by admin | Apr 15, 2015 | Inspiration, Leadership, Uncategorized
Hiring a kids Leader is one of the most important decisions a Campus Pastor/ Senior Pastor will make. I was recently contacted by a church leader who is hiring a children’s director and was wondering what qualifications they should be looking for. Contrary to the belief that He/She needs a have a degree in child studies the most successful kids leaders I have strategized with are a nice mix of leadership, administrative and lots of fun.
Here are my top four tips.
1- Solid biblical knowledge.
2- Remember you are hiring an Administrative leader not a child care provider.
Do not look for the person who has a CPR certification, 30 hours of child care training though these are great these can be attained.
Look for a person who can understand that every child represents a family that is attending and every family has friends they can invite. Look for a person who is not afraid to see the numbers in Kids Ministry and is willing to put up a fight to increase the attendance through events, follow up, partnerships etc..
3-Must have a killer smile- I visited a ministry once and was shocked when I met the director. I made jokes, I attempted conversations all with no luck of a smile. She was not upset her personality was simply serious. There’s a book called The Power of a Smile. It became popular because there really is power in a smile.
4-She/He must be a strong recruiter- this is of outmost importance. Failing to learn this a leader may fall into a “doing” instead of “leading” role. As leaders we are called to equip others. I have experienced one to many ministries when I consult. My first questions are:
Who is in charge of your check in area?
Who is in charge of your programming?
Who is in charge of your follow up?
If the leader answers “me” to all these automatic red lights go off. They are doing not Leading.
Check out my what inspires me doc for more on this.
A Kids leader is a crucial part of your team in church. Kids ministry can and will affect growth. Do not take it lightly, ask for help if you need to and feel free to connect with me!
by admin | Apr 9, 2015 | Blog, Inspiration, Leadership, Uncategorized
When we began this adventure just a few years ago, we never imagined all that God would do with us and this company. We have made mistakes, and learned from them. Mistakes cost us money. Often times artists and small business owners will contact me for advice as they begin their journey. I love doing so !
Our expansion in Orlando has been an incredible journey. We have seen our business go in directions that surprised even us.
Being an entrepreneur is a tough road, But its awesome! I believe God is honored when we pursue and live our dreams.
Here are my three tips that cost our company some hard earned cash.
– Budget every penny that entered the company.
– Factor in your time as a business owner your time is very important.
– Do not undercharge. At times when our goal was to grow our clientele we worked around our clients budget and needs.
we are now in a position where we have set our prices depending on time, resources and the financial strategy of the business. These fees are non negotiable. Clients respect your fees, those that do not will always find alternatives.
Following your dreams to be an entrepreneur means living life like others do not want to for a short period of time, placing the companies needs before yours and respecting your values so you can live a life like others desire.
What’s stopping you from pursuing your hearts desires?
Download our free business plan sample and start working towards your dreams !
Want to chat ? Click here
by admin | Apr 2, 2015 | Blog, Inspiration, Leadership
Is your church ready for Easter?
As a previous church planter, Kids director and currently church strategist often times I get the opportunity to observe mega churches and take notes on pros and cons and later strategize solutions for setbacks. Easter is much more than an event to bring new guests in. Its an opportunity to reach outside the walls of the church to people who would probably not attend a service.
Below are my top Three tips to be ready for your new guests.
1- Educate your staff on verbiage- avoid churchy terms.
- All staff members and leaders must be on the same page or new guests will be confused.
- This is not watering down the gospel, This is making it relevant to their level.
- Avoid terms such as “the blood of the lamb” Be sure you are ready to teach it to a child.
- Bring the word . It speaks for itself. Do not be afraid to make an altar call.
2- signage Walk through your campus.
Is your campus new guest proof? Can a new guest get from the parking lot to the worship center without hesitation. Can a new guest drop off their kids, get a name tag and find the worship center all on their own? It’s better to over communicate than to under communicate and have new guests who are trying to find their way around.
Please no hand written signs and please place your logo on the signs.
Bathroom signage is very important specially for set up churches. Do not assume every one knows the bathrooms are located around the corner of the cafeteria.
3- Have something planned for next weekend.
The average new guest may be back for Mothers day or Christmas if we do not strategically create a reason for them to return.
This is one of the questions I ask churches most as I consult. What is planned for next week? It can be something as simple as pizza with the pastors or pastelito and caffecito or hot chocolate meet and greet. But please be sure you have planned something new guests look forward to next week. The average person must feel an emotional connection the first 3-4 minutes or we lose them.
I’ve had the opportunity with AT Studios to strategize with multimillion businesses on how to reach their target demographics. What if churches considered all possible means to reach those that enter the church once or twice a year.What if our effort was so big that we over communicated our love for Christ and what He did on the Cross for us?
I believe in reaching people where they are at their level and most importantly reaching kids. If you can get kids excited and wanting to return their parents will.
Check out my e-book for programming samples
It is my prayer that you are prepared and expecting God to do great things because He can. You must be prepared to receive.
In His Service,
Betty Flores
Need more help ? Contact me.
by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Inspiration
In the early stages of AT Studios, several challenges happened that forced us to grow, get better and stand firm.
One of the worst things I experienced was FEAR.
Fear of the unknown , Fear of the What ifs, Fear of the…. EVERYTHING.
Now you may be reading this and thinking “ oh yes another person telling me to have faith”
Here’s the bottom line. When you are going through the process of fear IT SUCKS!
Over time I have began to see fear as this acronym.
Faith
Evidence
And
Reality
Faith
– Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Faith is confidence – I know God can and will do exceedingly and abundantly what I can ask or imagine.
What we hope for- I hope I can keep it together until payroll time. (even counting the minutes).
Faith is the assurance of what I do not see. Lord I do not see the funds. I do not see the money, I do not see the clients. But You do.
By no means am I saying this is easy.
Evidence Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
The Bible says do not be afraid or discouraged. That’s it! That’s what I’m feeling afraid and discouraged when I allow fear to rule over me, He will NOT leave you, nor forsake you.
Reality -Truth is, God has never failed us. Period.
Psalms 136 God’s Love never fails. He has a purpose. He was teaching me to trust him. Open My eyes to see what you are teaching me in this moment. Again disclaimer – praying this in the middle of chaos is not easy.
This is not easy. It is seemingly far easier to give into the FEAR instead of having FAITH that my Father God will provide. I do not know the plan or how the payroll will be met or how this vacation will end up. It may not go according to my plan, but all of it certainly will go according to His plan.
This is my prayer as I went through all this:
I trust you. I trust payroll is met. I trust our plans are your plans. I know you work all things for the good of those who honor you. Help me to put fear aside and honor you through all this. Amen.
by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Inspiration
Today we are honored to have Rosie Watson guest posting for us on the subject of homeschooling. We are excited to hear from her on this subject and hope you do as well!
A Personal Tribute to Homeschooling
By Rosie Watson
I remember well the day the big yellow bus drove past our front drive way. We waved and smiled at all the kids and I tried hard to hide the fears that fought to take control of me. Now, twenty something years later, with three well-adjusted, God fearing, college graduates passionately perusing God’s plan for their life, I can smile again. But this time the smile comes from deep inside, and the fears are replaced with fond memories of a journey well worth the travail.
I learned much along my homeschooling journey. To begin with, I learned that homeschooling is a tough job; one that requires commitment, focus and passion. Our twins, Aaron and Alisha had just turned two when our oldest, Daniel was to enter kindergarten. I must confess that fears and insecurities lurked all around me. You know those thorny questions; how do I know if I’m qualified? What if my kids fall behind or just don’t turn out right? What about social skills? But God’s call was stronger than the enemy’s haunting and our homeschool adventure was soon on its way.
Within months I began to let go of the fears and enjoy the experience, and learning became a way of life for this young family. We traded in the classroom and workbooks for the sandbox, story time and conversation, number games, chores, and exploration. The library became our second home and we read and talked about everything, especially God’s amazing creation. They climbed trees, collected insects, flew homemade kites and experienced all the wholesome joys of childhood, as we discovered together the joy of learning. After just one year, that five year old tested way above grade level. How could that be, I wondered when we had spent only a few hours “doing school” each day? I discovered also that my twins were learning alongside Daniel, echoing facts and figures that they could not yet understand. We found friends through homeschool groups, our neighborhood, church, soccer practice, and reveled in the hours we had to enjoy them.
Today, after counselling hundreds of parents on the subject of homeschooling and watching hundreds of families take the plunge, my passion is stronger and my understanding so much clearer. I understand first of all that this journey calls for dedication and commitment. I understand that each family is unique and that’s what makes homeschooling so beneficial. And I understand that it is a journey, one that winds its way through mountain top joys and deep valley lows. Sometimes looking back, I wish I could relive just one day, even a valley one. But now we are enjoying the fruit of our labor as we watch our young adult children raise their own families and revel in our new role as Grandparents.
Thank you God for the calling and for giving us all we needed for the journey.
Rosie Watson is a homeschool mother of three grown children and has been teaching for over 25 years. As a featured convention speaker, Rosie brings to the homeschool community a wealth of knowledge and experience and a powerful message of inspiration. She is the founder and director of the Center for Home Education in NE Fort Worth, a homeschool haven that encompasses a curriculum store, learning center, performing arts theatre and coffee house.Rosie is a licensed facilitator for the Career Coaching for Students workshops, which provides students with the tools they need to discover their God given purpose. Rosie is also the author of the writing program, The Wonder of Words.
Connect with Rosie!
Rosie Watson
Director
Center for Home Education
5733 Watauga Road
Watauga TX 76148
817-281-2293 – phone
817-281-2296 – fax
by admin | Oct 14, 2014 | Inspiration
Unlike many couples who say goodbye in the morning and each go their separate ways. We head to the office together, come home together and spend most part of the day together. It’s a beautiful thing that comes with extreme challenges. Some weeks are very intense at the studio and at home.
Our lives are filled with events; volunteer work, small group and of course growing our business.
During events often times fans whisper in my ear “You are so blessed to be married to such a talented artist”. I truly am.
Often times I wonder where he gets the ideas and inspiration for sketches he develops.
Often times he has been so drained he is really on an artistic block.
When your team is depending on your creative juices, time on a creative block must be limited.
I have found myself writing prayers for my creative husband.
Here’s my latest one:
“God grant Andy super natural creativity this week. “
God is the perfect artist. He created for 6 days and rested for one.
He admired His creation and saw that IT was good.
Today I pray you admire your loved ones creative’s. Do not try to understand it, simply admire that God has blessed them with a vision and gift that is unique to them.
Creative’s you have a God given talent the world needs.
Walk in it. Do what you love because life is too short not to.
My prayer is that God grants you Super Natural Creativity today.
“A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”
Proverbs 18:16
Be Blessed!
