The Ministry Leader’s Ultimate Gift Guide
Tuesday November 28, 2023 | Charlie ConderWelcome to the Ministry Leaders’ Ultimate Gift Guide. We want to help you celebrate your volunteer leaders and parents because we know that the quality and culture of a ministry are highly dependent on the success of those two influences. Plus, what you celebrate gets repeated! So let’s spread some Christmas cheer to those folks […] Read more
3 Ways To Celebrate Christmas in Your Youth Ministry
Tuesday November 21, 2023 | Jamal JonesAre you the kind of person who starts decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween or do you wait until after you’ve awoken from your Thanksgiving Day food coma to start putting the lights up? Whatever answer you give, we might suggest that planning for how you’ll celebrate Christmas in your student ministry might start […] Read more
Three Reasons Why We Choose Jingle Jam to Re-Engage Families Every Christmas
Thursday November 16, 2023 | Stephanie ReaganJingle Jam is a highly recommended Christmas event for churches, offering several compelling reasons to choose it. This all-inclusive program engages the entire family, from children to parents and teenagers, fostering a sense of community and connection. The simple planning, customizable resources, and easy promotion, especially with the media package, make it a stress-free and effective way to celebrate Christmas while sharing the story of the season's true meaning. Adding refreshments like hot chocolate and cookies can enhance the experience, making Jingle Jam a successful and family-friendly event for both church members and the wider community. Read more
Are You Here For It?
Tuesday November 7, 2023 | Orange LeadersWhat does it look like to help a new generation of volunteers and parents get ready to walk into every room and every situation with a “here for it” mindset? Read more
Embracing Gratitude In A Difficult Year
Tuesday November 7, 2023 | Tim WalkerThe holiday season can be challenging, especially when life has thrown difficult circumstances your way. It may feel like a complicated task to declare gratitude and joy in the face of adversity as a Christian. However, this message encourages finding gratitude in the strength and resilience gained from past hardships and the presence of a loving God who can heal and guide, even in difficult times, offering a new perspective on joy and thankfulness. Read more
Creating Experiences for Kids When Resources Are Limited
Thursday October 26, 2023 | Colette TaylorThis blog emphasizes the challenges faced by small church ministry leaders or those with limited budgets when it comes to creating engaging experiences for children. It acknowledges the anxiety and frustration that can arise when thinking about costly elements like lights, screens, and decorations. However, it offers a positive perspective, sharing an example of how creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to try something new can transform even a modest space into an engaging environment for kids. The overarching message is that the goal should be to maximize creativity with the available resources to create meaningful experiences that help children grow in their faith. Read more
Give A Shout-Out to Your Volunteers This Season
Tuesday October 24, 2023 | Brittany ComptonIn November, the focus is on cultivating gratitude among children, emphasizing the importance of expressing thanks and how it can change one's perspective on life. Church leaders recognize the crucial role of volunteers who make engaging kids' environments possible and encourage parents and children to show appreciation through a "shout-out wall" initiative. This initiative aims to uplift volunteers by highlighting their impact and helping kids understand the value of expressing gratitude, fostering a culture of appreciation and love. Read more
The Importance of Blending Theology and Psychology
Tuesday October 17, 2023 | Dan ScottAdults often make two incorrect assumptions when communicating with kids and teenagers: that they think like adults do now and that they think like adults did when they were their age. In reality, young people process information differently and are growing up in a vastly different world. Developmental psychology has uncovered insights about how children and teenagers learn and process information, leading to changes in school curriculum and teaching methods. In the context of faith formation, it's important to blend psychology and theology to create developmentally appropriate messaging strategies that help kids and teenagers understand and experience their faith authentically. Read more
5 Christmas Activities For Families This Year
Thursday October 12, 2023 | Leah JenningsJust like that, we’re at the end of another year, and Christmas is around the corner. That means parents in your church are thinking about the holiday season and how to intentionally connect with their families during this festive—albeit chaotic—time of the year. Read more
Hispanic Heritage Month: A Call to Embrace and Understand for the Sake of Tomorrow
Wednesday October 4, 2023 | Shane SanchezHere is an insightful perspective on the evolving sense of Mexican heritage and identity in the context of a changing demographic landscape in the United States. The author's journey of self-discovery, cultural awareness, and embracing their heritage in Georgia provides valuable insights for readers interested in topics related to race, ethnicity, and cultural identity. Additionally, the blog encourages a broader understanding of Hispanic heritage and the importance of celebrating diversity, making it relevant and thought-provoking for a wide audience. Read more
