No matter what size congregation you are part of, you need new generations, AND new generations need you. Often in rural ministry the motivation driving our desire to engage new generations is to keep our church doors open, but I believe God has designed us to need each other. Part of that need is simply … Continue reading You are needed

Check out Isaiah 6:1-8 and 2 Timothy 2:21 Have you ever seen mugs like these? Some are so cute and friendly looking, while others are just scary! They are made displaying the whole range of emotions. Some are dopey, while others look upon you lovingly. I see these mugs and I am reminded of the … Continue reading Vessels of Grace

Read Hebrews 3 In verse 13, we are told to "exhort one another everyday, while it is still today, so that none of you will be deceived by sin." Most translations use the word encourage, but some use warn. Other synonyms for exhort include urge, spur, pressure, or insist. There is a fine line in … Continue reading #Truth

Often in ministries with new generations we get stuck in a mindset that we must offer traditionally expected programing. In youth ministry, for example, we expect that our congregation should offer a youth group on Sunday or Wednesday evening. In children's ministry, we should offer weekly Sunday school classes, a week of Vaccation Bible School … Continue reading Outcomes vs. Programs

It sure would be great if we could advertise our ministries and young people would just emerge out of the cornfield all ready to go and excited. It might work for an exciting event like a "5 quarter", a dance, or a night of VBS, but it doesn't work that way for the long haul … Continue reading Build it & they might come?