Ready for NextGen Ministry?
by Jeff Jamba How to do NextGen Ministry well when your church is not large enough to have a NextGen or Family Pastor: Someone recently asked me a great question: how can we develop a NextGen ministry if we are…
Children’s and Student Ministry Turnovers: Expectations vs. Reality
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.…
The Real Children’s Ministry Dilemma
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…
Are You Connected?
While I waited in an office today for an appointment I observed a young girl ask the receptionist for the WiFi password. She too was waiting for her mom to get done at the office. I thought about the reality…
Seasons of Ministry Balance or Fatigue
Once the fall season kicks into its own rhythm, it's easy to assume there's a moment to relax, enjoy the seasonal changes along with a latte--spiced pumpkin of course. And just then, you realize Christmas isn't too far away. We…
It’s Summertime and the Livin’ Ain’t Easy
I love summer, the opportunity it brings for golf, beach trips, and late sunsets. Recently I enjoyed an evening outside watching grandsons toss a frisbee as adults shared small talk on a cool Michigan night. Soon to follow was the…
3 Ways to Support the Lead Pastor in the Summer
It’s mid-July and I remember it well after decades of being a full-time staff pastor. Is your lead pastor away on sabbatical, study leave, or an extended vacation? I can certainly write much about my summer ministry experiences, i.e.: Keeping…
Exciting, Growing Spaces
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…
The Towel
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…
Focus and Funding
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…