Q & A with Justin J

This is me and Justin at their Kids Day in September 2015. This properly depicts our relationship. ;)

 

About Justin Jeter

In 2014, Justin and Hillary joined the Calvary Tabernacle (Bentonville, AR) family to lead the Children’s Department. Justin and Hillary desire to see children built up in Christ, rooted in doctrine and established in faith. They also believe that learning how to follow Jesus should be dynamic, fun and exciting and they seek to infuse that energy into all of their children’s events and activities. Justin began his work with children’s ministry in 2006 in Belleview, FL. This was the church he grew up in, with his entire family. So Justin understands the excitement and uncertainty of being the "new guy" in a new church in a new city with a new position. Justin has some insights that might help a "new" children's pastor or ministry leader. Transition can be tough, so here's a few thoughts and ideas that might make it a little easier. To learn more about the children's ministry in Bentonville, visit: http://www.ctbentonville.com/

1) Who’s your favorite superhero?

Wolverine. Love the backstory of how he obtained his abilities. Love the movies because Hugh Jackman is awesome! We can all admit that at some point in our lives we have put butter knives between our fingers and pretended to be Wolverine. I know some adults who still do it. Don’t worry Daniel, I won’t tell them you do.

2) What’s something you wish you would have learned before becoming a Children’s Pastor?

I wish I‘d studied more about leading different age groups. I have read multiple books on leadership, but the greatest impact on my life was having great leadership over me. I learned a lot from my Bishop, Pastor and Children’s Pastor(Daniel Autrey). I gained most of my experience from being a leader over teenagers and college and career aged volunteers at the church I grew up in. At the time, those were the majority of people helping in children’s ministry. When I came to Bentonville, AR, it was completely different. 95% of the volunteers were older than me. I was leading adults and not teenagers. I didn’t feel I could interact with them the same way. It was a bit of a shock. Fortunately, the adults that we work with are fantastic. They love our kids and support me. It took me a while to get over the thought that maybe they just think I’m a kid. Even though they have never acted that way, it was my mindset. I have pushed through that and feel like I have stepped into a role of leadership that our staff, parents, and children support. Wherever you are in ministry, whether it be a volunteer or Children’s Pastor, you can always sharpen your leadership skills.

3)  What’s the hardest part of being a children’s pastor?

The hardest part but also the best part of being a children pastor is working with my spouse. We have learned so much within the past year about ourselves, and our relationship. It has only made us stronger. We both work full time jobs, church functions several nights a week, staff meeting, music practice for choir, and try to stay married (just kidding). Unfortunately, the latter gets the left overs depending on the workload of projects and events that are happening at the church. We do our very best to give ourselves 1-2 nights a week to “check-out” from responsibilities and enjoy each other’s company, which could include a movie or playing Skipbo (that’s my jam). The point is to be present and in the moment. If we are lucky, we get to fellowship with other adults on the weekend, which is a real treat. What I have come to realize is that it’s such a privilege to work in God’s Kingdom with your spouse. We have the same passion in ministry. Our motives are the same, “To see kids be saved”. Yes, you need to invest in your marriage. It is vital. If your marriage is not strong, your ministry will not be strong. But I know that God has brought Hillary and I together for a purpose. It is our reasonable service to be a living sacrifice for Him.

4) How do you keep things fresh and change things up?

It's so important to keep things fresh. We have made numerous changes since we've been in Bentonville and the CT kids staff just get behind us and go with it. Here are few things I've practiced and that have helped make changes smoother.

-Keep your staff in the loop. We have tag-in meetings every Sunday morning where we address week-to-week operations and issues that arise. We also have quarterly meetings reviewing curriculum and future ideas.

-Get their input. Great ideas come from the people in the trenches. Want to make the rotation schedule more efficient? Ask your staff and teachers what they think.

- Don't change everything at once. Small changes make big changes. Take small steps to get where you want to be. Children’s ministry is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. We are in it for the long haul. You don’t have to make big changes overnight. Of course, there are situations that conflict with my statement, but it stands true in most cases.

5)   What’s your best advice for new children’s pastors?

Build relationships! Build relationships with your pastor and the pastoral team, kidmin staff, parents, and the kids. This means spending time with them in small groups and individually, if possible. Don't get so busy you forget you're working with people. The best curriculum and world's coolest facility means nothing if you don't focus on the needs of the people you are trying to reach. In our case, children. Do they come from a split family? A single parent home? Does grandma bring them? Know your kids. Let them see that you care and love them. Who knows how long it’s been since someone has showed them love. Kids have their “phoney boloney” detectors on all the time so be REAL!

Momma T's Top 3 Teaching Tips

     Theresa May has worked in Children's Ministry for over 30 years. She told me, "Back then, we had to memorize all the lessons since paper hadn't been invented yet." Ha! ;) Theresa, or as she is affectionately known around these parts- Momma T, played a vital role in my involvement and development in Children's Ministry. She has also helped develop teachers and kids ministry leaders all throughout the Florida District UPCI. Where would I and countless others be without her?!

     Momma T has seen a lot of new programs and ideas come and go over the years, so I asked her to give me 3 of her top teaching tips. These are 3 things that can be applied whether you lead a group of 2 or 200 kids. These are timeless truths that I pray we make sure are implemented in every class and program of our children's ministries. I hope every church and district is blessed with a Momma T. Until then, enjoy a few words of wisdom from her below...

Momma T's Top 3 Teaching Tips

 1. Don't be boring. 

Keep their attention! It doesn't matter if you have the greatest story ever told or the coolest game ever played, if you have lost their attention you are wasting your time. It's not always about getting to the point of your story or skit if they are not getting to the point with you. Sometimes you have to stop and change directions. Maybe it's time to throw in a few questions, bring someone else in to do the game or have one of the kids join the skit and help act out the lesson. Always be aware of the attention of the class. If you have lost them, stop what you are doing, go find them and drive your point home with everyone on board!

2. Know your stuff. 

Know what you are talking about. You can't keep their attention if you don't know what you are talking about or how to play the game. Put your heart and soul into that lesson as if you are the one who wrote it or the game as if you are the one who created it. Don't just stand in front of them and read it. Put that paper down and tell it from the heart. If there are times that you must read something from the book, bring it alive by master story telling. Change your voice to the characters, be the movie star and have all eyes on you. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time and theirs and they will think you are boring. A successful Sunday School Teacher can never be boring! Know your stuff and know how to do it right.

3. Love them all. 

Find something to love about each child that walks in your room.  Let's just face it, not every child seems lovable. There may be a time that a child walks in your room that seems to get on your very last nerve, find something to love about that child. That child needs your love. Does that mean that child can get away with being an unruly or bad mannered child while in class? NO! Set the boundaries and rules for the class that everyone must follow and show love to each and everyone. You are not alone in thinking that you just can't wait for one certain child to have the next birthday so they can move on to the next class. We have all been there a time or two, but when that young child grows up to be an anointed, Holy Ghost filled Child of God, working in God's Kingdom, it will be worth it. It will be worth it when that child returns to you to say it is because you showed loved to them when no one else did. You will find that to be the most rewarding moment ever. How are they going to believe that God loves them if we can't find something in them to show them that we love them too? Find it and show it.

1) Don't be boring. 2) Know your stuff. 3) Love them all...even the unlovable! 

  *Momma T pictured with Lloyd Squires (The King's Clown). 

A little trivia: Bro. Squires gave her the nickname- Momma T. I love them both!

New Year, New Goals!

Some time in the new year and near future, I will share some age specific goals that we use in our local children's department. It helps us stay on track and see what we are accomplishing in each class/age group. We have a plan and direction that we follow. Each class and each year builds on each other. We are not aimlessly wandering, we are going somewhere! 

Until then, have a Happy New Year...and a free lesson! :)

Attached (at the bottom of this post) is a lesson we came up with and taught at my church, Souls Harbor, last year. It served as a great way to kick off the new year. The whole basis surrounds Moses and the excuses he used on God. The lesson is about getting over the excuses and just doing what God wants us to do. That's exactly what we need to do in this new year. Get over the excuses and just do it! Just live for God! Serve Him and Work for Him! He has an incredible plan for each of us, if we will just get the excuses out of the way.

Also attached, is a goal worksheet that goes with this lesson. We have used this to help kids stay on track with their goals for the new year. *Here's a hint, grown-ups can use this too! ;) 

In your personal goal setting, make sure your goals are SMART!

Lesson- No Excuses!

Goal Worksheet

Make A Right Turn

        

        Being in ministry means we are all about serving and working with people. One thing I have learned from serving as a children’s pastor, is that my job entails a lot more than just working with kids. A big part of my job is keeping and maintaining excitement and good relationships with the other teachers and leaders that work in the children’s department. My belief is that if I will effectively lead the leaders, they will effectively lead the children. There has been many times when I have selected the person I deemed to be the “best” to lead a specific age group or to lead a certain event, but I quickly discovered that the best person for the job is not always the right person for the job. I’m not necessarily looking for the most talented or most educated person; I’m not even looking for the most gifted speakers. I’m looking for the person who has a burden for children’s ministry, and who is willing to work in unity with myself and the rest of the staff. I want someone who is willing to give up their own methods to help us achieve the overall goal of our department. Find the right person for the job, not just the best or most talented one. If you are going to have and maintain revival in your department, then you are going to need some help. Of course we want the most gifted and talented people on our team, but we must understand that the success of our department is not dependent on the gifts and talents of a few, but rather the unity and teamwork of many. As leadership guru John Maxwell says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

            

        Before the Holy Ghost was first poured out in the book of Acts, we find that the people were of one mind and one accord. The people were in unity. The disciples did not allow personal squabbles and problems to get in the way of their relationships. They had a greater goal in mind and they would not let anything get in the way of that. We must be the same way. We must be willing to sacrifice our own feelings for the success of the group. This is why it is important to find team players, not hot shots.  Look for individuals that can be in unity with you and work hand in hand with you. Those that are willing to do whatever it takes to bring about revival with you. Once you establish a team of people that you trust and that you know will work with you and not against you, make sure you spend time with them. I don’t mean five minutes before kids arrive on Sunday morning; I mean make plans to eat together or meet once a month. This way you can invest in their lives and they can invest in yours. Your core team should be willing to do anything to help each other. Make sure your team members know you care about them. People do not want to be used and abused. They want to know that they matter and that they are cared for. Take notice and be helpful if things are going on in a team member’s personal life. Pray for them on a daily basis and pray with them in the altar. They need to know you are not just using them as a tool to accomplish your own desires. Take time to write a card, thanking team members for their friendship and hard work that they contribute week in and week out. Like I previously stated, if you will effectively care for and lead your leaders, they will effectively lead the kids.

     

        Again, make the decision to invest in the lives of your team members and other key leaders. Help build them up and do not allow yourself to feel threatened by those that are more gifted than you in certain areas. Remember: Do not look for the best people, look for the right ones. 

*This is a segment from my book- From Sunday School to Children's Ministry

A Gift Fit For A King

   

   
     With all the money that you are having to spend around Christmas time, I figured we would save you a few dollars. Merry Christmas! If you've been looking around for a specific Christmas lesson/message to share with your students this year, please feel free to use this resource that we have used and is very effective. Attached is the PDF of a Christmas lesson written by Theresa May (We call her Momma T and you can find her on Facebook if you have any questions regarding the lesson). It's called A Gift Fit For A King. This is a simple and powerful resource using the story of the Wise Men. It includes a short craft, game & lesson. Feel free to pass this along to your friends in Children's Ministry. I pray it helps you and your students EXPERIENCE the reason for the season! 

A Gift Fit For A King

The Ultimate Children's Minister

This is a salute to the ultimate Children's Ministers- Mom & Dad!

Children's ministry is of utmost importance. It is an essential ministry to a growing, thriving church. I believe we need to make sure our content is solid, our programs are fun and our staff is capable. The Children's Department of the Church only has (at the most) a few short hours to positively impact the kids in your church. We must do our best to make sure we are good stewards of every minute. At the same time, I think we need to change our approach and understand that children's ministry can take place every day. We just have to get creative and figure out how to get God's Word in their hearts on Mondays as well as on Sundays.

This is where the ultimate children's ministers come in. Parents have the opportunity to be a much more effective kids minister than I am. Compared to my short 2 hours with their children each week, mom and dad get the opportunity to spend hours with their children every day.

Deut 6:4-9
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Rather than seeing ourselves in competition with parents, kids and youth ministry need to partner with parents. I'm not here to replace the parents influence and take away their God-given responsibility. Parents are the ultimate instructor and leader in their child's life. I am here to assist them. I am here to be that breath of fresh air on Sunday morning. I am here to provide a fresh shot of inspiration in kids church. I am here to provide the tools parents need to continually maintain their child's faith throughout the week. The church and the home are not in competition with each other. We work together.

Here at my local church, we TRY our best to keep parents in the loop with what's happening in the kids department. Emphasis on TRY because it's a learning process and no one's perfect. We are doing our best to connect with parents so they know we are on the same team. Now we do not try to overload them with all kinds of extra projects and events that will make them feel overwhelmed with their already full calendar. We look for simple things, simple tools to help parents in their task of raising kids that love the Lord with all their heart, soul and strength.

One such tool we have used is the Family Home Activity Guide. This is a simple idea that could make a big difference in your church...AND IT'S FREE!!! All it takes is a little bit of thinking ahead and a short amount of time to prepare. Attached is a PDF example of the one we use from time to time. This is an idea I found somewhere and tweaked for our programming.  There are 5 columns or categories one for each day of the week (Monday-Friday). It's nothing complicated and only takes a few minutes for each. This tool provides parents with the information that was covered that Sunday in the Kids Department and gives them ways to keep that message/lesson in their thoughts all throughout the week. This is a great way to 1) Keep parents in the loop to the happenings of your department and 2) Provides the kids ministry with a way to keep the message alive all week long. This is a great retention tool! Attached is a free PDF example of one of our home guides. If you would like the publisher version so you can edit and adjust for your department, simply comment or email and I will send it to you. 

Thank God for moms, dads, guardians and grandparents who are striving to raise up the next generation of Christians! We are here to help make the job a little bit easier and maybe a little more entertaining. Children's Ministry is here to share that burden. Together, lets CARRY ON!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2rROna3TrBoUVAxTk42X2dXVEE/view?usp=sharing

Be the Bridge

       

  

       There is a story I read a while back about a bridge disaster. A ship passing under the bridge hit part of the supporting structure, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse. Several drivers, who were unaware of this accident, continued to travel along the bridge. Because of poor weather conditions, they did not see that it had collapsed in front of them. Several of vehicles drove off the edge, plummeting to their deaths. I’m sure the drivers and passengers didn’t think twice about the conditions of the bridge as they drove that day. I’m sure they took the bridge for granted as they drove over it day after day.

       

      It is usually not until something serious and tragic happens that we think of how important something like a bridge is. You, as a children’s minister, are the bridge between the children you serve and Jesus Christ. If you are not there to help lead, carry and direct the children toward Jesus, they will plummet into this world and all of the mess and trouble the devil has planned for them. It is time to be the bridge. It’s time to bridge the gap.

    

    Someone must be willing to step up and be the bridge between our kids and Jesus. Ezek 22:30-And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. God is looking for someone to bridge the gap. Maybe your church is looking for someone to bridge the gap in the 4 & 5 year Sunday school class? Let your response be like Isaiah’s,  “ Here am I, send me!” Maybe your pastor has been looking for someone to bridge the gap in Children’s Church. “Here am I, send me!” Whatever the gap might currently be in the Children’s Department, let your response be, “Here am I, send me!”

Sometimes it might feel like a thankless job and that, just like a bridge, you are getting walked all over. It’s ok, that’s what you are there for! To be the bridge and to bridge the gap. To connect the students in your church to Jesus. Gal 6:9 says,  “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  KJV

Maybe you’re not seeing a lot of results right now and have bee feeling like disconnecting. Don't give up, don't pull away. Kid ministry is important. What you are doing to serve the children and families of your church matters. What would we do without the bridge?  Keep at it and you will see results!