Phil Summers
Phil was an elementary school teacher for nearly 10 years and a volunteer Small Group Leader for kids at his home church. He eventually moved into the Elementary Kids Ministry Director role where he became more familiar and passionate about the Orange strategy. Phil's teacher training included working with students with disabilities; he helped launch a Special Needs ministry at his church. Now as an Orange Kids Specialist, Phil loves having conversations with church partners about how to implement the Orange strategy in their specific ministry context. Phil is also the Special Needs Editor for Orange Kids.
3 Ideas for Prioritizing the Roster over the Roll Call
Monday September 25, 2023 | Phil SummersDo you know the importance of rethinking ministry leadership in the context of changing attendance patterns in churches, emphasizing the need to focus on the "why" of ministry? It advocates for a shift in mindset from valuing attendance numbers to valuing the individual connections with families, kids, and teenagers. The strategies include training volunteers to connect with those not attending regularly, structuring programming to accommodate sporadic attendance, and considering the needs and preferences of families to better engage with the community. Read more
Leaving and Starting Well in Kids Ministry
Wednesday May 17, 2023 | Phil SummersAs an Enneagram Type 1, it was important for me to resign from my 12-year kids ministry staff role the “right” way. But even thinking about quitting felt “wrong.” I’d vacillate between the pull I felt like God was drawing me towards then I’d picture the faces of some of the most amazing volunteers you’ve […] Read more
Autism Acceptance Month and the Church
Wednesday April 12, 2023 | Phil SummersFor decades, April has been known as Autism Awareness Month. Or as it is more commonly referred to now: Autism Acceptance Month. Read more
Developing a Healthy Model for Special Needs Ministry
Friday September 23, 2022 | Phil SummersWhich model is right for my special needs ministry? There are 3 healthy ways to include kids with special needs in your ministry. Learn more here! Read more
