Create Opportunities to Experience Personal Ministry
Monday September 13, 2021 | Reggie JoinerRead more
The Third-and-a-Half Hurt
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersWhen we Create a Safe Place, we keep confidential what our few say in small group. The exception is the 3 hurts: when a student is hurting someone, when someone is hurting a student, or when a student is thinking of self-harm. But we all know that the situations and contexts our students struggle through […] 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
Deleting Digital Drama
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersDrama is a part of every person’s life . . . especially teenagers. In the past, drama was easy to spot—it happened face to face and everyone knew who said what. But with the rise of the Internet and social media, drama has found its place in the digital world. Digital drama, more commonly known […] Read more
Oh Habakkuk
Friday May 1, 2020 | Steph WhitacreOne of the most difficult parts of being a small group leader is knowing what to say in critical moments. I have friends who always know the right thing to say. They sit down to counsel students in crisis, listen intently and respond calmly with things like, “You know, that reminds me of this life-changing […] Read more
What To Do If You Have A Bad Co-Leader
Friday May 1, 2020 | CJ PalmerMost of the time, having a co-leader is awesome. It’s awesome to have someone else walking through the SGL experience with you. It’s awesome to have someone you can silently laugh with when a kid says something ridiculous during group. And it’s awesome to have someone you can rely on when you can’t make it […] 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
The Waiting Game
Friday May 1, 2020 | Adriana HowardIf you’ve ever worked a week of camp before, then you’re probably familiar with the kind of weariness that can sink into your bones. It’s a task to be as available as you can be for an entire week to teenagers who want you to like them, pray for them, tough love them, and also […] Read more
Spiral Bound Safe Spaces
Friday May 1, 2020 | Adriana HowardIf you’re like me, an hour in group doesn’t always feel like enough time to really dig in deep and delve into the good stuff. This one needs to go to the bathroom. That one can’t stop fidgeting. This one refuses to open up because profound conversations are for losers. And that one refuses to […] Read more
You Might be a Middle School SGL if…
Friday May 1, 2020 | CJ PalmerMiddle school is a unique time in the life of a student. It’s also a unique time in the life of their small group leader. You Might be a Middle School SGL if… Getting to question three on your Small Group Leader Guide is a huge win on any given Sunday. You’ve ever had to […] Read more