2020 will be forever branded into our collective memory as the year that changed the course of human history. Seemingly out of nowhere, COVID-19 single-handedly launched our world 50 years into the future and made “virtual“ a leading role in our day-to-day lives. Like it or not, as a church leader, digital became your new default.

We all want volunteers who are not only prepared, but also empowered and excited to engage with the few kids and teenagers God has entrusted to them every week. But let’s face it: Your leaders also have schoolwork, jobs, kids of their own, and/or other volunteer commitments. 

One-on-one connection with kids about their faith is, without a doubt, my favorite part of being a kids’ pastor. It’s within these conversations where I’m given a front-row seat to God’s grace and goodness in their young lives. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are certainly days when getting a child to open up about […]

At the beginning of the year, during one of our Sunday morning huddles, I offered every small group leader a simple challenge. I asked each of them to take a couple minutes after all of their kids had left, and get into the habit of writing a postcard to one kid in their small group. […]

I’ll never forget taking a seat in the corner booth of the café, knots forming in my stomach, not dissimilar to the giant soft pretzels on display. I waited for the familiar ding of my phone to alert me that she had arrived, anxiously pressing my Home button every 30 seconds for what seemed like […]