Reggie Joiner Speaks on What Really Matters (Orange 2011)

As the first full day of the 2011 Orange Conference began, Reggie Joiner kicked it off with a chat about the importance of saying less more often so that people know what really matters. He then further explained what really matters by describing the “orange effect” and the reasons for it. Simply put, the parents have far more hours with their children than the church, so there is a huge need for churches and families to partner together. Reggie stated that every church needs some sort of a family experience, as it will be a catalyst to connect the church and family. Give children and parents an opportunity to worship together, and give parents a chance to connect with each other and the church. He says that every church needs to figure out for themselves what really matters. After they have a grasp on that, they need to figure out how they are going to get involved in kids’ lives and help them understand certain important truths along the way.

Reggie then went on to suggest four things for all churches:

1. Implement a comprehensive program from cradle to college.
2. Place every student in a small group environment.
3. Rearrange your church schedule to include a family experience.
4. Get parents to calendar quality time with their family at least once a week.

At this point, Reggie welcomed two preachers’ kids (Andrea Lucado & Taylor Royle) on stage for an interview about their parents and growing up in the church. In terms of things they admired about their parents, they said there were many reasons to look up to their parents. For example, they always put the family in front of their ministry. They also showed their kids that it was more about a relationship instead of just being active in the church. The kids saw their parents doing quiet times, and they saw them love and accept all people. Toppint it off, they stated there parents were great listeners, and they led in that way, taking everything to heart.

When asked if they had any advice for student ministers, they stated that mentoring is very important. Student ministries need to include it. Also, we need to make sure to let students know that you believe in them, no matter who they are.

When asked if they had any advice for dads with daughters, they said that fathers need to tell their daughters they are beautiful and that they love them everyday. In addition, according to the world, a girls’ primary path to success that they are beautiful. Dads need to protect them from popular opinion, especially reality television.

You can read Andrea’s blog at andrealucado.wordpress.com, and find out more about Taylor’s ministry at makeitrightnola.org.

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Reggie Joiner is the founder and CEO of Orange, a nonprofit organization providing resources and training to help churches maximize their influence on the spiritual growth of the next generation. Orange provides innovative curriculum, resources and training for leaders who work with preschoolers, children, families and students. They have partners throughout the United States and eight other countries. Orange is also the architect and primary sponsor of the Orange Conference and the Orange Tour which provide national training opportunities for senior pastors, church leaders, and ministry volunteers.

Reggie is also one of the founding pastors, along with Andy Stanley, of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. In his role as the executive director of Family Ministry, Reggie developed the concepts of ministry for preschoolers, children, students, and married adults over the course of his eleven years with the church. During his time with North Point Ministries, Reggie created KidStuf, a weekly environment where kids bring their parents to learn about God, as well as Grow Up, an international conference to encourage and equip churches to create relevant, effective environments for children, families, and teenagers.

Reggie is the co-author of Seven Practices of Effective Ministries (Multnomah, with Lane Jones and Andy Stanley), and Slow Fade: Why You Matter in the Story of Twentysomethings (David C. Cook, with Chuck Bomar and Abbie Smith). He is the author of Think Orange: Imagine the Impact When Church and Family Collide (David C. Cook). Think Orange encapsulates Joiner’s philosophy and practice of family ministry, combining the strengths of family and church to capture the hearts and minds of the next generation.

Reggie is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern College. Reggie and Debbie Joiner live in Cumming, Georgia, and have four grown children: Reggie Paul, Hannah, Sarah, and Rebekah.

Reggie’s Blog: www.orangeparents.org
Reggie on Twitter: twitter.com/reggiejoiner