We Are NOT In This Alone! Check Out CM Connect!

When you are busy serving in children's ministry - whether you are paid staff or a volunteer - it can often seem like you are "alone"; particularly if you are serving in a more traditional church where they like to do things the way they have "always" done things. While youth pastors and senior pastors may talk with their peers that has not always been the case for those in children's ministry. But, that is no longer the case! CM Connect is here to do exactly what their name says . . . connect - and encourage - those in children's ministry!


When you arrive at the CM Connect site, you'll see a video link on the top left side of the page - click it and watch as Michael Chanley explains how to get the most out of CM Connect. With that helpful information, you are ready to make your own profile page . . . you'll see a "welcome" in the box on the right side of the page, just click on "Sign Up", follow the "prompts" and you are ready to begin! Once you've signed in you can personalize your profile by adding your photo, info about where you serve in children's ministry, additional photos, music, invite your friends to join you and you can even personalize it from a large variety of styles! Have fun with it and make it your own "space"! On the left side as you scroll down, you'll see a column for "My Discussions". If you click here you can enter any questions you might have about children's ministry. They will post in the "Forum" section on the main page so other CM people can share their thoughts and experiences with you! There is also room for you to post your own blog entries so you can share your thoughts and experiences with others . . . this is all about "connecting" and "encouraging" others in CM!


Okay, so you've watched the video, signed up and designed your own personal profile page, now take a moment to check the main page and start discovering how you can "connect" with children's ministry people around the world! Take a moment to add yourself to the Member Map . . . don't forget to see who else from your area is on CM Connect and then "friend" them . . .  after all, CM Connect is all about "connecting" with others in children's ministry!


As you scroll down the main page you'll see "Blog Posts" on the left side - take some time to read them . . . you'll find this to be an excellent source of information, ideas and resources. In the center of the page you'll find the "Forum" and "Chat" boxes. There are many things in this world that claim they will help you "connect" with others, but CM Connect really does it! You can actually talk with others in Children's Ministry through the "chat" and share your joys, challenges, experiences, questions, frustrations and prayer requests and others who share your passion for children's ministry really will and do connect back with you! This is where the "encouraging" part really comes through!


There is so much more you can do with CM Connect . . . just take a look around the main page and spend some time exploring. You'll find - as I did - joining CM Connect is one of the best things you ever did when it comes to children's ministry because the more connected you are to others who are also serving in children's ministry, the more effective you will be! We aren't alone! We can "connect" with others and when we do, we will be encouraged!