8. Network, surround yourself with peers you respect. Identify the ministry models available and find out what they are presently thinking now. Just because you heard them once doesn’t mean you know what they are thinking and saying today. I want to know what any other person who has my position is doing and why. Some time know what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Always be on the lookout to find others who will discuss with you what they are learning. Seek to understand different thinking than your own.
Be a fly on the wall and listen to others as they discuss and network. A few years ago I had the opportunity to have dinner with Sue Miller and Craig Jutilia. It was a wonderful time of learning and growing for me. As we were discussing our ministries I was so proud of all the other children’s pastors who attend that event that had pulled up a chair and were just listening and learning as well.

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6. Visit other churches. I love to tour churches where ever I go and when I do I take lots of pictures. There are several churches I’ve visited more than once and every time I’ve gone I’ve pick up different ideas. I love to visit churches with multiple locations and see what changes they made when they had a chance to redo their children’s space. It’s very eye opening to see what others do firsthand. Get outside your church and take a road trip to visit churches with creative and unique children’s ministries and see what you can learn.

4. Develop a relationship with people you esteem. Years ago when I started in ministry, finding other children’s pastors was not an easy task. There weren’t many of us out there, when I heard of another I gave them a call. I f I read an article that intrigues me I contact them. I still email and call children’s pastors and introduce myself and try to develop a relationship with those I want to know. When I see a hunger in other children’s pastors it gets my attention and causes me to draw close to them. Watch out for relationships that don’t sharpen you. I am so thankful for the friendships I have both new and old that God uses to cause me to keep thinking and growing.

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2. Listen to teaching. We live in a wonderful time. There are so many teachings available to us from mp3’s, podcasts and CD. A great habit to cause you to learn is to regularly feed on information. I love my iphone because I can keep teachings with me at all times. (For over 14 years now I have been producing audio leadership teachings for children’s ministers through the children’s ministers’ leadership club. I make these available free of charge for leaders under 30 for those over 30 they can be purchased through a low annual membership which allows me to give the teaching away to young leaders. For more information go to http://www.jimwideman.com/the-club.html Another plus about listening to teaching is I find myself re-listening to teachings more than re-reading which seems to help me process and learn the audio information faster.

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1. Develop a love for reading. I’m always on the lookout for a good book! I look for recommendations from people I look up to. I visit local bookstores and cruise the shelves of the business and leadership sections. I like to discuss what I’m reading with people who are also reading that same book.

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The intensity of how you pursue exploring and learning is the true sign that sets you apart as a leader. Study makes work approved. One of my favorite scriptures is 2Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Approved work that is a direct result of study causes the workman to have no reason to be ashamed.

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After years of watching children’s ministry leaders fail to see their dreams come true, I noticed a common problem. Most workers and leaders in the local church just don’t see the need to continually learn. To me learning is not something I have an option on doing. It is a must. Being a learner must be a part of your everyday lifestyle if you are serious about growing.

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I know what you are thinking....What makes infuse different from other coaching/mentoring programs? You could say several things... personally testing for you, your spouse, and your leader. The retreats (they are a huge part, when you miss these you miss a ton.) But the single difference is infuse has me.
"I don't know everything but everything I know I want to teach it to you!"

Here's what Spencer Click has to say about infuse!

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For anyone who is interested in being apart of Infuse, I highly recommend it! The Leadership that is provided by Brother Jim is life-changing! Not only are you challenged to go to the next level in your ministry, you will also be challenged to take every aspect of your life to the next level! I've gotten the revelation of my steps being ordered of the Lord! So, if you're looking to have personal development, accountability, and have others who will help you along the way, Infuse is for YOU!

Thanks Brother Jim for the price you pay for the next generation!
Mendy :)

It's not just for those new to children's ministry....

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Here some others comments...

I need to share a short testimony.
I am teaching a workshop at NWMC called: Building a Championship Team
As I sat down, the Lord reminded me of so many things you have taught us. I
didn't realize how much is in me. I wrote the whole workshop without using 1
book, just on all of the practical and spiritual insight you have deposited
in us.
I based it all on four points of Leadership: Model - Motivate - Mentor -
Multiply

But, I am still hungry for more!

Looking forward to another great year!

Tim

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