MarkEntzminger.com

Save Money on Your #KidminOutreach

2012-01-04T08:48:00.000-06:00

I am very excited to be a part of the latest edition of MEGA Sports Camp. MSC is a two-time winner of Outreach Magazine's "Outreach of the Year" award and the 2012 release is destined to be the best one yet.

The team has worked hard to add some great elements to help the local coordinator and spice up the rallies by adding fun elements and characters.

For a limited time we are offering a discount on the purchase of the latest kit from our facebook page. Check it out and then help us spread the word!

Local coordinators will find updated tips and helps inside the kit, and anyone hosting a children's outreach can benefit from the weekly MEGA Sports Camp Minute blog post videos.

If you are planning a summer outreach for children, I hope you'll take a look at MEGA Sports Camp: Beyond the Gold.

What's So Great About #FaithCase ? #Kidmin

2011-12-02T16:00:00.000-06:00

Description: Rod Loy, executive presbyter and pastor leads discussion about Faith Case and children's ministries with the AG national office children’s ministries leadership team.

Related Link: http://www.faithcase.com http://www.facebook.com/faithcaseresources

Tele-Consulting for Pastors

2011-11-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

Find out more

Ultimate Event for Guys

2011-11-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

The ultimate guys event is coming!

Mark your calendars now and spread the word. It's been six years in the making and over 5,000 guys are anticipated to show up!

Activities include archery, target shooting, fishing, swimming, disc golf, paintball, 5k run, soccer, flag football, and more.

Special Features:

Emcee: Justin Fennell (www.justcleanfun.com)
All meals are provided
Fireworks display
Evening services
Hot air balloons
50th year Royal Ranger celebration

I would personally like to encourage all Children's and Youth Pastor to not only spread the word, but to play a strong role in using this event as a part of the spiritual journey of the tween and teen boys in your church.

NOTE: Attendees do not need to be Royal Rangers in order to participate.I'll see you at Camp Eagle Rock July 9-13, 2012

Do you need a campground or retreat center for your next off-site event? Consider booking Camp Eagle Rock in Southwest Missouri.

How To Pray With Kids for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

2011-11-04T16:00:00.000-05:00

Evangelist Tim Enloe discusses how to pray with children to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

How To Plant Seeds of Compassion in Your #Kidmin

2011-10-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Sr. Director of Children's Ministries, Mark Entzminger, guides answers to questions about the importance of planting seeds of compassion in the hearts of children. Special guests David Boyd and Jay Risner share valuable insights that will help children’s workers and parents help their kids see the needs around them and find ways to respond.

Questions Include:
- Why is it important to teach kids compassion?
- How do you know if your child has a heart of compassion?
- How can you help your child experience hands-on compassion w/o overseas missions experiences?

And more!

View on AGTV

#Kidmin Discipleship Resources

2011-10-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

How To Plant Seeds of Compassion in Children

2011-10-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

Teaching kids to see a need and respond with compassion is a huge task for the church today. We live in a media rich environment that flaunts self-satisfaction at all costs. We don't want any measure of discomfort, and it's much easier to enlist response to a need if there's something in it for us.

So what are children's leaders and parents to do? How do we effectively plant seeds of compassion into the lives of children in a way that bear fruit that lasts a lifetime and makes a difference.

Join Children's Missionary, Jay Risner, and the National Children's Missions Director, David Boyd as we discuss the best ways to plant the seeds of compassion live on MinistryDirect.com. During this 45 minute session you'll have a chance to send in your questions and hear a live response from two veterans who have successfully impacted thousands of children all over the world.

Join the session on Wednesday, October 19th at 2:00 PM (Central Time) at www.ministrydirect.com/live. Submit your questions to:

email: questions@ministrydirect.com
twitter: #MinistryDirect
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrydirect?sk=events

Missionary Jay Risner has served as a children's pastor, state district children's director, oversees an international children's ministry outreach organization, and travels the world to train local leaders in principles of reaching kids in their communities. Jay served in Kenya as a missionary for a number of years where he launched a television program called "Rainbow Surprise" which is continuing to be filmed and broadcast around the nation.

David Boyd has been a children's pastor in North Dakota, Michigan, and Florida. He and his wife Mary reside in Missouri where he directs a national missions & compassion education program called Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge. Over the 9+ years of leadership they have seen boys and girls give $65 million dollars to resource missionaries, and show compassion around the world.

Who's Making You Uncomfortable?

2011-10-07T04:00:00.000-05:00

Who looks you in the eye and says,

"given your skills, you could do better..."
"You have enough leverage to really make a difference."
"What would happen if you doubled the amount you donated?"
"Could you set aside the fear and go faster?"
"I know you're holding back..."

It takes love and kindness and confidence to bring the truth to a friend you care about. If you're insulating yourself from these conversations, who benefits?

- Seth Godin

Original Post

I trust you receive these uncomfortable challenges with the right spirit, and I hope you motivate one another on as you would like to be challenged.

SMART Goals

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

SMART GoalsMany people have goals. But those who have SMART Goals are more likely to be successful at exceeding expectations on projects and moving towards fulfilled dreams.

The following is what makes a goal SMART.

Specific - clearly defined in a few sentencesMeasurable - how you know you the goal has been attained
Achievable - can be accomplished with current talent and budget (might require a stretch, but is not extreme)
Relevant - effort expended moves you closer to completion of the project or dream
Timed - you've set a deadline and it's a manageable pace

After setting the goal, take a moment to capture the next step, team members and the specific role they play, then set it in motion. (read more)

Boys vs Girls

2011-09-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder why you sit in a circle with your Sunday school class and all the girls are focused on you while the boys are watching the renegade bug crawl across the floor?

The fact that boys and girls learn differently requires us to teach boys and girls differently.

Readers Digest published an article on "How boys and girls learn differently". It asks the opinion of David Chadwell, South Carolina's coordinator of single gender education. I found the article very practical and easy to apply to any classroom ... no fancy props needed.

(Original post by Ashley Anderson)

Need some specific resources to minister to boys and girls? Take some time to review the ministry content available through Royal Rangers and National Girls Ministries.

How To Build A Ship

2011-09-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."

- Antoine de Sainte-Exupery

(1900-1944); aviator, writer

FREE Fire Bible for Kids!

2011-09-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

In order to become more familiar with processes at the Assemblies of God National Leadership and Resource Center, I’ll be working in the Customer Service call center at Gospel Publishing House. This will give me the chance to listen in on phone orders and comments from some of our customers. It will be a great learning experience for me and I look forward to meeting some incredible leaders.

Calls coming in between 9:30-11:30 AM (Central Time) on Tuesday, September 13th have a chance to being routed to me – which could be just a little scary. :)

In conjunction with my work in Customer Service we are offering a FREE Fire Bible For Kids* (Paperback, NIV) to every person that orders Faith Case: The Beatitudes by calling 1 (800) 641-4310. Make sure to say, “Mark Sent Me” to get your free Bible!

*Phone orders only. Limited to customers in the continental United States.

Help Kids Live Like Jesus

2011-09-02T04:00:00.000-05:00

When Faith Case: Investigating the Truth came along it was in response to the need to teach children the core doctrines of the Bible. Faith Case: Fruit of The Spirit and helped kids identify the real fruit of being a Christ-follower.

In early August 2011 Faith Case: The Beatitudes was made available to help churches teach kids how to live like Jesus did. The lessons are summarized below:

I will live for God
I will ask for help
I will admit my sin and not do it again
I will be strong and easy to live with
I will always want more of God
I will see the need and make a difference*
I will keep my heart clean
I will make peace wherever I go
I will do what's right even when it's hard

I am proud to announce Faith Case: The Beatitudes is in stock and ready to ship. Be watching my blog and follow me on Twitter for a promotion coming in the next few weeks!

The Faith Case line continues - scripts writing and casting calls are underway now for what is planned for a Winter release of the Armor of God. Be watching for updates soon.

* Features a compassion offering to Convoy of Hope.

Teaching Kids To Pray

2011-08-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

Kids learn teamwork and sportsmanship on the ball field. They learn spelling and math in school. Yet in both places when life gets difficult they want to know how to pray.

The following children's resource was passed my was as a tool to help teach children about prayer. Consider using it for small groups, Sunday School, or modifying it for Children's church. There is some great content inside.

Topics include:

Prayer: What’s It All About?
Who Should Pray?
What Should We Pray About?
When Should We Pray?
Where Should We Pray?
Why Should We Pray?
How Should We Pray?

The children's level materials are targeted at students in grades 3,4 but adaptable to grades 1,2 as well as preteens. Prayer Basics is designed to be a 7-lesson course.

Prayer Basics Children's Lessons

Prayer Basics is a resource from the National Prayer Center.

Money Secrets of the Amish

2011-08-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Times are tough and people all over wonder how to make it all work - financially speaking. Yet most people would never consider taking a look at the simple lifestyle of the Amish and consider that beneath the beards and simple lifestyle there could be secrets that create wealth.

Dave Ramsey is the king of financial management and truly gets the ball rolling with his Total Money Makeover. Money Secrets of the Amish takes those baby steps further and shines a light on places where many people forget to look to find extra cash.

Though I am not a huge fan of rummage sales, nor will I end up taking old curtains and turning them into a tablecloth, I found a renewed energy towards making things last longer and working harder at finding deals on eBay and Craigslist.

My only complaint is the vast number of parenthetical statements (it was distracting) on just about every page (literally). Regardless of this fact I do recommend families read through this book especially given todays economy.

Phoenix Bound

2011-07-22T15:52:00.004-05:00

I look forward to connecting with pastors and leaders during the General Council 2011 event in Phoenix Arizona. Most days I'll be in the Healthy Kids area of the AG Healthy Church exhibit area stop by to visit about kids ministry resources or just to say "hi."

In order to help you make the most of your time in Phoenix, here's a few links:

1. Main Site
2. Register (It's Not Too Late)
3. Join the Influence Conference
4. Download the General Council 2011 App (iPad, iPhone, Droid)

The AG Kids team will be launching the latest in the Faith Case series during the Kids Council services. Stop by on Wednesday night for a sneak peek. A free Fire Bible For Kids will be given to parents* who attend.

I hope to see you there.

*One per family.

CharacterConnex Impact

2011-07-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a message we received about the effectiveness of the CharacterConnex school program.

Hello Patti!

It's been a long time since we've talked, hope things are going well. Just got back from vacation and saw the new topics coming out for CharacterConnex and saw the promo.

The promo looked great! I was wanting to be sure to let you know that I'm interested in everything that is getting ready to come out and 99% sure I will be buying everything to use.

CharacterConnex is huge here and every year I have a waiting list wanting us to come in. In fact the 2009-2010 school year I filled 18 schools in just 1 hour! And still had a waiting list in case a school had to cancel, which none do. :)

Anyway, please keep me up to date on new releases and releases.

Thanks and God bless!

Greg

Learn more about CharacterConnex.

Sustainable Fundraising

2011-07-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

There's a lot of talk today about being "sustainable." The idea that most or all of the resources used can be replenished with minimal impact on the environment. But what if there was a way to raise money for your ministry dream that was sustainable? Not just because of another offering appeal, but because the funds came in naturally as a part of doing "business."

There is. A growing number of churches and ministries are recognizing the the benefit of merging the social and business sector where a company is founded and run by business minded people but with a financial plan that directly supports a ministry.

Toms shoes is likely the most notable touting "For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need." In a culture and generation that claims "we are what we share" we will begin seeing more of this kind of business model appear. The question is, will one fund your dream?

Today's feature is the Eurasia Trading Company. A small coffee shop and bed and breakfast opening on Commercial Street in a few months in N. Springfield. Customers can purchase coffee and feel great that they are helping free victims of human trafficking and more. Shop online today and support Assemblies of God missionaries who are reaching a desperate people.

Realize your dreams today with a variety of creative funding solutions. To get started I recommend a talk with Mike Ennis of Impact Resource and Development.

Church Ministries Diploma

2011-07-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

CHURCH MINISTRIES DIPLOMA

Berean School of the Bible cooperates with the national Girls Ministries Department by offering a Church Ministries Diploma in conjunction with the Girls Ministries Leadership Development Certification (GMLDC). Students wishing to enroll in the Church Ministries Diploma must complete the GMLDC certification with the national Girls Ministries Department and provide a copy of the certificates for their student records before receiving their diploma.

Upon completion of the Church Ministries Diploma, the student should have the academic training necessary for working in Girls Ministries Girls Clubs and other ministries in the church.

In addition to the completion of the GMLDC, the following courses must be completed for the Church Ministries Diploma.

Bible
BIB 114 - Christ in the Synoptic Gospels
BIB 214 - Old Testament Survey
BIB 212 - New Testament Survey
BIB 121 - Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Interpret the Bible
BIB 115 - Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work in Believers

Theology
THE 114 - Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine
THE 211 - Introduction to Theology: A Pentecostal Perspective
MIN 111 - Biblical Counseling
MIN 123 - The Local Church in Evangelism
MIN 251 - Effective Leadership

What are you "selling?"

2011-06-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

Some people think Coke sells a carbonated beverage. I think they feel differently. Do you truly know what you are "selling?"

500 Miles

2011-06-17T15:47:00.000-05:00

What a great birthday gift - 500 Miles!

Progressive Spirituality

2011-06-17T06:00:00.060-05:00

Do you remember progressive suppers? You know jump in the church van drive to one home for silverware, head to the next for appetizers, then on to another for salad, another for the entree, and finally ending at the last home for dessert? All along the way eating bits and pieces of the full meal at each home in order to get the full nutritional value.

Does your church support progressive spirituality? In other words, how does your area of responsibility provide a balanced approach to spiritual health? And how does it interface with other ministries in your local church?

If a person spent a lifetime in your church or even a year in a specific ministry would they be malnourished because there's really one item on the menu?

Just like the coordinator of the progressive supper would need to ensure that each host home knew what part they played (we can't all be silverware - that would be boring), so too the church with it's many parts should coordinate it's efforts in a way that ensures proper nutrition.

Let's have some fun, but let's also get down to business
Sure, play some games, but why not use it to reinforce a truth
Loud can be good, have you considered the power of silence and listening
Bible stories need to be learned, but so do Bible doctrines
Pass out prizes and candy, but pass along a love for the House of God as well.
Prepare for the children you have right now, but prepare them for what they need in 10 years

Maybe it's time to review how you have built your kids church services over the past few months and years and do an honest inventory. Discover if you are truly nourishing all of the aspects of the child's spiritual health.

Now having said that... dessert anyone?

One-Man Triathlete Sets An Example

2011-06-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

What do a 2.4 mile swim 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run have in common? They were the a part of one Royal Ranger leader's way of keeping a promise to the boys who have only known broken promises.

As a result he raised $1500 to help these boys make it to a summer camp.

240 Miles for BGMC

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

In May 2011 Tom Young, a children's pastor from Arkansas set out to raise money for BGMC by walking from his church to the national BGMC office in Springfield, MO. Here is the summary submitted once it was completed.

Thanks for your support!

Thanks to everyone who helped welcome children’s pastor Tom Young yesterday as he completed his eight-day, 240-mile walk from Benton, Ark., to the General Council complex. He arrived one minute ahead of schedule, which was truly amazing after having walked such a long journey.

Cox Medical Center’s ambulance provided a nice touch by following Tom down the final stretch of Boonville Avenue. If you could have seen Tom’s feet, you would have understood the immense pain he was in as he approached the finish line.

Tom said he was moved to tears when he saw the number of people who had gathered to greet him. Then when Brother Wood introduced Tom to missionary David Plymire, whose father had pioneers the evangelism efforts to northern Asia, he was almost speechless.

Months ago, Tom had read a Pentecostal Evangel article about Victor Plymire and how he had risked his own life to spread the gospel message in the uncharted territories of northern Asia. Later, Tom was invited to participate in a BGMC fund-raising event in Arkansas that was designed to generate fund for the missions efforts in northern Asia. It was at that BGMC event that Tom sense the affirmation from God to do the walk so that missionaries could reach more children for Jesus in northern Asia. When Tom was introduced to David Plymire yesterday, he was deeply moved to say the least.

Tom’s goal is to raise $24,000 for northern Asia. He presented David Boyd a symbolic check at the reception in the amount of $16,000.

BGMC provides needed funds for missionary projects all around the world. Thank you to the boys and girls, leaders, and parents who help raise money every week for this cause.

To learn more: http://bgmc.ag.org

Make Your Mark

2011-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

In a few years the Assemblies of God is celebrating it's 100th year anniversary. It's not uncommon during milestone celebrations for people to simply reflect on the past and what was accomplished. And while that is appropriate, I applaud the leadership of the AG for asking the question to the next generation - what will you do to make your mark on our movement?

You'll find a collection of stories on the GeneralCouncil.org website which you may find very inspiring. However, that is not the purpose of why I write. I would like to encourage children's leaders from across the nation to take a few moments and upload your own video of how you are making your mark on the next 100 years.

I look forward to seeing how you are allowing God to use you to shape our movement.

Coins For Kids

2011-05-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

What You Say Is Important

2011-05-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ever taken an offering? Ever wanted different results? Consider learning a new way to communicate the value of the contribution. I recommend: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath as a great way to start.

BGMC Summits

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Join one of four BGMC summits in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to help raise critical funds for missions projects around the world. These fundraising events allow a missions organization to present a critical project to a group of pastors/leaders at one time and one location. This saves time for the missionary and often gets better results than a year's worth of "missionary windows" on a Sunday morning.

In addition to the missions summit, guests will have the option to participate in deep sea fishing, golfing, snorkeling, and more. Activities, lodging, and meals are provided through generous ministry partners. Summit guests will be responsible for air and ground transportation and be asked to make a financial commitment to the BGMC special project.

The upcoming BGMC Summit dates are:
September 26-29, 2011 - Mon-Thu
September 28-October 1, 2011 - Wed-Sat
November 7-10, 2011 - Mon-Thu
January 9-11, 2012 - Mon-Thu*

To receive more information or register to attend please send an email to mentzminger@ag.org.

*This is the date Christie and I will be attending. We would love it if you could join us at the same time, yet we understand one of the other dates may work better in your schedule.

Kids Ministry on A Budget

2011-04-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

I hear a lot of people talk about limited budgets for children's ministry. And with the current economy, it's understandable. I am so thankful for the children's ministries that are being responsible with the funds that are given and doing their best to make them stretch as far as they can.

But where the funds run short, the creativity doesn't have to stop!

In Romania, JBQ is really taking off! They don't have the budget for the expensive buzz systems, so instead they use fly swatters. It might not be quite as formal or high-tech as what most of our churches use in the states, but it's truly amazing what can be accomplished when we passionate people don't let a lack of funds stop them.

If your budget is tight (or non-existent) will you find another way to accomplish your goal? It's great to know we serve a God who's economy and creativity are endless!

Rescued from Human Trafficking

2011-04-22T06:00:00.006-05:00

Support April Foster as she rescues women from human trafficking in Belgium. www.breakingchainsnetwork.com

Polar Bear Plunge for BGMC

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

BGMC Polar Plunge from Mark on Vimeo.

Does Childhood Affect Adulthood?

2011-04-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Consider this - as a child what were some of your favorite meals at the holidays. Did your mother make a certain Christmas meal? Did family come over and all bring a dish to share? Was Thanksgiving always at your grandparents home?

Now as an adult, if you married someone with different traditions for these holidays - has there ever been a discussion about the menu, the location, or who is invited?

Quite possibly this is evidence that a mere 18 or fewer holidays have shaped what is to be expected the entire rest of the life.

What kids experience and expect is carried with them as they grow. Let us invest intentionally.

Parent Child Connection

2011-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you have parents who are looking for a great way to start a conversation with a child or teen? Consider the "Parent/Child Journal."

The concept is simple, but the impact can be profound.

This journal is one that is shared between the parent and child - and this must be established from the beginning. One will write a message (question, prayer, blessing, thought) for the other to read and leave it on their pillow. After it's read they will respond with their own message back and place it on their pillow.

Fostering this kind of dialog can help your child open up about questions he or she is too embarrassed to voice out loud, give the parent a chance to write prayers and blessings that will be read over and over, and a variety of other written conversations.

Why not start today?

I Am Convinced

2011-03-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am convinced that we are missing a vital question in the church.

Recently I was in a session for faith at home and heard the presenter share a question that is not foreign to the church; "What do you want to teach your student before they graduate and leave home?"

While this is an appropriate question, there are questions that have been omitted in the church and home. These questions create more benchmarks and ask what beliefs and behaviors they want to impart to a child by the time he/she is 4? What about 9? And then again by 13?

If the only benchmark we set for spiritual growth is when the student leaves home, we miss the most formative years for investment. I hope you will join me in an effort to create more benchmarks and shrink the time-gap of spiritual development by asking these questions with me.

Take a few minutes and ask yourself what beliefs and behaviors should be evident in the child at 4, 9, and 13. When you come up with a few, please send them my way. I would love to hear from you.

Teen Girls Video

2011-03-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest video from the Teen Girls Ministries portion of NGM. But don't stop there, make sure you visit their website for some great resources to help you connect with the teen girls in your church.

The Conflict of Generations

2011-03-07T09:18:00.000-06:00

Pastor Rod Loy (North Little Rock, First AG) preached our Spiritual Emphasis week at AGHQ. His Thursday message helped frame the importance of reaching children. I hope you have the time to listen to this message in it's entirety and share it with everyone you know.

Growth Curriculum

2010-12-31T06:00:00.003-06:00

So 2011 is here whether you are ready for it or not. You spent all of 2010. It's gone. Now what? Will you allow 2011 to be a repeat of 2010? Will you repeat the cycle of life and ministry once more? Or will you chose to make 2011 different? Will you put your foot down and shout from the rooftops, "This Year Will Be Different! Because, This Year I Will Grow!"

That's right the start to a new begins simply by making a commitment to growth.

Stop right now and process the following questions:

What ministry area would I like to grow in this year? Preaching skills, time management, implementing strategies, leading exciting and engaging meetings, etc.

What personal area would I like to grow in this year? Improve my parenting skills, become a better spouse, take control of our finances, how to stop paying others for auto maintenance, a foreign language, etc

What areas can you grow with your team? Child and youth development milestones, leading change, etc.

Simply select one topic from each area above and then choose three or four books on that topic. Force yourself to limit your learning to a few areas but read several books from different authors. This will give you a steady diet of input from different perspectives so you don't get off course too far.

Take about 30 minutes today and get started. If you don't you'll find yourself right back here on December 21, 2011 having completed the same cycle one more time.

Farewell and Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T06:00:00.005-06:00

Today will be my last day in the office of South Dakota DYD before we transition to Springfield, MO. Our offices will be closed from the 24th of December and will reopen on January 3rd.

To all of our South Dakota friends; thank you for the 14 years of ministry together. We have loved all of you dearly and though we won't see you as often, you will always remain in our hearts.

To the youth and children's pastors in SD. Your hard work and team spirit were a huge part of what made our time with you so enjoyable. I never heard anyone say "it can't be done" or "we're just too small." You are champions who proved nothing can stand in our way - or "With God, all things are possible."

To the SDAG Presbyters, you are fantastic leaders. I have been overwhelmed at times by the amount of grace and support you have shown to me. The direction you are going by involving our younger ministers in different leadership capacities assures that the SDAG will remain relevant. I love the fact that you've planned far enough ahead to invest in those who will take over your role one day. Thanks for investing!

To the Schaibles, I don't know why God allowed us to find such great leaders, mentors, and friends so early in ministry but we are thankful He did. You have been patient and given me opportunities to try new things without knowing whether or not a crazy idea would succeed or fail. You have been, and will continue to be a great friend in ministry. I'll never forget my pheasant hunting excursion with you and Brian Peterson (no details needed). Rachel, your love for us and investment into our boys has been significant. Thanks for being willing to watch them so we could have a date every now and then. You are truly our extended family and will be missed. We will still anticipate the call on our birthdays to hear you sing, and I hope to sharpen up my Spanish - you've been a great tutor.

To Pastor David and Jennifer Bauschpiess, During our training session you mentioned how you felt you were being handed the keys to a very expensive car as you took over the role as SDYCE Director. From where I sit it feels like you've been investing in this ride from the beginning and giving me the credit for the work that you and the rest of the team put in. I know you will handle this "ride" with care and ensure that the no passenger gets left behind. SD Youth and CE ministries are in good hands with you at the wheel. May God pour out on you a double portion of His Spirit!

Though we are closing this chapter of our ministry we will always look back with fond memories of the 14 years we spent with some of the greatest people on the planet.

Please use the following email addresses to stay in touch with us:
- Mark (work): mentzminger@ag.org
- Mark (personal): entzy@me.com
- Christie: centzy@me.com

You can also follow our journey on facebook.

My mobile phone will be deactivated on December 31st.

Merry Christmas! May God bless you all during this season.

Leadership vs. Management

2010-12-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Leadership says, "Put the ladder against the wall."
Management says, "Put the ladder against this wall."

It is one thing to inspire people into action - that's leadership. However, we must also help to chart the course and point them in the right direction - that's management. Both are important, both can be learned, and both can be used effectively in ministry.

Service Planning Resource

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Do you have multiple people who help plan your Sunday morning service or outreach event? Have you had difficulty in coordinating with your tech team, worship leader, powerpoint developer, and pastor, in a way that is hassle free and works with their schedule?

Then consider using the Planning Center Online. This web-based resource is powerful and full of features. You can try their site for free and if you decide it's a solution for you, their pricing structure is affordable for almost any budget.

Consider how much time you'll save and frustration you'll avoid by allowing each member of your team the chance to do their service planning on their schedule.

College Scholarship News!

2010-12-20T06:00:00.013-06:00

South Dakota Scholarships

J.R. Ashcroft Scholarship and S.H. Petersen Scholarship application has been posted online. Be sure to start early. The deadline is February 15th.

National Scholarships

Ralph Riggs Scholarship is funded by the AG Trust and is designed for graduating seniors heading to one of the 19 AG institutions for higher education. The deadline for this application is also February 15th.

Learn more about these scholarships
Find an Assemblies of God College or University

SOFA - School of Fine Arts

2010-12-19T06:05:00.001-06:00

For 2011 SF Fine Arts Festival we have launched SOFA (Thanks Mark Zweifel for the name and idea) in order to help students and leaders make the most of the Fine Arts Festival.

The SOFA or School of Fine Arts covers the following topics: Avoid Common Mistakes, Helping Students Succeed, 2011 Rule Change Summary and more. You'll find these free resources on our Fine Arts page.

More resources will be posted in the future as they are developed. If you have an idea for a SOFA resource, please submit it to faf@sdag.org.

Body Builders

2010-12-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

As you head into 2011 with all the gusto to make changes and set new standards for ministry and life. Let me challenge you to become a body builder.

I love the way Ephesians 4:16 reads in the New Living Translation: "As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow..."

We often find ourselves striving to do things to help ourselves. Pause for a moment and consider your special work and how you may use it to help the other parts grow.

Winter Escape/Fine Arts Festival

2010-12-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Promotional video for Winter Escape and Fine Arts Festival for 2011!

Details

New Royal Ranger Commander Announced

2010-12-17T06:05:00.001-06:00

I am honored to introduce you to James Dye, our newly appointed District Royal Rangers Commander. James Dye has served as the local outpost commander for Rapid City First AG and has led with excellence.

James’ passion for Rangers extends well beyond merits and camping. He uses Royal Rangers as a tool to mentor future men. His vision is to see our churches excel in reaching the boys inside and outside the church walls through motivating men/dads in the church to pour into the boys.

James is a veterinarian by trade and loves the outdoors. If you are looking for a way to involve the men in your church to reach the boys in your community, please invite James Dye out for a dream session where you will discover ways to use the talents and passions already in the men of your church!

James and his wife Rachel live in Rapid City where he runs the Autumn Hills Veterinary Clinic. Please take a moment to welcome James as the district commander by sending him a note at gopokes@rushmore.com.

Download James' Vision Statement (Pastors' Version | Outpost Commanders Version)

Merry Christmas

2010-12-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

This has to be my favorite Winter Wonderland of all time!

Go Stryper!

MOMENTUM Retreat

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

MOMENTUM is a chance for youth leaders from across the state to come together and sharpen each other, reconnect relationships, regain focus, and gain valuable ministry perspectives.

We know you minister in your church and community every day. You’re always on call, and your schedule is always full. This is our chance to minister to you.

Be sure to register before January 3.

Full Details Here

Gideon's BGMC Story

2010-12-15T06:00:00.005-06:00

I am the mother of three-year-old Gideon. If you ask him, "Why do we raise money for BGMC?" he will respond, "It goes to help people know Jesus, because I already know Jesus."

The amazing thing is that Gideon has raised $1,600 in his short life and is still going strong. Hopefully this will inspire others to give to BGMC as well.

As the children's pastor at First Assembly of God in Aberdeen, South Dakota, I had challenged my students to raise as much money as they could this year. So I wanted to do my part as well. This past spring, Gideon and I went door-to-door selling pizza coupons. He had his own sales pitch and sold the coupons all by himself. He was awesome! Gideon raised $900 in about 10 days.

What a testimony to what God can do through the very young!

(original story)

Going door-to-door also gave Gideon and I the opportunity to talk to people about Jesus. But Gideon's story doesn't stop here. By the time we finished selling pizza cards, Gideon had raised another $300, totaling $1,200 for BGMC.

Throughout the summer, Gideon and I began noticing lost change almost everywhere we went. "Lost Change for Lost Souls," we would say when we found money. Then we would thank Jesus right on the spot that we found it.

We would pray that God would help us find as much lost change as we could. One day when we went to church, I found a dollar bill on the ground beside the building. I said to my husband, "Look! I found a dollar!" At that Gideon came running to me and said, "I found one too!"

God has blessed our search for lost change. Over the course of time, Gideon found over $20 in loose change-under clothes dryers, on parking lots, and in mom's purse and dad's pockets. We even had grandma and grandpa looking for lost change. Hopefully now you will be on the lookout for lost change too.

After a while, we gave selling coupons a rest. When fall rolled around, Gideon asked me, "Are we going to sell anymore pizza cards?" I didn't even imagine he thought about that anymore. So we ordered in more coupons, and Gideon sold another $100 worth of coupons.

Another fund-raiser our church did was selling coffee. Gideon himself raised almost $300 selling coffee!

Recently while riding in the car, Gideon thanked God for the money he had given to BGMC, and he was asking God to help him raise more money. Even though Gideon is just a little boy, he's a hard worker. His child faith keeps me going!

I hope our story can encourage and challenge you and others to give to BGMC. Be encouraged that no matter how young you may be, a willing heart God will use!

__

Great job Gideon! We are so proud of you. Keep it up.

A STL Ironman Effort...

2010-12-14T06:00:00.007-06:00

Michelle Golovine, a fire fighter and part-time police officer suffered from a heart condition that threatened her career. Believing that God had healed her she began training for an Ironman Triathlon.

From getting up at 3:00 am to training 20 hours as week, this mom of two and public servant shows what true sacrifice is all about.

Get inspired to raise the bar in your own level of sacrifice so spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Read the full story here.

New DYDs Announced

2010-12-13T06:00:00.004-06:00

It is an honor to introduce you to the new South Dakota Assemblies of God Youth and Christian Education Directors. David and Jen Bauchpiess have served as youth pastors at First Assembly of God in Aberdeen, SD. They have been an integral part of the team of youth leaders for several years and bring a great focus and attention to detail.

Pastor David was invited to assume the role of YCE Director late last week by Superintendent Schaible with the approval of the District Presbyters.

David and Jen are both graduates of Trinity Bible College and grew up in South Dakota. They have three children; Allison, Aleyah, Ethan.

Please be sure to send your welcome and congratulations to them at an appropriate time.

Get Salty!

2010-12-09T15:06:00.000-06:00

“You are the salt of the earth . . .” Mt 5:13
Coming January 6th-9th, 2011 Sioux Falls Convention Center
Come for the worship, the community, the training, and for the transformation!

If you work with young adults and college students in your church please pass along the following information and encourage them to be a part of the Salt Conference in Sioux Falls. (Promo Video)

AWD5k Results

2010-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

We officially had to cancel the race because the weather dropped below 30 degrees. Yet at 24 degrees we had 13 runners unofficially complete the course. Each racer received a AWD5k Medallion upon completion of the race.

Over $1,300 was raised for Speed The Light through the race.

Here are the top times

Overall:
1st: John Enos (Leader): 18:04
2nd: Josh Waltjer (HS): 19:24

MS Runners:
1st: Kedric Brantner: 30:54
2nd: Madisyn Waltjer: 31:47

HS Runners:
1st: Josh Waltjer: 19:24
2nd: Seth Lundeen: 19:26

Leaders:
1st: John Enos: 18:04
2nd: Jacob Koenes: 24:57

I was happy with my finish of 29:36 but thrilled that Christie was able to complete her first 5k since her knee surgery!

Thanks to Isaac Smith for coordinating this event the volunteers who helped to staff it and bring hot coco, the donors, and the runners for helping this be a great event to meet the needs of our missionaries!

Winter Escape/Fine Arts Festival

2010-11-30T16:31:00.001-06:00

Promotional video for Winter Escape and Fine Arts Festival for 2011!

Details coming soon...

Resources for Liberia

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Liberia, a small country in West Africa, has been devastated by years of war. A tenuous peace was established in 2006, and the country is slowly recovering from decades of civil war. The Assemblies of God in Liberia has also been hard hit by this devastation. Now they are in slow process of rebuilding in every area of ministry, and the needs are too numerous to mention.

This is also the reality in the area of children’s ministries. Even churches that were doing their best to reach children before the war started have lost everything. One of the requests that missionaries Devane and Mary McGee have received is for a few basic supplies to replace what was lost during the unrest. Specifically, the churches have asked for a few puppets and flannelgraphs. You can make a huge impact in the lives of Liberian children with a donation of your new, used, or unused children’s ministries materials.

In an environment with no TV, video games, music, or even many toys, a simple puppet can captivate an audience of hundreds of African children better than the latest animated adventure from Hollywood can capture the attention of our own kids. Please give new life to your used puppets and flannels and help bring eternal life to the hurting children of Liberia.

PHOTO: Two of the thousands of children who lost limbs during the civil war.

Those resources can be sent to:
Africa’s Hope
Attn: Phil Malcolm
580 W. Central
Springfield, MO 65802

Youth Convent10n - 48 Hours Away

2010-11-17T16:22:00.000-06:00

Don't Miss It!

2011 Year of the Child

2010-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

2011 Year of the Child

The year 2011 has been declared “Year of the Child” by Assemblies of God World Missions in an effort to implement new and enhanced efforts to reach children with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and to minister to their needs. It is fitting that the current AGWM theme is “Every Generation.” The YOTC theme, “No Child Without,” is the hallmark of this endeavor; the goal is to see no child without Christ or without the essentials of life.

Each region of the world is working with national churches, raising awareness of the child, looking together at ways to meet the needs of the whole child and working to make resources and training for children’s ministry accessible to local churches everywhere. Emphasis is placed on including the child in any planning for all aspects of national and local church life. For instance, when a new church is erected for a congregation, plans should include space for children’s ministry; Bible school curriculums should include training for children’s ministry.

AGWM seeks to coordinate children’s ministry efforts, discovering what is already being done to reach children and determining how all parties can network and take this work to the next level.

AGWM recognizes that how children’s ministry will be done in each region, in each country, will be unique to the local culture and the specific needs of children in that context.

Funding of special projects will be done through Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), with a special “Year of the Child” offering being taken in May 2011. These projects will range from Sunday school and other discipleship materials to meeting physical and basic healthcare needs of children.

Promotional materials—a poster, and a DVD—are available for local churches via GPH: http://gospelpublishing.com/store/startitem.cfm?item=719046&cat=GPINDEX&mastercat=&path=GPINDEX

On Month Challenge + Inspiration

2010-11-11T06:00:00.010-06:00

Check out this report from one SD youth ministry about their use of the "One Month Challenge"

We did the one month challenge that has now truned into the one year challenge. One student in particular started it 2 days before we started it as a group without realizing it. In the one month timeframe, I told him to keep track of how many conversations it starts and at the end of the month, he had 83 conversations that were started about God just because he carried his bible at school!!

What will happen when you accept the One Month Challenge?

AWD5k

2010-11-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

I'm excited for the AWD5k race bibs to arrive. These bibs will be a great way to remember the race and commemorate your participation in the run. But we're not done yet... every race participant also raises missions funds will receive a STL medallion as they cross the finish line! Just our small way to say thanks for raising money for STL and partnering with our missionaries around the world!

Please remember the following:

1. If you want to participate you must have a signed permission form. If you did not turn it in early, just bring it with you on race day.

2. This is open for students and leaders. There is no age requirement for participating!

3. You can race even if you have not raised any funds for STL. However, there are prizes and awards available for those who do raise at least $50 of support!

Follow my training? Nike, Garmin.

What is STL? Find Out Here

BGMC Water Well Video

2010-11-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Youth Service Idea

2010-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to share a meal with Jeremey and Ashely Merrill a few days ago. He shared an idea they are doing that sounded great!

It features a great way to interact with the students, cover relevant topics to the teens present that night, use technology they are into, and create a safe environment for interaction.

If you are looking for a new variety on how to impact the lives of your students, check this out.

Our "Living Room" sessions.

They're a part of our current series "reaLife" based on the movie "To Save A Life." Every three weeks we have a Q&A session for the students to ask questions. We have four ways for them to ask questions. They can e-mail the Soul'd Out e-mail address, they can send a facebook message to the Soul'd Out FB page, and then 2 way of asking them anomyously. They can write their question down and stick it in "the vault" (which is a tote with padlocks on it with a hole in the top), or they can send a txt message live to the Soul'd Out phone. I got a pre-paid cell phone for $20 and an unlimited txt plan for $20/mo. We don't have any numbers programed in so we don't know who they are. You wouldn't believe the questions we get from the students. This has been an awesome way for them to open up and ask what's really on their heart privately but publically. It's been really good for the students to hear what eachother are going through too.

Give it a try or send me your idea.

New Podcast Posted

2010-11-02T07:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jason Linton for recording a few keynote speakers' session at our district events. You'll find some great content from Rick Allen during our Minister's Retreat in September and Joel Hunter's general session at Calibrate.

Hear the audio.

NOTE: Audio was recorded from a notebook computer, you will hear some background noise and key strokes during the playback.

Voting Misunderstood - Spread the Word

2010-11-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Voting, misunderstood (from Seth Godin - Original Post)

This year, fewer than 40% of voting age Americans will actually vote.

A serious glitch in self-marketing, I think.

If you don't vote because you're trying to teach politicians a lesson, you're tragically misguided in your strategy. The very politicians you're trying to send a message to don't want you to vote. Since 1960, voting turnouts in mid-term elections are down significantly, and there's one reason: because of TV advertising.

Political TV advertising is designed to do only one thing: suppress the turnout of the opponent's supporters. If the TV ads can turn you off enough not to vote ("they're all bums") then their strategy has succeeded.

The astonishing thing is that voters haven't figured this out. As the scumminess and nastiness of campaigning and governing has escalated and the flakiness of candidates appears to have escalated as well, we've largely abdicated the high ground and permitted selfish partisans on both sides to hijack the system.

Voting is free. It's fairly fast. It doesn't make you responsible for the outcome, but it sure has an impact on what we have to live with going forward. The only thing that would make it better is free snacks.

Even if you're disgusted, vote. Vote for your least unfavorite choice. But go vote.

2010-11-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Are you looking for a great cross-cultural missions experience for your students. Please consider Kings Castle. Our students have returned for 7 years and counting and each one has been unique and impacting!

Join our team in 2011! (details coming soon - http://www.sdyce.com/aim)

SALT - Young Adults

2010-10-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you are ministering to young adults in your church, then the SALT conference is for your church. This regional event is held once a year for college students and young adults. Your high school seniors will benefit from this event as well.

Here are some of the main features:
Location: Sheraton Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Dates: January 6-9, 2011
Speaker: Sean Smith
More Information

52.4

2010-10-26T13:19:00.000-05:00

Whether you are a 52.com addict or if you've been waiting to see if this resource is really worth it, you will LOVE volume 4.

The team at National Youth Ministries have really outdone themselves with a fresh new design, easy to navigate user interface, and top quality content for youth leaders across the nation.

Volume 4 is filled with all new leadership resources, youth ministry apps, and of course - fresh new sermon series.

The following is a sample of some of the content:

Sermon Series: Life of a Disciple, Three Most Important Decisions, Character Test, The Biggest Loser, Sex is Not a Four Letter Word, Is Satan Real?, Superhero Faith and more. There are a total of 55 messages in all!

Leaders will also gain quality support from the Leadership and Apps section of the site which include ministry assessments, strategies, countdown videos, volunteer applications, and more.

Order thefiftytwo.com volume 4 today!

BGMC On Track for a Banner Year

2010-10-16T00:53:00.000-05:00

Hello children's leaders!

I'm over in Africa seeing first hand some of the impact that BGMC is having around the world.

Do you remember those water wells from a couple years ago? I've been able to see how those water wells are directly affecting the local communities. I know you were all raising funds diligently for those needs. Thanks for that.

I've also seen the church buildings BGMC helped to rebuild after some tribal clashes in 2008. What a great thing to be a part of! You've provided hope to these people.

We are currently sitting at $42,424.00 for the year. I truly feel we are positioned to hit and eclipse our $65,000 goal which will make me take the Polar Plunge in January. If we keep in mind that BGMC doesn't happen by itself, but by combining 1 passionate leader, 2 well-prepared minutes each week, and 3-month goals, we can take BGMC over $75,000 or more!

Thanks for your hard work. May God bless you and your efforts.

Africa Update

2010-10-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon I boarded a plane for a trip to Africa to minister to children and see how BGMC is helping people specifically in the country of Kenya. I arrived Sunday evening where I joined up with David and Mary Boyd (National BGMC Directors) and Jay and Debbie Risner (Children's Missionary Evangelists).

Monday we met up with two Kenyan children's pastors and did two elementary school assemblies. Jay and David did the presentation of story, music, illusions, and the Gospel presentations to two welcome crowds of kids. Most were between 6 and 13 years of age. The first school had about 2,000 students, the second about 250. Tuesday was similar but with only one school. This school also had about 2,000 students.

You should see the looks on the faces of these kids as we interact with them. The love, joy, and warmth of these people is amazing!

Wednesday started very early. 4:00 AM we took our van to the airport where we boarded a small plane for the city of Eldoret. We met up with the pastoral leader for that area who took us on a tour of a few churches that had been burned in tribal fights in early 2008.

During this tour we stopped at a location where one of our AG churches used to stand. In it's place was 38 graves and cross headstones. Some of the local resident farmers came up to us and began to tell their stories. Though each individual story should be told, I'll only include this short summary here.

On January 1, 2008 a neighboring tribe attacked, apparently over land disputes. Outnumbered in some places by 10-1, the people fought and fled. Many fled to the churches hoping for refuge. Instead, the tribe barred the doors, covered the churches in fuel, and lit it on fire killing everyone inside.

This story was repeated all across the country side. Many churches were attacked (not just Assemblies of God), and many lost their life. One gentleman showed me his scars on his head where he had been struck and spent a month in the hospital. Another was riding a bike powered by his arms instead of his legs because he lost his legs in the battle.

Later we toured two other locations where churches, homes, and lives were destroyed in this warfare. Yet in the wake of this tragedy the children and churches in America responded by sending money to help rebuild these churches. Though the churches are rough by American standards, it is a place of worship and hope for the people in those tiny villages.

We met pastors and church people who's smiles and joy show their complete dependence on the Lord. It was there we found the evidence that where the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus brings life and life abundantly (John 10:10).

We are so thankful for the help we were able to give to these people during their time of need and know this is how the body of Christ is supposed to function.

Fun & Trivial
- Food: I've eaten some amazing desserts and exotic foods; osterich, and crocodile
- Running: I met a Kenyan marathon runner who ran a half marathon (13.1 miles) in 61 minutes. It takes me about 150 minutes. I am simply a poser!
- Golf: We took in 9 holes during a free afternoon. The course was amazing, monkeys, scenery, caddies, the works.
- I've sunburned my head. Did you know the sun's rays are stronger here?
- I've missed my wife and boys every single day!

- Photos will be added when a faster connection is received.

Calibrate: Volunteer Leader Training

2010-10-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

Join us for the annual volunteer leader training conference for South Dakota. Over 20 presenters, 40 different sessions, topics ranging from early childhood to A/V tech training. This conference will be a great boost for the volunteers in your church.

Remember, volunteers are the churches largest asset. To use them without investing in their further development results in burnout and ingrown ministries.

Calibrate can help keep your church ministries on track.

Find out more!

College Days

2010-10-06T13:44:00.000-05:00

Are you a student who is considering secondary education at an Assemblies of God college or University? Do you know someone who is?

Many of the AG colleges schedule official visit days (College Days) in the Fall and/or Spring of the year. These are great road trips for families to see the campus, view the spiritual environment, meet the teachers, and find out about scholarships. However, feel free to schedule a visit to the campus for any of these schools at a time that fits your schedule.

We have four AG institutions for higher education within a few hours of South Dakota. I recommend any of them for pursuing your degree.

Central Bible College - Springfield, MO (College Days - October 15, 2010)
Evangel University - Springfield, MO (Visit Days - October 15, 2010 - Homecoming)
North Central University - Minneapolis, MN (Schedule a Campus Visit)
Trinity Bible College - Ellendale, ND (Schedule a Campus Visit)

If you didn't find what you are looking for in one of these colleges you'll find the full list of AG Colleges and Universities online.

Do you want the education while getting practical ministry experience and discipleship? Then Master's Commission might be right for you. The following are three regional MC's for you to consider:

Black Hills Masters Commission (Rapid City, SD)
Heartland Masters Commission (Cold Spring, MN)
Bellevue Masters Commission (Bellevue, NE)

Michael's CM Report

2010-10-01T11:20:00.000-05:00

Encourage your Campus Missionaries with this inspiring story from Michael of Clark, SD. This was Michaels second report for September. The first stated he was meeting with school leadership about starting a Bible club. The following was his report after that meeting. It has been shared with his permission.

"I really wanted to make another report for this month. We had our first Bible study club meeting yester, now known as Army of Youth. We are opening up examining the Book of Acts. On next Wednesday we will have a group discussion on everyone's thoughts and ideas of the book of Acts. And I will then ask the group of why they think I decided to open with the Book of Acts. I have made plans for the next four weeks. Like I said for the first week we are doing the Book of Acts. The second week we are going over The Book of Ephesians all the way through the Book of Philemon. For our third week we are going over Romans through 1 Corinthians. And for our fourth week we will go over 2 Corinthians through Galatians. I chose to open the group up with the Book of Acts because it is a good source to show that you shouldn't hide your faith and that "You Belong" in the group of Jesus Christ. And that if you make the decision to either have little to no faith or if you choose to hide your faith, there will be consequences. With week two through four you probably notice I chose for us to go over the letters that Deciple Paul wrote. I chose to do this because they are good representations of teen issues; family issues, leadership, Faith, relationship, and much more of the many problems in a teens life. Last night at youth group and as well as at the Bible study yesterday morning, I brought up the 1 month challenge and many people were interested in joining me in doing it. We are going to start next Tuesday and we are really excited about doing it. Also at youth group last night, an idea that I had during math class, I brought in a large jar with change that I collected from my room and the 6 dollars in cash that I had in my pocket. The idea that I had was for all of us to start throwing any change that we have that we don't need and then in a couple months or so, we will count it up and send it to the Food for the Hungry. I can't wait to see how all this plays out. I am really excited. God Bless Everyone, Michael"

I love the thought and process he put into planning his meetings. Way to go Michael, we are proud of you!

Calibrate Sessions/Speakers

2010-09-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

The current list of speakers and sessions has just been updated online. Be sure to check them out.

Full Calibrate conference information here.

Over 40 classes and 20 different presenters. Your volunteers are in for a treat!

Calibrate Speaker: John Hicks

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

John Hicks is the National Royal Rangers Communications Coordinator. John joined the national office team in June of 2005. Before coming to Springfield, John served as the Arkansas District Training Coordinator for seven years. He also served as a sectional commander, area commander, and district buckaroo/straight arrow coordinator in the Arkansas and Southern Missouri districts.
John was born and raised in the Springfield, MO area and is a graduate of Missouri State University. In 1993, he moved to Arkansas to accept a position at Hillcrest Children’s Home where he worked for twelve years as an accountant, office manager, and case manager.

John has been involved in Royal Rangers since he was seven years old. He joined FCF in 1981 and earned the Trail Ranger Woods Master rating that same year. He has served as a local outpost leader for over twenty years. He and his wife, Amanda, served as children’s pastors at Lakeview Assembly of God in Hot Springs, AR for six years where they attended with their four children: Nate, Abbie, Sarah, and Caleb.

We are excited to have John as one of our workshop speakers at Calibrate 2010.

Royal Ranger Pow Wow Gallery

2010-09-23T06:00:00.005-05:00

The Royal Ranger Pow Wow was a huge hit! I'll admit, I felt like a fish out of water, but it was a great learning experience and all the commanders really helped me out.

It was great to see Godly men spending time with their boys shaping, teaching, praying for, and mentoring them.

Some of the activities included: Archery, blowgun, bb gun, water balloon launch, paint ball target shoot, fire building/string burn, egg cook, and more.

Over the weekend we talked about Slaying our giants. Here's how what we covered.

1. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect - we need to practice doing the right thing and follow Jesus.
2. Trophies - Don't forget about the giants we have eliminated in our life.
3. My Giant is Bigger - there is a great way to defeat the giants in our life, enlist a bigger giant. We have the biggest Giant of them all - God.
4. Inspire Others - when we slay our giants we inspire others to defeat theirs as well.

Check out the photos from the weekend.
Plan to bring your boys and men to the 2011 Pow Wow!

Fruit of the Spirit: Faith Case v2

2010-09-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the sneak preview of the latest Faith Case: Fruit of the Spirit. (learn more)

Battle of the Bands

2010-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Search On v5 - Battle of the Bands

Calibrate Speaker: Jeremiah Johnson

2010-09-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

I am a worship and young adults pastor at First Assembly in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I am married to an awesome wife named Rachel. I have two daughters named Zoe and Elle.

Jeremiah's self-produced album "You're the One" containing several oringal songs has been well received by the congregation at First Assembly of God in Sioux Falls. His "God-Inspired" lyrics are used weekly during worship services. Attendees at his sessions will be inspired by his focus on touching the heart of God.

Jeremiah's Sessions:
Songwriters Session: Some of the most powerful worship experiences come when we worship purely from the heart. Discover ways to harness the thoughts and emotions of personal worship and introduce them to your church. (WORSHIP MINISTRY)

Worship Team Dynamics: Every participant on a worship team has a different personality and level of experience. Discover ways to lead these teams without losing your mind. (WORSHIP MINISTRY)

We are happy to have Jeremiah as a workshop speaker at Calibrate 2010.

Calibrate: Sessions For Youth Workers

2010-09-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

There you are, working with teenagers. Balancing life, family, work, and youth ministry. Sometimes it's nice to get a little "shot in the arm" of assistance to help navigate the waters of reaching teenagers. You can find that at Calibrate.

Below is a list of a few of the classes we feel will be of benefit for people working with teens.

Missions Extreme: Extended Missions Opportunities
Reaching Teen Girls: Getting Into Their World
Mean Girls: Raising Nice Girls in a Mean Girl World
Twilight & The Supernatural
Youth Ministry Health Evaluation
Building Community in Your Youth Ministry

Download the full class list
View the Calibrate Conference information

Road Trip

2010-09-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Search On v4 - Road Trip

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Get more details

Calibrate Speakers: James & Bruce Dye

2010-09-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

James and Bruce Dye are a father-son team who have been mentoring and discipling boys through Royal Rangers for several years.

They come highly recommended from children's leaders and will bring great experience and excellence to you through their session on reaching boys.

Bruce and James minister at First Assembly of God in Rapid City.

James & Bruce Dye's Session:
Mentor and Disciple Boys

James and Bruce will be workshop speakers at Calibrate 2010.

Calibrate: Sessions for Children's Workers

2010-09-10T06:00:00.015-05:00

So you work with children, you need a little inspiration in the classroom. You've heard about Calibrate, but you're not sure if the classes are right for you.

Below is a list of the classes we are working to bring for people who specialize in children's ministry.

Mentor and Disciple Boys
Mean Girls: Raising Nice Girls in a Mean Girl World
Girls Minsitries
Twilight & The Supernatural
Early Childhood (titles and topics pending)
Storytelling
The Power of Playtime

Download the developing class list
View all of the Calibrate Info

Fundraising is Easy

2010-09-09T06:00:00.026-05:00

Last week I met with Ryan. Ryan own's a coffee roasting company and has a huge heart for missions. I was at his office by his invitation because he wants to help kids raise money for missions.

Here's how easy it is.

Option 1: Give kids order forms for Jungle Beans Coffee (JBC) and have them collect orders and money for the coffee. Submit the orders to JBC where the order will be filled and shipped.

Option 2: Provide your free account code to your church members in the weekly bulletin. They go online to www.fundraisingiseasy.com enter your code and their order. Coffee is shipped directly to their home.

Option 3: Have people turn in their order forms directly to a volunteer at the church who will phone in the order. Coffee will be shipped directly to the church for delivery.

In every case you have no risk of unsold product. It is the most hassle free fundraiser available. People are always purchasing coffee - even if they don't drink it, they likely serve it to guests. Holiday's are great times to give coffee as gifts. Best of all within 90 days you will receive a check for 50% of the price of the coffee for your BGMC goal!

Ready to get started?

Check out www.fundraisingiseasy.com (or here) and then sign up for your Free Coffee Ordering account code for BGMC!

10TenX

2010-09-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

Hundreds, if not thousands of teens and leaders across the nation are taking the TEN challenge. A challenge to give $100 on 10.10.10.

I know many of the leaders and students across South Dakota are taking that challenge. Only 5 weeks remain! Make sure you utilize the resources to help spread the word to the students and challenge their giving.

Download the 10 Video and Promo Graphics
Register for the challenge
Take the challenge personally
Believe God will assist
Utilize STL 1:2:3 and the SD Overflow Stories

STL-AllWillDrive 5k

2010-09-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Search On v3 - awd5k

Find out more about the run and youth convent10n

Calibrate Speaker: Heartland Masters Commission

2010-09-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Based in River of Life Church out of Cold Spring, MN, Heartland Master's Commission is focused on raising up the next generation of leaders ready for small town ministry.

Directors Adam and Amber Haugen have a passion for small town ministry and a desire to disciple the next generation to reach this vast mission field. Adam served on the leadership team at Cross Current in Rocford, IL under Jeanne Mayo and Jeremy DeWeerdt before receiving his BA in business form Souther Illinois Univerity. In 2004 he moved to Cold Spring and began working with Breakthrough Ministries. Amber received her MA from St. Cloud State University after finishing three years of service with Rockford Master's Commission. Amber began working at River of Life Church in 2003. The couple married in 2005 and have one son (Mataeo).

We are excited for the opportunity to team up with Heartland Masters Commission for Calibrate 2010!

Memorization Resource

2010-09-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Psalm 119:11 tells us to "hide the Word in our heart" in order to avoid sin. Unfortunately in many of our churches today people are not challenged to even bring their Bible with them let alone read or memorize it.

I would like to challenge your children and teens to memorize God's Word this school year. Not the whole thing - but facts about Gods Word, verses, chapters or entire books of the Bible. It can be done!

Studies show that what kids and teens memorize stay with them later in life as well. Additionally, it has been said that kids who learn how to memorize are able to increase their school grades as well. More importantly, kids involved in Bible Quiz are more likely to make the faith of their parents their own which will help them stay true to their beliefs into their adult years.

The Assemblies of God provides two great ministries that challenge your student to memorize. Junior Bible Quiz, and Teen Bible Quiz.

Even if quizzing isn't your passion, you will find some great resources to help you teach the Word of God and help your students memorize.

Check it out!

Where Will You Be?

2010-08-31T06:00:00.001-05:00

Search On v2 - Where Will You Be?

Find More Youth Convent10n Details

Calibrate Speaker: Matt Wilkie

2010-08-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Matt serves as the director of Convoy of Hope’s Internship program and has a passion to see people involved in serving God by meeting those in need all around the world. I love Jesus, my family, serving internationally (and in this country too), Convoy of Hope, sushi, Johnny Cash and a good cup of coffee.

Matt’s Sessions
Pressure Gauge: Avoiding Burnout: (Super Session) Serving a compassionate Christ: How He feels about you--We work hard serving others by showing compassion. What does our Savior think of us? We'll discuss what He says about people like you.

Building People Through Compassion Ministries: We can build our people not only through challenging them with the great commission of Matthew 28, but through God's command in Matthew 25 to "do unto the least of these." Matt, who serves as a missionary with Convoy of Hope, will discuss ways of building students as they express the heart of Christ to those in need.

Missions Extreme: Extended Missions Opportunities (Student Session) So, you’ve done a 10-day missions trip. You don’t think full-time missions is your thing, but you want to do something more. You’re not alone. Thousands of students and young make the choice each year to spend a few months or few years serving in missions. See what’s involved and the ministries that need your help.

Preparing Your Ministry for Compassion Outreach: Just because you aren’t the pastor doesn’t mean you can’t coordinate compassion outreach. Lean creative ways to involve your small groups, children’s ministry, etc in meeting the felt needs of those in your community.

Video Interview with Matt

Calibrate Conference: Matt Wilkie from Mark on Vimeo.

We are so excited to have Matt as one of our workshop and super session speakers at Calibrate 2010.

Greg Washington

2010-08-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a back to school event, all night activity, retreat, or see you at the pole rally, and are in need of a dynamic youth speaker - I would like to recommend Greg Washington to you.

Greg is a student at Trinity Bible College with a call to Evangelism. He has been mentored in recent years by two amazing DYDs (Mark Zweifel, and Steve Tripp) and spent time with Allen Griffen (youth evangelist).

His humble heart and passion for Jesus is contagious and your students will connect well with him.

You can find Greg on Facebook to connect for scheduling at your event.

Youth Convent10n

2010-08-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

Search On v1 - About

Get more information about youth convent10n

STL: Gaining by giving away

2010-08-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

Topic: Giving Everything
Title: Gaining by giving away
Text: Luke 21:1-4
Theme: What we give away, we keep

Read the Text: “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasure. He also a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth”, he said, “This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Illustrate: "In Other Words," a publication of the Wycliffe Bible Translators, recently told a story about Sadie Sieker, who served for many years as a house-parent for missionaries' children in the Philippines. Sadie loved books. Though she gladly loaned out some, others she treasured in a footlocker under her bed. Once, in the quiet of the night, Sadie heard a faint gnawing sound. After searching all around her room, she discovered that the noise was coming from her footlocker. When she opened it, she found nothing but an enormous pile of dust. All the books she had kept to herself had been lost to termites. What we give away, we keep. What we hoard, we lose.

Challenge/Connection: Larry Pennings once said, “God judges what we give by what we keep. “ For Sadie, it would have been better if she would have loaned out all of her books, and not kept some just for herself. Then none of them would have been destroyed. In the same way, the story of the widow relates. The rich men gave out of their riches and kept plenty for themselves. But the widow gave everything that she had, and Jesus was much more pleased with her.

If we give everything that we have to God, we will never be sorry. Many times it is easy to keep things for ourselves, and feel ok because we gave a little to God. But when we give him everything and hold nothing back, we will find true satisfaction. He will provide for us and bless us no matter. As Martin Luther King once said “I have tried to keep things in my hands and lost them all, but what I have given into God's hands I still possess.”

Receive Offering: Pray and Receive Offering

Calibrate Speaker: Ryan Moore

2010-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ryan is the National Young Adult Ministry Coordinator for the AG. Ryan moved to Springfield, MO in March of ’09 in an effort to equip and encourage existing and potential young adult ministries throughout our national network.

Ryan has ministered to young adults in both Florida and Oregon. He spent 3 years in Ocala, Florida serving full-time to youth and young adults before moving across the country in May of ‘06 to pastor young adults in Portland, Oregon.

His passion is to help develop emerging leaders and propel them into their God-given destiny. He also enjoys a good book, a cup of coffee, and game to watch on TV. Ryan is married to the love of his life and best friend, Alyson and they have one 3 year old girl, Alyza.

Ryan's passion as the National Young Adult Ministries Coordinator is to encourage and equip existing and potential young adult ministries throughout our fellowship. Ryan is a Central Bible College graduate.

Ryan's Sessions:
Understanding Young Adult Culture

Creating a Young Adult Sensitive Church

Re-Capturing the De-Churched

We are excited to have Ryan as one of the workshop and super session speakers at Calibrate 2010.

The Together Plan: Solution for Limited Volunteers

2010-08-18T06:00:00.018-05:00

Do you love Royal Rangers and Girls Ministries curriculum and discipleship plan but feel you don't have enough volunteers to make it work?

Let me introduce you to "The Together Plan" which provides a lower-cost option for churches with a big vision but a small staff. The Together Plan allows these churches to have gender-specific distinctives they want while operating with a combined staff.

Possibly this modification will be a solution for you.

BGMC: What's love got to do with it.

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Topic: Giving because of Love
Title: What’s love got to do with it.
Text: Luke 10:25-37
Theme: Loving people we don’t even know.

Read the Text:

Luke 10:25-37

Illustrate:

As you read the text ask students to come up and act it out.

Have a student be the man on a journey and get hit with a pool noodle by the robbers. Have two students play the Levite and the priest and have them walk on by. Have a student be the Good Samaritan who stops and bandages up their wounds and puts the student on his donkey (another student).

Challenge/Connection:

Talk about how Jesus told this story to help us understand what it means to love other people, even the people that no one else will stop to help.

Talk about how giving to BGMC helps us love people we will never meet, by providing a way for them to know Jesus.

Receive Offering: Pray and Receive Offering

Calibrate Speaker: Rick Allen

2010-08-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Rick Allen has been a nationally appointed U.S. missionary since 2001 and currently serves in the Center for Leadership and the AG Trust Development Team. His assignment for the Center for Leadership focuses on local church leadership development and strategic missional involvement.

Rick functions as the National Coordinator for the Church Transformation Network. The Church Transformation Network is leading the effort to equip local, small membership congregations to discover and pursue God’s vision for health and vitality. Through key journey points which include being a fully Spirit Empowered church, focus on Biblically Based values, creating a Transformative Leadership team to equip believers for growth and Spirit Directive Strategic plan for ministry to every individual regardless of their place in life; the Church Transformation Network is dedicated to assist today’s churches for tomorrow’s future.

Rick will be one of the Ignite Speakers at Calibrate 2010

Did You Know?

2010-08-15T06:00:00.031-05:00

One of the four pillars* of Youth Alive is the Campus Club. These student-led groups are encouraged to meet weekly on the campus of the public school in an effort to serve their campus and make a positive impact on their classmates by spreading the love of Jesus Christ.

However, sometimes students have a hard time knowing how to lead these clubs and know what to share on a weekly basis.

Did you know that the Youth Alive website has enough resources to lead a club all the way through Jr High/Middle School and High School?

Here is just a sample of some of the topics:
- Being Different
- Crisis Care
- Dating
- Destiny
- Dream for the Future
- Friendships
- Giving
- Leadership
- and more

Check them out! Use them each week to help make your club more than just a gathering. Make your club a positive impact for the Cause of Christ!

www.yausa.com > Resources > Campus Club Meeting Guides & Campus Club Monthly Meeting Guides

*The four pillars of Youth Alive are Prayer Zone Partners, Campus Missions, Campus Clubs, and The Seven Project

Royal Ranger Pow Wow

2010-08-14T06:00:00.007-05:00

2010 Royal Ranger Pow Wow

Date: September 17-19, 2010
Cost: $30 per person
Location: Ken Korkow Ranch (East of Pierre)
Meals:
- Friday Supper - LFTL Steak Wagon
- Saturday Breakfast - On Your Own
- Saturday Lunch - On Your Own
- Saturday Supper - Wild Game Feed (Pot Luck) Every outpost brings something to share, beans, bread, dessert are provided
- Sunday Breakfast - On Your Own

Download Information
Download Poster

Sleeping Funny (Seth's Blog)

2010-08-13T06:00:00.004-05:00

Sleeping funny (original post)

It's not a joke. Sometimes you sleep funny, wake up tired and feel cranky all day. No comic timing required.

Do you ever work funny?

Ever have a day when none of the things you need to focus on materialize, when the emotional labor doesn't come naturally?

Most of us have come up with a strategy for days we're working funny--we do the busy work, we reply, react and occasionally respond. We show up at the meetings and we answer our email, and we go home feeling as though we accomplished at least a little something (though we didn't.)

The danger is this: this working funny habit leaks into the days when we're on our game. When you're on a roll, you still find yourself going to meetings, answering email and working through someone else's to-do list. That's a waste.

Don't toss and turn if you don't have to.

Middle School Discipleship

2010-08-12T06:00:00.015-05:00

If you are looking for a great resource to use in discipleship of your middle school students, take a look at the Alive in Christ series.

This resource includes the following:*
- Q/A sections based on Biblical interaction
- Biblical explanation of salvation
- Praying regularly
- Living the Word of God
- Sharing your story with others
- Serving
- Giving

The book is 64 pages long and can be adapted to any weekly gathering. Alive in Christ can be led by a parent in the home, an adult leader, or by a peer. This resource is also ideal for outreaches, response times at church, and one-on-one discipleship.

*These lessons flow very nicely with the heart of Youth Alive and Campus Missions by covering all of the commitments of a Campus Missionary - Pray, Live, Tell, Serve, Give. At the conclusion of the Alive in Christ series, why not invite each member to make a commitment to a 9-month missions trip to their campus?

TEN/10/X

2010-08-11T06:00:00.012-05:00

No matter how you spell it 10/10/10 is going to be a Sunday to remember!

In cooperation with the national STL office and youth ministries around the nation we are casting the net to challenge our students to do something unprecedented.

I am looking for 100 people who will set a crazy goal to personally give/raise $1,000 and give it on October 10th, 2010 (or other date close to that if your Sunday mornings make this difficult).

I know that some of our teenagers are just the people who would step up to this challenge and watch God help them make this goal. To sign up click here.

You will never receive a bill but this will help us to announce how many people are on board with Ten and then to celebrate with you as was watch God bring it in as each person works hard.

Here's the great news... there are already 3 SDAG leaders on board with this and I'm sure there will be more on the way!

Let's make history on 10/10/10.

NOTE: The national campaign challenges students to give $10 a week for ten weeks. We are looking for these students as well as some students who will set a larger goal of $1,000! Let's get both!