First impressions and customer service has always been a big deal to me. I believe it’s a massive contribution to what separates good from great, especially in today’s world. I’ve always been a fan of getting rid of the counter that separates an employee from a customer, a guest from a ticket agent, a new…
“You don’t build it for yourself. You know what the people want and you build it for them.” Walt Disney One of my favorite Walt Disney quotes. What would our ministries look like if we created ministries and met the needs of people versus meeting our own needs. The first thing I do when I…
The best way to take your children’s ministry to new heights this year is to release authority, create ownership and become an owner yourself. EVERYONE who works at Disney is a part of the customer service experience. Justyn Smith, If Disney Ran Your Children’s Ministry Have you been to a store and noticed a lack…
It’s that time of year again when some church leaders try to figure out what to do about Halloween. Do we do a “Harvest Fest”? Do we let kids dress up? Do we not care about Halloween? Do we even say the word ‘Halloween’? Wherever you land on the spectrum—just own and run with it….
I’m often asked what my top recommendation for parenting books are. I have a few favorites for different reasons. I hope if you are ever in need of a great resource that these recommendations will help: Don’t Miss It: Parent every week like it counts by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy This is a very…
What are you believing for in 2017? I want to encourage all my children’s and family ministry friends to dream big and hope for much. Some of you have thought about throwing the towel in, but I’m believing that this is your year. This is your year of breakthrough, your year to reap what you…
One of the many things I really appreciated about my Christian parents growing up is that we had a lot of fun. I love that we were able to trick-or-treat during Halloween, open presents from Santa on Christmas, trade valentines on Valentines Day and search for Easter eggs and baskets on Easter morning. Don’t worry—we…
Hey parents! Don’t waste a snow day. Talk about God’s love. Check out this video for some help. -Justyn
I’m very excited to announce that we at Go Kids are releasing our second full album called “Thrill”. If your kids attend River Valley Church on the weekends then they’re probably pretty familiar with the songs already. Our River Valley Music team has been writing some pretty amazing songs that correspond with our teaching for…
For years, I’ve always held a very simplistic view of children’s ministry. Outside of reaching the lost I believe it’s the most vital ministry in the church. Kids ministry represents our future. Without raising up the next generation there will be no Christianity. Thus, Deuteronomy 6 and David’s heart in Psalms: O God, you have…