VIDEOS
October 4, 2017
I am super pumped to share this FREE video lesson with you! How would you like to learn some of the great principles and practices used by some of the most dynamic and effective communicators? Well, now you can! In this video, I share some of the best tips and practices that I have learned in my 25 years of Kids Ministry! It's a FREE video lesson from my Online Video Course called: "ACCELERATE: Boosting Your Ministry Effectiveness." Here's the FREE VIDEO LESSON: [vimeo id="234919493"] Want MORE helpful videos like this? You can find them in my Online Video Course […]
January 13, 2017
I am so excited to introduce you to some friends of mine! I met Justin, Michelle, and Gabi at a Kidmin Conference in Tennessee several years ago. I was instantly drawn in by their infectious personalities, melodies, and love for the Lord! Several months ago, Justin showed me some of the music they had been working on. He also let me know that his family was expanding their ministry and had made a HUGE move recently. As we talked, I felt strongly that I should share with my "blog family" all about Justin Graves Band and how YOU can be […]
February 29, 2016
So many of you watched our other “Time Change Sunday” Parody Video (“Time Change Funk”) and asked, “Do you have more?” Well, yes we do! Here is a great parody of the TV theme song, “Fresh Prince Of Time Change” by Will Smith. This one stars one of my best friends, Shelby. You're gonna love this hilarious video that reminds everyone to Spring Forward on Time Change Sunday! Enjoy! https://vimeo.com/157222597
February 22, 2016
Every year, our church does a great job at poking fun of Time Change Sunday (the day that clocks Spring an hour forward and for some reason people freak out because they are losing an hour of sleep). To keep people from forgetting and ultimately being late for church that day, we create crazy videos to remind everyone. The last few years, we have done parody songs and videos of the hottest pop songs of the day. Well, this year is no different. For your entertainment, here is a parody of “Uptown Funk” (Grammy award winner for Song of the Year […]
September 24, 2015
I didn’t always enjoy reading the Bible. I know – it’s really BAD for a pastor to admit this. Just to clarify, it’s not that I disliked the Bible. It’s just that I saw it as more of something I NEEDED to do rather than something I WANTED to do. We’ve all been there. Our Western mindset causes us to make reading the Bible something to be achieved and knocked off the list. We make a grand goal of “reading the Bible through in a year,” but barely get through the book of Numbers before we abandon that and skip […]
September 21, 2015
This past weekend, my church (First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas) hosted a panel discussion on one of the hot button issues of our day: RACISM. What followed was an hour filled with open conversation, shocking statements, raw feelings, surprising confessions - ALL done with the most incredible grace, mercy, and love that only followers of Christ can do. If you think anyone chose to shy from the difficult facts, you couldn't be more wrong. Sit down, watch, and prepare to be challenged and encouraged. God is at work in HIS Church! Watch the entire video here: […]
August 9, 2015
Words have power! They can either lift up or they can tear down! They can either raise our child's self-esteem or they can destroy it. There are a LOT of words we use as a parent. Five words I find myself uttering often are, "Go Clean Your Room, Now!" Three words my kids need to hear every day are, "I Love You!" But, did you know that there are TWO WORDS that, when strung together in a sentence, can create a powerful bond between parent and child? In fact, these two words are SO powerful that those who refuse to […]
August 2, 2015
In my twenty-three years as a kids’ pastor, I can’t tell you how many times a parent has walked up to me after church and asked, “My son was asking me questions about baptism last night. Would you meet with him to explain what water baptism is all about?” I’ve received countless emails that say something like, “My daughter asked me what it means to be saved. I don’t want to confuse her, so can I set her up an appointment with you this week? I’m sure you can explain it better than I can.” Parents have asked me to […]
July 26, 2015
Our kids WANT to talk. Sometimes, the reason they don’t is because REAL conversation with Mom or Dad isn’t something that they do often. But, it’s not always THEIR choice. Too many parents don’t recognize the cues that their children give that are a clear declaration of, “I really want to talk.” Many times our kids want to talk about things that haven’t crossed our minds. Instead of always being focused on the task in front of us or what’s on the radio while we’re driving, parents need to look for the open doors of conversation that their kids are […]
July 15, 2015
I have been working the last two years on my new book, "Talk Now And Later: How To Lead Kids Through Life's Tough Topics." I firmly believe this book is going to be a GAME CHANGER for all Christian Parents! Children today are being bombarded by messages that are contrary to what the Bible teaches. Parents (and grandparents who are now parenting their grandkids) feel completely overwhelmed as they try to navigate the difficult waters of conversation with their kids about very difficult topics. That’s why I wrote this book! To help parents and grandparents lead kids through topics like […]
June 25, 2015
OK, perhaps I am overstating it JUST a bit! :-) But, the "selfie" culture on Social Media is very telling. Much of the time (not ALL, so no hate mail OK?), these selfies are simply a means of saying, "Look at me! I want attention!" Everywhere you look on Social Media people are taking pictures of themselves doing the most mundane things in the most elaborate poses – as if the rest of us really want to see this. "Check out my new shoes!" "My hair is ON POINT today!" "Look at these abs, baby!" It's all about me, me, […]
March 2, 2015
And our final installment in our Time Change Sunday series this year is for all of you Country fans (of which I am NOT). Hope you enjoy our spoof on a Garth Brooks classic. Missed our other Time Change Parodies? Here you go: "Set My Clock" (parody of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off") "All About Time Change" (parody of "All About That Bass") [vimeo id="121036261"]
February 23, 2015
Well, we are back with another funny video to remind your church about TIME CHANGE SUNDAY, March 8th. This is a great spoof of "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. The performer is Madison Russell, who is one of the young worship leaders on my Kids Ministry Team. WOW, she did a great job singing this! I think she gave Taylor a run for her money - and Madison is ONLY 13 years old! Feel free to use this video in your church! [vimeo id="120285477"] Check out last year's wildly successful "What Does The CLOCK Say?"
February 16, 2015
Every year, our church does a great job at poking fun of Time Change Sunday (the day that clocks Spring an hour forward and for some reason people freak out because they are losing an hour of sleep). To keep people from forgetting and ultimately being late for church that day, we create crazy videos to remind everyone. The last few years, we have done parody songs and videos of the hottest pop songs of the day. Well, this year is no different. For your entertainment, here is a parody of "All About That Bass" (yes, we are fully aware […]
October 7, 2014
We all want our kids to be wise. We train them, talk to them, model for them, do everything we can to instill Godly wisdom and practical intelligence in their minds. We spend eighteen years (sometimes more) monitoring their every move, correcting when necessary, and preparing for the day we will set them free to go out into the world and make a life of their own. We hope and trust that the scripture we have quoted numerous times throughout our trials and tribulations of parenthood will come true: “Train up a child in the way he should go and […]
August 13, 2014
This would be a ludicrous question - if it hadn't actually happened to this family! It was all done to prove a point - a POWERFUL point! Watch below and you will understand what I mean... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7t85SESTXI#t=100 Movies these days are often filled with gratuitous language, violence, nudity, and suggestive material. It can be almost impossible for the family to sit down and watch a movie together without being subjected to all of this content. Well, the people over at VidAngel have innovated the Family Movie Night. They have introduced a streaming service that allows YOU to be in control of […]
August 4, 2014
There is a long held belief in many circles that there are certain subjects that should not be mentioned at church or from the pulpit. They are “reserved for the home.” There are two problems with that whole frame of reference. Shouldn’t SEX Talk Be Reserved For The Home? 1) SEX was created by God. The idea that sex should not be discussed in church flies in the face of the fact that SEX is a beautiful gift, created by God, for the purpose of giving a husband and wife an intimate physical way of connecting and expressing their love […]
June 30, 2014
Ten years ago, my team and I wrote and produced our very first Kidmin Curriculum called, “Got Questions?” Since then, High Voltage Kids Ministry has gone on to be used in well over 5,000 churches world-wide! We have a HUGE announcement that is going to be a GAME-CHANGER for Kidmin Leaders! We are giving you an INSIDE LOOK at the BIGGEST creative venture we have ever attempted! If you are a big user of our Curriculum or have ever thought about using it, THIS is going to blow your mind! Check out the video below for all the details, then leave […]
June 25, 2014
There's nothing worse than trying to communicate to a group of kids who aren't paying any attention to you. As a matter of fact, if they aren't listening - then you aren't really communicating! In this teaching, I share some of the things I have learned when it comes to communicating to kids in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one. I pray it is helpful to you! https://vimeo.com/98355521 If you like this video, please do me a favor. Leave a comment below. Which of the pointers I shared made the biggest impact for you? What is ONE THING you can do starting […]
June 20, 2014
Confession: I am a HUGE roller coaster fan! If I hear of a death-defying roller coaster within driving distance, I am usually there pretty soon. Well, I just caught wind of this one! It's in Chicago, so......maybe someday! It's called "GOLIATH!" It's the fastest, tallest, and steepest wooden roller coaster in the world! If you dare, expect to plunge down 180 feet while rocketing through twists and turns at 72 miles per hour at a near vertical 85 degree angle. Check out this front seat POV video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oefUJZU5ms Definitely going to have to check this one out! By the way, […]
May 16, 2014
This is a CRAZY story! I have no idea if it is all completely true, but if it is - there is no doubt this guy MUST have been a Christian. God's hand was obviously on him to get him through all of this. WOW!!!! Enjoy this on "FUN FRIDAY!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZyUWLW7kEI
May 7, 2014
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a HUGE Dallas Mavericks fan (yes, I am fully aware of how bad we lost in Game 7 to the Spurs, LOL)! Two of our biggest rivals are the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. I have always admired Kevin Durant as a player, but his acceptance speech for winning the 2014 MVP of the NBA took my respect for him to a whole new level. It's not often you see someone at his level truly appreciate those who got him there. I normally hate watching acceptance speeches because the […]
May 6, 2014
I remember exactly where I was the day the Columbine Massacre happened in 1999. I couldn’t believe the news. Never before had we seen that kind of devastation and tragedy on a school campus. Years later, I remember exactly where I was the moment I learned of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. I was shocked at the death toll, rocked by the devastation that had been caused by this killer who took the lives and futures of so many innocent children. Perhaps you remember the thoughts that went through your mind. Like many, you might have had the thought, […]
April 25, 2014
I ran across this video the other day because my friend, Jeremy Lee (of ParentMinistry.net) uses a portion of this song in his Parent Ministry Podcast which I was blessed to be the guest on this week. It is hilarious! Although I am a child of the 80s and a HUGE fan, it emcompasses everything that was WRONG with the 80s. Bad choreography, hilarious fashion, cheesy concepts, and bad acting. But, it is so EPIC!!! Since Mother's Day is coming up, I thought I would share it with you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7SBrwUs9fA
April 18, 2014
It was perhaps one of the most embarrassing moments of my life: Easter, 2003. That year, I was chosen to be the narrator in our church’s Easter production. To prepare for the event, I had grown a full beard and dressed in full Biblical costume. In the middle of the final production, when Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified, I left the stage for about 15 minutes because I didn’t have any lines. During this interval, I wanted to go to our Media Production Room to watch the production on the television monitors. On my way there, I passed by […]
March 14, 2014
It's FUN FRIDAY, everybody! I don't know about the kids in YOUR community, but all of my kids are obsessed with "FROZEN." I admit, I liked the movie. I loved the music. I did fall asleep in the middle of it, but that happens to me in just about every movie I see (turn off the lights and I am out). These parents were on a road trip with their young daughter. What ensues is a definite case of brain "freeze." They starting enjoying themselves a little too much as they sang "Love Is An Open Door." Keep a sharp […]
March 7, 2014
For those of you who don't know, this Sunday is "Time Change Sunday!" It's the day to SPRING FORWARD and set your clocks ahead one hour! Every year, our church does CRAZY video to help people remember to do this. The most recent one just might take the cake. It's a parody of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." I got to perform in this one. Look for me in the top middle. Oh my! Hold on to your seats for this one! https://vimeo.com/88010249 If you want to see some of the other fun ones we have done. Check out these other posts: […]
March 3, 2014
Four weeks ago, we tore down the Kidmin stage we had used for the past decade. It was a tough decision. So many memories of many kids' lives being changed around that stage. However, it was time. If you want to know WHY we tore down what seemed to be a perfectly good stage, see THIS POST. Yesterday, we unveiled our NEW Kidmin stage. It is a significantly different approach. Many have asked what made us go the direction we went, so I thought I would document our thoughts here. Of course, I understand that every environment depends heavily on […]
February 28, 2014
One of my pet peeves are church signs that are used to display silly little saying that every church gets out of the same book or off the same website. Church signs should be used to tell the community WHAT IS HAPPENING at the church (service times, upcoming events, etc.) My personal opinion is that the world is not impressed with our "Eternity: your choice - smoking or non-smoking" humor. So, when I saw this very well-done video - I had to share it. One of the best parodies I have ever seen. Hilarious! Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCRzjRxmvgI
February 14, 2014
I am sure you have all enjoyed the Winter Olympic coverage the past week. Certainly, it is awesome to watch these incredible athletes accomplish things that most of us could only dream of doing. To go along with the Olympic theme, this week's FUN FRIDAY is one of the most creative Olympic Spoof videos I have seen. Watch, as Star Wars' Imperial Walkers (AT-ATs) shoot lasers to disrupt Olympic hopefuls' chances at a gold medal. It's all in fun, folks. So, just laugh... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mKVJeA-wTw
February 5, 2014
This past Sunday, at the end of our Kids Ministry service, I had over 50 volunteers grab sledgehammers, jigsaws, and various other power tools - then DESTROYED my Kids Ministry stage. We did this even though we had one of the coolest, most colorful, thrilling Kids Ministry stages out there. In fact, when other Kids Pastors learned I was destroying it - they couldn't believe it! They said, "Why would you want to do this? Kids Pastors come from all over the country to check out your stage. It is overwhelmingly powerful in its presentation. It's something that most of […]
January 31, 2014
I love creativity! I especially love when someone can take something that has been around for years and give it a fresh, bold, creative twist so that it piques the interest of the audience once again. Delta has done exactly this with their "in-flight safety" instructional video. Being a child of the 80's, it was fun to identify all of the wacky 80's references they showed: ALF, Teddy Ruxpin, Rubik's Cube, Devo, and more! See if you can find them all! Ask yourself, what is something in your Kids Ministry that can use a new dose of creativity? What activity, […]
January 19, 2014
Recently, I spoke to our entire congregation about "How To Talk To Kids About God." It seems that parents and grandparents have mystified the idea of having spiritual conversations about God. They feel that they must have a Bachelor's Degree in Children's Education in order to have the expertise necessary to speak clearly to their children about the things of God. Unfortunately, we are often to blame. For too long, the Church (and Children's Ministry Leaders specifically) has poised itself as "the official spiritual trainer of children." This is definite far from the Biblical case that I lay out in the […]
January 17, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfUD0WhE264 Ever since I saw them perform as "The Fabulous Bentley Brothers" on Phil Vischer's "What's In The Bible?," I have been a huge fan of Rhett and Link. These two guys have made a living creating hilarious videos for YouTube. My son, Jordan, is one of their biggest fans. Rhett and Link are such talented guys. Not only are they HILARIOUS, but they actually are very gifted songwriters and performers. They have many parody songs that will make you laugh out loud. This is definitely one of them! The "Get Off The Phone!" Song is a humorous commentary on […]
January 10, 2014
This is one of the funniest videos I have ever seen. I was reminded of it last night at an event I attended, so I wanted to share it with those of you who may not have seen it yet. It is certainly something that EVERY man can relate to. A word of advice: "Don't try to fix it, just listen." (if only I would heed my own advice more often, LOL) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg
January 3, 2014
Our Kids Ministry shoots a LOT of video! As you know, you can't be perfect every time. As a result, we enjoy poking fun of ourselves by producing a blooper reel for every single series we produce at High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources. Well, here is a compilation of some of our biggest mishaps, miscues, and misfortunes for the year 2013! Those of you who use our Kidmin Curriculum will want to check this out! It will give you a behind-the-scenes preview of some of what is coming your way in 2014! Pull up a seat...and laugh...at us! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw2VDlFqKVY&feature=youtu.be
October 29, 2013
I was honored to be a part of this incredible moment. My friend, Rocky, had been deployed for over six months. He has three beautiful young daughters who love their Daddy very much. They THOUGHT Daddy wasn't coming home for weeks. We convinced them that we needed to shoot a video to send to him overseas. I said, "Why not go to the airport where he's eventually going to come home and we can show him what it is going to look like when he eventually comes home." The girls were all about it. In the middle of their video […]
October 24, 2013
My friend, Mike Johnson (Director of Childhood Leadership Development at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX) recently posted this message. It is a powerful reminder that every parent has the small window of opportunity to impact their kids for the Kingdom. In fact, the window is even smaller than you might think. Enjoy this message from Mike and be CHALLENGED to make the most of every opportunity you have with the children you serve! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEsqAs_LiZY#t=17
October 18, 2013
It was all I could do not to break into tears. I had never seen such a beautiful display of God's love and kindness - not in a long time. Most likely, each of you reading this post have someone in your life who has suffered or is suffering from the horrible disease, Alzheimer's. It is a brutal disease that attacks the brain in such a way that it robs people of their ability to function on their own, remember important things, and perform the simplest of tasks. In the video you are about to watch, a woman who has […]
September 30, 2013
One of the greatest needs and focuses of any Kids Ministry should be that of safety and security. After all, we are entrusted with the most precious lives that mean the world to every parent who drops them off in our care. If we do not do our due diligence in providing a safe a secure environment for the children, then we are not demonstrating the value that we claim to place on them. Many of you are aware of my friends at KidCheck. Well, they have developed a powerful child safety video and guide for organizations caring for children. […]