Happy Birthday Sparrow Rocket

Two years ago today was both one of the best days of my life and one of the worst. The worst was as a parent experiencing another first. Sitting in a waiting room waiting on my daughter to give birth. It was one of those helpless times as a father where all you do is pray and believe God. As much as I wanted to know news about the baby I just wanted to know that my baby girl was OK! After Sparrow came I just wanted to hear her voice and hear from her she was all right. 
Once all that was behind me I got to experience another first a man child being born into my family. I thought you married boys I didn't know we could birth them. Thus the best part of the day!

From day one it has been a delight to be Sparrow's "G". I've enjoyed getting to tell him about Jesus and how He has blessed our family. I've enjoyed giving him things he could stick in his pockets and teaching him to say "Roll Tide". The boy loves his Daddy & Mama! He loves ball, he loves all things musical. He likes jamming with his G and sitting in the back of my pick up truck. But the neatest thing of all is watching him pray, watching him praise the Lord and lift his hands! Yesterday his "GG" asked him if he was Sparrow Rocket Richmond the little guy who loved Jesus and he hollered out "Yeah!" with a big smile.

These two years have gone by fast! I love every moment I get to spend with him and I think I'm better at making them intentional and count better than I did the first time. I'm so excited about what this next year holds for us but today I'm just thankful for his life, his love for his G and the opportunities God has given me to encourage him and his parents at this stage of my parenting journey. I love watching Yancy and Cory parent him. They both do such a great job! I didn't see that blessing coming.

So happy birthday little buddy. Your "G" is the most blessed guy in the world to have you in his life. I'm excited about watching God's plan for you unfold and you becoming the man you need to be in Jesus.I want to be a person you can always count on to pray for you, speak the word to you and guide you with Godly wisdom. I want you to see Jesus in me and always know that I love you with all my heart no matter what. I am so proud of you! Happy Birthday Spar Spar!

Here's what 3 folks from the current Infuse group had to say...

I had heard all the good stuff about infuse, but until I really got into it and saw that if I applied what Bro. Jim was teaching us, it could truly be life changing inside and outside of ministry.  Infuse gives me the safe place to ask questions, be transparent, and seek advice from some of the greatest coaches and ministers in the country. I can truly say that as I am putting the knowledge to work, it is helping me become a better Christian, wife, momma, and children's minister.

Alison Baggett
Westwood Baptist Church
Alabaster, Alabama

Knowledge + experience + proven reputation = the infuse adventure!  Jim Wideman is the tour guide, but YOU determine much of the direction this mentorship takes.  The initial investment is small compared to what you WILL gain, on a personal level and as a church leader.  And it's just that....an investment!  The question is, "Are you willing to grow to the capacity that God has created you for?"  Take it from someone who was despirately searching for a ministry coach and almost didn't apply for infuse.  I did and it has transformed me.  It can do the same for you.  Apply today!

Brent Dumler - GROW Ministries

Christ Community Church, Columbus, GA

Before beginning Infuse, I really struggled with self confidence in my ministry and personal life. I didn't feel like I was capable of accomplishing anything of what was needed to move my church forward. At the end of my first Infuse session, that all has changed. I now understand my priorities in life better, how to manage my time, to serve my pastor, how to set my life & ministry goals and accomplish those goals in order of the priorities I have set. I learned to learn from others and that asking questions is a good thing. Because of the support and leadership Bro Jim brings, I feel more equipped and ready to accomplish all that God as called me to be. For the first time in my ministry, I have confidence in myself and my leadership. Any kidmin that desires to grow in leadership in all aspects of their lives should find a way to be a part of this great experience. 

Todd Hull

Loxley Church of God

Loxley, AL

Could one of these stories be yours? Apply today @ jw.com

Infuse might be just what you need...

“I would do infuse every year if I could, and there would still be more to learn and people to meet. I made some great friends, and that is what I benefit most from today. If you can’t do the whole Infuse experience, try the one month version. You can get just as much as the full version if you put in the effort to ask questions and build relationships. Bro Jim makes leadership tools so accessible to anyone that has a desire to learn and you will love this opportunity!”

Mycal Rosales

Children's Pastor

The Church at South Las Vegas

"When I think of infuse I picture a person in the doctor's office, hooked up to an IV.  The person might be in serious trouble, or simply a bit dehydrated.  Whatever the case, he or she needs a boost.  This is exactly what Infuse is - a boost.  There are people in ministry who are barely holding on, and others who just need a shot in the arm to take it to the next level.  Whatever the case, the input that the infuse experience provides, when applied, is the catalyst to unlocking  potential and bringing life and ministry into focus.  It is hard to put a price tag on that type of infusion."

Jon Warneke

New Life Christian Center

"Before I attended Infuse, I felt like I was "stuck" in my ministry. There were days when I wasn't sure what to focus on or what was most important. Infuse and Jim Wideman helped me to take my leadership to the next level."

Susan Hughes
Volunteer Coordinator/PCC Kids Director
Powhatan Community Church

I've spent a lot of years attending, speaking and hosting conferences they are great for networking and to hear about tips, resources and what others do. There is no way to get in a few 45 minute sessions you get from 6 months of coaching!

INFUSE is more than a conference it's about developing a relationship with others who will be a part of your life forever. An iron sharpening iron relationship. You'll still hear about stuff, but you'll also learn by seeing first hand. You'll be able to ask questions until you fully understand how to walk out what you want to learn. You'll have the accountability you need to walkout what you desire to know. My coaches and I will do more than speak into your life to help you we'll walk beside you and pull out of you what you want to be.

I have just 5 spots left then you'll have to wait until 2014.  Get in your application this month.July  For all the details and to download an application look here. If you still have questions ask them here or send me an email. Infuse 7 for September 2013-March 2014 is almost full (My infuse+ Alumni group is full) so this is your last chance to be infused until September 2014.

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I don't know everything but everything I know I'm willing to teach you. Let's walk together in INFUSE this September.

Looking for a mentor?

mentor |ˈmenˌtôr; -tər|

noun

an experienced and trusted adviser 

If you have a desire to take your kidmin leadership to the next level, I can think of no more effective way than to plug into Jim Wideman’s mentorship program Infuse.  Jim will help you evaluate and find those blind spots that are holding you back, and equip you to move forward with purpose and direction.  I am so glad to have the voice of Jim Wideman as a mentor and leader in my life.  Let Jim infuse your life and ministry with a lifetime of leadership wisdom. You will grow both personally and as a leader in ways you never dreamed possible. Sandy Lawson Element Church, Wentzville, MO

Infuse is a 6 month mentoring experiences available to 30 selected children’s pastors and leaders. (Next available session begins September 2013) This program is offered each year during the months of September through February. Infuse is open to any leader with a desire to learn and a willingness to commit themselves to whatever it takes to go to your desired level. Candidates are chosen from the application process regardless of the size of your present church, your age or your experience level.

Infuse is more than a program or curriculum. It’s a 6-month mentoring experience with a Kidmin practitioner that has built successful ministries spanning 5 decades. 

Here's what you'll receive:

1. Personality testing and comparisons for you, your spouse and your pastor or supervisor. Once we start you will be sent a link for you, your spouse and your supervisor to take the Path Element Profile (PEP®) personality assessment by Laurie Beth Jones. Jim will go over the results and comparisons to help you excel in your relationships. This will also help Jim understand your giftings and your uniqueness so he can more effectively coach you during your time in Infuse.

2. Powerful interactive conference calls. Once every month Jim hosts a conference call with the members of Infuse. This is a special time where you can hear and receive from Jim’s heart and experience. Because these calls are interactive you’ll be able to ask questions and learn from Jim and the other members of infuse. From time to time Jim will ask some of his children’s ministry friends to join these calls and you’ll be able to learn from other trusted children’s ministry experts and veterans who serve as coaches.

3. (2) "intense" get-a-way retreats at Jim's house in Murfreesboro, (Nashville) Tennessee. During your session you’ll be invited to Jim’s home for two sessions including two very full days of intense mentoring and coaching with Jim and the other leaders and coaches chosen to take part in Infuse. These events take place in November and in either February or March.

4. Unlimited mentoring by Jim and access online. Each member of infuse will have access to a special online forum and discussions where they can ask questions about children’s ministry and leadership directly to Jim and the other coaches throughout the session. This is like having your own personal team of children’s ministry veterans on your team. You’ll also be able to post questions about your assignments right on the page. Even after infuse is over you'll be able to stay connected for life on the Alumni forum. (All of the coaches work in a local church and have successfully completed a minimum of two years of coaching with Jim.)

5. Small group support and encouragement. Each person taking part in infuse will be teamed with several other children’s pastors assigned by Jim for the sake of developing a close “friend and care group.” These groups are for the purpose of accountability, prayer support and creating ongoing “iron sharpening iron” relationships and growth.

6. Extra time with Jim at ministry events. As an Infuser you’ll be able to meet up with Jim at any seminar or event where he is speaking. You’ll also be able to share a meal with him for the purpose of mentoring and personal coaching. (Registration is your responsibility but Jim will make time to spend with you at the event.) Check Jim's schedule page for a list of events, you'll also find the retreat dates here.

7. An optional additional session(s) will be made available at the end of your current session for those who want to continue. Jim believes that the benefits of this type of experience will be so dynamic that the members of Infuse will not want to stop having this type of Elijah-Elisha resource at their disposal.

So far I've posted 17 recommendations if that's not enough here are 4 more...

The Infuse program has impacted not just my ministry but also my personal life.  The time that Bro Jim invested into me during the program will stick with me forever.  When it comes to getting the right tools on your ministry belt, this is the one thing that has equipped me more than any conference that I have ever attended.  Thanks Bro Jim for your continual investment into those who have a desire to learn. Matt Payne Family Worship Center McKinney, TX

Infuse is something that every children's ministry leader need to experience. I have been in children's ministry for many years and what I learned in Infuse helped me more that everything else put together. If you want to see a real increase in your personal leadership skills and bigger results in your ministry, Infuse is something you can't pass up.   Larry Hillman, Tampa, FL

Infuse has significantly increased my leadership ability in my church, my home and even over myself; causing me to be more responsible, and have better management skills over myself and others. Matt McDaniels, St Louis, MO

What an awesome opportunity to get one on one answers to those questions you were afraid to ask, thinking that maybe you were crazy! I found that in meeting with Jim Wideman and other children's pastors in a small group setting allowed me to get immediate responses to questions and concerns I had.  I met people who were experiencing the same challenges I was, or had gone through them and was willing to help.  We are better together, and the friendships continue…Diana Lane, VA

Still got questions? email me from jimwideman.com

More about infuse....

Here are 8 more reasons why you should be a part of my infuse coaching & mentoring program...

"Imagine gathering in a room with leaders invested in kids, dedicated to leading well, and committed to God's mission.Imagine being in conversation with leaders with years of experience, passion, and hope for the future.
Imagine an experience where you can ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate solutions.
This kind of opportunity is tailor-fit for kidmin leaders who want sharpen their leadership skills! Join Jim Wideman and his team in this once in a lifetime experience."- Jeni Carlson
Director of Children's Ministry, Five Oaks Church

"Infuse is a game-changing experience.  The teaching, relationships, and ideas that I've come back with have an effect on more than my ministry.  It has effected the way I view every aspect of my life.  After just a few hours of being on our Infuse Retreat this past year, Bro. Jim asked, "If you went home right now, would it have been worth it?"  Undoubtedly, yes!  Everyone does better with a coach.  A conference comes and goes in a matter of days and exposes you to think bigger.  But Infuse does more than that.  It gives you a coach and a team of people to help you think through how to apply and implement what you learn.  I think Infuse Lite will expose you to think differently and learn from Bro. Jim who has been blessed with years of experience but also has a passion to see you succeed in your calling."- Aaron Jack Bauer, Journey Church

"Attending Infuse has been an experience that stands above the rest in regards to my ministry training and growth. The things I have learned have helped me grow to a point where I now pastor over 1000 kids a week.  I highly recommend that anyone in ministry apply and take advantage of this amazing opportunity." -Joe McApine

"Infuse has helped me in every facet of my life. Brother Jim coached me to be a better believer, husband, dad, and pastor. Every children's or youth pastor should go through Infuse for at least one session. Don't let the money stop you,  seriously, figure out a way to make it work." -Jason Martin

"Infuse gives you the opportunity to ask questions you didn’t even know you had.  The interaction with a team of people experiencing life in the same arena, but each with a different level of experience, a different way of thinking, and a different method to the madness…it is like creativity blender with Brother Jim’s experience and leadership to bring direction, definition, and meaning to it all.  There is one goal throughout the entire process – to help you become better and more effective for the Kingdom of God and name of Jesus Christ!"

Timothy E Posch- World Outreach Church

"Infuse has changed my ministry!  Jim and his team has helped me develop the tools and abilities to take my ministry to the next level." -David Rinck, First Assembly Of God, Fargo

"If you have a desire to grow, learn, and develop your Leadership, Infuse is for you! If you want to go to the next level you must surround yourself with others that will challenge you! Infuse will definitely help you accomplish that goal! The insight and wisdom I gained from Brother Jim is simply priceless! I highly recommend making the investment, it will be a life-changing experience!" - Mindy Fenley, Church On The Rock, St Peters. MO

"If you haven't tried Infuse yet, don't wait any longer! This is a life-changing, ministry impacting, experience you won't want to miss. Bro. Jim's love for helping people comes out the minute you meet him. You will learn something from every minute you get to spend with him. Through Infuse you'll learn how to maximize your time to be more effective, how to be a better leader to your staff and volunteers, and you'll learn how to increase and grow your ministry. My time in Infuse has been invaluable and I know it will be for you too!"- Sara Richards, Minneapolis, MN

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 30 selected candidates. I’m excited at this place in my life and ministry to be able to make this service available. I hope you will pray about this and ask the Lord if infuse is right for you. 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. 

Take a moment to review the online information about this unique opportunity. Everyone does better with a coach. So far I have successfully coached 9 groups with right at 200 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!

Have You Ever Thought About Being A Part of Infuse?

I've always heard that you can't have your cake and eat it too. But I have been blessed for most of my ministry to have the best of both worlds. I've had the privilege of working in a local church doing life with people on a regular basis while also getting to train and help others be better leaders. In 2007 I launched a new approach to training kidmin leaders and offered a conference alternative that I call infuse. This 6 month coaching and mentoring program has been the most fulfilling thing I've ever done in ministry beside working at a local church.
There's no way you can take people at all different stages and levels of leadership and teach them all you know about a subject and meet their needs in a 45 minutes to 1 hour breakout session. Most keynote messages give you even less time. The frustration of blowing in, blowing up, and blowing out made me look for a better way to pass on what I've learned after 30 plus years of leading some of America's largest and most effective Children's Ministries. 

Since the very first group I've had the privilege of working with some of the finest and most dynamic young leaders in Children's, Student and Family Ministry. I am so excited about this class of infuse so far and I have just a few more spaces for the September 2013 to March 2014 session. Infuse includes 4 conference calls, 2 two-day retreats here in beautiful Murfreesboro, TN (outside of Nashville) and access to me and my coaches (all who have been through infuse themselves) daily on a special online forum.

 You can download your application here plus read more about infuse.

So what are you waiting for send in your application today once you're approved I'll let you know how to pay. The deadline for registration is July 1st but this group will fill up before the deadline. Still not convinced? Here's what a few of my past infusers have to say about this experience.

"Infuse allowed me to ask tough Children's Ministries leadership questions.  The answers I received were accurate, direct and full of wisdom which helped me move our ministry to a new level.  I would strongly recommend this experience to any rookie or veteran C.M. Leader who is serious about leading a ministry of excellence." Kris Smoll, Director of Discovery Land - Appleton Alliance Church - Avg weekly attendance 3,000

"My favorite part of Infuse is definitely the retreat. Getting one-on-one time with Jim & his family and connecting personally with kids pastors from around the country is invaluable.  Adding 30 days of coaching and a conference call for about the cost of any other conference makes the one month version of Infuse the most attractive coaching option Jim's ever offered." - Christopher Sykes, @kidminchris

"Being mentored by Jim through Infuse has been the "shot in the arm" I needed to keep me enthusiastic about Children's Ministry!  I had been serving for 15+ years when I joined, but there were still plenty of things I learned.  Being able to talk with the group about issues in my ministry and getting both their advice and Jim's input was a huge blessing.  I was pushed to go outside my comfort zone in ministry and encouraged to rethink how and why I did so many things.  You'll grow tremendously from your Infuse experience!" -Kathy King Minister to Children, FBC Opelika, AL

"Sitting under the wisdom and and teaching of Brother Jim for this experience will greatly equip you to lead whatever God might be placing in front of you in the future.  If you want to be do greater things in the future, you better be prepared for greater things." -Jonathan Mitchell, Demotte, IN

"Infuse has had a tremendous effect on both my ministry and my personal life.  Bro. Jim doesn't just give you the tools to move further faster, he moves the starting line, allowing you to benefit from his 30+ years of ministry.  Through Infuse, I've avoided unnecessary mistakes and have been given new perspective to make healthier decisions, both at home and at church." -Jared Massey, Smalltown Kids Ministry

"Conferences are great - you get an intense amount of training in a shotgun style delivery. Infuse is better! You still get an intense amount of training, but it is designed specifically for leaders! The level of access and information received from Bro. Jim through the coaching phone call and retreats is unparalleled anywhere in Kidmin! Infuse is an opportunity to experience exponential growth in your leadership journey. I learned more in my time with Bro. Jim in infuse than several years of conferences combined. Being able to walk through this leadership experience with other great leaders just adds to the learning opportunity. Relationships are developed, experience is gained, and you will not be the same as when you started. I cannot say enough about the value of being a part of infuse!  Not everyone can afford the full infuse experience - this shortened time Bro. Jim is offering is a unique opportunity to reap the benefits from infuse, but makes it more accessible. If you were considering a conference for this year--reconsider. You will get more bang for your buck with this one-month session with Bro. Jim." -Spencer Click, Bethel Temple, Hampton, VA

"The time I spent with Bro. Jim in Infuse was invaluable! With each interaction during my Infuse experience, from the retreats, to the calls, to the homework, I gained more and more confidence not only in my ability to be a successful Children's Pastor but to take our Ministry to the next level.  I can honestly say that the wisdom and insight that Bro. Jim shares during the Infuse experience will change your life forever!  It was the best decision I've made!  #Blessed"- Tony Giordano, 7HillsChurch

"Don't miss a great opportunity to gain wisdom and insight from one of the best and most innovative leaders in children's ministry! Infuse will help you will grow as a leader and minister. This is a great cost for something that will benefit you personally and professionally! You will not regret joining Infuse and having an opportunity to learn from Jim Wideman.

*I would love to do Infuse again in the future, it was a fantastic experience!" -Lynne Payne, First Wesleyan Church, Tuscaloosa, AL

more to come...