In a recent post, I listed in my “Top 10 trends that will reshape youth ministry” that “Children’s ministry will become the most strategic opportunity in the church.”  As a youth pastor at heart, I humbly believe children’s ministry holds a huge key to the church in its hands.  BUT… opportunity means nothing if not acted upon.  A new generation of children’s pastors will be at the vortex of the church’s strategy – but will they capitalize on it?  Here are three pleas to the next Gen of children’s pastors:

1. Realize your incredibly strategic position and power to help reshape the Church

Why is children’s ministry so strategic?  Kids are building foundational associations about Jesus, yes.  But one of the most important aspects often goes unnoticed: Young parents are completely open to renegotiating the relationships of their emerging family.  Will they be a family that is intimately tied to other families or isolated from others?  Will they choose to team with other families in the church to radically love their neighbors, co-workers and those in need?  How families answer those questions may determine whether their children have Jesus-loving adults in the lives of their kids – a key factor in future faith formation.  Children’s ministry can help strategically connect families to one another and form extended family relationships that may not happen outside this window of opportunity. It is children’s ministry that holds the strategic key in helping every kid have five adults who know and invest in them.

2. Don’t obsess over the curriculum - focus on the bigger picture of how faith in Jesus forms in children

A new generation of children’s pastors is recognizing the danger of “Curriculum Obsession.” There will never be a perfect curriculum. Even the one you write yourself is seriously flawed. Make no mistake: The opportunity above will be lost if children’s pastors spend the majority of their time in a never-ending march to discover curriculum nirvana.  Excellent curriculum that points to Jesus is essential, but Jesus will be experienced by kids who are connected to mature adults who are following Jesus.  More time and energy needs to be spent on developing systems and people who can live out the Bible stories for kids, not just tell them.

3. Have the courage to change 

“Helping the church’s families form extended families that live out the gospel together” is probably not on the average children’s pastor job description.  It’s easier to put on a weekend program than undertake a massive shift of how the church works.  Children’s pastors can lead the charge in shaping the future of the church and will need to be vision casters to help the rest of the church see the opportunity they have to focus on families in this age group as a unique opportunity.  It will take courage though – resistance will be high at times and it means shifting how your time and focus is spent.  It will take bravery to enlist other key players in the church to get the vision of creating a network of families at young ages.  You can’t do it alone.  But the potential for your kids, families and the Kingdom is worth it.

Bless you in the journey.

- Jim Candy (thanks to my friend and future-minded children’s pastor, Jeremy Drew, for his contribution to this post).

http://www.parenteen.com/index.cfm/pageid/1136/postid/243/blogid/33/index.html#e10357

GENERAL INFO:  Arts Camp is a day camp that is designed to help children develop a deeper love for God through the arts. During the week, all the children will be exposed to a variety of arts as well as participate daily in one elective class of either Dance, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Creative Craftsmanship, or Culinary Arts. The camp is open to all children entering grades 1-6 in the 2012 school year. Our camp is from July 16-20, concluding with our Showcase at 7pm on Friday evening, July 20th. Camp hours will be 8:30 am-12:30 pm (lunch is NOT included). The cost of the camp is $70 per child; limited scholarships available. Certain tracks may have an additional materials fee.

Registration Directions: Mail in your registration.  ABSOLUTELY no walk-ins (for registration or on camp days). Click here for a .pdf of the Registration Form. Fill out the form, being sure to complete ALL the highlighted areas, and print and mail, with your payment. Registration directions are clearly spelled out on the Registration Form.

Any questions, contact Sharon Richards, 983-0182 Ext. 24. Better yet, e-mail her at sharon.richards@oakhills.org.

BECAUSE OUTREACH IS A PRIORITY TO US, REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Oak Hillians registering with a non-churched family: April 1
• Open to the community:  May 1

(Please note:  if  you have a church home, please respect our desire for our camp to be an outreach; please wait until registration is open to the community.  Thanks.)

By the way, we’re offering 2 NEW CLASSES this year:  Edible Art 1/2 (Culinary Track) and Word Up! for Grades 4-6 (Visual Arts Track)!

ALSO NEW!  Painting Class for “Special Needs Children” – In this unique painting class, children will explore various techniques of painting that will accommodate their needs yet still allow them  the flexibility to “create out of the box”.  This class is more about encouraging the children to celebrate their unique abilities, encourage their individual creativity and elevate their self esteem.  At the end of the week, they will have a personal portfolio of artwork that they can be proud of that will touch your heart. For more info, contact sharon.richards@oakhills.org.

 VISUAL ARTS

Through a variety of art mediums, students enter the world of Visual Arts exploring, experimenting, and creating unique, one of a kind treasures. They will discover the creative genius of God and our natural ability to create because we are made in His image.

Grades 1 & 2 – Art Explosion:  Meet VIAs (very important artists) past and present while using basic art elements like color, line, shape, pattern and texture to create gold metal worthy masterpieces.

Grades 3 & 4 – Cartooning: Make characters pop to life on the page as you start with a few pencil lines and circles that turn into a full color FATASMIC cartoon that will reach out and pull you in. By the end of the Art’s Camp week you will have some GLITZY toons that knock your socks off and blow your friends and families minds!

Grades 3 & 4 – Ceramics & Clay: Roll it, pound it, squish it, and shape it. Clay!! Transform soft, malleable low fire white and terra cotta clay into fired and glazed treasures.

Grades 5 & 6 – Photography:  Discover how God works and transforms the world around us through digital photography. Learn the fundamentals techniques of photography: lighting, composition and how cameras work. Tap into your creativity and create a photography portfolio documenting transformation. And most importantly, have a blast!

Grades 5 & 6 – Acrylic Adventures: Kids will experiment with an abstract style of painting using acrylics. They will have fun thinking outside the box and experiencing the use of color in an abstract way.

NEW! Grades 4-6 – Word Up! Language Art: The pencil is our paintbrush, and words are our paint!  Get your creative juices flowing through fun games and exercises that will set your imagination free and inspire you to tell your own stories and get your writing to jump off the page.

Materials: Students should wear old clothes and/or bring a paint shirt to protect clothing. Some projects may be messy!

DRAMA (THEATRE ARTS)

This high-energy track introduces students to the basics of theatre. Students will use their imaginations and senses while developing their God-given talent to communicate with an audience. All classes include emotional, facial, and body expression, character development, basic stage movement, common stage terms, vocal control skills, and understanding more about God and how He can use creative talents to glorify Him.

Grades 1 & 2 – Drama-rama: Prepare to be amazed as you transform from a frightened mouse into a fearless lion. This class involves lots of imagining, pretending, game playing and acting fun while developing self-confidence and stage presence.

Grades 3 & 4 – Team ACT: Team up with your fellow 3/4 Drathletes* and take part in Transformation Games training. As a team we’ll spend the week partaking in exciting games and activities that will prepare us for our big debut, the main event: The Arts Camp Showcase. (*Drathlete: A drama athlete, someone who develops and uses their dramatic muscles.)

Grades 5 & 6 – Theatre Breakout: Taking Theatre Arts to the next level, we’ll explore “everything” theatre in a hands on way including acting, make-up, lighting, sound, backstage, theatre history, set design and more.

Material: Students may be asked to bring items from home for class exercise. If so, these will be items commonly found in most homes and should not be purchased. Nothing extra will be needed on the first day.

MUSIC (AUDITORY ART)

Music, like the Olympics, brings people together. In this exciting track, students will learn the physics of sound, different instrument families and musical styles, play music and rhythm games, and participate in a musical performance at the Friday night Showcase. Through magnificent music making, they will come to better understand our amazing God who created our sound-filled world, and loves music!

Grades 1 & 2 – Mini Musicians:  Learn to express love for God through the art of music by making and playing instruments!  Students will also play games, learn songs and memorize scripture set to music.

Grades 3 & 4 – Rhythm and No Blues:  Use your God-given creative gifts to honor and worship God through rhyming songs and ‘friendly’ competition for Olympic gold!

Grades 5 & 6 – Beginning Guitar: Want to go beyond Guitar Hero and make real music? This class will cover the beginning basics of guitar: strumming, tuning, and cords. Also, there will be demonstrations on different types of guitar, accessories and styles.

Materials:  None needed

CREATIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP (THE ART OF CRAFT)

Every person is a creative craftsman/woman waiting to be discovered, released, trained, and refined. In this track, students see the creative genius of God while developing unique, hands on skills given them by the one who created them in His image.

 Grades 1 & 2 – A Mixed Bag: Using mixed mediums like paint, fabric, paper, glue, and paper- mache’, students will make unique, “gold metal worthy” craft creations!

Grades 3 & 4 – Advanced Mixed Bag: Champions of craft in training, students will use a variety of mediums and materials to experiment and create one-of-a-kind treasures while learning skills for future crafting creations.

Grades 3 & 4 – Crazy Clothes:  New projects this year! No blah/boring shirts here!  Exciting and amazing designs as we tye-die, print, make team jerseys, and work together to make some outrageously fun creations! 

Grades 5 &6 – Woodworking: Transforming raw pieces of wood into beautiful and useful creations, woodworkers will learn how to use both hand tools and power tools to craft projects they’ll be proud to use and display.

Materials: Students should wear old clothes and/or bring a paint shirt to protect clothing. Some projects may be messy!

CULINARY ARTS

Food not only fuels us, it can inspire and cultivate creativity in very “satisfying” ways. Students in this track will learn some basic food vocabulary, safety in the kitchen, experiment with tools of the trade, and have hands on experience in creating culinary delights.

NEW! Grades 1 & 2 – Edible Art (too cool to eat): Edible Art will let you explore the tastes and textures of  all the food groups that the World’s Top Chefs use to create the food for the USAs Olympians. You will be making art come alive by using food from all the food groups.

Grades 3 & 4:  Frosting, Fondant, Fun:  Delicious treats are your canvas and fondant and frosting are your paints. Explore the ‘sweet’ taste of creativity, making one of kind edible masterpieces you’ll be proud to share.

Grades 5 & 6 – Fun with Frosting: Decorate art you can eat. In this sweet class, you will learn how to apply frosting designs just for fun or for a party! With different frosting tips you’ll make stars, ropes, flowers, shells, borders, and more. Be creative and lick your fingers when you’re done!

Grades 5 & 6 – Kitchen Creations: Do you know which foods best support top athletes in their pursuit of Olympic gold? (Here’s a hint: they include the same foods that God gave to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden!) From “Macho Taco Salad” to “Red, White, and Blueberry Parfaits,” learn to make food for champions — and eat it, too!

Materials: Closed toe shoes and long pants are required in the kitchen. Hair should be pulled up or back for all classes.

DANCE (THE ART OF MOVEMENT)

Looking for world class athletes who embody fun? Welcome to the world of dance! Students in the Dance Track will develop basic coordination and flexibility, learn basic dance vocabulary, learn and apply dance warm-up and across the floor progressions, be introduced to various dance techniques and styles, and learn/perform a finished dance for the Friday night Showcase.  They’ll also discover how God created our bodies for movement and learn what it means to dance for and with God.

Grades 1 & 2 – Hip Hop:  If words like locking, popping, old skool, and krumping make you want to move, then check a more “down” dance style, Hip Hop. We’ll learn both basic dance, as well as some beginning hip hop moves, and put it all together for a “phat” Showcase piece to be performed on Friday night.

Grades 1 & 2 – Dance Combo: Set the world record for fun in this introduction to very basic jazz, ballet, and modern techniques. We’ll not only learn some dance basics, we’ll create a Showcase piece to be proud of.

Grades 3 & 4 – Dance Combo: Float across the floor experimenting with a variety of dance techniques and ribbon dancing (part of the Olympic sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics) as part of your dance extravaganza. Together create a dance worthy of the gold.

Grade 5 & 6- Dance Theatre: Broadway prepare for some competition! Not only will you learn dance, but you’ll work on musical theatre character development and performance techniques as you prepare to wow the audience at Friday night’s Showcase.

Materials: Depending on the class, different types of dance shoes may be suggested, but if they cannot be purchased, socks are preferred to tennis shoes or bare feet. Shoe details will be provided upon registration. Clothes should be comfortable but form fitting. This allows the teacher to be able to see what the child’s body is doing during movement. No bare midriffs please. Long hair should be pulled up or back.

]]> http://primetimechildrensministries.com/2012/03/30/arts-camp-now-registering/feed/ 0 sharonrichards the rings PT torch VA_Photography_5-6_Monday-6 DRAMA_34_Tues-13 MUSIC_56_Tues-4 CC_AdvMixedBag_34_Wed-2 PT kyack CULINARY_56_Thu-12 20110713_artscamp-6 http://primetimechildrensministries.com/2012/03/20/arts-camp-through-the-eyes-of/ http://primetimechildrensministries.com/2012/03/20/arts-camp-through-the-eyes-of/#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:03:52 +0000 danielmartinstaff http://primetimechildrensministries.com/?p=476 Continue reading →]]> I have had the honor and privilege of being a part of Arts Camp since the very beginning. In 2001, the very first year of Arts Camp, I participated as a camper in the Visual Arts 5/6 track. Some of my fellow campers included friends, Justin Luz and Julia Cross, with whom I am still friends with today. Our track emphasis was digital media arts and our infamous teacher, Matt Maszczak led us on a week of digital media-related activities and adventures. At the end of the week, our track had filmed and produced a short video starring PT Star and Matt as the Crocodile Hunter (corny accent and all) which was featured at the Friday Night Showcase.

One of the unique things about Arts Camp is the involvement of the arts in the lives of young children. There is something for every type of child! From the performance-based tracks of Drama, Dance, and Musical theatre; to the hands-on, cut, draw, and paint tracks of Visual Arts and Creative Craftsmanship and the newer tracks exploring the Culinary Arts; every child can participate in something that interests them.

Back in 2001, my 11 year old self was drawn to the track that used video cameras, computers, and editing software. Today, at 22 years old, I am a Graphic Design major and I still find cameras, computers, and editing software just as intriguing. My friend Julia will be graduating with a degree in Graphic Communications from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Justin has spent the last couple of years traveling the world working in print and film as an actor/model (Zoolander, anyone?). There is something very special about the three of us being exposed to the media design world at Arts Camp eleven years ago and now presently pursuing careers in similar fields.

The exposure to the arts aside, one of the things about Arts Camp that never ceases to amaze me is the intentional outpouring of Christ’s love that comes from the volunteers and staff of Arts Camp. For one week, children from all over the community, regardless of their circumstance, can come and experience the love of their Savior and come to know him by name. The value of being Christ to young children is eternal, which is why I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Arts Camp, the vision behind it, and the sacrificial volunteers and staff that makes it happen every single year.

2011 was a rough year for a lot of us involved with Arts Camp. The loss of friends, relatives, and immediate family members has left a lot of us feeling the painful sting of earthly death. One thing is for sure, the all-consuming joy that comes from knowing the Lord, even in seasons of loss, is our strength.

From a former camper, now teacher—to the Arts Camp staff: I want to say thank you for this camp and the opportunity be a minister of love to children as well as be ministered to by “…your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3

I look forward to spending a joy-filled week with you—Sarah Van Winkle

What will youth ministry look like in 2020?

There are more studies of young people and their faith today than at any time in human history.  Despite this wealth of information, our methods have not significantly changed since contemporary youth ministry was birthed in the 1950s and 60s.  That will change in the coming years.

Here is my best shot at how youth ministry will morph by 2020:

1. “Missional Communities” will change youth ministry relationships

A movement is emerging in churches large and small across the U.S.  It started in the U.K. decades ago as the church was forced to learn new strategies in an increasingly post-Christian culture.  “Extended-family” type groups of 20-70 people are emerging in churches that have a very clear outward mission.  Kids are a part of this movement – a future blog post will talk more about how Missional Communities may change youth ministry more than any other movement in the coming decades.

2. Intergenerational education programs for Senior Pastors will emerge

Future senior pastors will increasingly be expected to understand the dynamics of today’s intergenerational movement in churches.  Seminaries and other entities will begin to offer opportunities for senior pastors to be immersed in its complexities.

Jim Candy is a pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

3. Sunday morning programs will become history

Congregations will become increasingly dissatisfied with the separation between adults and its young people at their weekend services.  Worship services will change to accommodate younger people and those congre

gations that do not, will continue to disappear.

4. Same sex conversations will reach a fever pitch

Homosexuality, and the church’s view on that topic, will be a lightning rod for middle and high school kids in considering faith in Jesus.  Youth ministries will increasingly need to lovingly converse with kids and the broader culture about its viewpoint – whatever it may be.

5. Professional youth ministry positions will become more rare

Churches will increasingly alter structures so that entire congregations and caring for young people and will rely less on paid staff than in previous decades.  This will also be financially driven as more congregations will be forced to have a leaner staff.

6. Youth workers will be older

The stereotype of the youth worker as someone in their early 20s who views youth work as a stepping stone to another pastoral position will continue to fade away.

7. Youth workers will learn differently than previous decades

Conferences, books and seminars have been the major way youth workers have learned over the previous decades.  The next decade will mark a continued emergence of youth workers learning together in smaller “cohorts” of up to 30 people.

8. Children’s ministry will emerge as the most strategic opportunity in the church

Youth workers will begin to realize that putting multiple, Jesus-loving adults in kids’ lives means to affect the way the entire family system thinks about their relationships.  The best opportunity to influence those family relationships is when children are young and family relational patterns have not yet been established.  Savvy youth ministries will seek to influence children’s ministry to encourage parents to create extended family relationships.

Chap Clark is Vice Provost at Fuller Theological Seminary.

9. Youth ministries will leverage technology to help kids process Jesus

Young people, elementary school age and up, will increasingly own smart phones and other technologies.  Youth workers and ministries will learn how to leverage technology to help kids integrate Jesus into the different segments of their complex lives.

10. Leading churches will learn new ways to help kids serve

The days where churches create “service projects” for kids to participate in will decrease.  In its place will emerge more thought-out ways that churches come alongside young people who demonstrate a passion for particular causes or issues.  Leading churches will ask teenagers to dream, pray and then support young peoples’ passions rather than create service projects and ask them to participate.

One thing that will never change:  adults who love young people without agenda in the name of Jesus will always be a precious commodity and used by God to help transform their lives.  – Jim Candy

http://www.parenteen.com/index.cfm/pageid/1136/index.html

On February 10/11, Prime Time Children’s Ministries will be hosting its 10^th or 11^th annual 4^th/5^th Grade Indoor Campout (no one really knows when it started). We turn the auditorium into a campground, complete with nature sounds, camp activities, trees, campfires, and tents. The only things missing will be the bugs and wild animals.

This is one of my favorite events because it is one complete night of fun and hoopla. We play games, make camp crafts, tell “Holy-Ghost” stories (get it?), watch a movie on the big screens, bake S’mores in the kitchen, and then enjoy a special musical guest (if your kids have ever gone, ask them about it — they will know).

So 4^th or 5^th graders, sign yourself and a friend (or nine) up! If you are not a 4^th or 5^th grader or don’t know any, chances are there are probably some in your neighborhood who enjoy having fun.

Forget homework for a Friday night, ditch the Saturday morning soccer or basketball game, and come camp inside the auditorium. This is a great place for students to connect with their leaders and to make new friends — a great time to instill the value of pulling away from normal activities, to commune with fellow followers of Christ, and help make new ones. Stop by the Welcome Center or Spotlight Booth to find out all the details and register.

On February 10/11, Prime Time Children’s Ministries will be hosting its 10^th or 11^th annual 4^th/5^th Grade Indoor Campout (no one really knows when it started). We turn the auditorium into a campground, complete with nature sounds, camp activities, trees, campfires, and tents. The only things missing will be the bugs and wild animals.

This is one of my favorite events because it is one complete night of fun and hoopla. We play games, make camp crafts, tell “Holy-Ghost” stories (get it?), watch a movie on the big screens, bake S’mores in the kitchen, and then enjoy a special musical guest (if your kids have ever gone, ask them about it — they will know).

So 4^th or 5^th graders, sign yourself and a friend (or nine) up! If you are not a 4^th or 5^th grader or don’t know any, chances are there are probably some in your neighborhood who enjoy having fun.

Forget homework for a Friday night, ditch the Saturday morning soccer or basketball game, and come camp inside the auditorium. This is a great place for students to connect with their leaders and to make new friends — a great time to instill the value of pulling away from normal activities, to commune with fellow followers of Christ, and help make new ones. Stop by the Welcome Center or Spotlight Booth to find out all the details and register.

Tuesdays, January 24^th-April 10^th (No class on 2/21 or 4/3)

4:00-5:30pm, Room 206

A class for Upper Elementary Students who have indicated a desire to explore the Christian faith in more depth and who are ready to take more responsibility in their spiritual journey and formation. Students will begin to understand the core beliefs of the Christian faith and begin to claim them as their own. This is a twelve-week commitment, parents must willing to support and help their child in completing and understanding provided materials. Sign up at the spotlight booth or welcome center.

Contact Daniel Martin for more information.

Email: daniel.martin@oakhills.org to sign up or or for more information.