Though Orange Conference happens a few months into the year, it might as well be the New Year for us. We’ve been working hard on some fantastic new resources (if we do say so ourselves) to help you do what you do even better. And we can’t wait to show them to you!
Here’s a sneak peek:
BOOKS
It’s Just a Phase, So Don’t Miss It by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy
Every church knows that kids matter. A better question is: Does your church act like every kid matters at every phase?
A phase is a timeframe in a kid’s life when you can leverage distinctive opportunities to influence their future. That means the whining infant, the dramatic fifth grader, and the stressed-out tenth grader are not just going through a phase that should be wished away. Instead, they are transitioning through a critical phase that you are called to discover, celebrate and navigate strategically with them.
It’s Just A Phase is a challenge for churches to treat every kid who breathes like they are made in the image of God. When you keep acting like every kid and teenager has the potential to believe, love, care, trust, improve and lead, it can change everything for your church and your ministry. But more importantly, it can change how every kid sees God, and that could change every kid’s future.
Not Normal: Seven Quirks of Incredible Volunteers by Sue Miller and Adam Duckworth
This book is for every volunteer as well as the leader whose job it is to find and keep great volunteers. It explores seven characteristics—quirks—to help volunteers become the best they can be, and in the process, help change the culture of volunteering in your church.
Stand Up and Get in the Story (Children’s Devotional) by the 252 Basics Team
Hey, kids! It’s time to STAND UP for what’s right . . . even when others don’t. It’s called CONVICTION. And it’s all about taking your place in God’s story—
A story with a Hero who saves the day.
A story where you’ve got a super important part to play.
At the beginning of each week, you’ll read about one of the many people who got into God’s story by standing up for what’s right. Then, each day of the week, this book will take you through a new devotional thought or activity that helps you discover ways you can stand up and get in the story!
Live Free (High School Student Devotional) by Ben Crawshaw and Jared Jones
No matter how you define freedom, it’s probably something you want. Because freedom allows you to truly live as you truly are.
Now think about this: What would freedom look like in your relationship with God? That’s tougher to answer, isn’t it? For most of us, God and freedom don’t go together naturally. Our thoughts typically drift to words like obedience, discipline, and good behavior. And while those are great things, what if God actually wants something more for us? Something better? That’s what Live Free is all about—discovering something better.
This five-week, interactive journal will give you a glimpse into Paul’s journey from religion to relationship. You’ll discover how an encounter with Jesus forever changed Paul’s view of God, other people, and the world.
Because of Jesus, Paul learned to live free. And so can you.
Christmas Story Book by Autumn Ward and Joe Goode
The Christmas Story is truly the best news any child will ever hear! Told through a fantastic rhyme that will engage toddlers and preschoolers alike, the Christmas Story Book will be one your child asks to hear again and again.
This full-color rhyming board book is an awesome addition to any preschooler’s bookshelf. Printed on thick paperboard, this beautiful storybook is durable enough for even our youngest First Look friends. And it is a must have to ignite the wonder of Christmas in your preschoolers and children.
VIDEO RESOURCES
Start Here: Beginning a conversation about following Jesus
Parents are usually present for the significant moments of their child’s life.
When they take their first step.
Head off for their first day of school.
Play their first game on a team.
But what about when kids have their first questions about faith? How can the church help parents begin a conversation about what it means to follow Jesus? Parents need a place to start.
“Start Here” is a resource for churches that includes a simple gospel presentation and conversation guide, so parents have everything they need to lead their child in the most significant moment of their child’s life.
Family Birthday Celebration
Every life has big moments to celebrate: Baby dedication, first day of school, getting a driver’s license, graduation. These are life-stage milestones—the events that mark and celebrate a significant moment or change in a person’s story.
We suggest you add another milestone to the list . . . the day a child or teenager makes the decision to trust Jesus as their Savior.
The Salvation milestone is a day when you should throw a gigantic party for families to celebrate their child’s spiritual birth. We call it Family Birthday Celebration.
This kit gives you everything you need for before, during, and after the big celebration. This includes planning materials, how to record a baptism video, live components and resources for your church staff, small group leaders, and parents to continue the conversation after the big day. We say, “ Why not keep the party going?!”
It’s Just A Phase Video Shorts
Time is always moving. We can’t slow it down. We can’t stop it. We can’t reverse it. But if we aren’t careful, we can miss it.
When it comes to the lives of the children and teenagers growing up around us, they are changing faster than we realize. The phase they are in now won’t be around forever. And with every phase comes distinctive opportunities we can leverage to influence their future as long as we don’t miss it. Sometimes we need a reminder to pause and lean into their world.
Filmed in high definition, these video shorts tug at the heart to remind adults of the significance of every phase.
MUSIC
Walk This Way CD / Performance DVD / Dance Moves
While selecting songs for this album, we looked at the journey of Paul and how he walked with God. His story is about the redeeming grace of Jesus that transformed his life. Once he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life changed forever. And he wanted nothing more than to share that experience with other people.
Our hope is that these songs will inspire churches and families to encourage kids to do the same as Paul; to share Jesus with their friends and family. Some songs will make you want to sing about the unfailing love of God, while others will just have you dancing and shouting! But every song reminds us that Jesus wants to be part of our lives and that we can “walk this way” by following after Him. (Includes 13 tracks.)
We’ll also have some awesome sales on existing resources as well as other special offers. And, yes, there will be plenty of new T-shirts and other lifestyle items! Be prepared to Think Orange, dress orange, read orange, drink orange, dance orange and much more!
For those of you who can’t be with us, these new resources will be available in our online store as well. Please visit OrangeStore.org for our full line of resources.
The Orange Conference 2015 will take place in Atlanta from April 29–May 1. Time and tickets are running out, so register today! For more information and to register, please visit TheOrangeConference.com.
