GLENWOODS.NET 

Finding practical solutions to real world children's ministry challenges

Response: Those are two questions! Yet, they are valid and deserving of a thoughtful answer. Let me see if I can provide one. I know that there are many terrific websites available on the web right now. They have wonderful resources, both free  and for purchase. Some of them offer loads of content covering many aspects of children's ministry. Others are specialized and focus on specific areas of interest. I am glad they are out there. I use them on occasion myself. This website is unique for several reasons. 

1. I am not charging for any of the web-based content or interaction. In fact there is no membership requirement at all. Nevertheless I aim to give a first-rate user experience to those who use the service. 
2. Your interaction with me will be unique to you because our conversation will flow out of the specific circumstances characterizing your situation. In other words  I will not simply give you rote answers. Each inquiry will be met with a thoughtful set of responses based on the information that you disclose to me.
3. This website is designed to foster community and conversation. Not only will you be able to email me directly with your questions, you also will be able to experience live chat events and interact with each other via the comments section of my blog. In the future we may utilize message boards as well.
4. I will be developing specific open source resources for you to use, test, critique, adapt for the  good of the entire glenwoods.net community. 

Response: I am motivated to remove obstacles to meaningful learning for those children's leaders who desire access to expertise but who also do not have the finances or time to utilize the services of the many very fine consultants available throughout the USA and the world. Therefore I am offering free limited consultation services. To learn more go here.

Response: These six broad ranges of topics are areas of intense interest to me and represent a major part of my expertise and background in children's ministry. I decided to specialize helping others in areas in which I am best equipped. All of these are approached from a perspective of pastoral concern and strategic planning leadership. Other websites offer a variety of additional topics that are outside of my skill-set or simply beyond the scope of where I wish to focus my efforts, and I commend them to you. 

Response: Those are perceptive questions. They require a two-part answer. First, I assume the importance of family  in every aspect of children's ministry, whether it is choosing curriculum, leading volunteers, worship and care, educational ministry, missional outreach, or personal growth. All of these areas require a careful pastoral consideration of their implications for ministry to families. Second, while I have been  in ministry for many years and have extensive background working with families and their children, I recognize my own limitations given that I have never been married and I do not have any children of my own. Much of my perspective has been acquired by partnering with parents in my church in community who have so graciously given me their insights for effective ministry to the kids I pastor and their families.

Response: Initially, I ask questions. I listen. I dialogue. In essence I  engage you in a Socratic-like series of questions and responses to spark conversations that have depth and substance. Out of these conversations come insights and specific direction. This is true whether it occurs via email, the blog comments section, the phone, or in person, I understand that each person and each ministry context is unique. So while there is an introductory set of questions for those who choose to utilize email format of consultation, follow-up questions likely will be used to refine our mutual understanding of your situation. I suggest alternatives to consider while affording you latitude in making final decisions. Throughout the process you retain ownership over decisions and their results. 

For those who seek answers to simple questions or a brief set of suggestions for dealing with  a ministry challenge, I will do my best to offer feedback based on my background and experience. 

For those who would like a more intensive consultation, I may give you specific assignments which directly benefit you in your ministry. Some examples might include: taking your ministry team to another local church to observe and note what might be adapted for use in your church; conducting a self-study, which could include interviews, focus groups, assessment of assets and weaknesses, research on your church and children's ministry's history with a view to gaining insight into  your current situation, goal setting exercises based on your unique situation; ethnography of your specific church neighborhood; and so on.

Response: I secured the childrensministry.ws domain in order to broaden the visibility of glenwoods.net. Simple as that!

Response: Periodically ideas for crafts, games and specific learning activities may appear on glenwoods.net  in the context of an article covering a broader topic, but this site is not designed to focus on those elements of children's ministry. There are many other websites that discuss crafts, games and activities in great detail. I recommend checking them out for that purpose!

Response: Maybe. There is a possibility that I may author books and resources in the future. If that happens, it is likely I will offer them for reasonable rates through this website. Beyond that, I have no intention of selling third-party products on this website. 

Response: Unfortunately, I will not allow it because buying and selling is not the purpose of the website or blog. Advertisements in the blog comments section will be deleted. Advertisements in the chatroom will also not be allowed. 

Response: I do not sell advertising in any form on the website.

Response: Possibly. Send me the url and I will decide from there. I do not plan on linking extensively, but I am willing to link to websites or blogs that show promise of benefiting the users of this website. I am especially interested in sites from outside of the USA. However the sites I choose will collectively address a range of ministry issues, from philosophy and theology of ministry to practical activities. 

"Children's ministry is a privilege for which the entire community of faith is responsible." Glen Alan Woods
Copyright © 2006-2007 by Glen Woods All rights reserved.
Last modified: June 23, 2007