Buddy started Knights' Quest during his final year at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001. In April of that year he encountered many parents over a two-week period who were struggling with their children's use of the Internet. Seeing the need, and feeling God's direction, Buddy began development of the first version of the SEX, KIDS, & THE INTERNET™ Seminar. The first presentation was in June of that year at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
2. How does Buddy research this material without having problems, himself?
Buddy and his team have developed several techniques to avoid becoming trapped by the lure of online pornography. One is for his wife to have the codes to filtering and other control technologies. (She also has the codes for the parental controls on the cable box, too!) Fortunately, most of the research, today, is not on pornography, itself, but is in keeping up with the new avenues predators and pornographers use to prey on our families (iPods, PSPs, MySpace.com, etc.).
3. What software does Buddy use, himself?
Buddy currently uses Net Nanny™ 5.6, CyberSitter™, and Spector Pro 6.0™ on both ministry and family computers.
4. Why do you recommend both a filter and a monitor?
There are serveral reasons, the foremost is that the problem is not limited to web sites (which can be filtered), but also to file-sharing software, e-mail, PSPs, iPods, etc. Monitoring software covers all of these threat areas, and more, as well as allowing parents to detect web sites that the filter does not catch. (NONE are 100%!)
If you want to know where your children are, who they are playing with, what time they will be home, etc, when they are in your neighborhood, wouldn't you want to know that kind of information when they are in Cyberspace?
5. Why don't you talk about "cookies"?
There are several reasons we do not talk about "cookies". These include the technical nature of cookies (which many might not understand) and the fact that we believe that cookie analysis is not the best way to monitor computer activity as it is limited to web browsing and is easily cleaned up.
6. What does Buddy do when his kids violate Internet rules?
That is not as common of a problem these days, but it does occur very infrequently as our children are imperfect sinners, just like we all are. Our children understand that they will lose all electronic entertainment privileges for some time if they are caught in violation of the rules. When a violation occurs, the first thing we do is change their password(s) on any machines in the house that they have access to for the duration of their punishment. They are also required to surrender any portable electronic devices other than their cell phones (which they have purchased with their own money and for which they purchase the minutes!!!).
Beyond that, it all depends on the nature of the infraction, and which child it is (different children respond to different forms of discipline). Since "I was bored" is sometimes the excuse that the children use, I have found that loading them up with activities (read: CHORES) to fill their day is a great motivator (especially ironing!).
These days most of the violations we see involve using the computer when they are not supposed to (after they should be in bed, when chores aren't done, etc.). Based upon grades and behavior, our children have limits on how much total electronic entertainment they may have each day. Contact us if you would like a copy of our plan.
7. I think that my spouse is being unfaithful via the Internet, what should I do?
First and foremost, get wise, BIBLICAL counsel via your pastor or a Biblical counselor. They can help understand your particular situation and guide you in the proper course of action. This may include confronting the spouse. Second, continually pray and seek God's direction. If your counselor suggests that you need to collect "evidence" of the affair, then installation of monitoring software may be in order.
WARNING: Any computer on which you install monitoring software MUST be in the same home that you reside in. If you and your spouse are separated, you may very well be violating the Law if you put software on a computer in their home. Consult legal counsel in these cases before purchasing the software as the laws vary from state to state. Knights' Quest always recommends remaining in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
8. Why does FLAME-PROOFING YOUR KIDS™recommend starting sex education at the ages of 4-6 years of age?? That seems far too young!!!
Unfortunately in our society, our young children are being exposed to sexual material all the time, even in pre-school. At those ages we do not recommend a complete education, but questions surrounding sexuality will need to be addressed, BIBLICALLY:
"Why is that lady so fat?"
"How are babies made?"
"What were they DOING on that TV show?"
It is important that we react in a calm, Biblical manner, laying the foundation for them to understand from an early age that some things are only for God's "Safe Zone" of marriage. By beginning the development of this attitude at a young age we will, hopefully, pre-empt a lot of what they will encounter in Society. We will also reinforce the concept that marriage is supposed to be the only safe place for sexual expression. This will help us have credibility as they move into the pre-teen years.
9. How can my organization host a Knights' Quest seminar or workshop?
Contact Knights' Quest using our contact form on the web site or by calling 817-715-4074. We will be glad to discuss your "vision" for the event and make recommendations based upon our experiences with a multitude of churches. Once we have a good idea of what you wish to accomplish (address a local crisis, hold a relevant "outreach" event, etc.) we will provide an initial cost estimate and work with you to schedule the best date.
10. How much does it cost to host a Knights' Quest event?
That depends on several factors: Host size, Event(s) Desired, Travel Costs, and Attendance. A speaking fee is charged based upon which events are desired using a sliding scale which factors in the size of the host organization. We committed early on to be available for churches of all sizes.
For SEX, KIDS, & THE INTERNET™and FLAME-PROOFING YOUR KIDS™events there is also a per family fee of $20 for each Seminar that includes a single copy of the materials for the event(s). There is no attendance fee for YOU, SEX, & THE INTERNET™events.
Lastly, customary travel expenses are covered by the host.
There are also package discounts available.
11. What are typical mistakes that Hosts can make that limit the success of an event.
Not having child care for an event that targets parents.
Inadequate advertising.
Not having the Senior Pastor's public commitment and encouragement to attend.
Not checking the church, community, & school calendars for conflicts.
Having it too early in the evening on a weeknight (before folks can get home, fed, and back out on the road).
At youth events, not having food/snacks!
At large/medium churches, not telling the audio/video tech that he should attend, too.
Not "pre-flighting" all equipment to be used (mics, projectors, etc.).
12. What helps to ensure a successful event?
PRAYER! The entire preparation and event periods must be covered with prayer.
Comprehensive advertising: Flyers, Pastoral announcements, Sunday School announcements, local media coverage.
Holding related youth events.
Extending invitations to other local churches, organizations, associations, dioceses, etc..
Ensuring 4-8 weeks lead time to prepare.
Referencing local problems/news articles, if available.
PRAYER!
11. How is Knights' Quest supported?
The ministry is supported by speaking fees and event admissions. We also are blessed by the financial support provided by many who share our vision for battling these issues. Since we transitioned in late 2006 into a full-time ministry, your financial support will be critical! Please consider how you might help.
12. What is Knights' Quest' legal status?
Knight's Quest Ministries, Incorporated, is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation with Federal 501(c)3 status. It is supervised by a Board of Directors who, except for Buddy, are all non-employees of the Ministry. As we grow we will continue to expand our board.
13. Why does Knights' Quest not have certification by the ECFA?
The Evangelical Coucil for Financial Accountability has certain size and revenue minimums that organizations need to meet before it will consider certification. While Knights' Quest has enjoyed a great amount of growth in the past several years it has not yet attained the size/revenues that the ECFA requires. In the meantime, we are structuring this Ministry administratively and financially to faciliate ECFA approval at a later date.
14. How many employees does Knights' Quest have?
Buddy is currently the only full-time employee of the Ministry. We rely on a number of volunteers and occasionally hire people to meet specific needs. As we grow, we hope that we will have to expand our staff to handle all of the activities we may be involved in!
15. How big is Knights' Quest's budget?
The 2007 Operating Budget is approximately $55K. The 2008 budget is expected to be closer to $60K due to increased marketing efforts, including major conferences and conventions. These budgets include certain capital purchases, administrative, advertising, and personnel costs. This is a base operating budget and does not factor in the costs of events and publications. Contact us for a detailed breakdown.
16. How can I support this Ministry?
Pray for us and our families! Satan does not want this Ministry to succeed and we are always under attack!!! Also pray for the Lord's provision of ministry opportunities!
Tell everyone you know about this Ministry and what we can do for their local church or groups. A word from you makes a larger impact than a cold call from us! Also, work to have us conduct an event for your church or organization! We would love to come minister beside you! While we can "cold call" a church, your introduction and recommendation can mean the difference between voice mail and success!
If you are already providing your tithe to your local church, we invite you to support this Ministry financially. It only takes 200 supporters providing $25/month to meet and exceed our budget! That is far less than many spend each month at Starbucks!
17. When will the 3rd Edition of SEX, KIDS, & THE INTERNET™be out?
IT IS OUT!!! The 3rd Edition was published in October 2007. It is almost exactly twice the size as the 2nd Edition. It is available via the Knights' Quest Online Store!
18. What is new in the 3rd Edtion?
Here is a partial list of what is new in the 3rd Edition:
Expanded search techniques with separate chapters for Windows XP, VISTA, and MAC OS X.
Expanded chat/IM coverage.
Coverage of Portable Porn (on iPods, PSPs, MP3 players, etc.)
Expanded discussion of the threat from social networking web sites such as MySpace, FaceBook, Xanga, and Yahoo! 360o
Additional material on how to deal with children who are discovered to be involved with pornography or predators.
Updated TOOLS section.
Our first section for Macintosh users!
19. Why is no one under 18 allowed to attend the SEX, KIDS, & THE INTERNET Seminars™?
Essentially, because we do not want to tell youth and children where and how to get in trouble!! We also do not want them to know all that their parents are being taught as that may hurt the parents' chances of discovering a problem.
20. Why should I think that MY child would be interested in pornography?
Because your child is a normal child. Let's face it, if the Internet had existed when we were pre-teens, we would have GOOGLE-ed the word "porn" and other terms, too!!! Our children are just like we were!
Oh, and on average, girls and women account for 38% of the hours spent surfing the Internet for pornography!
21. How do we know that you are not a "wolf in sheep's clothing", yourself?
As part of our entry into a ministry partnership with a Texas-based ministry in 2006, Buddy was subjected to a comprehensive nation-wide background investigation that went back nearly 30 years to age 18 (1979). A copy of a letter from that organization stating the favorable results of that investigation is available upon request.
22. We aren't a church or religious organization, or we are not of the Christian faith.?
With the exception of FLAME-PROOFING YOUR KIDS™ there are "ACLU-friendly" versions of our programs. These are suitable for:
Public Schools
Civic Organizations
Corporations.
The SEX, KIDS, & THE INTERNET™ Seminar deals with technology and parenting and, as such, can be presented at synagogues, mosques, and other non-Christian houses of worship without concern over theological differences. Almost every religion agrees that children should be protected from pornography and predators.
