In the News Chicago—The dramatic end of the sports world’s longest drought was bittersweet for many baseball fans this week. When the Chicago Cubs clinched their first World Series title in 108 years, many people were thinking of loved ones who never got to see their team raise a trophy.…
In the News Greenville, S.C.—Due to numerous sightings and threats by people dressed as scary clowns, many towns and school districts have banned clown costumes this Halloween. The creepy-clown craze, which appears every few years, re-emerged in August with reports of clowns luring children into the woods.…
When teenagers care more about preserving their cell phone battery than opening up the Bible app or spend more time reading Harry Potter than Scripture, it’s challenging to find creative ways to help teenagers get into God’s Word. We get it.…
In the News Ireland—A movement is underway to boost young people’s mental health by having them write positive letters to their future selves. ReachOut, a nonprofit group based in Ireland, began the “Note to Self” campaign on college campuses, and it’s since gone viral.…
Americans Protest, Pray After More Shootings In the News Charlotte, N.C.—Racial tensions escalated this week after black men in two more U.S. cities were shot and killed by police officers. Reactions varied dramatically, however: Violent riots in Charlotte, North Carolina, led to a national emergency and curfew, while peaceful prayer vigils occurred in Tulsa, Oklahoma.…
On a recent visit with my family I had the chance to catch up with my nephew who is a small group leader in youth ministry and is also a second year college student studying Church Ministry. I wanted to know what this college sophomore would say to me about his experience as a small group leader and youth ministry volunteer.…
In the News New York—On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, young people who lost a parent that day are displaying optimism and resilience. More than 3,000 children under the age of 18 lost a parent on September 11, 2001, and more than 100 children of victims were born after the tragedy.…
It’s hard not to think about the leaders when we get questions about small groups. How you think about and treat your leaders really shapes your small group program. So we thought we’d talk about a few gifts your leaders can’t go without.…
Expectations are super important between parents and small group leaders. A lot of the issues I’ve run into between parents and small group leaders has been about expectations not being met or unrealistic expectations being casted. In this post I’ve listed a few expectations parents should have of leaders and leaders should have of parents.…
