If you’ve led some type of young adult small group for any period of time, you know there are “things to do” each week. Eventually, these things become second nature as you learn and grow as a group leader. And, the longer you lead, the more you recognize the importance of these habits. So, what does a new small group leader need to know? Here are eight things to consider: Have a plan for the next group gathering. Always be thinking ahead about where the group is going as you pursue together what it means to be fully devoted … [Read more...]
Featured Resource—The Apostles’ Creed: Together We Believe
For young adult or collegiate groups who want to dive deeper this fall, consider taking your group through an in-depth examination of the primary tenets of Christianity. The Apostles’ Creed was born from the apostles’ teachings. It contains essential doctrines and beliefs that summarize the gospel and the foundation of our faith. The scriptural truths contained in the creed enable us to build our Christian lives on good theology, with the knowledge that our faith is rooted in truth and a rich history. This study of the Apostles’ Creed … [Read more...]
Try the 21-Day Experiment
Disciples of Jesus know they’re commanded to share their faith. Countless resources exist for evangelism—including tracts of all shapes and sizes. I like some of them and find them to be beneficial in certain circumstances; but they’re not my favorite way to share the gospel. Here are just a couple of reasons why: One, it is difficult to summarize the cost of following Jesus and what responding to the gospel entails in a small booklet. Two, we live in a culture that increasingly does not possess a biblical worldview. Therefore, … [Read more...]
It’s Not About Convenience
Just a few days ago as I was exiting my local supermarket after picking up a few things, I failed to notice that the exit doors were NOT the automatic doors that open when someone comes near. I face-planted right into the glass door in front of several families that were coming into the store. On my most recent trip that required me to fly, I ran into the bathroom in between flights. On my way out, I stopped to wash my hands and was furiously waving my hands in front of the sink for a solid 20 seconds before I realized that it was … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles, blogs, and podcasts from this past week that you'll find helpful as you work with young adults in your church and community. “5 Surprising Characteristics of Churches That are Actually Reaching the Next Generation” by Carey Nieuwhof Everyone wants a “secret sauce” for reaching young adults in their community. Nieuwhof makes some observations of churches that are doing a great job of engaging the next generation. “The First Discipleship Essential: Intentionality” by Paul Worcester Worcester is … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles/blogs from this past week that you'll find helpful as you work with young adults in your church and community. “How to Spot Leadership Potential in Millennials” by William Vanderbloemen Vanderbloemen shares some positive traits he's observed in Millennials he's interviewed and hired for his company. How can we as the church utilize many of these positive traits within our young adult ministry leadership? “10 Ways to Get People Involved in your Bible Study Group” by Ken Braddy Have you ever … [Read more...]
It’s Important to Have That Someone
Last week I was sitting at a local coffee shop answering emails and catching up on work responsibilities. It was mid-morning and there were several conversations going on around me. I never intentionally listen other conversations, but sometimes the talking is so loud it leaves no doubt about the topic of conversation. A real estate deal was being brokered a few tables over from me. Another guy was trying to sell a new client on why his company should be chosen to do his marketing. There were also two students discussing a project … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles/blogs from this past week that you may have missed, but may be helpful to you as you work with young adults in your church and community. "10 Discipleship Questions to Consider Now for 2017" by Chuck Lawless The intentionality behind our personal walk with Christ is imperative. Dr. Lawless poses some very practical and important questions for us to consider as we pursue Christ in the coming year. "CoHousing: The New American Family" by Liuan Huska Huska examines the trend of “cohousing” that is … [Read more...]
Do Groups Really Matter?
Anytime I'm in the presence of collegiate or young adult ministry leaders, I’m always intrigued by the conversations that surface about our ministries. “What does your large group worship time look like?” “What are some of the issues you're tackling in your group gatherings?” “What type of missions opportunities does your group do?” Are those relevant and important questions to ask? Absolutely. They're all aspects of what draws young adults to our ministries and keeps them involved with the ministry as a whole. However, … [Read more...]
Making Disciples Who Make Disciples: the University of Oklahoma BCM story
This past week, I was at the Southern Baptist Convention in Columbus, Ohio. All of us here at Lifeway Young Adults are proud of the partnership we have with collegiate ministries all over North America through local churches and campus-based ministries. One highlight of the convention was a video that focused on the importance of making disciples among college students. A hero among many in the collegiate ministry world is Max Barnett, who started at University of Oklahoma Baptist Student Union with a vision of making disciples. The … [Read more...]