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
How Small Group Leaders Can Help Students After They Encounter Injustice
The follow-up in a student’s life is an essential action we can take when we find out a student has become victimized by or made aware of an act of… Read More
Sit, Don’t Fix, When Responding to Student Anxiety
I don’t know about you, but I think most of us were hoping when the calendar turned to 2021, all of our problems would magically go away—including, you know, that pesky global pandemic. Months into the new year though, many of us… Read More
Mobilizing Your Middle School Small Groups to Serve
As a first-year teacher, one of the best things I said yes to was leading an extra-curricular group called “SHOUT.” This group consisted of student leaders who wanted to help others and better themselves in the process. Literally, that’s what SHOUT meant:… Read More
The New Youth Ministry Metrics for 2021
There’s nothing like living through a pandemic to get you thinking about what really matters. The past 12 months, for many people, has been filled with doing most things either socially-distanced or online. School Church Family holidays Hanging out with friends Birthday… Read More
5 Digital Christmas Celebration Ideas
The Christmas season started early for me this year. I’m writing this well before Thanksgiving, and you’ll already catch me listening to the glory that is Christmas music. I’ve even dropped my top 7 Christmas songs at the end of this post… Read More
5 Ways to Help Small Group Leaders Have Better Conversations About Racial Injustice
2020. Worldwide pandemic. Stay-at-home orders. School online. Zoom fatigue. Sports canceled. Events canceled. Movies postponed. Cabin fever. More black men and women shot. Social media explosion. Black Lives Matter marches. Riots. Presidential election. That list is not exhaustive, and you probably have… Read More
2 Questions Every Small Group Leader Should Ask 6th Graders this Fall
It’s August, which means Back to School season is upon us! Although going “back to school” does look different this year for some, that doesn’t change the fact that school is starting and a brand-new grade, a brand-new school, and a brand-new… Read More
4 Things That Are Better About Digital Ministry
Last week, like so many small group leaders and ministry leaders around the country, I found myself pivoting toward a new reality hard and fast. After four years of leading my small group of high school girls, I never dreamed our last… Read More