The Two Years that Will Impact the Entire Rest of My Ministry

I came home today from my last retreat as part of Jim Wideman’s first Infuse mentoring group.  Two years ago I was thrilled to find out I had been selected to participate in this group and I had absolutely no idea what to expect.  As I reflect now, two years later, I can say without a doubt that the things I learned during this experience will greatly influence how I live out the rest of my ministry.

Here are the highlights in the best words I have:

-  I had the opportunity to connect with 20 children’s pastors from all over the country, from different denominations, and from different sizes of churches.  Having those relationships and being able to talk about what was happening in our ministries was encouraging and stretching.  I have formed ministry relationships that I will keep for a very, very long time.

-  My thinking has been challenged, changed, and stretched in critical areas of ministry:  time management, structure of ministry, development of volunteers, and much more.

-  I was reminded again and again that you get out of something what you put in… my personal growth (in every area – spiritually, physically, professionally) requires my effort.

-  While Jim Wideman is “famous” in children’s ministry circles, that is not what he cares about.  He models a passionate love for: the Lord, the Word, his family, his church, and his ministry.  He is real and his goal in life is to help people.  Not to make a name for himself or bring glory to himself, but to help others better minister to kids.  He’s an excellent role model and mentor , except for being an Alabama fan.

I know I sound like a commercial, but the money our church invested in Infuse was worth far more than any conference or seminar I have attended.  At the risk of having my seminary degree revoked, I would even say that these two years have been more influential than the hours I spent in master’s work.

This was a God-given opportunity for me, and if you are in Kid Min, I highly, highly recommend that you don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  There are only a few more days to register for the group starting in September 2010 and there won’t be another group until 2011.  You can find more information by clicking here.