Orange Leaders
At Orange Leaders, we influence those who influence the next generation. We do that by creating resources and products that help leaders like you do ministry better.
What Others are Saying About Orange Conference
Friday December 21, 2018 | Orange LeadersIt can be difficult to know if you’re making a good decision in attending a conference for the first time, so we’ve gathered a few comments from some of our friends about the impact of Orange Conference. Each one has a unique story and experience with The Orange Conference. If you’re on the fence about […] Read more
5 Things Small Group Leaders Need
Friday September 21, 2018 | Orange LeadersWe were in a quiet monastery in Ohio. I held a book in my hands that became one I’d revisit every year, required reading turned manifesto. It was a small spiritual formation class during my senior year of college. We were few, but the lessons we learned were many. The book we read was called, […] Read more
How to Be a Church Where Pro-Family Equals Pro-Parent
Tuesday September 18, 2018 | Orange LeadersEvery parent—whether that person is the mother, father, stepfather, stepmother, grandparent-raising-grandkids, aunt-or-uncle-raising-niece-or-nephew, adopted or foster—wants to be the best parent. At least, that is what we choose to believe! Being pro-family requires that we are pro-parent, and that requires that we believe the best about every parent and what they want for their kid. After […] Read more
Equipping Small Group Leaders to Minister to Their Few
Wednesday September 12, 2018 | Orange LeadersGoogle search the word pastor (I know what you’re thinking: Why would anyone do that?), and the first thing you will find is this definition: “a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.” Merriam-Webster’s definition while similar, adds an important component: “a spiritual overseer; especially: a clergyman serving a local church or parish.” […] Read more
Leading Small May be the Most Important Thing You do for the Kids in Your Church
Tuesday June 19, 2018 | Orange LeadersLast night while at a youth ministry camp I was reminded of a universal truth. Kids cheat. Especially when trying to dominate everyone else during a round of dodge ball. I tagged one high school guy out at least three times before he kind of, sort of acknowledged that he had been hit. I couldn’t […] Read more
Worship Leaders: One Thing To Stop Doing
Thursday April 5, 2018 | Orange LeadersI’ve noticed something about supervillains recently. They’ve got massive resources. Their genius is boundless. They always have a carefully crafted plan and focused vision. But still, they’re always brought down in the end by the same thing: the monologue. You know what I mean, right? They’ve finally got the hero right where they want them, […] Read more
Three Keys for Finding Great Volunteers
Thursday March 22, 2018 | Orange LeadersWe’re all in need of volunteers. If we’re going to build a great student ministry—the one that we believe God wants us to build—we’re not going to be able to do it alone. We’re going to have to find great people to help. In fact, I would argue that your student ministry will rise and […] Read more
Alignment Isn’t Optional
Thursday January 18, 2018 | Orange LeadersWe’ve all had experiences where our team wasn’t aligned. It’s hard to make progress. It can lead to frustration and at times it can make us question our calling. A lack of alignment is exhausting. I’m not suggesting being aligned as an organization is easy, in fact, I would say alignment requires a lot of […] Read more
Women in Ministry: A Spectrum of Positions
Tuesday December 5, 2017 | Orange LeadersIn Episode 14 of Rethinking Youth Ministry, we talked about the unique challenges that women face in ministry and leadership. Our goal wasn’t to argue the theology surrounding women in leadership or define what roles women could/should serve in, but to acknowledge the real tension that female leaders face—whether they’re employed by the church or […] Read more
Strategy for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Thursday August 31, 2017 | Orange LeadersI remember my first day on staff as Preschool Coordinator at the church my family and I had been attending for a year. “Good morning how are you? Are you serving anywhere?” I asked this very assertive looking woman checking in her kids. She looked at me like I had lost my mind. She then […] Read more
