Yesterday we finished up three days with some of the neatest people I’ve ever met.
These folks just completed our intense 3 day leadership training for new Kids Ministers. They came to Nashville from South Dakota, New York, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It’s really a blast getting to know these newbies and having the privilege of sharing ministry with them.
The term Beta (in this setting) comes from the sport of rock climbing. It means to give advice and instruction on how to successfully complete a particular climbing route. The Beta Kids conference has been designed for the new kids minister or "gumby" (an inexperienced climber) to interact with experienced specialist and practitioners who will give them advice and instruction on how to successfully climb in ministry.
Mr. Bill (me) had the great privilege of giving a few Gumbies (new Kids Ministers) a little instruction and advice for their new climb. 🙂
Today as these 23 folks were leaving the building and I was running to my next meeting… I started wondering about all the other "Gumbies" out there that we’ve not identified. I thought about the new ministers who could really use a mentor, an instructor, or simply a friend to help them navigate through these first few years of their "climb" in kids ministry.
Many of you who read this blog are experience, well trained, and well equipped Ministers of Preschoolers and Children. I bet you’ve met someone recently who is new to Kids Ministry. Would you consider mentoring, helping, encouraging, giving guidance to that "Gumby?"
Some of my favorite people are those who took me under their wing, shared some "tricks of the trade," and mentored me to the next level. I think of Sue, and Susie, and Margaret, and Susan, and Kim, and Clara Mae… and so many others. I’m so blessed and so thankful.
Bottom Line: You can make a difference in the life of a new Kids Minister in your area of the world.
Wouldn’t it be neat if someone said of you one day… "that’s the guy who helped show me the ropes, I am blessed and thankful!"
