Pivot, change, reassess, unknown…anybody else getting weary of the frequency with which these words are overwhelming our everyday vocabulary? It almost feels like just when we start to feel like we are getting some footing in the “COVID world,” another wave of uncertainty crashes in. Some details for the fall are starting to become clearer, but probably the only for sure detail we know about the fall is that it is going to be different! So, what do we do as we face an uncertain fall? We may have a lot of questions, but I think we … [Read more...]

Like all of us, the pandemic has provided me with windows of time for introspection and reflection. In addition to planning and re-planning, I’ve also thought about God’s hand at work throughout this crazy time. I’m sure it was no accident that in the early days of the crisis, I was reading through Exodus, Deuteronomy, and into Joshua during my personal devotion time. We can all think of trials in our lives that we’ve had to endure and periods of time where God was at work helping us pass through. When I think of the great “passing … [Read more...]

We all know the power of community. We’ve seen it in our ministries and experienced it in our own lives. The college student growing a vibrant faith from being around others who are passionately following Jesus. A group of young ladies challenging one another to memorize Scripture together. One guy exposing sin to another friend and choosing to walk in the light. None of these things happen in isolation. We’ve also seen the opposite. A young adult retreating from others to carry on in a lifestyle of sin. A once faithful member of … [Read more...]

I’ve read a couple of blog articles recently that highlighted things that are true of any college ministry that is effective in reaching students (you can read four of those here and four more here). Regardless of the ministry model, type of campus, or even the location, there are certainly some foundational items that all ministries must address and build into their DNA. As I think about conversations I’ve had with college and young adult ministry leaders, I think there’s also a common list of questions that anyone in young adult … [Read more...]

Have you ever had one of those experiences where you hear a stat or a piece of information that you just can’t seem to get off your mind? I’m not talking about being able to get the latest Kanye or Lizzo tune out of your head, but wrestling with a piece of weighty information that both captures your thoughts and penetrates your heart. I ran across such a stat recently that has arrested my mind and kept me thinking ever since. A recent Lifeway study indicated that “four in 10 pastors said they were most concerned about how their … [Read more...]

Happy 2020! A new decade has officially begun! Did you swing by the blog looking for an encouraging nugget of ministry wisdom to kickstart the new season of ministry? How about this: You are not enough. Such a great, encouraging statement coming into the new year, right? I get it. You’re looking forward to a new year of impactful ministry, seeking to add a new tool to your ministry tool belt. That is a great goal and one I’d encourage you to keep pursuing, but I think it is also helpful going into the new year to re-center … [Read more...]