Over Labor Day weekend, I attended the 4/14 Global Summit in NYC (at the amazing Promise Ministries Church). There were over 300 of us from 70 different countries. It was awesome! Like being in heaven with every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

The focus of the summit was reaching children between the ages of 4 and 14. This initiative has been around for awhile and has its origins in George Barna's research that of those surveyed who say they are Christians, 85% made that decision between the ages of 4 and 14. That's pretty compelling. Now, summit organizers are advancing the 4/14 Window strategy even more.

I love how mission organizations, missionaries, NGOs, and pastors from around the world spent time hearing the needs of children--and how critical they are to reaching the world for Christ. I told them this is something children's ministers and youth ministers have prayed for--that everyone would see the vision! We heard how kids are powerless, vulnerable, and exploited around the world. And that we have to stand up for them! Yes! Yes!

Then why aren't I onboard 100%? I keep saying my thinking is muddled and I'm not sure what to do with it. I think part of my troubled spirit is "what about the edges?" What about the 0 to 4 age group? Experts tell us that the first three years of a child's life are the most critical. Maybe it's great church nurseries and preschools who've partnered with parents to prepare the 4-14 group to respond to Jesus. And what about the 14 to 21 age group? I guess I'm just uncomfortable with lopping off the edges for a catchy marketing phrase that rolls off one's tongue--4/14.

I'm 100% on board with reaching children (and their families, by the way). I just want us to reach children of all ages. I think over time we'll continue to have conversations and hopefully this summit will make the big difference with strategic thinkers that the organizers dream of. That's my prayer--for all the children!

Have you ever stopped to really think about the term "out-of-the-box"? Someone who's creative may refer to himself as an "out-of-the-box thinker" or a woman may say she does ministry that's "out-of-the-box."

What does that really mean? It seems to me that it's all relative, isn't it? I mean it depends on the box you're talking about. I just clicked on a link to someone making such a promise, and I thought "Is that really out-of-the-box?" Maybe for some; depends on their box.

Years ago I went to a conference and the leaders kept promising that they had an out-of-the-box worship leader for our worship time--very innovative, very edgy. When I went to the worship time, it was a young guy with a keyboard leading us in choruses. Okay, not out-of-the-box for me, but my box is pretty big with worship experiences that I consider edgy. But to them, it rocked their world! Then again, I've been to conferences where the worship was so edgy and rocky and loud that I didn't find it worshipful. Guess my box wasn't as big as others'!

Anyway, I don't have a huge axe to grind with the term; we even used "out-of-the-box" as a theme for training one year. But I'm just musing today. I think I'll be a lot more cautious when I hear people using that term to discover how big their box is that they're trying to get out of--before I run to check it out.

Have you ever stopped to really think about the term "out-of-the-box"? Someone who's creative may refer to himself as an "out-of-the-box thinker" or a woman may say she does ministry that's "out-of-the-box."

What does that really mean? It seems to me that it's all relative, isn't it? I mean it depends on the box you're talking about. I just clicked on a link to someone making such a promise, and I thought "Is that really out-of-the-box?" Maybe for some; depends on their box.

Years ago I went to a conference and the leaders kept promising that they had an out-of-the-box worship leader for our worship time--very innovative, very edgy. When I went to the worship time, it was a young guy with a keyboard leading us in choruses. Okay, not out-of-the-box for me, but my box is pretty big with worship experiences that I consider edgy. But to them, it rocked their world! Then again, I've been to conferences where the worship was so edgy and rocky and loud that I didn't find it worshipful. Guess my box wasn't as big as others'!

Anyway, I don't have a huge axe to grind with the term; we even used "out-of-the-box" as a theme for training one year. But I'm just musing today. I think I'll be a lot more cautious when I hear people using that term to discover how big their box is that they're trying to get out of--before I run to check it out.

I just read this piece from our upcoming Children's Ministry Professional Edition that I wanted to share with everyone NOW! If you'd like to know more about subscribing to the premiere leadership publication for children's ministers, check it out at http://www.childrensministry.com/leaders/

Predicting Church Conflict

    There are predictable moments in a church’s life when conflict is more likely to surface. Here are the top 10 predictable times for conflict as identified by church conflict guru, Speed Leas .

1.   The Easter Season—Typically one of the busiest seasons in the life of the church, expectations are high and conflict can arise over music, preaching, childcare, or even doctrinal issues.

2.   Stewardship Campaigns or Budget Preparation—Issues can surface not only between staff members and the church board during this time, but volunteers and church members often end up in conflict when it comes to money matters.

3.   Adding Staff—The addition of a new personality, work ethic, and vision can rattle the cage of the status quo.

4.   Changes in Leadership Style—Pastors and leaders go through different seasons in their approach to leadership techniques and styles. If the change is drastic or uncomfortable for some, it can lead to conflict.

5.   Absences—When key leaders are away from the office such as on sabbatical or vacation, tensions can rise as well as conflict among those left in charge during a leader’s absence.

6.   A Change in the Pastor’s Family—Whether it’s a new baby or a teenager in crisis, family changes can pull a pastor’s time away from the flock, which can result in feelings ranging from tension to disappointment.

7.   Significant Generational Changes—When a sudden influx of young families emerges in an older congregation, it can unsettle the church. Or when a young pastor suddenly has to manage an older team, it can create stress all around.

8.   Completion of a New Building—Your congregation put a lot of time and money into a beautiful new facility…and not everything’s perfect—conflict brews even in celebration.

9.   Rapid Membership Changes—Whether attendance quickly grows or wanes, conflict can grow under the pressure and effects of number changes.

10.  Between Pastors—When there’s a change in leadership, there can be tension among others outside of leadership as they jockey for power or influence.

Source: “Top 10 Predictable Times for Conflict in the Church” by Craig Webb (lifeway.com)

I just read this piece from our upcoming Children's Ministry Professional Edition that I wanted to share with everyone NOW! If you'd like to know more about subscribing to the premiere leadership publication for children's ministers, check it out at http://www.childrensministry.com/leaders/

Predicting Church Conflict

    There are predictable moments in a church’s life when conflict is more likely to surface. Here are the top 10 predictable times for conflict as identified by church conflict guru, Speed Leas .

1.   The Easter Season—Typically one of the busiest seasons in the life of the church, expectations are high and conflict can arise over music, preaching, childcare, or even doctrinal issues.

2.   Stewardship Campaigns or Budget Preparation—Issues can surface not only between staff members and the church board during this time, but volunteers and church members often end up in conflict when it comes to money matters.

3.   Adding Staff—The addition of a new personality, work ethic, and vision can rattle the cage of the status quo.

4.   Changes in Leadership Style—Pastors and leaders go through different seasons in their approach to leadership techniques and styles. If the change is drastic or uncomfortable for some, it can lead to conflict.

5.   Absences—When key leaders are away from the office such as on sabbatical or vacation, tensions can rise as well as conflict among those left in charge during a leader’s absence.

6.   A Change in the Pastor’s Family—Whether it’s a new baby or a teenager in crisis, family changes can pull a pastor’s time away from the flock, which can result in feelings ranging from tension to disappointment.

7.   Significant Generational Changes—When a sudden influx of young families emerges in an older congregation, it can unsettle the church. Or when a young pastor suddenly has to manage an older team, it can create stress all around.

8.   Completion of a New Building—Your congregation put a lot of time and money into a beautiful new facility…and not everything’s perfect—conflict brews even in celebration.

9.   Rapid Membership Changes—Whether attendance quickly grows or wanes, conflict can grow under the pressure and effects of number changes.

10.  Between Pastors—When there’s a change in leadership, there can be tension among others outside of leadership as they jockey for power or influence.

Source: “Top 10 Predictable Times for Conflict in the Church” by Craig Webb (lifeway.com)