As someone who's been in children's ministry for more than a decade, I wished I would have had the opportunity to be a part of Jim Wideman's Infuse years ago. Being coached 1-on-1 by Jim and the opportunity to network with great children's ministers from across the county are what make Infuse an amazing program. But what sets it apart is the retreat. Conferences are great, but getting away for a few days with 20 new friends and being able to dive deep into each other's ministries is priceless. Infuse gets my highest recommendation!
Christopher G. SykesMinister to Children & Preschool
Parkview Baptist Church
Decatur, AL
Chris was in infuse 4 and has just signed up to be a part of the alumni group of infuse 5. Chris made a comment one time that the retreat alone was worth the whole price of infuse. The retreats are very powerful that's why I changed infuse 5 to have 2 retreats (like the year versions of infuse did) instead of just 1. No other coaching program for children's ministers offers this, it's one of the things that sets infuse apart. You are also able to stay over and see my team at work at World Outreach Church. During the retreats folks have also shared rooms and the learning continued during the nights and early mornings. We eat good during the retreats as well. After the very first retreat my kids where blown away with what had taken place they told me at first when I told them 20 people from around the country was coming to our home they were a little worried but they could see this was special. Every retreat has been a little different but each one has been special. If you miss a retreat you miss a tremendous opportunity.
For more information about infuse or to download an application go to http://www.jimwideman.com/infuse.html
remember there are only 5 spots left for infuse 5 begining in September 2011.
Want to win a free 6 months of infuse? Leave a comment on today's post and let me know why you should be selected.
Want to win a free 6 months of infuse? Leave a comment on today's post and let me know why you should be selected.
Sounds amazing! I definitely have a lot of respect for what you are doing with infuse. It's a Biblical model of discipleship training and equipping. Paul wrote in 1st Thessalonians 2:8 "...so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." Thanks Jim for your passion for ministry, willingness to mentor others, and your life-long commitment to the greatest harvest field of all time- Children's Ministry.
ReplyDeleteI look back at my life and can definitely look back at mentors who have been influential in my walk and ministry. I have attended a lot of trainings and conferences, but the truth is, I don't remember them as much, and if not for notes taken at the time, I would not remember them at all. However, I appreciate the love, attitude and encouragement that I received from people who poured their lives into mine. So yes, relationship with mentors is key to growth and equipping.
ReplyDeleteKeep me in the running for the free 6 months of infuse. Why me? (1) I definitely am looking forward to such a mentor and peer relationship, and know that it will be of benefit to me and my ministry. (2) A more practical reason is that I am unable to afford it financially at this time. Just started children's ministry two weeks ago at a church in Atlanta area after being unemployed for close to 8 months. So financially, other things take priority. (3) I'm close enough to Murfeesboro to take advantage of Infuse.
I've been keeping my eye on this mentor opportunity for a while. I've been focusing on how Jesus mentored his disciples and want to provide my team with strong leadership and experience. At the end of the day I want to be a part of Infuse because the Bible said so...Proverbs 15:22 NLT "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success." I can't think of a better adviser in KidMin. Thank for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteBro. Jim,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be considered for the Infuse scholarship.
A couple reasons being...
I'm young, so the investment has potential to bring a lifelong return.
I work in a small church in a rural area, so good mentoring relationships and resources to seek them out are slim.
I'm skinny, so I need some good, southern food.
I already consider you a mentor, both from your books and theClub, as well as all that you've invested into my pastors that they've taught me...thanks for pouring into the next generation of leaders.
ReplyDeleteI've learned a lot from you already in 4 years as a brand new kidmin, and have recently been promoted, I believe in large part due to practicing the principles I've learned from Think 7, the Club, and your books. I would love the opportunity to learn more in a smaller group from you and the others in infuse. I'm now oversedeing birth-5th grade while running the elementary department. I have new challenges like leading staff that leads staff, dealing with conflict amongst paid staff, and casting and implementing vision for all the childrens ministry for the church. Also need to learn about leading staff through change and how to best take advantage of moving into a new kidmin space...there's some things I know need to change but smart enough to seek out others who've gone before me or maybe at the same time as me.
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to be a part of infuse since it started because I do see the value in it, but the timing has not been right yet for it to happen for me. Maybe that will change soon.