For you who wait to the last minute...

For most of my adult life I have been a attending children’s ministry conferences. Some have accused me of being a conference junkie. That’s okay with me, I’m sure there are worst things that I have also been called. The thing about conferences that I love is that it’s one of the best places on earth for folks to ask questions and receive answers. If you know me at all you know I love questions! At 99.9% of the conferences I’ve attended somewhere during the event there are 3 questions I’m always asked. Number one is how do you recruit volunteers, the other is how do you know when it’s time to leave? The other is “ We are a church of this size, we have this many kids, what should our budget be?” Sound familiar? Maybe you have asked me one of these. I will let my book VOLUNTEERS THAT STICK answer the first one, my resource STAY OR GO can answer the second and the third question I’ll try to answer In this article.

The simple answer is that there is no secret formula. You see budgets mean different things to different folks. Let’s get on the same page and turn to the word, Luke 14:28 tells us this “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? You see planing must always go before action. A budget without a plan is just a pile of money. The truth is budgets should not be based on church size alone. Budgets are not law just because something made the budget doesn’t mean you can spend it. Budgets are more of a spending guide if the money is there. But not just a random guide or guess but an estimate of the costs of the plan of action based on what you want to see God do in your ministry this coming year.

This is a process that I start in July of each year. I begin to ask the Lord what He wants for the children and families of the church I serve. I start with prayer and as key leaders in my ministry to do the same then it’s time to dream in God. I also brain storm with my team what they sense God wants to do next year. Brain storming is a wonderful tool but at the end of the day you have to hear from God for where He wants your ministry. As the leader of our Next Generation Ministries I write out what I believe we should be aiming for as a team. I share this with my team and give them the areas I feel are “thus seethe the Lord” (these are not up for negotiation) the rest of my ideals I ask them to come up with a plan to pull this off. Then I ask them to come up with a plan to pull this off. Here is the formula I teach them to use for this.

It all begins with the end result. At the end of next year what do we believe Jesus wants to do in the hearts and lives of the children and families next year. To effectively do this we have to start with the end in mind and look at trends and percentages presently as well as historically that are a realistic goal for growth. Numerically what are you planning for? Spiritually what are you believing for? How will you achieve these? This is your plan it has to go before anything else. Another important question is how will you evaluate and examine where you are throughout the year?

What will a win look like? If you don’t know this how will you recognize it? Something I learned years ago that changed my life is that If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do what you have never done before. Same action brings same results. In other words if you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.

I divide my plan of action into four areas of focus. Everything I plan has to come under one of these four. First is Spiritual Development and Program. Second is Student Care and Follow Up. (Why should Jesus give you more kids if you can’t take care of the ones you already have?) Third is Student Leadership Development. The best way I know how to disciple is train children and students to be leaders and last but not least is Adult Leadership Development. Every thing I do or plan has to fit here. How much we do in each area has to do with where we are as a ministry. You have to identify what the needs of your ministry are in each of these areas. At different times you’ll be at different places in each of these areas. To get the process started I go by my churches annual cycle. If your church doesn’t have an annual cycle this is something you should sit down and develop as a team here’s how our cycle runs. We start with New Years series at the first of the year and plan to get our community talking about what’s happening at our church. Next is Super Bowl. It’s become a national holiday so we use it to rally leverage.

The next event on the calendar is Valentines and we talk about Love. After that comes Spring Break I use this time for outreach and build community and do service. A biggie with us is Easter. We do a community service at a local college and relocate our church. I use several special guest in almost every age group. Next is Graduation/year end stuff. Then comes Worker Recruitment and Worker Appreciation now comes Summer. We use the summer to prepare for the fall administratively we also do a VBS alternative plus Camps special Activities and Service projects. Our next big season is the fall with our Promotion Weekend and the Beginning of school. Football is huge here in the south. Then comes Halloween and Christmas. At Christmas we do a big Children’s Choir program plus some special guest events. We also do a big Gift Wrap Outreach to our city. After we come up with our plans around these events using the four areas of focus I sit down with my key leaders and deconflict the plan with other departments within our Next Generation Ministries. What are you looking for?
I watch for too many activities that hit families out of the same pay periods. I also
watch for too many people raising funds at the same time. It’s the same pond and you can’t drain it dry. I also look for ways to piggy-back on what others are doing to maximize the emphasis within the community and the congregation. I think it’s also important to look at you plans in the light of your family. It’s amazing to me when a family church allows for family time I wish more did! I use the early fall to price my plan.
What activities are funded? What activities and programs will the church be reimbursed? What’s raised? What will be given away? Remember our scripture above count the cost. This is where you submit your plan and the price of your plan to the budget folks to get it approved. What if we can’t afford this plan? This is why I do this in early fall so I have time to go back to the drawing board and make the necessary cuts for the big picture. I start by adjusting my goals or what I want to achieve that year. Once the goals are adjusted so is the plan. This action is what adjusts the costs of the plan.

Now I have goals. I have a plan to meet the goals and I’ve been assigned the necessary budget to make that plan reality all before Christmas. Now it’s time to enjoy the holidays and finishing the old plan and budget strong. How you end one thing sets the stage for how you’ll start the next one.

Once the new year begins work your plan and add feet to it. Just because you have your plan and your budget doesn’t mean you are on easy street. It is your job to use your faith and trust God for his blessings and provision for your plan. As you go through your church cycle and walk out your plan make sure you evaluate and make adjustments as you walk it out! Cll a time out to make adjustments have a halftime. If your plan is not working or if the funds are not there due to circumstances beyond your control make the necessary adjustment and be the leader God has called you to be. Don’t develop a us verse them attitude. Realize God is in control what’s best for the entire organization is also what’s best for your department as well as for you individual. Before you know it it will be time to repeat the process!

Take some time to evaluate...

Every minister wants their ministry to grow. I believe God wants your ministry to grow as well. In order for our ministries to grow we must be willing to grow in our own leadership abilities. Individual growth always comes before corporate growth. The number one key to growth as a leader is evaluation. Change will never take place without constant evaluation. If you don’t identify ways that you can grow as a leader you’ll never reach your next level. Let’s look at some areas we should evaluate on a regular basis but especially before we enter the New Year. 
Area number one: How’s your attitude? Here are some questions I ask myself on a regular basis. Do I have the heart of a servant? How have I made my Pastor look good this year? Have I made my Pastor’s life easier this year? Am I an asset or a liability to my Pastor? Am I a team player? What is my attitude about others around me? Am I grumbling and complaining? Am I enjoying the trip? Do I have a heart after God? Am I thinking about me and my wants too much? 

The second area to evaluate is your priorities. Could you make a list of the top ten priorities for your life and ministry right this moment? If you don’t have priorities you can’t keep them. Proverbs 28:2 says “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” It’s one thing to know your priorities, it’s another thing all together to live according to those priorities. Looking back at 2013 how have you done about keeping your priorities in order? Would your spouse's answer be the same as yours?

The third area to evaluate is time management. In other words ask yourself; how am I spending my time? Am I spending time daily with the Lord? Is my family suffering while my ministry is flourishing? Am I making time for my personal growth and development? Are you identifying the time robbers in your life? Once you identify the areas that need improvement, you must come up with a plan to implement the needed changes. It’s your time, act like it! Looking back at 2013 were you a time saver or a time waster? What steps will you take to make 2014 better?

The fourth area I evaluate on a regular basis is my performance. Am I being a team builder or a one-person show? What am I doing that someone else can do? Have I communicated clearly to all my workers what they are to do? Speaking of communication: am I a clear and skillful communicator? Am I skilled at solving problems? Can I be relied on to complete assignments and keep commitments? If you had to rate your level of leadership on a scale of 1 to 10 what would it be? Are you meeting the needs of the children and families of your church? It’s up to you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. Before you make new goals for 2014 examine how you did in 2013  If you’ll make personal evaluation a habit in your life in 2014 you’ll grow as a leader besides that you'll have the best year of your life as a leader.

Technology has come a long way!

When I first started in ministry my church didn't own a copier (they hadn't been invented yet), instead we had a mimeograph machine and an offset press. I didn't have a P.A. system in children's church, I just used a record player with a mic jack that had an extension speaker in the lid. I had to use individual press on letters, a light table, clipart with rubber cement and an exact knife to make a poster. All my fliers looked like ransom letters. We got a photo copier, a P.A. a cassette player, an overhead projector and I thought "Man I am set for life." A few years latter I got my first computer a commador 64 and I thought these is all the computer I'll ever need. By the time I replaced my filmstrip projector with a video projector I really thought it can't get any better than this even though I had to darken all the windows with trash bags and turn out every single light just so kids could see the faint image I was showing. In the almost 4 decades I've been ministering to kids I've seen a lot of technology come and go. It hard to imagine that I carry around a phone in my pocket that takes pictures better than any camera I've ever owned, it get's instant messages, emails, and is connected to the world wide web. I didn't see this coming and also how much I would rely on it to do the work of the ministry. Technology has come a long way.

Currently I use a laptop, an iPad Air and an iPad Mini, an iPhone, the cloud, a boom headset and I carry around a hot spot just so I can keep it all connected. To say all this technology has changed my life would be an understatement. Because of technology I live in Tennessee and serve as the Executive Pastor at a church in Oklahoma. I am presently coaching 45 Children's and Family Pastors from 26 different states through my infuse coaching and mentoring program. In January I will minister in 5 different states live and in person. I didn't see this coming back in the day when it was me, 7 kids and that P.A -record player. A couple of weeks ago because of this amazing technology I got to do something I could have only dreamed of before now, I had the privilege of ministering to 8 Missionary couples who work with kids from all over Europe. We were all in different places (Spain, Romania, Ireland, Holland, just to name a few) and because of web conferencing I got to view each one all at the same time. It was morning for some and bedtime for others but to me It was a miracle, a dream come true all because of the miracle of technology and wonderful day Jesus has allowed me to live in. After that experience it got me thinking about the possibilities around me. I am so excited about the days ahead and how I can use this amazing technology God has given us to be difference makers at home, across this country and around the world. It's crazy to me that I can minister to others around the world and not even have to board a plane.

If I can help you in 2014, please let me know. Because of technology Jim Wideman Ministries can now help you with resources, theClub, infuse coaching and mentoring, consulting and by phone and web conferencing. Check it all out here at www.jimwideman.com. And while you're looking at all the ways I can help your ministry through technology feel free to download my smartphone and iPad app as well. It just gets me thinking, what in the world is next?

Happy Christmas

What a year 2013 has been.  Catch up with me and my family at www.WidemanNews.com

Checkout the all new jimwideman.com plus take part in our big day after Christmas Sale. All day on December 26 get 50% off any of my books, CD's and even my conference and coaching calls.

When you use the code FIFTY. Happy Christmas from my family to yours!

We said no to Ho Ho Ho!

Back in November of 1978, Julie and I began our lives together. It was a wonderful day, all the the kids in our children’s church were so excited about attending our wedding. I’ll never forget one little fellow name Zack asked us if he could go on our “Moon ride” with us. I told him he couldn’t and one day he would have his own “Moon ride.” (He thought when his parents said we were going on a honeymoon they said we were going on a moon ride) I had no idea all of the work involved in the two becoming one. You see although Julie and I both loved Jesus, our families, rock and roll and each other we soon found out we has come from two completely different parenting styles. As we began to talk about all of our differences the big desire of our hearts was to train our children based on God’s Word more than our own family and cultural traditions.
A couple of years ago I wrote an article here on my blog and in K! on “Developing A Biblical Word View in your Family” In that article I wrote:

“Just like the church needs a Biblical vision for reaching children so does the family. Have you ever asked God for what He wants for your family? I realized that God designed the family to put His word into future generations. If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time. So if God gives us the desires of your hear what is your desire and goals for your children? For me I wanted our family to be close. I wanted them to love the Lord with all their heart and love the word. In fact I wanted them to love the Bible so much that it was what they based every choice in their life on. “

Julie and I believed the Bible was and still is the benchmark of how we should view the world and how we live. The Bible tells us we are in the world but we are not of the world. The Bible also tells us to come out of the world and be separate yet we are told to be salt and light to the world. Over the years I have studied families and the different way they parent. I’ve also studied churches and the different way they do church. To me the families and churches who have the greatest success are the ones who have teamed together to join their forces to develop in individuals a biblical view of how to live 24/7.  I have had the wonderful honor of raising two wonderful daughters. They are both successful not only in business but also in their spiritual walk.  My girls are as different as night and day, if I had not been in the delivery room with both of them I would not believe they were kin. I have had to discipline them differently, I have to communicate and instruct them differently. But when it comes down to making choices and how to live it was the same for them as it was for their mother and I and that was what does the Bible say?

There are lots of voices that speak into our lives that challenge a biblical world view. As a parent and as a pastor I cannot block out every voice that speaks to my family and to my congregation nor should I but I have spent my life pointing out that God’s word contains truth and the truth of the Word is what will set us free. God’s word is the filter we should view the world through! Years ago I learned that all a stronghold is believing wrong information. When we take captive every thought and make it obedient to the word of God it produces right thinking that creates right actions. Our actions come from our thinking that’s why we have to be intentional about the voices we listen to and the actions we do, regardless of our age. When my children were small we limited the voices and the “traditions we planted in our children.” Just because a movie or TV show was animated or geared for children didn’t mean we allowed our children to feed on it.”

This led us to the big question what were we going to do about mythical traditions?
Julie and I both grew up in Christian households. Both of our families attended church on a regular basis. Our parents also told us both about the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. We also both grew up watching all the disney “fairytale movies and reading traditional children’s books. When Julie and I found out that our parents were really “Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the tooth fairy it affected us differently. Julie just kind of went along as long as her parents wanted to play the game. I felt betrayed. It also made me question was Jesus real too or did they make Him up too?
One thing Julie and I knew was we wanted to do whatever we could to help our kids know the difference between fiction and truth.

We decided to do something that might not have been popular but we felt it was what was right for us as a family. We chose to not tell them there was a tooth fairy, Daddy bought their teeth. Oh we still to this day give our kids Easter Baskets but they don’t come from Peter cottontail hopping down the bunny trail they come from Mom and Dad.
But the most controversial decision we ever made was to say say no to Ho Ho Ho!
We never told our girls their Christmas presents came from the north pole or that they where made by elves. We told them the stories as stories not as truth. The truth was their presents came from Mom and Dad with love bought with money Father God provided to us because He loves His kids and wants us to love ours. We told our children that Father God started the whole gift giving tradition by giving the first Christmas present His one and only son. I don’t think our girls could have been more excited about Christmas than they were growing up. They went to bed wondering what Mom and Dad were going to give them in the same way other kids were excited about presents from Santa. The funny thing that would happen was when adults would ask Yancy what Santa was going to bring her she would answer nothing. Those adults would look at use like we were the worst parents in the world. I’ll be honest with you at first I was guilty of being somewhat of a Santa basher. Some of you might have heard a song I wrote for an early Puppet Trax tape that said “Santa Claus never died for anybody’s sin and the Easter Bunny never rose again.” I remember walking through the mall around Christmas time and saw a mall Santa. I remember saying something about there he is the God of this world and I remember Yancy as a very little girl saying Dad it’s just a man in a suit like your gorilla suits. After that I just took a chill pill I had done what we wanted to do we had taught our girls the difference between truth and fantasy.

My kids loved Disney. They were big Snow White fans, Big Little Mermaid fans. They loved puppets all my full bodied costumes and clowns. They even have had their picture made with Santa. But more than anything my girls love Jesus. They love their parents and are very close to us. Although we are not perfect parents we have never told them a half truth, a white lie or fantasy story as a true story.

Because of this my children believed me about Jesus   When I told them about the hurt and pain from living contrary to God’s word they believed me, didn’t need to experience the pain themselves they learned from my mistakes and believed me, because I’ve always told them the truth. I learned when I first started working with kids  in church to always keep your promises to them. I never made a promise in children’s church that I couldn’t keep, if I did that at church I needed to do that at home. 

I have no regrets for telling my kids the truth. They still look forward to Christmas and seeing what they are going to get from Mom and Dad but greater than that they know the reason for the season that God’s son became a man and dwelt among us!

Still not convinced? Here's more about infuse

Infuse has propelled me to be a better follower of Christ, strengthened my relationship with my wife, molded me into being a better father and leader for the next generation.

Kendall H.
Tulsa, OK




Infuse is a unique and life-changing experience for anyone in Kids, Student, or Family Ministry. Being a part of Infuse gave me confidence to lead the way that God has called me to. I gained practical knowledge that has helped me manage my time effectively, lead my staff and volunteers with love and care, and create goals and follow through on them with an achievable plan. I highly recommend this to anyone who is looking to develop their skills and grow their ministry. 

Sara Richards
Minneapolis, MN



Infuse is one of the best things I’ve done in kidmin.  Nowhere else can you get individualized attention from a master of the trade as well as networking with others who are just like you.  As a  children’s pastor who’s felt completely isolated before this is the best way not to feel alone and bring your ministry to the next level.
David R
Montgomery, AL


for more information and to download an application for the March 2014 or September 2014 session click here.

Is Infuse worth it? You bet cha!

Infuse is a great mentoring experience for anyone who is just beginning in ministry or has been in ministry ten years plus.  Jim takes the time to individually work with you and to grow you as a leader. He is a man who loves the Lord with all is heart.  You will know it the moment you first encounter him.  He is authentic and practical in helping you recognize where you are as a leader.  By putting in the work, you will grow in time management, in your relationships with others, in evaluations, in accountability, and much, much, more.  He has helped guide me through a difficult situation in ministry by giving me advice and encouragement along the way. 

God has gifted him in helping to lead me to a higher level of leadership.  I'm so thankful that God has placed Jim in my life as a mentor and a coach.  The time you spend is invaluable.  You will have friendships and connections with others that will last a lifetime.  Infuse is the single best thing I have invested in to grow as a leader.

Jason Underhill

Nashville, TN

I entered Infuse in my 3rd year of being a kids’ pastor and I was clueless. Bro Jim took my cluelessness and added his wisdom and his vision from his lifetime of experience. Infuse is the quickest and most efficient way to gain leadership skills and grow your ministry. Bro Jim will inspire you, challenge you, pray for you and empower you to be the leader God made you to be. Join Infuse and watch how God uses Bro Jim to change your life. 

Jeremy M.

Winchester, VA

Being coached in Infuse helped me in every facet of life. Not only am I better children's pastor, but a better dad, husband and Christ follower. Infuse was also a catalyst for me to improve my physical health. 

The principles I learned and implemented from Brother Jim helped me to go from being on staff at a church of less than 200 to being on staff at a church of over 5000. I couldn't have made that transition without the things I learned in Infuse.

Everyone needs a coach. I strongly suggest you consider Brother Jim and the Infuse program to help you go to the next level. 

Jason Martin

Applevalley, MN

for more information and to download an application for the March 2014 or September 2014 session click here.

Here's what a spouse has to say about Infuse

When Jeremy first mentioned Infuse, I was quite unsure what he'd glean from an online community discussion with a weekend here and there in Nashville, and a monthly phone call. My skepticism couldn't have been more in error. Infuse has transformed my husband's passion and his ministry: bringing it from the realm of abstract dreams to God ordained plans in action. Internally he has become more confident as a leader and the ministries he oversees have been richly impacted. He has formed great friendships that encourage him and allow him to glean wisdom. And Brother Jim's passion for mentoring have impacted us in very specific ways both as leaders and as parents and spouses. Infuse is worth every investment!

Jennifer Miller

Winchester, VA

Jeremy has been a part of infuse for 3 different sessions. Jeremy started as a Children's Pastor but was asked by his pastor to be the Executive Pastor of his church. This has happened time and time again. Infusers have gone from churches of 200 to over 5000. Some of my Infusers are serving kidmin by now serving as Executive Pastors, Family Pastors, Campus Pastors and those who now have their own ministries. Infuse is all about helping people see their dreams come true. I'd love to help you see your dreams come true too.

My goal is to fill the next two groups up by the first of the year. Don't put this off complete your application today.

Download it here, you'll be glad you did!

Infuse works!

I have been in full-time ministry for over 20 years.  Over half of that has been as a Children’s Minister at the church that I’m currently at.  I was searching for a way that I could continue growing, stay fresh in ministry and prepare for future ministry.  Getting accepted into the Infuse mentoring program has provided the experience I was looking for.  The teaching has provided timely information that is spot on for what our children’s ministry needs.  Being able to connect with other ministers who are asking the same questions or have gone through what we are experiencing is very helpful too.  But the best part of Infuse for me has been the accountability that comes from being mentored.  If you really want to grow find a mentor!  The opportunity to personally ask a mentor like Jim Wideman question after question after question and get his response is invaluable.  It’s hard to express what is fully gained by having this type of relationship.  The more I learn to lean into mentoring the more I’m going to grow personally and professionally.

Jim W.

Oronogo, MO

Infuse has been a great experience. It has caused me to dig down and solidify in my heart what I believe about children and families, and has challenged me to take the steps necessary to see life change in ministry. 

Adrienn B.

Mission, TX

Honestly, when I applied for Infuse I wasn’t really sure what to expect I just knew if I wanted to go to the next level as pastor and a leader I needed some help and who else better to get it from then Jim Wideman (aka the godfather of Family Ministry)!

However, if I really examine my motivation and intention behind joining the Infuse group it was self-promotion. The ability to connect with others, which would possibly produce better opportunities for ME, and allow ME is have a bigger ministry at a bigger church, help ME to be known. It’s not pretty, but it is honest, that is where I was!

But Infuse has done something huge in my heart.

Has is allowed me be gain some tools to be a better leader? Sure.

Do I have tools to allow my ministry and church to go to the next level? Yes.

Do I know what I need to do to get more volunteers? Absolutely.

But, the best thing Infuse did for me is challenge me to be a more gracious, humble follower of Christ. 

I was reminded that you don’t seek recognition, but that you work as if you are doing everything for Jesus directly and the rest will fall into place. I learned that the best sermon I can have in Family ministry, is the relationship I have with my own personal family. I learned that I am not called to Kid’s Ministry I am called to help fulfill and support the vision God had given my pastor. Ultimately I learned IT IS NOT ABOUT ME!

If you are accepted into an Infuse group you will get all the opportunity you need to ask any question you can think of, you will get all the details you want (and trust me all the ones you might not think you want). You will be challenged both professionally and spiritually. You will determine what you get out of it. It will be a game changing decision for you as a leader, but it is not for the lazy or faint of heart, it is for those that want to be real and want to follow Jesus.

Jenny J

Houston, TX

for more information and to download an application for the March 2014 or September 2014 session click here.

Happy Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving and once again all over America we take a day and hang out with family and friends, eat entirely too much, watch some bad football games and plan our shopping adventures for later today because early in the morning was not early enough. Maybe for a minute we think about the Philgrams and the first Thanksgiving but then we go back to our traditions and celebrations. Several years ago I started taking a minute each Thankgiving to write down and think over what I am truly thankful for and check my thankful gage because just like I teach in Children's Church if you can be thank-full you can be thank-empty.
So here it is.... what I'm thankful for:

1. I am thankful for Jesus! I'm so thankful Jesus saved me, kepts me, protects me, loves me and ready does have a wonderful plan for my life!

2. I'm thankful for my family. Julie, Yancy, Cory, Sparrow and Whitney are truly God's gifts to me. They are not just my greatest sermon but my greatest accomplishment. 
The greatest honor of my life is to be Julie's Husband, The kids' Dad and Sparrow's G!

3. I'm so thankful that I have got to spend my life serving God's people. For almost 40 years I've gotten to teach and to care for children and students. 
I'm so proud of all the kids who are now adults who are following Christ but I'm also thankful for hundreds of Timothy's who are serving in the ministry.

4. I'm also thankful that when lot's of people my age are retiring I am getting to refocus.
I'm so exciting about getting to work with one of my best friends in the world again and serve as his Executive Pastor at Northstar Church. Plus I get to work with so many kidmin leaders with Infuse and theClub  plus consult with Pastors and churches through Jim Wideman Ministries. 

5. I'm also thankful for all the special relationships God has brought into my life with my Infusers and coaches plus all those who consider me a friend.

So Happy Thanksgiving everyone and if you are reading this I am thankful for you!

What others are saying about infuse...

"I wish there had been something like Infuse when I started doing ministry 20 years ago. My desire to learn has always been strong, but I can honestly say that this program has propelled my personal and professional growth like no other conference, book or coaching ever has! Oh, and the biggest bonus of all is that you meet an amazing group of kidmin workers who will be lifelong friends and a support system for years to come. Please, please, please work toward attending one of these Infuse groups...you will NOT be disappointed!!" 


Brian F.
Longview, TX



To say INFUSE has blessed me would be an understatement. Jim’s insight into leadership in all things – family, self, and ministry continues to grow and challenge me to be the leader God desires me to be. The friendships made through the retreat with fellow INFUSE members has proven to be amazing support in my prayer life, personal life, and ministry life. I am not only blessed by Jim but by the 30 other ministry leaders around the nation who I would have never met had it not been for the opportunities provided for me through infuse.


Bethany H
Napersville, IL



Infuse has been life changing for me and we are only half way through! I have attended my share of conferences over the last five years and have always walked away encouraged with good, practical advice to implement when I got home, but Infuse is different. Don't get me wrong, I have gleaned incredible ideas and practical advice about ministry, but more than that, I have been challenged to become a better leader. Bro Jim has provided practical, yet challenging opportunities to grow in my leadership and the guidance it takes to fulfill those opportunities. I almost backed out at the last minute because of financial concerns, but I am so glad I didn't. I have already gotten my moneys worth and more. If I had a choice of attending every children's ministry conference I could think of, or just doing Infuse again, I'd chose Infuse without even thinking about it. Bro Jim's passion for mentoring leaders and willingness to be open and transparent with those he leads is apparent from the moment you meet him. I am forever grateful that God has given me this opportunity to learn and grow from Infuse!


Helen F
Wilmington, NC



I've been doing infuse for many years as a participant and a coach and I learned more from being a part of Infuse than all the conferences I've ever attended all added together. That's how powerful Infuse is.Larry Hillman
Tampa, FL


for more information and to download an application for the March 2014 or September 2014 session click here.

Here's what Kidmin folks are saying about their infuse experience...

"My experience with Infuse has been both life-giving and life-changing. The years and years of knowledge and wisdom that Brother Jim has poured into us is PRICELESS! He has helped me to identify my strengths and weakness. And showed me how to lead through those. Brother Jim has challenged me to be a better leader, servant and parent and spouse. My ministry is better because of this. I have made new and lasting friendships that I will cherish always in this group. Do yourself, your family and your church a favor and join Infuse 8! The best decision that I have ever made in ministry was to work on myself. 

Lena W.

Nashville, TN

Infuse means so much to me because it has strengthened my walk with God, my family and my ministry by challenging my priorities. It has taught me what is most important and how to protect it. Anyone who is facing difficulty in any of these areas, or just needs to shore up what they already have, should join Infuse and expect God to do great things!

Jonathan B.

Colorada Springs, CO

Infuse is a one of a kind experience. You get personal coaching from one of the pioneers of children's ministry and you build relationships with other kids pastors currently in the trenches. One of the most powerful things Infuse does is helps kids pastors contextualize what they learn through Infuse to the church they serve in. Most conferences are a one size fits all. Infuse is custom fit for you and your church. If you have been considering doing Infuse or something like it sign up today you will be glad you did.

Sam Luce

Utica, NY

Infuse is simply the best.  Infuse provides you the opportunity to learn from the greatest children's leader of our generation. Bro Jim is so good at helping everyone grow as a leader, regardless of denomination or background.  Bro Jim is a great teacher and mentor and I am honored to call him friend.  The growth I experienced through Infuse has benefited all areas of my life and ministry.

Another benefit of Infuse is that, as opposed to a conference, you walk through this experience with a group of like minded children's leaders seeking to grow their ministry.  These leaders will become a network of very close friends that you can call on for anything for the rest of your life. Not a week goes by that I do not contact one of my fellow Infusers.

What sets Infuse apart from other coaching networks is the retreats. These retreats provide you the opportunity to come face to face with Bro Jim, your fellow Infusers and the coaches as you walk through several focused mentoring sessions together.  Personally I believe the most popular sessions are those held at Bro Jim's house.  There is something special that happens when you are invited into someone's home.  These sessions are relaxed which allows everyone to let down their guard and ask the questions that will help them grow.

If you are looking to invest in yourself, improve your ministry and grow as leader then Infuse is perfect for you! 

Clayton Poland

West Monroe, LA

for more information and to download an application for the March 2014 or September 2014 session click here.

Infuse is not just another coaching program...

Back in 2007 I received new marching orders for my life. The Lord gave me a fresh desire to take what I’ve learned about children’s ministry and leadership and pass it on to the next generation of leaders. I began to look for ways to do this in addition to my monthly audio leadership resource I call “the Club.” I added blogs, began to host forums and discussion groups online and began to write for several ministry publications; yet I knew there was still something missing. It seemed like the more I did to mentor others the more people wanted me to come up with a way to personally coach and mentor them. That's when I began looking for a way to offer a mentoring service that was intensive yet affordable for most churches.

Infuse is not only the original kidmin coaching program but it is also the largest  and most successful kidmin coaching program. It's also the only kidmin coaching program that is led by a certified coach. Another infuse advantage is that everyone of the coaches who help me has spent a minimum of two years with me in infuse and are all graduates of the program. Infuse also is the only kidmin coaching program that has an opportunity for a second advance session.

 Mr. Webster defines infuse as: to instill a quality or skill in someone or something; to soak or pour into. This is what infuse has been about from day one, a way to pour into others what it’s taken me years to learn so they can be better leaders and accomplish more in less time. Infuse is limited to 20 selected candidates. Because of the high response I have had over the last few years for kidmin leaders be a part of infuse beginning in 2014 I will offer not one but two sessions of the infuse coaching program.

I’m excited at this place in my life and ministry to devote my full attention to infuse. Over the next few days I want to invite you to look over all the information and ask the Lord if infuse is right for you? I’d love for you to prayerfully consider this investment in yourself, in your dreams and in your ministry, I want to help you become the leader you want to be and pour into you the qualities and skills to make your dreams reality. I believe this is my chance to take what the years have given me so I can pass what I've learned on to the next generation of kidmin leaders. 

Everyone does better with a coach. So far I have successfully coached 12 groups with right at 300 kidmin and stumin leaders going through the infuse program. The results have been greater than I could have ever imagined but more importantlly lifelong friendships and divine connections have been forged. (Also 3 KIDMIN books and counting)

I’m looking forward to being your KIDMIN coach!

Go to jimwideman.com and download your application to become one of my infusers. Infuse is better than a conference or seminar it's a six month, intense learning experience you'll not only learn from me and the other 10 coaches who help me but you'll gain friendships and relationships you'll have forever. Still have questions? Send me an email. What are you waiting for? There are cheaper coaching programs out there byt none have more proven results than infuse. Over the next few weeks you'll be hearing from actual kidmin leaders just like you who have gone through infuse. Let 2014 be the year you take a step to become a leader's leader!

Preparing For The Forth Quarter

I'll never forget the night i walked the aisle during a Youth Revival at Westwood Baptist Church in Adamsville, Alabama and surrendered my life to the ministry. Jesus had gotten my attention earlier that year when someone got me thinking by telling me that "God had a wonderful plan for my life!" Those 8 words rocked my world then and 40+ years later they still rock my world. 

Early in 2007 the Lord began to stir in my heart that I was going to spend the rest of my life putting into younger leaders. I have to admit that I don't always fully understand what things mean. Sometimes I am told something for me to know and then I have to trust the Lord to give me the next step to walk it out. About six months later God led me to resign my church of seventeen years and embark on a new assignment. That assignment led to what has been some of the most fruitful times of ministry, not just in a local church but also throughout the body of Christ that I have ever experienced.  About eight months ago the Lord began to prepare me for another part of my journey.  Several years ago I read Bob Bufford's book Halftime about moving from success to significance. It's a great book that I highly recomend for anyone to read especially if you are in your 40's or 50's. Back in March I began to ask myself some questions about if I was truly pursuing significance in my life and using my gifts, talents and abilities the way that I should in the forth quarter of my life.

I love football. There is nothing like the feeling right before the start of a game when you see the crowd, take in the atmosphere and run through the  big sign the cheerleaders made and start the game. Then there's the first quarter, then the second then the halftime. The halftime is the difference maker and gives you a second chance to run back out there (this time with less fanfare and no sign) and just get to work being more intentional and getting what needs to get done, done! The best I can tell as I try to decern my life, it's late in the 3rd quarter and I want to enter the 4th quarter with my head and hands lifted high with 4 fingers up chanting 4th quarter!

Several years ago I learned that in order for me to allow the Lord to lead and order my steps as He has promised to do in His word, I had to think in steps. I'm not sure why I'd rather think in leaps and jumps but it's the steps of the righteous that are ordered by the Lord.
A few weeks ago I took a step that I believe was ordered of the Lord to resign my staff position at World Outreach Church. I am curently coaching 45 leaders in Infuse, + all the other ministries and services I offer through Jim Wideman Ministries. I am also building some partnerships with some other ministries and churches throughout the US that I believe in to consult and work with. I am not retiring, I'm re-focusing. I have been amazed at the way God has opened doors for me to use the gifts He place in me for His purposes. I am so thankful for saying yes to the call of God on my life years ago and also today and look forward to seeing what Jesus has in store for me in the days ahead. I know in my heart, God is not done with me! My best years are ahead and Jesus is going to build His Church and I am thankful that I can be a part of what He is doing in these last days!

More to come...

What does a discipled child look like anyway?

After writing about “Developing a Biblical World View in Children” for K magazine I have not been able to get this question out of my head. If our job as children’s pastors is to do what Matthew 28:19 tells use to do, (and I believe it is) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations", then what does a discipled child look like? How can we tell where we are hitting the mark if we have not defined and determined what a discipled child is in the first place? Mr. Webster says that a disciple is a follower. Alan Root in his book “Disciplification!” defines disciplification in three ways 1. The travels of a disciple. 2. The practiced habit of “following” 3. A made up word which simply means the life-changes made to become more and more like Jesus each day. So if our job is to make followers who through life changes and good choices cause them to be more like Jesus, then what actions, habits and character traits should a twelve year old Christ follower possess? 

For years I think we’ve been guilty of using faithfulness as the major evaluation if a child has been discipled. If a child was faithful to attend plus participate in loads of other children’s ministry activities and programing then we would send them into the youth ministry and feel like we succeeded. In a few years we would look them up in the youth group and find they were not there and wonder what did the youth pastor do to  make this child loose interest? I have said for years that those of us that teach kids should think of ourselves as a foundation specialist. But anyone who has ever built any kind of building knows that the type foundation you build has everything to do with the type of building you can build. In construction you start with the building plans and then determine what kind of foundation does it need for what you are building. In children’s ministry I think many of us have been guilty of designing the foundation then saying to the youth ministry now go fit your building on the foundation we have built never one time sitting down and working together toward the end result. Sometimes the problem has started long before we promote them into the youth ministry even from one department or ministry to another within the total children’s ministry we are so territorial we haven’t worked as a true team and prepared them for the now as well as  the next age group.  Instead of looking ahead we have focused on the present which centers on and around our own ministry responsibilities. When we help other departments and ministries around us be successful then we’ll be successful. We are all on the same team working toward the same goal. You can’t hit the church’s mission without every ministry that makes up the church working on that same mission statement just breaking it down for their age groups.

Stephen Covey in his book “7 Habits Of Effective People” said it this way, “Habit number 1 is to start with the end in mind.” Why don’t we as staff and ministers sit down together with our next generation ministries and our lead pastors and just plan backwards. What do we want a young adult to know as a part of the congregation then let’s back up and look at the college ministry and see what we need to teach there. For this to work we have to then look at the Senior High Ministry then to the Middle School Ministry then to the elementary ministries. Then working backwards we evaluate our preschool and nursery ministries to see what should be learned. (Did you notice I didn’t use the word taught? I believe just because teaching takes place doesn’t mean learning accures.) We must get in the habit of defining and evaluating what we do and the results those actions are yielding if we are going to be successful at discipling children. This is just the first step in making this process a way of life at your church. Years ago I set down with my youth pastor and I asked him what do you want the sixth graders I promote into your youth ministry to know and be? That was a question that took some time to develop. I also think that this list could and would be different from church to church. The bottom line is this, make a list. If you aim at nothing. you’ll hit it every time. Make it a matter of prayer and work on your list as a team. It’s more than getting children “saved”.  It’s time we all move past just getting children saved and help them to live saved. Disciplification is all about how each day gets lived by someone who is saved. Luke 2:49-52 tells us about Jesus at twelve. It says that he had a desire to be about His Father’s business. It also says he was obedient to His parents. It’s also says he continued to grow in wisdom. (That’s understanding and knowledge of the Word.) I believe this with all my heart the voice of wisdom and the voice of the Word is always the same. He also grew physically as well as grew in His relationship with God and with others. I believe this should also take place with those we seek to disciple.

No matter what you place on your list the children you lead won’t become those things if you don’t do four important things:
Number 1- We must become all of those things. My mom used to say, “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander!” What we expect others to do we must become these things first. I never want to forget that when I point to others there are three fingers pointing back to me! Number 2- Place others who will also serve as models before those you lead. A disciple cannot be made without someone who is willing to be an example. Jesus said something powerful in John 14:9 “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Think about that, it’s almost mind boggling. Jesus modeled the Father so others would know God. Could children understand what God is like from us? They should! Children must have someone who is willing to say, ”Come follow me as I follow the Lord” Gone must be the day of saying do as I say not as I do. We must be willing to set an example and model to both kids and adults. Number 3- Give those you lead what the Bible says about each of the things you want them to do to be a true follower of Christ Jesus. Number 4- Give them opportunities to do these things. Learning is more than sitting and listening it’s all about doing. I never apologize for giving people an opportunity to serve and put what they are learning into action.

My dear friend Alan Root goes on to say in “Disciplification!” that Jesus doesn’t expect us to live the Christian life. Alan writes “It’s so simple we have a hard time getting it. You see the Christian life is lived by dying. Dying to having to have everything your own way that is.” To be a follower means you are not leading you are be obedient. That means we obey Him. How can we obey Jesus? it’s simple we must know His word and do what it says. That’s the art of being a disciple. I believe our kids can be saved and live saved and have a desire to be about their Father’s business more so than desiring the things of the world. We know we have been successful at making a disciple when kids and leaders drop their weapons and surrender to Jesus’ control. 
To me the proof of the discipleship process is in the living. It’s not what you know or what you feel, or what you think, it’s knowing Christ, walking by faith, thinking the Word and doing exactly what it says. That’s the mark of a discipled kid!

Forecasting

One of the most intriguing professions in the world to me is forecasting the weather. Sometimes they miss it but most of the time they get it right.
Mr. Webster defines forecasting as “to predict a future condition or occurrence; to calculate in advance by forethought and foresight in planing. These are not just descriptions and duties of a meteorologist. It’s also the responsibility of a leader

Here’s seven steps that will help:
1. Know where you are headed. Dare to dream and be specific. Get God’s plan for ministry (Read Habakkek 2:2)  Get on your face and ask Him. I believe He’ll show it to you!

2. Know where you are. You can’t get to where you are headed if you don’t know where you are starting from.

3. Know where you’ve been. Knowing what’s been done in the past let’s you know the definition of success

4. Know what others are doing. A smart leader studies the success and failures of others. Experience is the best teacher but it doesn’t have to be your experiences that you learn from. Twitter leaders you want to learn from see what they are working on and what they see as the next big thing!

5. Develop the plan then communicate and execute it

6. Evaluate. Be on the lookout for current trends as well as historic trends so you can head off problems before they happen.

7. Keep momentum and energy moving forward. It’s up to you leader to set the pace.Do what you’ve never done. Look down the road and forecast what is ahead. Plan ahead, remember it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark. Instigate and initiate change. Make things happen.

Playing For Keeps

My good friend Reggie Joiner let me know about something his staff has been working on this past year. After 25 years of working in Family Ministry, and seven years leading an organization that influences those who influence the next generation, Reggie has learned there are some things adults just can't do for kids. You can't force a toddler to eat broccoli. You can't make a teenager "not date him." And you can't make a kid love God. Can you? At some point it just starts to break down. 

That's why Reggie wrote Playing for Keeps. He wanted to talk to parents and leaders (and anyone else who influences the lives of kids and teenagers) about six things you can give a kid over time that will make a significant impact. These six things can help give a kid the kind of history that will show them why they matter to God. 

That's why He used the illustration of the marbles. 

Each marble represents one week in the life of a kid or teenager. 

There are approximately 936 weeks from the time a child is born until he or she graduates high school.

A leader who stays connected to small group of kids for a year will have 52 weeks of influence before those kids move on to the next group. 

Parents and leaders have a limited amount of time. Maybe that’s why Psalm 90:1 says,

"Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Reggie wants to help parents and leaders visualize their week. By counting their weeks, he hopes to help them make their week count just a little bit more.

Playing for Keeps and the marbles were pre-launched at The Orange Conference this past April and the feedback has been really exciting. Today they are kicking off the national Play For Keeps tour, I wanted to be a part of spreading this message to the parents and leaders in my circle. I highly recommend this book. (It's really 2 books in 1)

You need to get your hands on this new book "Playing For Keeps" and get it into the hands of the parents and small group leaders you serve! I've already read it and believe me this is a game-changer that you want to pass on!

Go to www.orangetour.org for more information about an Orange Tour event coming to a city near you!
I'll see you at the one in Nashville!

Raising Godly Kids...

Let’s face it the world we live in is crazy. Ealier this year, on the Glen Beck TV show I watched footage of a teen ager being beat to death with a railroad tie by another teenager while yet another teenage videoed the whole incident and laughed about it. Throw in drugs, sex trafficking, the porn industry and the state of the family and you’ll see the days we live in are evil. Families here in America and around the world are under attack. The divorce rate here in the U.S. is out of control
50% percent of first marriages, 67% of second and 74% of third marriages end in divorce, according to Jennifer Baker of the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri.” The sad thing is the divorce rate among Christians isn’t much better. Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us what to do but we aren’t doing it. 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Weather you are a single parent, a married couple or a married person alone in providing Godly influences for your child I believe you can raise Godly kids when you are careful how you live. Use Godly wisdom and make the most of every opportunity God presents you daily.

I’ll never forget the day I became a parent it’s been almost 30 years since I heard 3 words that changed my life forever... “It’s a girl!” I am thankful that my children and I share a very close relationship today. I have always said “How much your children allow you to be involved in their life when they are older has a lot to do with how much you were involved throughout the process. You can’t raise G rated or Godly kids without Parental Guidance. It’s not suggested it’s required. The average parent in America spends a lot less time with their children than they should. (Married fathers spent an average 6.5 hours a week caring for their children. Married mothers spent 12.9 hours. Single mothers spent 11.8 hours) But out of those hours caring for their children only an average of 3.5 minutes per week is spent by parents in meaningful conversation with their kids. When you take these hours and look at the amount of time other influences get it’s mind boggling. The average teen spends 900 hours in school per year, 1500 hours watching TV. Teenagers spend an average of 31 hours a week online. Nielsen says…The average American household has a TV on 8 hrs and 15 minutes a day. No matter what your marital status the battle of hours and influences is on and Christian parents must wake up and start being intentional about the choices they make with their time and actions to raise Godly Kids!

There were three things Julie and I did with our kids that really paid off.

1. We spent a lot of time with our kids (daily, weekly and yearly)

2. We always required church. This included attendance and involvement.

3. We made up our own rules about the influences and voices that spoke

into our kids that we could control like spending the night other places,

video games, cell phones, internet use, phones and TV’s in their rooms,

(what’s done in their room you can’t control as well as in the family areas)

driving, dating, and other influential relationships. I believe with all my heart that

there should there be a difference in how Christians raised their children and

how non-Christians parent their children!

I am so thankful that I was raised in a Christian home. My home was a loving place filled with laughter and lots, and I do mean lots of southern food! For most of my childhood I only had one parent. It’s true in anything a team working together can get more accomplished than one person working by themselves. My Dad and Mom divorced when I was six months old, then my Dad passed away when I was three. My mom was smart and enlisted the help of others when a Father was not in the picture. (Extended family, the Church, Church leaders, Boy Scouts, Coaches, and friends.) I do believe two born again people working as a team with one agenda, to raise on fire, Godly kids have an advantage over parents working alone or in direct conflict with another parent with a different mindset of parenting but I do believe a single parent or a parent working alone can raise children to be Godly. Like in anything else it just requires more work, more time and being truly selective of the spiritual walk and effectiveness of the team members they involve along side of them to join the disclipling team. With these thoughts in mind here are five things that you should understand and practice to raise Godly children in a not so Godly world.

#1. Children are a gift from God. (Children are part of God’s plan for families)

Ps. 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Gifts are to be cherished, especially when they come from someone you admire and esteam. Gifts of great value are sought after. At World Outreach Church we realize that kids are the most valuable procession a young family has. Although parents realize this when their kids are small they relax after a few years. (Much like parking a new car far away then after a few dings parking it just anywhere.)

Parents, you have a responsibility to guard and protect your child at every age,

whether you are working alone or with a team.



#2. The responsibility for training children about God was given to parents! Deut. 4:9 says, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to our children and to their children after them.” Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train

up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart

from it. These verses where not written for pastors, it was written for parents. The phrase “in the way he should go” refers to God’s plan and

desire for your child. What does God want for your child? What do you want for your child? No one can hit a goal without a vision. Proverbs 29:18 tells us “Where there is no vision people perish. Your kids need to know what you and God desires for them. When I was a child grownups always asked me 3 questions. What’s your name? How old are you? And, what do you want to be when you grow up? I hear them only asking kids today the first 2. I think kids need to ask God the question, “What is your plan for me?” But parents also need to make a vision for their kids and your home. Here is a sample list of mine and Julie’s goals and vision for our kids.

1. We desire that they know God and love his Word (To be a fully devoted follower of Christ)

2. For all of us to be a close family

3. We desire for our children to exhibit Godly character and have a

Biblical world view!

4. We desire for our children to fulfill the plan God has for them (career/vocation)

5. For our children to have a good work ethic, and be responsible with

all that is entrusted to them

6. To provide and develop skills, abilities, education & training needed for our children to fulfill God’s plan.

7. For our children to be an example to others and to be a difference

maker to all those whom they encounter in all relationships.

8. For our children to enjoy life (hobbies, interests etc.)

These are our goals what are yours? The truth is if you aim

at nothing you’ll hit it every time!

Deuteronomy 6:6 & 7 tells us how much time God think you need to

disciple your children. “These commandments that I give you today are

to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them

when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie

down and when you get up.”

Who and what you give your time to determines if your children will get

the gospel. How are you using your mornings, evenings, time at home

and travel time? Are they devoted to discipling your children or mostly

other things?

Training is more than verbal instruction. Training calls for a model or

example. Training takes a trainer and a trainee. It also takes consistency!

Training children to be doers of the Word is a full time job and takes more instruction than a child can get on Sunday and Wednesday only.



#3. You can’t raise Godly kids without focus!

Focus is defined as an act of concentrating interest or activity on something. Even if you are alone in the parenting task you must be intentional about your focus! One of my favorite scriptures is Proverb 28:2 “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” This is true at every age! Evaluation must be the compainion to focus! It takes one to have the other.



#4. Desire to be an encourager more than a drill sergeant

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The Bible is not a book of don’ts many parents present it as such. It’s a book of do’s and when children are encouraged to do all the do’s there’s not much time for the don’ts. Encourage your children to get involved in ministry

Encourage your children to participate in activities that teach the value of serving.

Talk to your children positively. Be the biggest cheerleader in their life!

You can ask my kids, I look for every opportunity to reward & bless my children, that’s why they know Father God is good!



#5. You cannot disciple without discipline Matthew 28:19 says Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, At the heart of discipleship is “discipline” but the key is

consistency. Kids learn commitment and respect for authority from their parents. Children need to know the rules of your family (they are for all members even you!) Explain why what they do wrong is wrong, show them firsthand in the word. You must teach and model repentance parent also teach and model forgiveness. Make it a habit to do everything you do in love especially discipline.



Parent whether you have a partner or you are working alone enlisting the help of a local church with a dynamic family support ministry is a smart idea. Two combined influences working together and be more affective than one influence working by themselves. The Family needs the church and the church needs family. Red + yellow = orange!