This profound truth of the Now Gen comes our friend Pastor Erick Penn in Three Rivers, Michigan. We worked with Erick and his team to develop and strengthen their children’s and youth ministry to come under the larger umbrella of…
Renovation: the process of improving a process or making something new. Renovation Island is an engaging HGTV series. Canadians Bryan and Sarah Baeumler work to restore an abandoned resort on a small island in the Bahamas. The resort property, with…
If only every ministry position transition could be as sweet as an apple turnover. Every week hundreds of churches are looking for that special Next Gen age-level person to lead their student or children’s ministry. The turnover rate is astonishing.…
Jesus said, “Let the little children come!” Large or small, all churches understand this and desire to offer ministry for babies, preschool and elementary kids. But what if your church is young or small or you’re slowly gaining momentum toward…
We love the excitement that surrounds breaking ground and growing spaces for children’s or student ministries. Today we walked and taped the added space of a church expanding. We dreamed with leaders about the halls, the walls and ceilings, the…
How do you measure the impact of Next Gen or Children’s ministry? Sunday was Baptism Sunday at our church—my favorite. I love seeing individuals who are ready to profess their faith. There were many students and a few children who…
We recently attended the Northwest Ministry Conference in Seattle with great general sessions and breakouts. I especially enjoyed the sessions with Carey Nieuwhof. In one session, he stated “you fuel what you fund.” He was focused on the importance of…
Is your children’s ministry dynamic, fired up and getting ready for a new summer thrust and guests and engaging with volunteers to recruit for the fall team? Or is everyone on the team worn out and exhausted? Has your children’s…
Jay Hostetler For four decades, I have had the amazing experience of spending much time in ministry with kids. My memories run deep with observing kids react to one another and with adults. I remember a flight where I noticed…
Donna Hostetler, June 21, 2016 Jay and I are getting ready to celebrate our wedding anniversary tomorrow. Woohoo! Passion is what brought us together (and keeps our marriage strong). Please read on! The dictionary describes “passion” as: any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for music.…