using technology in ministry and the current state of technology in children's ministry. Dwayne mentioned his new blog devoted to technology in children's ministry and also briefly shared regarding the new CMUO course he is developing on video editing.

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 17 - Choosing Curriculum

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:07:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss principles for choosing the right curriculum for your children's ministry based on Dick's article on choosing curriculum. Dick also discusses his new CMUO course on children's presentations.

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 16 - Beginnings and Endings

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:06:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode respond to several questions posted, including where to purchase puppets, recommendations for starting a bus ministry, as well as suggestions for controlling seemingly chaotic situations. Dick shared these puppet resource sites:

In our next episode, we'll be responding to recent questions and comments we've received. Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 15 - Controlling Chaos

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:34:00 GMT

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 14 - Hallo-What? Halloween Outreach Ideas

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 18:47:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topic, "Hallo-What? Halloween Outreach Ideas." Why conduct a Halloween outreach? Dick shares these reasons...because children:

Come to your door
Are open to the supernatural
Ready for fun
Everybody is excited except believers

Dick shared these following things to remember when conducting Halloween outreaches:

Pray for wisdom
Begin at a level of mutual understanding
Let the children come
Effective evangelism is always relational

Dick also shared the Do Not ABC's of Halloween...do not:

Attack Halloween
Bash Satanic costuming
Catch yourself along with a child
Depict God as a cruel judge
Engage in practical joking
Force a committment

Dick also mentioned his Halloween Booklet and his Trick or Treat Tract.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 13 - Increasing Your Son Protection Factor (SPF)

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:29:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topic, "Increasing Your Son Protection Factor." Dick shares that the higher the number, the greater the protection.

Skills
Passion
Faith

Dick referenced the following books in his comments:

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 12 - Ministry to Children with Disabilities

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:13:00 GMT

Larry Sauter joins Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode to discuss the topic, "Ministry to Children with Disabilities." | email Larry Sauter | Ministry to Children with Disabilities Course | Jim Pierson's book "Exceptional Teaching" | Special Touch Ministry

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 11 - Puppet Ministry Principles and Practices

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:29:00 GMT

Todd Liebenow and Amy Harder join Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode to discuss the topic, "Puppet Ministry Principles and Practices." During their discussion, they mentioned the following links:

If you are looking for more puppetry resources, visit Amy's bookmarks at http://del.icio.us/DearMyrah/puppetry.

Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 10 - Everything I Needed to Know in Ministry I Learned While Being a Church Janitor

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:50:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topic, "Everything I Needed to Know in Ministry I Learned While Being a Church Janitor." They also mention the webcast of their pre-conference session on "Cultivating a Cutting-Edge Children's Church" at the National Children's Ministry Leadership Conference sponsored by the National Children's Ministry Agency of the Assemblies of God.

In our next episode, we'll discuss a we'll discuss puppetry in children's ministry. What questions do you have about puppetry or ideas/suggestions would you like to share with other children's ministry leaders? Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 9 - Safety and Security

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss Dick's recent missions trip to Argentina and then practical recommendations for having a safe and secure children's ministry. Specific links mentioned include: Salvation Story Bag | One Way Street

In our next episode, we'll discuss a smorgasbord of children's ministry resources and ideas. What great resources or ideas would you like to share with other children's ministry leaders? Drop us an email, leave a comment on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 8 - Easter Outreaches and Security Ideas

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:12:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topics of Easter outreaches and CM safety. Specific links mentioned include: A&A Global Industries | Jason's Collection of Policies & Procedures | VolunteerSelect | Safe Place by Marv Parker

In our next episode, we'll continue discussing child safety issues, including: administration, facilities, and emergencies. What steps to do take to protect children in your ministry? What questions do you have? Drop us an email, leave a comment here on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook or Twitter. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 7 - Conferences and Training Events

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:20:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topic of conferences and training events. Dick shares the following acrostic in outlining his reasons for attending children's ministry conferences and other training events:

Lifelong learner
Investing in future education always brings a return
Friendships are made and renewed
Enthusiasm is generated

In our next episode, we'll be discussing child safety issues. What steps to do take to protect children in your ministry? Drop us an email, leave a comment here on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook. We'd love to include your comments and questions in our next episode.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 6 - Rest for the CM Leader

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Fri, 4 Jan 2008 16:05:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss the topic of rest for the children's ministry leader. Dick shares the following acrostic in outlining his suggestions for rest:

A sabbath is a Jesus kind of thing Relax Trust others Expect God to give you peace and rest Recycling is not a sin Include your spouse Everyday with Jesus Simple is good too

In our next episode, we'll be discussing children's ministry conferences and training events. What children's ministry conference do you recommend for others to attend? Why should children's ministry leaders consider attending conferences or other training events? Drop us an email, leave a comment here on the blog, or visit us over on Facebook. We'd love to include your comments in our next episode.

That's right...with the new year, we're trying something new and we've added a place for ongoing discussion and networking of listeners to this podcast over at Facebook. Just search for Children's Ministry Talk in Facebook and you'll find us. We'd love to hear from you.

Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 5 - Holiday Outreach Ideas

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:58:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss holiday outreach ideas. In our next episode, we'll be discussing rest for the children's ministry leader. Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion regarding balance and rest in cm that you'd like to share with others? Drop us an email, give us a call, or leave a comment here on the blog. We'd love to include your comments in our next episode. Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com or call 206.202.3066 and leave a message with your question. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 4 - Despise Not...Small Beginnings

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:55:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode respond to listener questions regarding children's ministry in a church plant or multi-site church setting. Dick and Jason shared the following links in the show:

VolunteerSelect (affordable background checks)
Sample Volunteer Application [PDF] [Word]
Sample Nursery Volunteer Application (Short Form) [PDF] [Publisher]
Sample Discipline Policy [PDF] [Word]
Sample Kids Church Volunteer Guidelines [PDF] [Word]

We still plan to have Rev. Larry Sauter, missionary to people with disabilities, join us in an upcoming episode to discuss ministry to children with disabilities. Send in your questions and have them answered on-air. In our next episode, we'll be discussing holiday outreaches. Do you have a great idea for a holiday outreach to share with others? Drop us an email, give us a call, or leave a comment here on the blog. We'd love to include your comments in our next episode. Keep the feedback coming! Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com or call 206.202.3066 and leave a message with your question. As always, you can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 3 - First Day on the Job

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 17:47:00 GMT

Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode discuss what to do the first day on the job in a new children's ministry leadership setting. Dick shares the acrostic "PRIMED" to remind children's ministry leaders to Pray, Remember, Inventory, Meet with, Evaluate, and Do not. Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com or call 206.202.3066 and leave a message with your question. You can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 2 - Meet the Hosts

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:48:00 GMT

In this 2nd episode, hosts Dick Gruber and Jason Rhode briefly share their backgrounds in children's ministry and set the stage for future episodes. In the next episode, they will discuss "Getting Started in Children's Ministry." Send your questions, comments, or ideas to childrensministrytalk@gmail.com or call 206.202.3066 and leave a message with your question. You can find complete details about this podcast at childrensministrytalk.com.

Episode 1 - Just Getting Started

childrensministrytalk@gmail.com (Children's Ministry Talk) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:56:00 GMT

In this first episode, we're just testing out the technology as we continue to finalize the configurations. Find more details about the podcast a childrensministrytalk.com. Email us at childrensministrytalk@gmail.com or call us at 206.202.3066.