Say Yes To Personalized Training

This past weekend I had the priviledge to begin some personalized training with a church that I have been going to help and speak for 24 years. I have always loved going to this church over the years. The pastors have a real heart for sowing into their people! Everytime I’ve gone over the years I’ve learned from this church as well as what I was able to teach them. Everytime I go to speak in a local church I ask several questions to locate what would be the best topic to cover with their Kidmin Team. This kind of personalize training to me is one of the benefits of having me come to your church. This past weekend I was asked to do something I’ve never done before in addition to doing something for the entire Kidmin Team I was asked to spend the day with the Kidmin leadership staff. It was a great experience, it was like a mini infuse for 1 church. We started off with having each person complete a Path Element Profile by Laurie Beth Jones before I arrived then after a get-to-know-you Q & A breakfast at the church we jumped into understand the PEP and how to communicate better as a team and how to serve their leader better. The rest of the day was structured with things this team needed to know and understand to lead better. At lunch we took a break and as we ate together their at the church we did another Q & A as well as ended the day with more Q & A. The next time I come back which the church elected to take advantage of me consulting for a year rather than a 1 time event so I’ll be there 3 more time in a year. I know right where to pick up in this day of leadership training. I think one of the reasons my Infuse program has seen so much success is because each group I’m not married to what I’ve done before but customize what we do and cover based on the individuals that God brings to that particular group. Each have been different! That’s also true about the retreats I’ve done more than 20 retreats and they have all been different because I’ve tried to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us where we need to go.

The next day I observed what was happening in the Children’s Ministry first hand as well as promoted the Kidmin Team training event for new people to join the team in each service. Then at 1pm we did a leadership train for the entire Kidmin Team. The church provided pizza for everyone and we were done by 2:15. We did a drawing for some of my books and all together the church picked up 35 new workers. We went over what I had observed at lunch and on the way back to the airport and I’m looking forward to helping them formulating a plan to do all the things I saw. I love this partnering with a church. The Church has also decided to send the Children’s Pastor through Infuse this fall. (By the way this church has already sent a Kidmin through Infuse)

This by far was a wonderful weekend. I can away wishing more churches would make this investment in their people. When you considered how many people where touched and the personalization it was very affordable for the church. Add these individualized learning sessions plus infuse to Live To Serve, Orange Tour and the Orange Conference and you have arsenal of tools to help your team say YES to training.

I’d love to talk to you how I could help your church have some individualized training. Either a one time weekend or a year of partnering together. Email me with questions and about availability and let’s talk how I can help you train your team and help you see your ministry goals and dreams come true.

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!

It's time to kick off another Infuse group

In September 2008 I kicked off what has proven to be the most rewarding and effective ministry training experience I've ever been a part off. When I first told my family that I was going to select 20 Kidmin leaders from across the US and have them come to my house two different times they thought I had lost my ever loving mind. But as soon as the first retreat was over all three of my girls told me they owed me an apology. They knew I had struck gold.

When I started infuse we did it for an entire year. Six months later I started another group of 20. In September 2009 I started Infuse 3 with another 20 while we kicked off our first Alumni group I called infuse 1.2. Then in February 2010 I started my second alumni group called Infuse 2.2. I realized then I couldn't keep starting new groups every 6 months and do alumni groups too. So I changed Infuse to 6 months. I coached from September to February then took March to August to re-group. Since then I've had more than 200 Kidmin folks be a part. I even did a group of Student Ministry folks too.  Somewhere along the way some of my past infusers have donated their time to help me coach. The 8 coaches who help me today are some of the best friends and greatest sources of wisdom and strength to me. We talk constantly via GroupMe. I even did a 1 month version of infuse that I called infuse lite because infuse has been filling up so fast I needed something to offer people so they didn't have to wait a year. It's been amazing how infuse has changed and evolved over the past 5 years. Only the Lord could build something like this. One after one infusers started getting promoted. Many have taken their bosses jobs. Many infuse alumni are now Campus Pastors, Executive Pastors, Family Pastors, and Next Generation Pastors.

On August 1st I kicked off my eleventh infuse group which is an alumni group I'm now calling infuse plus. The thing that has been so amazing is to see who all the Lord brings together. There is no way I could recruit folks that fit like the Lord does. In March Sam Luce one of my infusers and also one of my infuse coaches sent me a book about making decisions called Decisive. As I began reading it I knew in my heart it was to be our text book. After the first call I knew Jesus had put this group together and that this book was the perfect book for us to study together. Only Jesus could bring 16 people from 9 different states and 10 different types of churches that were all facing the same thing.

On September 1st I'm starting my 12th infuse group infuse 7. It's also the largest group with 30 different kidmin leaders from 20 different states. I can't wait to see who and why Jesus assembled this group. I'm excited. 

My next infuse group will be in March of 2014. I felt a leading from the Lord is not make people wait so long to be a part of infuse 8. I've already accepted 8 people. Why not go ahead and apply. If you are looking for a mentor or a coach I'd love to help. I don't know everything but what I do know I'd be glad to pass it on to you.
If you have a question please ask it here or send me an email.

The Eric Trap Book Tour...

Thanks to everyone who signed up to be a part of our new book's blog tour. More than 50 Kidmin, Stumin, and Fammin bloggers signed up to help. It will start Monday, April 9 and will run through April 27. You'll get to learn all about this new resource and also have a chance to win a free copy for your own library before it is officially released at Orange 12. Also I hope you'll learn about some great blogs where you can continuely learn our blogger team.


During the Orange Conference we'll also be having a book signing. I'll also be giving away some free copies in all of my workshop sessions at Orange. I'm getting excited about bloging about the 5 things we feel every leader has to get right next week. But until then here's two more things some folks had to say about it.

“I loved this book! I’m also excited to get copies for our CM & SM staff. I really enjoyed the mix of fiction and non-fiction. You can tell that this was written by someone who is really in ministry. Very realistic. Each chapter was very well written. I also appreciate the transparency of the authors.(You don’t see that often)  I think that the chapters written with personal mistakes exposed are going to minister to a lot of people. I also love that there is a clear “next step” at the end of each chapter. WOW!-This is clearly a book to “work through”- not just to read.”

-Jennifer Galley ||Next Generation-Family Pastor, Minniapolis, MN

I just sat down and read The Eric Trap. Can I just tell you: this book is amazing. I think it may be one of the most important books written for kidmin in years. It’s immensely relatable, and I could feel myself in Eric’s shoes. (Well, and a bit of Kenny and Sam in his shoes too.   It really addresses some of the big issues that we’re often too afraid to address, but matter more than any others. I think I may have learned more about ministry in the hour it took me to read the book than I have in 3 years of school… But don’t tell my profs that. 
-Evan Doyle, Kidzmatter

Infuse... What's it all about? Part 3

More things folks have to say... these came from a few of my coaches who still help me


"Infuse was a game changer for my whole ministry.  I was stuck, and I think I kind of knew it, but participating in Infuse helped me see how stuck I really was.  Infuse not only grew my skills in ministry, relationships, and leading, but it changed how I think.  I know for sure that I would not have been prepared for all that God has given me to do if it hadn't been for the coaching of Bro. Jim and the friendships I developed with other kidmin leaders through Infuse."


Infuse is more than just a program to teach you “how to do” ministry. It’s the opportunity to “become” the leader that God is calling you to be. Bro Jim’s transparent modeling of biblical leadership has shaped my life in many ways. God has used Infuse to increase my leadership ability, discover a God-given vision for my life, and structure our ministry to effectively reach families for Christ. 
Jenny Funderburke


Doing infuse was an answer to prayer. When I started doing kids ministry 14 years ago I prayed God would send someone to me to help me, that would speak into my life and ministry. God answered that prayer 11 years later. Brother Jim has been a friend, a mentor and a constant source of encouragement to me and my family. There are many coaching programs but they are only as good as the motivation of the person doing the coaching. Bro Jim isn't doing Infuse to make money he does it to grow leaders to grow the church. Brother Jim is a father and the body of Christ needs more fathers. 
Sam Luce


Infuse is more than just a program to teach you “how to do” ministry. It’s the opportunity to “become” the leader that God is calling you to be. Bro Jim’s transparent modeling of biblical leadership has shaped my life in many ways. God has used Infuse to increase my leadership ability, discover a God-given vision for my life, and structure our ministry to effectively reach families for Christ. 
Jen Galley


Want to know more about infuse? click here
more to come...

Why You Should Use Your Conference Money on Infuse

Today I'm honored to have someone I truley believe God has placed in my life. She is more than a student or even a friend. She's like one of my kids. Not only is Jenny Funderburke one of my past infusers she is now one of my coaches and a big part of team Jim.
I hope you'll checkout her blog @ http://jennyfunderburke.com/blog/
I love conferences. I really do. When the opportunity to do the Infuse mentoring group with Jim Wideman, I had a big choice to make.  It wasn't cheap, but I realized that for the money I could spend at a conference (after you add in flight, hotel, conference, food, etc...), I could participate in Infuse.  I made the choice to do Infuse and without a doubt, it was the wisest choice to make.  See, I quickly discovered that the things I loved about conferences were present and much, much better in a coaching environment.  Here's a few:

-  Quality teaching:  Infuse includes group phone calls each month and two retreats which all include concentrated and targeted teaching from Jim Wideman.  But, you aren't learning in a group of 200 or 2000.  He intentionally creates question and answer time and you can email questions in between occasions.  I learned so much about leadership, ministry, volunteers, structure, relationships, priorities, time management and more!  But I also got to ask for advice about specific situations and problems I was facing.

-  Networking:  I love meeting people at conferences, and I had no idea the impact of the relationships I would form through Infuse.  When you meet someone at a conference, you might have lunch or exchange email addresses.  But, through Infuse I was connected for several months to kidmin from all over the country, from all sizes of churches, and from a wide variety of denominations and perspectives.  This opportunity did a couple of things.  First, my eyes were open beyond my own little world.  Hearing what others were doing, their challenges and their successes, was inspiring.  Second, I formed ministry friendships through my group and coaching other groups that I now can't imagine doing ministry without.  In ministry, Spencer Click is like the big brother I never had.  Jen Galley and Sara Richards are constant sources of encouragement.  Sam Luce always has wise and encouraging advice.  Kenny Conley is always ready to tell me what to do. :)  These and many, many others are invaluable friends who celebrate during good times and pray during tough times.  I had no idea how much I needed this community outside of my own church.

-  Resources and new ideas:  Don't you love going to conferences and discovering what all is out there?  During Infuse, I do think I found out about more ideas, resources, and tools that I could really use than I found at conferences.  And I didn't have to go through an exhibit hall.  The difference is that I learned from people who were not selling, but were really using and trying and implementing these resources in their ministries.  When I encountered a problem or needed a resource, I had a wealth of people to ask about what was out there and what their opinions were.  When we began multi-site, I had people that I knew I could call and ask about what to buy and what was out there.  

-  Getting away:  Let's be honest that one thing we enjoy about conferences is that we get to get away.  We can unplug from church world and normal life for a few days.  We can be fully immersed in kidmin for that amount of time.  The two retreats that are part of Infuse provide that.  Lots of good food, laughter, and the opportunity to think kidmin for two days straight gave me the chance to be refreshed and go back to my ministry excited to go forward.

-  Made better at what we do:  Sometimes we go to conferences looking to learn or buy that "magic bullet" that is going to make our ministries better.  In Infuse, we spent months focusing on the small and personal things that we can be better that will in turn make our ministries better.  The benefit to Infuse being more than a three day conference set up is that it is a process.  Through teaching and growing with others, you have the time and opportunity to evaluate yourself, your calling, and your ministry.  And you learn hard things that you've got to do better.  There may not be a "magic bullet", but it is change that sticks because it is change that comes from a process.  

Let me encourage you not to think "I can't do Infuse because it is too expensive".  Consider what you can sacrifice to make it a reality. You may be stuck like i was.  You may need a network of kidmin friends to learn from. You may need the process of determining how you can lead better.  We all need a coach and people speaking into our lives.  I challenge you to find a way to make Infuse happen.  You (and your church) will be glad you did.

Infuse... What's it all about?

In early 2007 I got 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 “the Club.” I added a couple of blogs, my own plus one with Ryan Frank. I 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. For years I’ve been looking for a way to offer a mentoring service that’s intensive yet affordable for any size church. Then I stumbled on a way to accomplish what I’ve wanted to accomplish for the cost of a four-day conference. When I first told my family about my idea they thought I was crazy. One of my daughters said: "Let me get this right 20 random #kidmin leaders are going to come to our house for 2 days? How are you going to make sure they are not weird?" That was a good question.

 Infuse has truly been a God idea. Mr. Webster defines infuse as: to instill a quality or skill in someone or something; to soak or pour into. This is what I’ve been searching for, 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 each session. At this place in my life and ministry I'm so honored and blessed to be able to make this service available. Over the next few days we're going to look over all the information and details about this proven leadership resource. As you read my blog I hope you will 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 it on to the next generation. 

more to come...

There's a new book in the works!

It's amazing to see how God directs our steps and brings special people into our lives for His purposes. When I started infuse back in 2007 I didn't see everything it would accomplish and really in tell. I knew it would bless others, I just had no idea how much it would bless me and that my life would be so enriched by the people God brought across my path. 


During the second year of my first group God spoke to my heart about producing a book with that first group. The outcome was KIDMIN LEADERSHIP.  When I started the second group one of their first questions is if we do the second year can we do a book too? It was after that I saw God was going to birth something special that I now call INFUSE PUBLICATIONS.


Two of the folks in this group were Sam Luce and Kenny Conley. The more I spent time with these guys the more I knew God had knitted us together for more than just infuse. These two began to not only help me learn as well but have also been a tremendous source of encouragement.  Our relationships have grown where I am confident we will do a lot of life together as well as learn from one another for the rest of my life. (There is not enough adjectives I could use to tell you how much I love these two!)  If you know anything about Sam and Kenny they didn't want to do a book like anyone had ever done before in the KIDMIN universe. So during a retreat while I went to preach to our Student Ministry they led the meeting in my absence. I came back to find out that the group and them had come up with a lot more than a show and tell style book but something they were describing to me as "a leadership fable." Over the next few months we came up with a concept that is very timeless and also unusual. Sam and Kenny started on the fable and everyone else started working on the 5 things every leader has to get right. The outcome is amazing!


The book is in the final stages and has actually started the production, final edit stage. Soon we'll have a cover to show you and an availability date for early 2012 but right now all we have to really share is our concept and our title. It's called "The Eric Trap -5 things every leader has to get right." This week I'll be telling you more about this project. I'm excited about it because I know it's going to help a lot of people. Not just KIDMIN folks but any leader in ministry who serves another leader.
more later...

Everyone Does Better With A Coach-part 5

Here's the last of my posts about infuse this week. Where some other coaching and mentoring programs use multible coaches one of the things that make infuse coaches different all are curently children's pastors in growing churches, all have spent 2 years with me in the infuse program. Not only are they available daily on the infuse website but they'll coach you in the same direction as I do. For infuse 5 Sam Luce will be joinning Jenny Funderburke, Jen Galley, Sara Richards, & Spencer Click. These folks are some of the best leaders I know and they are tremendous blessings in my life. They help me for one reason they believe in infuse and know first hand that it works! Here's some things some other past infusers have had to say.


When I applied for Infuse, I wasn't sure what to expect from the experience.  I hadn't yet been as familiar with Jim's ministry to train young leaders as I am now.  I have been inspired to become a greater leader for the Lord through the lessons and interactions Bro. Jim and challenged to be more professional in my job as a children's minister.  With Infuse, you'll get out of it what you put into it, but when you make the decision to plug in to Bro. Jim's insight and experience, you'll be blessed and charged up by the experience.
Steve Greenwood
Nashville, TN

The Infuse program has been life changing for me.  The practical wisdom and insightful experience that Bro. Jim offers is inimitable.  My leadership level has risen dramatically because of his influence.  The way I conduct myself as a Children’s Minister and as a husband/father has been challenged, amplified, and enhanced.  The retreats are far more valuable than I could have imagined.  They offer personal, almost intimate, face-to-face interaction with other passionate children’s ministers that cannot be replicated in any other setting.  The intentional and free flowing exchange of information and ideas is invaluable.  I highly recommend Infuse to anyone desiring to learn and grow and attain their highest potential.   

Montie Mansur 

Little Rock, AR 

Infuse has helped me look into the mirror, and understand that I truly have what it takes to grow the leaders around me.

Thanks, 

Joa Allen

San Antonio, TX

So what are you waiting on? Download your application and send it in today @ http://www.jimwideman.com/infuse.html. There are only 3 spaces left for Infuse5.


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. My Five Coaches will be deciding who wins the free spot next week. So post away!

Everyone Does Better With A Coach-part 4

You've heard from some of the guys, now lets hear from some of the ladies...


My time in Infuse has been so incredibly helpful. I'm a more organized leader, more strategic thinker, and better mother & wife because of Jim's teachings. My goal in signing up for Infuse was to take my leadership to the next level. I can definitely say that Infuse has helped me to do that!
Susan Hughes


Infuse is incredibly practical and will help you take your ministry and your leadership to the next level. I have learned so much over these months and am thankful for the blessing Bro. Jim has been in my life. He is a wonderful encourager who will push you to go further and live into the call God has on your life. 
Kristen Englund


"Infuse mentorship came at a time when I was really struggling with whether
or not I was to remain in the ministry. I was feeling inadequate to move
with my church to the next level, but I didn't know where to turn. In fact,
the year before I had asked a trusted leader of a larger children's ministry
for his suggestion on what I could do to "grow with my church" and he had
suggested joining The Club. That was a great step in the right direction,
but Infuse was so much more! The assignments helped me do things I knew
would help, but I needed the accountability with the other Infusers to
actually follow through on getting the reading, writing, and implementing
done! Not only have I grown because of Bro. Jim's input, but because of the
comments and ideas I've gained from other group members. "Sitting at the
feet" of our gracious "fearless leader" is an experience I'll always cherish.
Kathy King


Infuse has been he perfect "next step" to grow me me as a leader. I have been challenged these past 6 months to take a look at how I prioritize my time and challenge myself as to what I can hand off to others
Bro. Jim's Structure for Growth plan has provided me with the tools I needed to take our ministry structure to the next level. It truly has been a rewarding experience!!
Paula Spear


Another thing that makes infuse different is the experience starts with the Path Element 
Profile ™ by Laurie Beth Jones for both the infuse member and their spouse as well as your supervisor. We start your coaching journey seeing the lens you view the world as well as helping you communicate better. That's another one of the many differences that make infuse successful.


For more information about infuse or to download an application log onto http://www.jimwideman.com/infuse.html

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. 

Everyone Does Better With A Coach-part 3

Here are 3 wonderful leaders I got to spend 2 great years with but the cool thing I realize I will be in the lives of those I coach for ever. I've gotten to walk through life with these guys on subjects and opportunities beyond infuse. Life is all about relationships. Infuse is an opportunity to surround yourself with relationships for life. Tried of learning alone join me for infuse.

There are 5 more spaces for infuse 5 that will start in September for more information or to download an application go to http://www.jimwideman.com/infuse.html

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. 

Infuse has impacted every single area of my ministry. I am a stronger leader and a more effective minister because of the time that I have spent with Brother Jim and kidmin leaders from across the US. The conference calls, retreats, and daily on-line interaction make this an unforgettable experience. I will always be grateful for how Bro Jim has impacted my life.  

Jen Galley, MN

My time in Infuse with Bro. Jim has been some of the most strategic and rewarding personal and ministry development I've had. From the phone calls to the retreats, I always walked away refreshed, challenged and ready to take ministry to a new level.

Kenny ConleyAustin, TX

"Infuse was and still is the best investment I have made in growing as a leader. Jim's mentoring and the relationships created with the other people in Infuse is priceless.
Infuse helped me to start being a leader worth following. Jim's mentoring really helped me grow as a leader at the church and with our local network. Our local children's network is now stronger than ever, and we are all helping each other to grow."
Keith Warfield
Grace Church

Everyone Does Better With A Coach-part 2

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. Sykes
Minister 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. 

Everyone Does Better With A Coach

In early 2007 I got 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 over the past 30 years and pass it on to the next generation of children's ministry leaders. I began to look for ways to do this in addition to my monthly audio leadership resource “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. For years I’ve been looking for a way to offer a mentoring service that’s intensive yet affordable for any size church. My good friend Matt Payne told me about a coaching program his youth pastor had gone through that costed what a four-day conference would cost.  So I tried it and immediately I knew I had found what I was looking for!


Since that first group I have seen 80 people go through my infuse coaching program. Mr. Webster defines infuse as: to instill a quality or skill in someone or something; to soak or pour into. This is what I’ve been looking for, 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. I have already excepted 15 for my 2011-2012 group that will start in September and go through the first weekend in March.  I’m excited at this place in my life and ministry to be able to make this service available. 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. Over the next few days I'm going to post some things that those who have gone through the infuse program have said about it. The find out more about infuse or to download an application go to http://www.jimwideman.com/infuse.html

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.