My Embarrassing Secret About Leading Teenagers
Friday May 1, 2020 | Crystal ChiangI lead a small group of sophomore girls. A few weeks ago, I shared a secret with my co-leader that I’ve never shared with anyone. A secret that honestly is a little embarrassing. A secret I wish weren’t true. Got your attention? My secret is that when it comes to youth ministry is that. . […] Read more
Sleeping Under the Table
Friday May 1, 2020 | Steph WhitacreEarly in our marriage, my husband Tim and I decided we wanted our home to be more than just our own space. Chuck Bomar, one of the authors of The Slow Fade, teaches that one of the signs of true community is when people are so comfortable and familiar in another person’s home they know where their […] Read more
Showing Up When They’re Checking Out
Friday May 1, 2020 | Johnathan BaldwinWith summer vacation behind us, it’s important to remember that our students become more and more busy as they get acclimated to the rigors of a new school year. Rising juniors may have things like impending graduation tests on their mind, and rising seniors are increasingly aware that it’s their last year at school. As […] Read more
Shedding Light
Friday May 1, 2020 | Gina McClainI love light. In the evening, as the sun sets, I walk around my house and turn on a few lights and lamps. I’ve never been a fan of dark. Maybe it’s some childhood heebie-jeebies lingering from my past. I remember feeling like the biggest chicken as a kid when I visited my grandparents. When […] Read more
42 Ways to Keep Showing Up
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersWhen I first took on leading a small group I was scared. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t think I had what it took. I was sure they wouldn’t like me. I wasn’t sure I would even like them, to be completely honest. My first night leading my girls I was overwhelmed. […] Read more
The Sunday Morning Dinner Party Experience
Friday May 1, 2020 | CJ PalmerLet’s pretend that tonight you have to go to a dinner party. It’s not the kind of party you’re looking forward to, though. You’re going alone, you know very few people, if any, who will be there, and you fear you will end up making small talk with acquaintances all evening. You’re not even sure how […] Read more
Your Very First Conversation with a Student with Special Needs
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersOf course, I can add another student to my few. Sure, I’d love to come meet her. After two steps, I pull up short. With my heart in my throat and my mind racing, I realize I have no idea what to do next. Waiting at the door is a lovely girl with special needs […] Read more
How To Be Present When They Don’t Show Up
Friday May 1, 2020 | Steph WhitacreI met my few at the end of their sophomore year. One of my first weeks was the same evening our ministry celebrated graduating seniors. That night, the seniors were invited to share what they’d learned during high school. A common thread was the importance of sticking together—even when you get to junior year, life […] Read more
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