Volunteers

By embracing the power of curiosity, we can create an environment where self-growth not only happens naturally, but is welcomed at every opportunity. This is the kind of environment where we as leaders will thrive, and bring out the best in those around us.

It’s no secret that parenting is an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you’re beaming with pride over a job well done and the next you’re asking yourself how your darling angel turned into such a hooligan. For all the ups and downs of being a parent, families with special needs deal with all that and more. That’s why it’s important as ministry leaders that we find creative ways to make special needs families feel at home in our ministries. Today on The Pod, we’re joined by four leaders who have made it their mission to serve in a special needs context. They share the heart behind special needs ministry, tips and tricks for getting the resources you need, and a plan for recruiting and keeping the right volunteers. Whether you’re a leader looking to start or improve the special needs ministry in your church or a volunteer looking for ways to lean in, we know you’re going to get a lot out of this episode.

We’ve all heard the joke, “Ministry would be easy if not for the people.” We all have days that can feel frustrating or out of sync—like when you’re overwhelmed by your workload or those on your team aren’t speaking the same language. In those moments we wonder if it might be easier to just go at it alone. But the reality is we need more than just ourselves to accomplish the mission we’ve been given. In today’s conversations, we hear from Doug Fields and Amber Baker. With a combined 50-plus years of experience leading teams, they share the whys and hows for celebrating and empowering those you’ve been called to lead. Whether you lead a team of staff, volunteers, or students, these techniques will help you grow in your awareness of yourself as a leader, as well as those you’re working with every single day. Welcome to Episode 80 of the Think Orange Podcast.

Many times in ministry, we find ourselves in a place of needing more people to volunteer. We need SGLs, greeters, production team, worship, parking lot team, and the list goes on. It takes a lot of people. Maybe you have been a part of a big volunteer push at your church. Maybe that is even […]

If you want to reach the heart of a kid, then you have to reach the heart of his or her parents. And the number one way to do that? Care about their marriage. Today on The Pod, we talk about how to incorporate a marriage ministry into your church that’s not only effective, but doesn’t require a fleet of staff to pull it off. First we hear from Ted Lowe, who shares some approaches to marriage ministry that fall short, as well as some mindset shifts that must happen in order for leaders to be proactive and strategic in their support of the married couples in their community. Then we join guest hosts Sarah Bragg and Holly Crawshaw as they interview Todd Graham on practical ways to engage your entire family ministry in being cheerleaders and resources for married people everywhere.

By Adam Duckworth I’ve been working with volunteers in ministry my entire career—in local churches and with Orange. Now, I’m excited to announce a brand, stinkin’, new online course on how to lead volunteers better called . . . drumroll . . . Leading Volunteers Better! See, I love volunteers. In fact, I probably love […]

The fall season is upon us and you’ve got big plans. Your calendar is booked with parent connection events, baby dedications, baptism celebrations, and holiday parties. The last quarter of the year is commonly referred to as a strategic growth season, and while you’re excited and ready to implement your growth initiatives, in the back […]

Most church leaders—especially those in family ministries—would say they pour a great deal of time, energy, and resources into fostering a life-long faith in the next generation. The average student pastor invests 4, 5, sometimes 6 or 7 years into students planning weekly programming, going on retreats, investing in small group leaders, and so much more. Then when their time is up, those students graduate and move on. And all too often, they not only move on from the student ministry but the church as well. Today on Episode 68 of The Think Orange Podcast, we’ll listen in on a conversation between Jared Herd and Chuck Bomar as they discuss six reasons The Barna Group has unearthed as to why high school graduates leave the church. Then Ashley interviews Dr. Steven Argue, author of 18 Plus: Parenting Your Emerging Adult, on ways that parents and the church can remain active in the lives of students post-graduation. We’ll discover that when it comes to 18 to 29-year-olds, empathy and a sincere, “Tell me more” can go a long way in reaching the next generation.