The president of Orange, Kristen Ivy, opened by sharing a story of her 11 year-old daughter when she didn’t get something she wanted. And as she processed what happened, she wrote down that tomorrow is both wonderful and terrible. Maybe this is why we are drawn to certainty. We need something that is steady, because … Continue reading Tomorrow is Wonderful and Terrible (Orange Conference 2023)
Tomorrow is an Opportunity to Remind Everyone What Matters (Orange Conference 2023)
Reggie Joiner started his main session talk at Orange Conference 2023 honoring the volunteer leaders in the room. And then he pointed to the time when Jesus said that when we welcome the little ones, we welcome Jesus. In fact, we need to lean into that even more moving forward. Why did Jesus say this, … Continue reading Tomorrow is an Opportunity to Remind Everyone What Matters (Orange Conference 2023)
Tomorrow is Hopeful (Orange Conference 2023)
Ryan Leak kicked off Orange Conference 2023 with a message that tomorrow is hopeful. For a lot of people, though, tomorrow can be very scary. In fact, it’s really easy to scroll around social media and begin to feel overwhelmed and lose hope. “As flawed and disappointing as human beings are,” said Ryan, “Jesus put … Continue reading Tomorrow is Hopeful (Orange Conference 2023)
Book Review: The Volunteer Playbook by Nick Blevins
I’ve served in the student ministry world for over 20 years, and one thing I learned early on is that I cannot do it alone. And because recruiting and leading teams are an ongoing tasks within ministry, it's so important that we do them well. But for many, this does not come naturally. Thankfully, Nick … Continue reading Book Review: The Volunteer Playbook by Nick Blevins
Let’s Pray for the Next Generation of Youth Workers
This week, I headed back to college... but not to take classes. I had the privilege of speaking to two youth ministry classes at Colorado Christian University. I was asked to speak about the importance of networking within youth ministry and also share more about National Network of Youth Ministries. I had a great time … Continue reading Let’s Pray for the Next Generation of Youth Workers
The Future of this Blog
Hey, everyone! I'm currently in brainstorming mode around what to do with this blog moving forward. Those of you who have followed it for a while know that this has happened every so many years, where I will begin to think about its purpose. For this post, I want to throw out a few things … Continue reading The Future of this Blog
Register Now for the Free Online 2023 Youth Pastor Conference
Each year, thousands of youth pastors, leaders, and teams gather online for a free two-day conference to learn from some of the most influential, Gospel-centered, and forward-thinking voices in the ministry world. 2 days. 20+ speakers. 100% online. 100% free. REGISTER FOR FREE Join Craig Groeschel, Stephen Chandler, Charlotte Gambill, Nathan Finochio and 20+ other … Continue reading Register Now for the Free Online 2023 Youth Pastor Conference
Answering the Call to Missions with NNYM
My wife and I would like to share some exciting news with you all! After benefiting from healthy youth worker networks and volunteering for over six years to help facilitate healthy networks, I’m answering God’s call to step into a full-time missionary role with National Network of Youth Ministries! Before I explain more about what … Continue reading Answering the Call to Missions with NNYM
Why I Go To The Same Conference Every Year
It's almost time for the Orange Conference again! I'm headed back down to Atlanta from April 26-28, 2023, for my ninth conference. It all started in April 2010. I was 2 1/2 years into my ministry at a new church, beginning to see momentum in the ministry, married for just over a year, and excited … Continue reading Why I Go To The Same Conference Every Year
Student Ministry Connection Reaches 100 Episodes
I began serving in kids and student ministry in 1999 as a volunteer. In 2003, I was blessed with a part-time role, and I’ve been serving students, families, and other youth workers ever since. In 2015, though, I began thinking about all the conversations I’ve had over the years with my fellow youth workers, mentors, … Continue reading Student Ministry Connection Reaches 100 Episodes
