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 with the freedom they do have. The truth is that many middle… 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 attendance is one thing. But it isn’t EVERYTHING. (Can someone please tell… 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 youth of all races are welcomed and wanted. This may seem daunting,… Read More
7 Trends in Youth Ministry Seen By Orange Specialists
As Orange Specialists, Charlie, Brett and I have had the privilege of connecting with Youth Leaders all over the world—literally. One of the cool parts about that is noticing the trends in youth ministries based on size, location, region and even race.… Read More
What the Empty Tomb Means: Using This Easter to Influence a Life of Faithfulness
Editor’s Note—Because of the coronavirus, Easter will look a little different in 2020. So we’re helping churches and families adjust to this new reality with a newly reimagined Easter Jam resource. You can download this at-home Easter experience for the whole family… Read More