Ok, let me talk about the elephant in the room. Kids and student ministry leaders just wished parents would care about the spiritual development of their children a little more. Not to pick on student pastors (I am one), but Barna’s research shows that: Sixty-eight percent of youth pastors say their biggest struggle is parents who don’t prioritize their teen’s spiritual growth. Maybe you feel this deeply. Well, you’re not alone. However, if you stop here you may also be missi

Andy Stanley, has said that one of the biggest steps for someone exploring faith is “trusting a Christian.” What does it look like to build a volunteer system that is focused on finding, training and supporting the kinds of small group leaders (SGLs) you want kids and students to trust and model their lives after? Note: Groups aren’t going anywhere. Eighty-one percent of Gen Z say that community is part of their “ideal church.” Are your current adult volunteers the kind of ad

It’s time for you and I to confront an underlying issue that has existed in next generation ministry for decades: the personality-driven model. You know what this is. It’s the kind of kids or student ministry that dissipates as soon as the key leader moves on to another opportunity. We can do better. The next generation doesn’t need more big personalities, they need leaders who think strategically. There are plenty of charismatic YouTube stars and social media influencers who