C3Kids Part V

It is difficult at best to try to sum up everything I learned, felt, and experienced at C3Kids. 

Here a few take-aways -

1. A Clearly Communicated Vision Unites and Inspires – I was absolutely amazed at the unity I saw displayed at C3Kids.  They were a little sneaky, but I figured them out! It really didn’t matter what break-out session was being taught.  The same messages were communicated time and time again.  The speakers would constantly refer to the core values.  The examples given regarding the core values were the same across the board, whether the session being taught was Kid-vangelism or myTunes.  Everyone seemed to “own” the vision.  No one appeared to be going through the motions.   You couldn’t differentiate between pastor, staff, volunteer, family member – everyone owned the vision.  Everyone seemed to be personally invested.  That was really amazing to see.  I pray that our church family can begin to own our vision in the same way!

2. Creativity coupled with Know-How Ignites – Add Passion and watch out! – Taking a tour of the Preschool and Children’s areas of Fellowship Church was another amazing experience.  You could walk in any office and wonder, “Am I at a church office, or did I stumble into Disney World?”  Creative is the word of the day over at Fellowship Church.  There are people who know how to do exactly what needs to be done to make Elevate and Elevate Jr. come alive! There are writers, animators, pastors, etc. filling the roles they were created to fill – and bending and stretching from time to time! It makes me wonder – when do we begin writing/producing our own curriculum? I don’t want to reinvent the wheel, but I get inspired seeing “what could be.” Step one – work on our environment!

3.  The 4 Minute Principle – I hope I’m getting this one right – I heard it explained first on the tour, and then referred to frequently.  We have about 4 minutes to make an impression on parents.  Two minutes when they drop off and two minutes when they pick up.  What are the children doing during those times? What does the environment speak? How are we welcoming the children? What are we telling parents without even saying a word? I am going to sit down with some of my team and ask those very questions.  I’m excited to have a “do-able” goal of revamping just 4 minutes.  It’s only 4 minutes, but that 4 minutes will make a huge difference in our ministry!

I’m sure I will think of a million other things to share, but for now this will have to do! I am very thankful for all of the effort Fellowship Kids put into this conference.  I was inspired!

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