When I was a girl, I loved learning and reading. I loved going to school. I took pride in my assignments. As a ministry leader, I still have a passion for learning and taking pride in my work. While my time for reading is not as much as I’d like (because of family, ministry and life), I love good reading material and sharpening my skills through conferences and connecting with other leaders. I’d like to think of myself as a leader who keeps learning. Would you say the same about yourself?
A few weeks ago, I read a quote by John Maxwell that stopped me in my tracks: “If you continually invest in your leadership development, the inevitable result is growth over time.”
This could take many forms but might include:
- Podcasts
- Books
- Conferences/seminars/workshops
- Blogs/websites
- Social media groups
- Classes
- Mentoring relationships
On the day that read John Maxwell’s above quote, I was having a bit of an anxious moment. You see, I just started a new yearlong venture and was a little overwhelmed when it started on April 5th. Ladies and gentlemen:
I’M GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!!
That’s right. I am enrolled in Kidmin Academy, an intensive twelve-month online program that will award me a diploma in Children’s Ministry upon completion. I am excited but nervous about what lies ahead.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Kidmin Academy exists to train and equip leaders for life-changing ministry to children and families.
Kidmin Academy uniquely couples theological instruction with practical ministry expertise from a credentialed faculty with a wide-range of backgrounds. Our curriculum and education philosophy is unique in that it is very practical while academically rigorous. Kidmin Academy equips pastors, church planters, worldwide missionaries, teachers, and individuals with a life-fulfilling passion for the Gospel and ministry to children and families.
I’ve only been in the academy for just a few weeks but I’ve already learned so much! But boy – going back to school has been a huge transition for me. This program is real school, friends. No fluffy teaching or assignments here!
This is another faith journey for me. I’m praising God for the opportunity to attend Kidmin Academy free of charge (thanks to the generosity of a very dear friend)! I’m praising God for the opportunity to learn and improve my craft and use my gained knowledge to better the ministry and team I lead. I’m trusting God to help me manage my time well to watch the teaching videos, do the required readings and complete my assignments. I’m trusting that God will enlarge my borders and help me see one of my dreams come true.
Will you pray along with me as I embark on this new journey? I’d sure appreciate it!
Learn more about Kidmin Academy here.
Keep the conversation going! Are you a leader who keeps learning? How do you do that? Leave a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook page.
