Blog

When Only One Student Shows Up to Small Group 

We have all been there. We show up to small group, and we're the only person who showed up to small group. Confession: I have led middle school small groups… Read More

Three Ingredients to Help Students Recover Following a Pandemic

Today’s kids were already facing mental health problems. Now they feel delayed by the pandemic, and it’s added to their anxiety levels. According to Barna research, 82 percent of Generation… Read More

3 Things to Remember When Talking About Freedom to Middle and High Schoolers

If you have spent any time with middle or high school students you know one thing is true. Freedom matters to them. Often, they want more freedom or become overwhelmed… Read More

How to Grow Your Faith Outside of Programming

As much as I wish students would clear their calendars and see weekly youth ministry programming as a not-to-be-missed part of their week, it just isn’t. And that’s okay, because… Read More

Can’t-Miss Breakouts for Small Churches at OC

We are finally going to gather in a space with other like-minded leaders. I know that the last couple of years has been challenging. Honestly, even saying that doesn’t seem… Read More

Building an All-Star Youth Ministry Teaching Team

Building a teaching team will make you a better student ministry leader. Now, I know. You might be thinking something like: “I don’t have time to build a teaching team!… Read More

Exploring Four All-New XP3 Series for Spring 2022

This spring, we’re diving into prayer, sex & relationships, racial justice, and easter. We couldn’t be more excited about it. Read More

A Safe Place for Every Race

Deep inside every person is a desire to be welcomed and wanted. Many communities across the United States are rapidly diversifying and youth pastors need tools to create spaces where… Read More

10 Creative Youth Christmas Party Ideas

As the fall season comes to a close, we can’t help but anxiously anticipate the most wonderful time of the year! That’s right, Christmas is right around the corner and… Read More

Why Middle & High Schoolers Need their Own Curriculum

Middle schoolers & high schoolers are very different, which is why they have separate curriculum. Check out some of the biggest differences in these curriculum! Read More

7 Trends in Youth Ministry Seen By Orange Specialists

As Orange Specialists, we see trends in youth ministry from the leaders we work with. It's no secret that youth ministry has evolved over the past 18 months. Read to… Read More

How to Use XP3 Curriculum in a Combined Environment

In student ministry, one of the most important filters that everything can be run through is, “What is most helpful for the faith development of the students I’m working with?”… Read More