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
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 to cover what everyone has been through. Coming to OC22 will give… Read More
Exploring Four All-New XP3 Series for Spring 2022
It’s time for another season release, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!!! 🎉 If you didn’t know, we release curriculum quarterly to stay on the cutting edge of youth culture and trends. Today, the new Spring 2022 season is available… 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
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 with it comes the excitement of planning fun youth Christmas party events.… 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