Making Time For Response – Part 4

Posted by Jamie Doyle on December 2, 2009
Posted in: Children and Prayer. 4 comments
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Timing is EVERYTHING!

Give them an opportunity when the atmosphere is right. Deliver a message and invite children to respond. Don’t expect them to go home and respond. Yes, some might do that too. But I’m not going to take the chance. The Holy Spirit will begin to prepare the hearts of the children as the Word of God is presented. If you don’t give children a chance to respond to the work that’s being done in their heart, then the Holy Spirit is being held… or bound from doing what He wants to do. Remember, the Holy Spirit is a gentleman – He will wait for you to invite Him to intervene and operate.

The timing and types of altar calls must fit the purpose and message in your service in order to determine how effective the time at the altar will be. In developing my children’s services, I start on an “up” note… put the serious things in the middle… and then progressively build the excitement and end on an “up” note.

In this way the intensity of the service comes to a very serious point about half way to two thirds of the into the service. Then it will pick back up again from there to the end.

The reason that I put the altar call toward the middle and then more stuff at the end is simple. The altar time needs to be given as much time as the Holy Spirit needs. We have already covered the other bases of a children’s service… Prayer time has now been allotted a block of time – with some wiggle room.

We keep the remaining events for after the altar time. But I always try to be strategic in choosing the last items for the service: review questions/review games, related story and closing songs can be sacrificed. Yep, that’s right – I plan stuff that may never happen. Because that will give the “right of way” to the Holy Spirit’s moving and timing to another 15 minutes if we need it. So now we have a lot or time for prayer and response. And those last items aren’t just time-fillers because we can throw them out. Children can still benefit from review and another Fun song that emphasizes the theme for the day.

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Making Time For Response – Part 3

Posted by Jamie Doyle on November 16, 2009
Posted in: Children and Prayer. 2 comments
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Part three is going to deal with an item that I actually thought about just before lecturing about the same topic – I ended up discussing the item during the lecture and got a positive response – it was not in the lecture notes, but I thought I would add it anyway because it’s a point of discussion:

The definition and explanation of an altar…
If you are in a community where there is a strong “liturgical” church presence, you will no doubt be faced with concern from adults – and even children who have learned of the sacredness of an “altar”. In some traditions, an altar is a physical place in the church building that cannot be accessed by just anyone – only the minister or priest. I had the opportunity to visit some of the oldest church buildings in the world in Armenia. In these buildings were “altars” that were falling apart, yet, no one was allowed to go near them or touch them… they were sacred. I would imagine there are those who fear the idea of an “altar” because they’ve been taught that it is too serious of a place.
I will not have a theological debate with anyone on the topic; I will tell you that I grew up in a catholic tradition and became born-again at age 10. When I learned that I could approach God on my own, it fascinated me! But the concern still lingered in my new church environment as to where the “altar” was on or near the platform… it didn’t exist. It was later that I was taught that when the time of prayer came, an “altar” was created by each individual at the front by kneeling at the steps.
Now, I understand that each and every church is different. And am no doubt a believer in the power of prayer. But, I have come to the conclusion that some teaching on the topic of an “altar” needs to take place on a regular basis. Kids need to have an understanding of what an “altar” was and still is. It was a place of worship, prayer and sacrifice. It still is, but because of the work of Christ on the cross, we can make any place we go, a place of worship, prayer and sacrifice. At times, I will have an “altar” time near the front of the Kids’ Church room where kids can stand or kneel. Other times, I will make them turn and kneel at their chairs. And still, at other times, I will have kids scatter throughout the room to pray or worship and find a place where they can connect with God. We see that even in ancient Jewish cultures, one would wrap his outer cloak around himself and cross his arms… this was known as his “prayer-closet” – location didn’t matter at times.
I think that last statement is really what I want to get across: To me, location of an altar time doesn’t matter – as long as they are connecting with God.
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Every So Often… A Thought Runs Thru My Head

Posted by Jamie Doyle on November 15, 2009
Posted in: Random Thoughts. Leave a Comment
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I’ll get back to altar times and kids later this week. For now I submit the following:

Today – this thought ran through my head:

If I never showed up again at my church – what would or wouldn’t the impact be? Now please don’t read into this as a future plan to bolt – I love my church, my Pastor, the staff and the kids.
You’ve heard the question: “If you church suddenly shut down, would anybody in the neighborhood notice?”
I guess that’s what I’m asking – if I never showed up again; sure, the kids might be sad for a time, the staff may have a few fond memories, but… what would the lasting impact be? Have I made a difference that will leave an impression on this generation and the generations to come?
What about you? Have you made the impact in such a way that if today was your last Sunday, would change a kid’s world? Would the impression last? You really need to ask yourself that question.
Larry Norman sang, “It’s only today that counts – so, live it like it might be your last…”
Well, it’s only today that counts… minister like it might be your last.
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Making Time For Response – Part 2

Posted by Jamie Doyle on November 3, 2009
Posted in: Children and Prayer. 2 comments
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THE TIME AND PLACE

Where will children respond and receive from God, unless you give them a time and a place to do it? Trust me, they won’t wait until they get home to respond! I’ve been guilty of this:

Once upon a time, in a church far from here, when I was a much younger man… I saw the “moment” happen. You know what I’m talking about (I think I blogged about it a while back), it’s the “moment” when you realize that the connection has been made in these kids during the service. I was teaching away and I realize that the “moment” was present – God wanted to do something! But alas, there, at the back door were the parents waiting (how did they get out of church before us?) I panicked scrambled for what to do. So, I said something to the effect of:
“Kids, I know that God wants to do something special in your lives today… but we’ve run out of time! I want you to go home and get alone with God and let Him do that something special this afternoon…”
Do you think that these kids did it? Most likely NOT. When these kids leave your church, they are going to go do a variety of activities: go out to eat, go over to a friends house, go visit relatives, they have homework to do, they’re going to go out to play – these are KIDS with busy lives!
Everywhere else the world has the attention of your children. These kids have been given a time a place to respond and receive from the world on an hourly basis; Think about commercials, television shows, peer pressure at school and even in your own backyard. “Here, try this… this is fun… just do what I do… you need one of these… buy this!” And then comes the response from the children… “Ok, I’ll try it… this IS fun… mom, I want that… I need that… buy that for me!” You need to give them a place to respond and receive. The words I love to hear on Sunday mornings are, “I need that… I want that… Lord, give me that… I want more!”

A few items to be aware of:
  • God wants your kids to come to Him – reread the story of Jesus and the kids.
  • The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will often times move the strongest when you have planned for Him and make the room in your service for Him (yes, make no mistake,there will be those times when He will surprise you).
  • God can and will speak to kids… if you allow kids to Hear His voice.
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Making Time For Response

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 28, 2009
Posted in: Children and Prayer. 5 comments
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I have a feeling that I will be touching an interesting topic in the following posts. Too many churches don’t deal with it and therefore, too many children’s churches or services don’t deal with it…

I’m talking about the proper use of an altar time – or prayer time in your children’s ministry service. You say – “an altar time in a children’s ministry?” Yes, unless room for response is made, many times people will only go to an altar a few times in their life; once when, or if they get married… and/or when they get saved. And of course there is that possibility, if they come when they have no where else to turn.

I believe an altar time plays a vital role in the maturing of the child’s walk with God as well as the intensity of the service. I will get into the how’s, what’s, why’s and so-forth in the upcoming posts. I promise; I won’t become super-spiritual on this, nor will I be lazy in my definition and practics during these posts… I do welcome your responses.
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would you pay .50 to see the largest name tag ball?

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 21, 2009
Posted in: Humor, Ideas. 5 comments
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Well, would you? I think I would. I have a name tag ball that’s pretty big – it’s actually as big as my head (no jokes please!).

How did this thing get started? A few years ago I actually saw a friend of mine at a neighboring church with a giant name tag ball. He told me that the most popular thing with his kids is getting to add their name tag to the ball as they leave… I took the idea and ran with it. At the particular church that
I was at, we got a name tag ball going that got as big as a basketball before we left.
The one you see me holding is about as big as my head and growing. (we’ve been adding to the ball since June – and yes, it’s 100% name tags!)
This has been a great way to enforce our rule “Wear a name tag”. We tell the kids that if they pull it off and stick it on constantly during the service of class, not only are the

y not obeying the rule – but, it will not be sticky enough to add to the name tag ball.
Do you use labels as name tags (printed or handwritten)? give it a try!
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Who’s Vision Do I Have?

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 15, 2009
Posted in: Vision. 7 comments
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When you look at the vision that God gave you to reach boys and girls, you have to keep in mind… and in heart, that God didn’t give you someone else’s vision.

It sure is easy as a CM leader to look at Church A, B & C and desire what they have… or desire to do what they do – especially if that church is at the forefront of church ministry. I was recently at a friend’s church for a CM leader’s meeting and got a tour of the building. While touring this monster of a building, my friend showed me the CM resource room. I was envious… it was awesome! Huge; organized; with numerous matching shelves and cabinets; an insane amount of counter space for getting work done; every conceivable piece of office equipment – just of for the CM department… that CM leaders wish they had (color copier, giant laminator, large format printer, paper cutters and several work computers!) Get the idea here? Most public schools wouldn’t be able to touch this!
I went home and told my wife about it – and the pursuit of a bigger and better resource room began to formulate in my mind. But, I had to realize that I was not called to pursue that vision, but vision that God has put in front of me for this church. Sure I can use the experience of seeing that big resource room to inspire me to pursue excellence in what we do in this church. But I was not called to fulfill that other church’s vision.
Look at where you are now… what you have now… who you have now… and ask God where He wants you to go now… How He wants you to do what He’s called you to do… and – When His time frame allows for you to do all He’s asked you to do.
Besides, my friend said that I could use his resource room anytime! Hmm… what could I laminate?
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What’s On My Mind

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 14, 2009
Posted in: Random Thoughts. Leave a Comment
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Lately the topic that’s been on my mind lately is:

the difference between a noun and a verb – particularly in reference to God’s Word. I believe that most of God’s Word written to us was written as a verb. Even where a noun exists, you must take and use your freedom as a minister to interpret it as a “noun that is in action”.
Salvation is a noun – However, it is the name given to the action of being rescued from sin. And according to scripture, it’s a noun that should constantly be in action. We are to “work it out…”
Faith is a noun – However, it is a noun that is activated into a verb when we start to step out into it.
Ministry is a noun – interestingly, it is something that we do or that God does through us… it’s also something that happens.
What other nouns can you identify in God’s word that are things we do, God does, or are activated by our actions or God’s move?
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Because It’s Funny – new book

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 9, 2009
Posted in: Humor, Products and Resources by Jamie Doyle. Leave a Comment
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I say some of the things that I say in Children’s Ministry Presentations and Kid-Show Performances… because it’s funny!


You should always have something fun, funny, witty, or just plain silly to say to your audience. Whether it’s planned or ready to cover a mistake; a funny quote, pun, gag or joke should always be in your pocket.

My latest book, “Because it’s Funny” is 40 Pages of funny things to say that have worked for me over the years – maybe some of these things will work for you too. This is my first book-endeavor that is not exclusively a Children’s Ministry resource… although the stuff in it has been developed both in Children’s Ministry Presentations like: children’s churches, kids’ crusades, camps and outreaches… as well as Kid-Show and Family Performances like; school assemblies, daycares and birthday parties.

Besides, at the last FCM conference I was at, Del WIlson said that he really liked the cover – thanks Del!


…and while you’re there pick up a few other downloads why don’t ya!
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New Gospel Magic Download

Posted by Jamie Doyle on October 1, 2009
Posted in: Products and Resources by Jamie Doyle. Leave a Comment
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It’s my favorite way to point kids the real answer to eternal life. It’s essentially a big flash-card-type of an effect. You show what appears to be 5 cards; each with a picture depicting a way that some think will lead them to heaven. A spectator is asked to take the cards and begin eliminating all of the cards except for one. When that card is revealed, it shows a picture that represents Jesus… a card that was apparently not in the pack of cards to begin with!

The download gets you the instructions and graphics to make the flash-cards. I’m sure you’ll find it to be an effective way to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in your class, children’s church or at an outreach.
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