The Danger of "JUST"

Whether we like to admit it or not, to some degree or another we are all very label conscious. For many of us, we walk into a department store and go straight to the clothing section that is made by our favorite designer. Come on. You know that it's the truth. Young, old, rich, not so rich, we all have "our" label. We generally don't even consider looking at clothes made another company. Why? Because that one designer or label describes who we are and what we like. I might even go so far as to say that the label "defines" us. One more time ... you know that it's the truth.

Many of this blog's readers have a label. It might be "children's pastor" or "nursery director" or "children's choir director" or "sidewalk Sunday school volunteer". Just like the labels at the department store, the labels are numerous. Children's ministry is filled with labels, labels that define who we are and what we do.

The reason for this week's blog is to issue a warning. There is an unseen danger in labels. Whether we recognize it or not, that defining label also is a confining label. It places boundaries on who we are and restrictions on what we can do. He's a children's pastor. She is a nursery master teacher.

Let me personalize what I am trying to share. My label is children's pastor. I am a children's pastor and have been for almost 24 years at Trinity Church International. I love the church. I love the children. But I am keenly aware that if allowed, this title or label given by men or organizations can place restraints on who I am and what I can do. After all, he IS (unsaid ... "just") a children's pastor. Thankfully, I guard the way that I think. I recognize that I am so much more than a children's pastor. This isn't ego talking. I just know that my God-given dreams and passion stretch far beyond the constraints imposed by being "just" a children's pastor. In writing this, I'm not minimizing the ministry at Trinity or disrespecting their perception of me. I'm just not allowing it to place boundaries that prevent me from fulfilling my God-given assignment.

The same can be said for you. Before you were born, God placed dreams and purpose on the inside of you. You have an assignment. Don't smother or constrain your assignment because of boundaries imposed by a label placed by others. Be loyal to your place of ministry be it nursery or children's choir or Sunday school teacher or children's pastor. But at the same time, don't be defined or confined and go through life with your wings strapped to your body. Go ahead and spread your wings. Begin now. Fly. Soar. Fulfill your assignment. Your destiny is waiting on you!

My Brain is Working Overtime - Your Responses

Last week, I posted a blog titled "My Brain is Working Overtime" in which I listed several questions that I believe must be examined by everyone working in children's ministry. If you haven't read the post, I would ask you to take 3 or 4 minutes and read my ponderings. At the end of the blog, I asked for your input. This week, allow me to share some excerpts taken from your tremendous responses. 

* "Great questions and sad we have to ask."

* "Happy to say that the Spirit of the living God is upon our children who experience His presence and been baptized, and prophesied regularly in our mist. Children continue to go deeper and deeper each week. That is so exciting to see and experience."

* "The questions you posted are exactly the ones I asked as I came here. My heart is to see these children know God and through that paradigm how to walk in the Spirit and pursue the things on Father's heart such as missions and ministry. The book "Teaching Kids Authentic Worship" was also a great confirmation and encouragement."

* "I found in my own life that I don't do the things you asked about because it's easier not to. When we choose not do those things everything can be easily controlled, predictable and BORING! It costs our flesh to step out and trust the Holy Spirit."

* "We are seeing kids more hungry for God. Children are still being baptized in the Holy Spirit. We are teaching them to enter into the prophetic realm.... (9 gifts of the Spirit). Teaching them they are hearing God's voice just that they need to recognize His voice and step out in faith. It is not easy.... but God always comes through. My deepest concern is that I may miss the mark and I truly don't want to miss the mark."

It's me again. What is your response to the questions that I posted? I'd love to read your input. You can write me at billy@billyburnsministries.com

 

My Brain is Working Overtime

Rather than share a lengthy blog entry this week, allow me to just share a few questions to ponder. The questions may not mean anyone else but me. Judging by what I am hearing from Children's Ministry leaders across the nation, these questions cause me to be very concerned.

* Why is a salvation altar call almost non-existent in children's services?
* While having fun is an essential element of children's ministry, where are the somber moments that allow the Holy Spirit to grip the very core of our children's heart?
* Why is receiving an offering just a part of the check-off to-do list of the service rather than an act of worship?
* Why is the content of teaching and ministry more like cotton candy fluff instead of life-changing Rhema (red-letter) words from heaven?
* When was the last time that you heard or taught about the full package delivered on Calvary's cross?
* Why is prayerless preparation and prayerless delivery the norm rather than the exception in our ministries?
* Why is Book of Acts children's ministry only provided to the fortunate few that can afford to attend a Kid's Camp or children's ministry retreat while the majority of children sitting in children's churches and mid-week Bible clubs are never given that opportunity?
* Why is it the greatest majority of the children (and staff) in Pentecostal/Charismatic churches would be like the Ephesian Christians in Acts 19 and would answer, "We didn't even know that there is a Holy Ghost"?
* Is the "these signs will follow those who believe" (Mark 16) only relegated to adult Christians?

Believe it or not, I have plenty more questions to ponder. But, this is enough to hopefully stir the children's ministry pastors and leaders. If you have any response, you can write me at billy@billyburnsministries.com.

Are You Getting the Bang for Your Buck?

While recently sitting at a meal with several men, I was intrigued as I listened to their conversation about investing money. I learned about a start up company that is having exponential growth in the technology field and is producing great yields for its investors. I also learned about companies that at one time showed great potential but made poor choices and is now seeing its investors bail out. It was quite enlightening to learn how these men valued their financial investments and the caution being used to maximize its returns. 

While you and I might not be in the stock market, it is safe to say that in these shaky financial times we are all careful in how we use our money. We tend to be far more frugal. We are careful to not waste what is difficult to get. We want each and every dollar to go as far as possible don't we.

Can we say the same about our children's ministry? What is the return or yield in your ministry? In our children's ministry, we have some children that are with us each and every weekend. Others come every other weekend. Then there are those that I call the CEO's (Christmas and Easter Only). This means that I have the opportunity to minister to some children 90 minutes each week. Others will be for 90 short minutes out of a 14 day period. Then there are the children that I will only have 90 or 180 minutes during the entire year. What is the return on our "investment"? What is being accomplished in those precious few minutes?

Here is the litmus test that shows the return on your ministry's investment. I draw this test from a quote attributed to Smith Wigglesworth. "If you leave people as you found them, God is not speaking by you." At the end of those precious few minutes of ministry, have the children's lives been changed? Has the Holy Ghost spoken and drawn the children closer to Jesus? Has the Word of God touched the very core of the children's hearts? If not, then it is safe to say that we are wasting our investment. Those 90 minutes aren't yielding what God wants from our ministry. 

Take a few minutes and examine your "stock" portfolio. It might be wise to do some shifting and changing so that you can maximize the yield and return. Boys and girls destinies are depending on your choice.

Are You a Tweeter?

Rather than share a brief teaching this week, allow me to share an insight into "Billy world". We all know that we aren't able to give out unless we are also taking in. So, with that in mind, I want to share a way that I receive ministry each week. It's a given that the Bible and prayer are first and foremost. And, if you've followed this blog for any period of time, you know that I am a reader. I have books everywhere ... on my desk at the office, by my chair in the family room, beside my bed, on my iPad, etc. But, what is another way that I energize my spirit?

I know that this won't sound spiritual, but Twitter provides a constant source of encouragement. The tweets are short, to the point, and thought provoking. If you haven't entered into the land of Twitter, you are missing out on a great tool. Here are some of the people that I follow:

Reinhard Bonnke - @ReinhardBonnke
Robert Morris - @PsRobertMorris
Patricia Holland - @RevPatHolland
Becky Fischer - @kidsinministry
Steven Furtick - @stevenfurtick
TF Tenney - @TFTenney
Michael Hyatt - @MichaelHyatt
Mark Batterson - @MarkBatterson
Mark Driscoll - @PastorMark
John Piper - @JohnPiper
Tommy Tenney - @TommyTenney
Lee Grady- @LeeGrady
Brian Tracy - @briantracy
Jimmy Evans - @PsJimmyEvans
Willie George - @Willie_George
Dale Hudson - @dalehudsoncm
Jim Wideman -@jimwideman

I'd love to be among the people that you add to your Twitter list. You can easily connect with me. @IamBillyBurns

I hope that you'll add this invaluable tool to your life. Right now, go to www.twitter.com and sign up. I know that you'll thank me for the suggestion.

Make Your List & Check It Twice!

This coming June will mark our 34th anniversary of being in children's ministry. That's a long time isn't it! Along the way, I have accumulated a lot of ministry props and pieces of equipment. I'm sure that you can image what it would be like to purchase a few items at this convention and a few more at the next conference and then even more at the next meeting. Thirty-four years of buying has created quite an inventory of ministry tools. I have a specially made cabinet filled with object lessons with surprise endings (gospel magic), trunks filled with puppets, file cabinets lined with boxes of object lesson props, racks of costumes, a custom made cabinet for storing black light Scene-O-Felt flannel stories, etc. And books? Yep. There's a bunch of books about children's ministry.

I recently came to the realization that most of these pieces of equipment aren't of any value to me. While they are in my possession, most of them haven't been touched in years. Why aren't they being used? For the most part, I have so much that I don't even know what I have. And, if I can't remember what I have, I won't ever use it. So, to eliminate this problem, I began to create lists. I now have a list that tells me what flannel stories that I own, another list for gospel magic tricks, another list for props, etc. Now, as I'm writing a lesson, I can go to my lists to see what will enhance the teaching. I'm so excited that those formerly unused pieces of equipment are being incorporated into the ministry and adding a whole new dimension to the teaching.

What does this have to do with your ministry? Have you recently taken inventory of the ministry aids provided for you by the Holy Spirit? I'm sure that for many of us, we are so busy just putting together our day-to-day lives that we've pushed to the side the awareness of all that is readily available and accessible to ignite a mighty move of God in you personally and in your ministry. And, like with my children's ministry props and equipment, if we aren't conscious or knowledgeable of what we have available, it isn't be used.

Do yourself a gigantic favor. Stop what you are doing. Take some time to list of the God-given "tools" at your disposal. To make it easy, I'll provide a couple of items on the list and ask you to continue the itemizing. First, there is the ability to walk into a ministry opportunity filled with supernatural power (Acts 1:8). Next, God has made available the ability to see things that are unseeable to the natural eye (John 16:13). Next, ... you can pick it up from here.

One more thing. Once your inventory list is complete, start using the formerly unused "tools" from heaven. It will add a whole new dimension to the ministry!

Words With Friends Anyone?

They say that confession is good for the soul. And so, here's my confession. (I feel like I am at an AA meeting.) I am Billy Burns and I am helplessly addicted to word games on my iPad and iPhone. I absolutely love playing games like Words With Friends, Hanging With Friends, Scramble With Friends, etc. By far, my favorite game is Words With Friends. I have 12 games going right now and I am winning in 9 of the games.

Why is this Scrabble-like game my favorite? Because I've learned the strategy of the game. It's not just placing letters on the screen to form a word. It's not about playing a word just to play a word. Many of my opponents haven't discovered this secret. Good players know the importance of strategically forming words that will give maximum points while not setting up their opponent and enabling them to form Double Word or Triple Word possibilities.

Many children's leaders are just like my Words With Friends opponents. They just do a service because it's time to do something. There is no foresight and planning on their part. They fail to be strategic in their planning.

Have you looked at 2013? Do you have a vision where you want to be 12 months from now? Are there specific goals and dreams for your ministry? I know that I do. That's why we kicked off this year with a series that I wrote called The Blood, The Word, The Name. At the end of this year, I want to see children who are boldly standing for God and using the powerful God-given weapons against our enemy. After this series, we'll spend time teaching On Assignment with the Holy Ghost. I can foresee a powerful year ahead of us.

So, will I be doing services just to do services? Are you kidding me? No way! There is a strategy. Each and every service will be pointing towards the end goal. There will also be fun weekends mixed in-between the series. That's a part of the strategy. I know that the children are spirit, soul, and body. They need variety. But, I have the services lined up to make 2013 be a year of destiny. I've heard from God. I'm making strategic moves and being fully aware that He will also be making strategic moves.

Bring on 2013. I'm ready!

Dead Form? Here's the Cure!

Last week, I shared some thoughts from John Wesley's Advice to a People Called Methodist. As we begin this new year, I want to share another quote from Wesley taken from his message The More Excellent Way. Consider his observation concerning the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit:

It does not appear that these extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were common in the church for more than two or three centuries. We seldom hear of them after that fatal period when the Emperor Constantine called himself a Christian, and from a vain imagination of promoting the Christian cause thereby heaped riches, and power, and honour, upon the Christians in general; but in particular upon the Christian clergy. From this time they almost totally ceased; very few instances of the kind were found. The cause of this was not (as has been vulgarly supposed,) "because there was no more occasion for them," because all the world was become Christian. This is a miserable mistake; not a twentieth part of it was then nominally Christian. The real cause was, "the love of many," almost of all Christians, so called, was "waxed cold." The Christians had no more of the Spirit of Christ than the other Heathens. The Son of Man, when he came to examine his Church, could hardly "find faith upon earth." This was the real cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian Church -- because the Christians were turned Heathens again, and had only a dead form left.

What does this have to do with children's ministry? It is easy in children's ministry to take the easy way and buy into fads and Spirit-less trends. After all, we are busy, right? And, we all know that children's ministry is demanding. It takes a lot of work to make this ministry function, right? Plus, much is pulling for our attention, etc. Often, the "easy" way to survive is to hurriedly throw together a service with some kind of/sort of "Bibley feel" or purchase a trendy curriculum eliminates the need for connecting with the Holy Spirit. Without exception, the Spirit-less, prayer-less, powerless services become what Wesley called "a dead form". 

Children's leader, as we begin this new year, take some time to determine where your ministry is in relationship to the gifts and workings of the Holy Spirit. According to Wesley's message, if there is no movement or working of the Holy Spirit, it is due to our state of being. Here's a suggestion. As many of us are beginning this new year with extended times of prayer and fasting, it might wise to repent of becoming a "dead form" and then cry out for a fresh wind of the Spirit to blow upon us. Selah.

The Essential Four

As a children's pastor, I am constantly challenged because there is so much that I want to teach our children. For many of our children, I recognize that our ministry is the only opening of God's Word that they will experience during their week. Then, add to that fact, many of our children only attend our services sporadically. While we do have the weeklies (those who attend every weekend), there's a portion of our attendance that are the bi-weeklies, the monthlies, and finally the CEO's (Christmas and Easter Only) attendees. This makes my decision for what is taught in those precious 90 minutes each service so important.

There are so many curriculums available today with great Bible information. We've come a long ways from the type of curricula that we had when I started in children's ministry hundreds of years ago. There are teaching packages with all of the high-tech bells and whistles. Many are non-stop excitement and drama. Some are very culturally relevant addressing issues that children are facing today in their homes and schools. 

All of this is well and good. But, before I as a children's pastor start looking at what to teach, I always have to know in my spirit that there is a solid foundation of the "Essential Four" before I build the remainder of the structure. Before there is teaching about morals and how to's and why to's, I want to know in my heart that the children sitting in front of me have a solid understanding of these four core values:

• Salvation by the blood of Jesus
• The baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues
• Christ as Savior and Healer
• The imminent return of Christ

How is the foundation of your ministry? Are you building on a weak or shoddy foundation? Remember that no matter how elaborate that your house (ministry) might be, it is only sustainable if the walls and roof (the variety of teachings) are built upon a solid foundation (the Essential Four).

Consider this .... It might be time to push the "extras" aside for a season and establish your foundation. In doing so, you will establish solid, unshakable children who will make a difference in their generation.

A Case of Stinking Thinking

I am constantly amazed as I watch many children's ministry leaders and workers standing in front of children. You can tell by the way that they talk and act that an emergency medical unit would be needed if anything supernatural actually, or better yet, accidentally happened in their service. These leaders and workers have bought into the philosophy that they are "only" children's ministers. What if anything could happen in a children's service?  

This week, let me share a thought that will change this horrendous mindset. Consider this verse ...

"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you."
Romans 8:11 (New Living Translation)

This verse shows that abiding inside of me (a lowly children's worker ... if you buy into the totally whacked out philosophy) is the VERY SAME Spirit that accomplished the impossible. Residing inside of me is the VERY SAME Spirit that totally thwarted every single plan of Satan as Christ was came out of that grave!

If this is true (and it is!), why in the world should you walk into a ministry opportunity with little or no expectations? With a revelation of God's Spirit living on the inside of you, you can expect Satan to begin to tweet to all of his imps and cohorts, "Oh NO ... he's back" when your feet enter into the auditorium or classroom. You can rest assured that Satan's proponents will call an emergency meeting to discuss how they will deal with the damage handed to them through your Spirit-empowered, Spirit-led ministry. Principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places will take note of and tremble at any person (this includes Y-O-U) who is fully aware of the Person and power of the indwelling Spirit of God.

Tell those working alongside of you to take their fingers off of their cell phones. There's no need to have the emergency medical unit telephone number on speed dial. Now that you are in your RIGHT mind, be ready. That VERY SAME Spirit will begin to make His presence known!

Ministering With An Advantage

As children's ministry workers, we are always conscious of the importance of going into a ministry opportunity with the classroom properly set up, the lesson studied and restudied, and the right teaching techniques and tools ready to go. We know that the key to successful ministry is summarized in three words ... preparation, preparation, preparation. Am I correct? It's true! We want to go into the ministry time with everything working to our advantage!

Allow me this week to share a thought that will "seal the deal" on what happens in your time of ministry, something that will be to your advantage when you minister to children. Are you ready? It's found in this verse ...

"However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say
it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I
go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor,
Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not
come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away,
I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]."

John 16:7 (The Amplified Translation)

Did you catch that? Jesus said that He was going to do something that was to our advantage. That "something" was about a "Someone", the Holy Spirit. 

I won't spend more space writing about this. I believe that the truth is so evident. If we truly want to minister and have everything working to our advantage, we must have this sent one, the Holy Spirit, walk into the classroom with us and minister alongside us to bring about the will of the Father.

My FREE Gift to You

It's quite early on this Monday morning. In fact, it's just after 4 AM. Vickie and I arrived back home just 4 1/2 hours ago from our Regional Ignite the Supernatural Conference held in Lenexa, Kansas. I won't even begin to try to find the words to describe God's goodness at the conference. The words "incredible" and "awesome" fall far short. I guess that it would be safe to write that God outdid Himself as hungry people gathered together to learn how to flow with His precious Holy Spirit. I am honestly living right now in the afterglow of this meeting.

While I loved each and every workshop and general session at the conference, it was evident that there was a special, tangible anointing as I taught the workshop on The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural. The truths are simple and yet so practical and needed. I wish that I could go to every church represented by those reading this blog and personally share this teaching. The day will come (hopefully soon) that I can propagate this teaching in book form. 

While I can't personally travel to every church and personally teach this lesson, I recognize that I can teach this lesson through you. Below, you will find a link that will make this teaching available to you. Download it. Print it. Distribute this teaching to each and every worker in your children's ministry. I only ask two things of you. First, please do not modify this teaching. Secondly, please retain the copyright information shown at the bottom of the teaching. 

www.billyburnsministries.com/downloads/10Commandments.pdf

One more thing. Do me one favor. Write me and let me know how the teaching impacted those working alongside of you. billy@billyburnsministries.com.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #10

With some 252 blog entries now posted, I believe that the entries in this series The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural have been some of the most important thoughts that I've shared. I trust that they've been a blessing both to you personally and those who work alongside of you in the children's ministry.

Let's look at the final commandment in this teaching.

Commandment #10 Thou Shalt be a Dunamis Person/Ministry
Just before Jesus' ascension to heaven, He commanded His followers to go to Jerusalem and await the promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4) At the fulfillment of the promise, the followers would be endued with power from on High (Acts 1:8), a power that would enable them to "be" or do their heavenly assignment.

We all know that word power used in Acts 1:8 is the Greek word dunamis. This is the Greek word from which we get our English words dynamite, dynamic, and dynamo. The New Strong's Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words teaches us about this Greek word "1411.du/namis dunamis, doo´-nam-is; from 1410; force (lit.* or fig.*); spec.* miraculous power (usually by impl.* a miracle itself):— ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work."

Because of the restraints imposed by wanting to be concise and to the point, allow me to briefly summarize how this dunamis applies to those who flow in the supernatural. Being a dunamis person will give you:
1. Supernatural Ability. We see dunamis in action in Acts 2 when Peter stood up to preach and about 3,000 people were brought into the Kingdom. Though the Jewish high priest assessed Peter as an "unlearned and ignorant" person in Acts 4:13, the Holy Spirit enabled Peter to go beyond his natural ability and powerfully convey the Gospel on the day of Pentecost.
2. Supernatural Authority. Not only does the enduement of power bring supernatural ability, we see in Acts 3 that the dunamis gives an authority that transcends anything that you and I can create. Without reservation, Peter grabbed ahold of the hand of the lame man and commanded him in Jesus' name to rise up and walk. This supernatural authority will cause the dunamis person to demand that situations and circumstances change!
3. Supernatural Strength. We've seen two different results of being a dunamis person in Acts 2 and Acts 3. Let's see what happened in Acts 4. When standing before Annas the high priest and other Jewish authorities, Peter and John were commanded to cease the preaching of the Gospel and the demonstration of supernatural ministry. Look at how the dunamis kicked in. Upon hearing their demands, the former cowardly Peter (his cowardness was repeatedly seen as Jesus was being tried), boldly stood before the leadership and with the strength of heaven declared that they must obey God and would continue to unwaveringly preach of what they've seen and heard.

Can you see the significance of this commandment? Those who flow in the supernatural MUST be dunamis people filled with heaven's supernatural ability, authority, and strength. Will you be that person?

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #9

I trust that these blog entries are being beneficial to you and that you are learning how to flow with the Holy Spirit. He truly wants to equip you so that this can be a generation that supernaturally flows with Him.

Let's look at the next commandment.

Commandment #9 Thou Shalt Leave Your Pride at the Front Door

This commandment is significant for three reasons:

1. You will make mistakes. As with developing a relationship with any person, there will be learning times, times to gain a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is, how to hear and recognize His voice, and how to flow with Him. In these times, you WILL make mistakes. It's a given. This doesn't mean that you are less spiritual. It is truly a learning experience! So, what do you do when you make a mistake? Apologize to Him. Secondly, publicly acknowledge your mistake. Public mistakes demand public apologies. Again, there shouldn't be any shame in making mistakes. It wasn't your intent to err. But, you should own up to the mistake and let the children know that it was a mistake and with God's help that it won't happen again.

2. You will be pushed beyond your comfort zone. Those who flow with the Holy Spirit and see the supernatural transpire will have their human senses shout, "Stop. You don't know what you are doing. This isn't like you! This is foolishness. What will people think about the colossal mess that you are about to create?" Getting out of your comfort zone is never pleasant. Remember, those who walk in the supernatural never stay in the boat of comfort.

3. Pride can become your greatest enemy. Remember this. Pride is a double edged sword. Your pride can keep you from attempting to flow in the supernatural due to the fear of what others will say about you. And, after seeing the Holy Spirit manifest through you, the sword can turn to destroy you and totally stop the flow of the Holy Spirit due to the pride and arrogance developed in your attitude brought about by what others say about you. This can be eradicated by remembering that God is the source of the power. It's not you. Never has been and never will be. This should keep us humble and dependent upon Him!

See you next week with Commandment #10.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #8

I pray that this teaching series is being a blessing to you. Please print the blogs in this series and distribute them to your Sunday school teachers, children's church volunteers, and mid-week club leaders. I am convinced that they will help usher in a mighty move of God in your children's ministry.

Now, here is the next commandment.

Commandment #8 Thou Shalt Be Sensitive

I'll be perfectly honest. I hate, hate, hate to counsel people, especially those going through marital problems. To me, the answer to any marital problem is quite simple. It comes down to me asking one or two questions, "What are you doing now that you weren't doing when you were dating?" or "What are you not doing now that you were doing when you were dating?" Often, I find that familiarity has changed the whole scenario of the relationship. That "specialness" has disappeared in the marriage. Sometime in their relationship, one or both of the individuals stopped doing those special things or acting in that special way to keep their relationship the way that it was when they were trying to get into the relationship. If their behavior during their dating days was anything like they are acting towards each other now, they would have never married, right?

How does this relate to a supernatural children's ministry? Those who flow in the supernatural are those who monitor their "specialness meter". In other words, these individuals walk in the same or even a greater sensitivity throughout their relationship with the Holy Spirit as they did at the beginning of their relationship. Those who see the Holy Spirit move supernaturally are those who are sensitive to His presence and strive to only do what would be pleasing to the Spirit of God.

The apostle Paul gives this strong admonition:

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex
or sadden Him] ..." Ephesians 4:30 (The Amplified Bible)

Let's remember that according to John 14, the Holy Spirit, the Parakletos (Greek - the One called to walk alongside), is now constantly abiding within you. He is fully conscious of your every word, thought, and action. The knowledge of His abiding presence within us should cause us to monitor our "specialness meter". With the sensitivity and "specialness" intact, we will flee anything that would grieve the Spirit of God in our daily lives and in our times of ministry. And, knowing that you value and treasure Him and His presence, the Holy Spirit will begin to move in an awesome, powerful way.

See you next week for Commandment #9.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #7

As usual, there is so, so much that I want to share. So, rather than bog down in a long introduction, let's look at the next commandment.

Commandment #7 Thou Shalt Acknowledge, Welcome and Honor His Presence

The words of the chorus "Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in This Place" are far easier to sing than to demonstrate. Often, we sing the words of the song while our mind is thinking about the time and how much still needs to be done in our service. We have before us a carefully crafted agenda. The puppets are in place. The object lessons are lined up. The PowerPoint slides are prepared. The games are planned. All that we need is to get on with the service. All the while, the One whom we just welcomed with the words of our song sits idly by. The Holy Spirit knows that once again He has been restrained from accomplishing the will of the Father.

One of the greatest steps that we can take in learning to flow in the supernatural is to learn to acknowledge, welcome, and honor His presence. I know that you've prepared before the service. You've prayed. You've been in the Word. You've put together an awesome lesson. But while all of this is tremendously important, to restrain Him would make all of our preparation utterly useless.

Acknowledge that He is present. Verbalize your thankfulness for His presence. Finally, make Him feel welcome by listening to and obeying His promptings and leading. While the lesson is planned and the staff is ready, recognize that everything is subject to His step-by-step direction. There have been times that I've sensed His voice speaking to my spirit to push the lesson aside to do something that wasn't in the lesson or to spend more time in a particular area than originally planned or to pause where we were in the lesson so that take action to back up what we've just taught with the understanding that we could pick up where we left off in the lesson next week. The Holy Spirit loves to be welcomed and obeyed!

One note of caution: Am I suggesting that we should abandon lesson preparation and "just flow"? NO!!! That is far from what I'm teaching. At one of our meetings, I had a young man come to me to tell that he had learned from my teaching that he wouldn't have to study any more before a service. Instead, he could now just walk into the service and "flow" with the Holy Spirit. I have NEVER taught that. Instead, I encourage you to follow Paul's advice to Timothy. "Study to show yourself approved unto God." Study. Prepare. Study some more. Prepare some more. At the same time, recognize that the Holy Spirit is present and looking for an opportunity to speak through you and lead you step by step. Those that see the supernatural are ones who study and prepare while welcoming, acknowledging, and being sensitive to His presence.

I'll see you next week with Commandment #8.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #6

Are you longing for the supernatural move of God's Spirit to invade your services? Are you ready to see children who flow with the Holy Spirit? If you are one of these people, I ask you to read and then reread today's blog entry. This commandment is vital for those who desire to escape the natural and begin to flow in the supernatural. Let's get into the next of our Ten Commandments of the Supernatural.

Commandment #6 Thou Shalt Use Your Voice

When I first started in the ministry there was a phrase included in most wedding ceremonies that I conducted that just isn't used any more. Towards the end of the ceremony, as the officiating minister I would say, "If there is anyone present that objects to this wedding, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." If there were no objections, it was concluded that everyone was content with the marriage proceeding and then I would pronounce the couple man and wife.

Here is one observation that I've made concerning moves of God. Those who see a move of God are noisy people. Sitting back and just watching the proceeding continue unchallenged just isn't tolerated. Holy Ghost people have come to terms with the reality that mental discontent isn't enough. Someone has got to stand up and begin to use their voice to declare aloud what God has promised concerning the outpouring and moving of His precious Spirit upon THIS generation.

Be assured that isn't an exercise in futility. As we stand and interrupt the "ceremonies" by speaking God's Word, we:

1. Notify heaven that we see the way things are and are reminding them of their promises. The sound of God's Word going into the heavenlies causes the Spirit of God to take action!

2. Cause faith to arise within ourselves. Why? Because faith comes by HEARING (not thinking). When we speak aloud the promises of God, faith swells up on the inside of us and causes us to boldly begin to act upon what we hear!

3. Serve notice on the enemy and remind him that it is a new day. TODAY is the day of the Holy Ghost. His days of causing complacency and spiritual-lite services are over. TODAY is a day for the supernatural and the first course of business for the supernatural is to serve a no trespassing order to Satan and his imps!

Let me ask you the (modified) question that I used to say in the marriage ceremony ... "If there is anyone present that objects to the services that you've been having, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Come on. Stand to your feet right now and begin to make some noise!

See you next week with Commandment #7.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #5

I love it. I love connecting each week with people who have come to the decision that being filled with and flowing together with the Holy Spirit is NOT an option but rather a necessity. I love to explain this dependency with this illustration. In purchasing a new car, the window sticker will list items included in the price of the car. In one column, the manufacturer will list the basics of the car. In another column, there is a list of optional features such as satellite radio or a built in navigational system. While the satellite radio and navigational systems are nice, the reality is the car will function with or without these additional features. But there are items listed on the window sticker that are have-to haves. For example, having an engine is a necessity, not an optional add-on. Having a steering wheel is a necessity, not an optional add-on. Without these, the car just can't function. The same is true in my life concerning the Holy Spirit. I have come to understand that I just can't function without Him. And, I believe that this is true for you. Otherwise you would not be reading this blog right now!


Let's get back to our Ten Commandments of the Supernatural and examine the fifth commandment.

Commandment #5 Thou Shalt Minister in Boldness and Authority
I am constantly amazed at the mealy-mouthed, namby-pamby presentation of the gospel given by children's workers. While there is a place for fun and excitement in the delivery of the Good News, this can't be to the exclusion of a Holy Ghost-filled, power-packed, no-holds-barred expectation for God to show up and demonstrate His presence by His Holy Spirit. Often, prayers are perfunctory. The prayers are just a part of the check-off list of what has to be done. Altar calls are quick and meaningless. In many classrooms and children's church services, ministry has been reduced to being an information presentation void of any power to back up what has been given.

How should our ministry be conducted? Well, let's go back to the example provided. I challenge you to take time this week and reread the Gospels and the Book of Acts. There was nothing mealy-mouth, namby-pamby about Jesus' ministry in the Gospels and the ministry of the believers in the Book of Acts. With authority and boldness, the Good News was taught and demonstrated. They taught. They demonstrated. And, it wasn't with a cowardly, iffy-type delivery. With boldness and confidence they preached, they prayed, and they saw God show up!

One of the greatest revelations that we can receive is that when you and I stand up to minister, we aren't standing in front of children as just a mere human being. We are representatives of the most high God. We are His means of seeing His will and desires manifest. We are His spokesmen. We are empowered with His full authorization to act in His stead in the affairs of this world.

What has God given to us to enable us to be His representatives? First of all, we have God Himself living on the inside of us. He is not afar off. He is residing on the inside of us. We have His almighty, powerful His Word abiding within us. We have His precious Holy Spirit abiding within us. His host of ministering angels are awaiting the sound of our voice. What more do you need?

Consider this ... Being mealy-mouthed and namby-pamby shows that we haven't recognized who we are and who is abiding within us. Come on. Let's stand in front of our ministry assignments with boldness. Let's stand in His authority. Let's speak and know that all of Hell is shaking. Let's pray and know that God is awaiting an opportunity to respond. Let's lay hands upon the sick and KNOW that they will be healed. Let's be bold and confident because we KNOW that we are the representatives of the most high God!

See you next week for Commandment #6.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #4

There is so much to share in this week's commandment that I can't afford to use space for a lengthy introduction. So, let's jump right in.

Commandment#4 Thou Shalt Prepare for Where You Want to Go

Many people approach children's ministry with an attitude reflected in the song made famous by Doris Day "Que Sera, Sera". The words of the song's chorus are ...

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be,

The future's not ours to see

Que Sera, Sera,

What will be, will be.

While I don't claim to be a prophet, I will prophesy to those with this mentality. At best, where you are today is where you will be next month and next year and five years down the road. The worst case scenario is that you will wind up in a place where you would never want to be. This is seen by those floating in a river. On a calm day, you can spend hours floating in the same place. When there is a current, you will float in the direction of the flow of the waters. Those who want to be at a certain destination are not floaters. They won't have a que sera, sera mentality. Instead, they are persons of decision and action.

Commandment #4 is vital to those who refuse to stay where they are today. First, there is a conclusion and resolve that where you are today is not the place where you will be in the days to come. This decision will necessitate action on your part. (Side note ... the reason for the action being on your part is that heaven has already determined that it wants to invade your service and children. Heaven is waiting upon you to take action!) This action begins with you preparing for where you want to go.

This preparation is three-fold. Because of lack of space, I will capsulize the thoughts and ask you to ask the Holy Spirit to expound and enlarge on the following few sentences.

1. Prepare Yourself in the Word. Know what the Word says about the Person and works of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit hasn't changed. How He manifested Himself through Jesus' ministry in the Gospels and the newborn Church in the Book of Acts is how He wants to manifest Himself through you today! (Side note ... stay in the Word. This will keep you from having false doctrine and getting goofy and weird.)
2. Prepare Your Children Through Teaching. If you want to have a Holy Ghost church, prepare the way through the teaching. Teach on who He is, what He does, how that He loves to reveal His presence and power. Focus your teaching upon where you want to go. (Side note ... remember to be age appropriate. Give child-size portions in each teaching. Don't overwhelm or overload.)
3. Prepare Your Staff. They can't flow with you if they haven't connected to you. Don't assume that they know where you want to go. The two important steps to having your staff work together is ... Reveal and Congeal. Share your vision and passion (reveal) and then bring the team on board by solidifying (congeal) how that each and every team member can make this happen.

See you next week with Commandment #5.

The Ten Commandments of the Supernatural #3

Before I share the third commandment, allow me to thank you for reading this blog. I know that your life is so, so busy and there are many things beckoning for your time. I am so honored that you allow me week after week to speak into your life and ministry. Thank you for being a part of a readership that literally blankets the world. Right now, individuals in Egypt, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Jamaica, France, Nigeria, Russia, Japan, Austria, Pakistan, Kenya, Finland, Australia, and a host of other countries are joining with you in this pursuit of ushering in a move of the Holy Spirit in their children and ministries.

And now, back to what you've come to this blog to read.

Commandment #3 Thou Shalt Connect with the Holy Spirit

In sharing this teaching in Charismatic/Pentecostal conferences, I am embarrassed to mention this commandment. A person would think that this commandment wouldn't be needed. After all, I am speaking to individuals who are part of denominations or movements that do or have placed an emphasis on the Holy Spirit. But, as we all know, just because we go into a McDonald's restaurant it doesn't make us a Happy Meal. Going into water doesn't make us a fish. So, going to and/or working in a Holy Spirit church doesn't make us a person of the Spirit.

Here is the reason for this commandment. In the life of the typical children's ministry leader or worker, if there is any connection throughout the week or in the service between the Holy Spirit and the leader or worker, it is a brief connect or mention in the opening prayer. I wish that this wasn't true ... but sadly, it is the truth. He is almost an afterthought or Someone provided an honorable mention as a courtesy as the service gets underway. With this type of relationship, you can rest assured that outside of an act of God's mercy, week after week the children will experience a lifeless, powerless, anemic classroom experience.

Do yourself a favor and write the following statement in the back of your Bible. The revelation of the Spirit is proportional to the relationship with the Spirit. In other words, the level of His manifestation or His demonstration is proportional to the level of connection. The revelation of His presence in public is directly linked to the level of intimacy in private. The greater the intimacy, the greater the power. This was demonstrated in Jesus' ministry. It was through His pulling away from the masses to have time for communing with the Spirit that enabled Him to flow in the supernatural.

There is so much that I could add as I share about this commandment but space won't allow it. Let me close with this thought. The routine of life will always squeeze time for communing with the Spirit out of your day. Become intentional. Become disciplined. Let go of the lesser so that you can make time for the greater. Make time to connect throughout your day for an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. In doing so, He will begin to manifest Himself in you and through you in ways that you never thought were possible.

See you next week with Commandment #4.