Moving to Texas has allowed me and my family several new opportunities. We have become a surfing family, my dogs have embraced wave riding as well. Although this past week when we were at the beach I did have to become a "dog lifeguard" really fast when the rip tide started to take one of my dogs out into the wide open water!! I went from "dog lifeguard" to "gun buyer" within a day when I purchased my first shotgun. I have only shot a gun once. I didn't mean to, but I closed my eyes and missed the clay pigeon. So, why would I buy one? It was my husbands birthday! After attending a dove hunt, one of those new opportunities, I knew it would be the perfect present. So I called good friends who understand Texas life (and guns) and I was schooled in the gun buying ways. Did I want a classic wooden barrel or a synthetic barrel? Automatic? 12 gage? How much do you want to spend?
After answering all the questions, my friend helped me find the perfect gun match for my husband. Right before we hung up, my friend said; "Stacey Windover, you are buying a GUN!!" yep, we were both laughing!!
I know, I serve children, why am I writing about guns? It just doesn't seem to match up does it?? Stay with me....
My DNA is children's ministry. These new opportunities have opened my mind to doing life a different way, which has led me to rethink how ministry can be done in different ways. I am always thinking and praying about God's will for His ministry. You can learn so much from other people and other churches, but I am a strong believer that you need to know the culture of your church and community to fully understand what God wants from your leadership. We are told to spur one another on! To share our experiences with everyone, we are all on the same team serving the same God! As leaders though, we need to filter through the information to see the leadership nuggets, not try to copy what another church has done. One of the best places to start is with your own volunteers. Go to www.surveymonkey.com and create a free 10 question questionnaire. Ask simple questions like;
What is our vision?
What do we value?
What do you think we do well?
Where do you think we need to improve?
Do you feel that children are growing closer to God in our children's ministry?
Do we communicate well with parents?
Ask questions, read the answers and dream big dreams! When you open your mind and heart to what God wants to do, you just never know what will happen! Hello....I purchased a shotgun!!! By the way, it's a sweet gun and my husband loved it!!
