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...]
3 Essentials for Connecting with Young Adults
He was your server at your favorite restaurant after church on Sunday. She was sitting next to you on your bus commute this morning. They get together as a group at your local coffee shop. They fill your local college campus from August until May every year. Who are they? They are young adults (a.k.a…Millennials or Generation Z or 20-somethings or college kids or young professionals or the list goes on). In our communities from the rural towns of Alabama to the major metropolitan cities of Seattle and Nashville, young adults are … [Read more...]
Grace. What Does it Really Mean?
The Greek word for grace is charis, and there’s no question of its importance in biblical theology. Charis appears 116 times in the New Testament. There’s a lot about grace in Scripture because it’s the message of Jesus. Grace means favor. It means acceptance. It means giving. Grace is free in the sense that something done or given in grace is done so without expecting to receive anything in return. Grace isn’t dependent on the way it’s received, the moral goodness of the one receiving it, or even that person’s ability to rightly … [Read more...]
Featured Resource — Pray Like This
Have you ever wanted to know God more intently and invigorate your prayer life, but you just didn’t know where or how to start? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Prayer is, without a doubt, the most dynamic discipline in a believer’s life. Yet it may be the most misunderstood and the least taught. Pray Like This, a new six-session study by Steve Gaines shows believers that following Jesus' Model Prayer will lead them to fall more in love with God and grow in their desire to engage in conversation with Him. Groups who dive … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles, blogs, and podcasts from this past week that you may find helpful as you work with young adults in your church and community. “Millennials Face Life After College, Finding ‘Quarter-Life Crisis’ Instead of Dream Jobs” by Linda Ha There may be some young adults in your group that have graduated from college, but have had difficulty in finding a job that fits their training and passion. This article discusses some of the aspects of a “quarter-life crisis” that many of today’s millennials face. “Leadership … [Read more...]
A Treasure Awaits: How to Find the Unexpected in Your Bible Study
Theres's something wonderful about getting a gift out of the blue. Whether it’s a care package from home, rediscovering your favorite childhood toy, or finding $20 in an old pair of jeans — gifts are exciting. For a few moments, your heart is content because you’ve just received a treasure you weren’t expecting. Believe it or not, we can apply that same idea to our Bible study time. Do you grasp the value of what you’ve received in the Word of God? And more importantly, are you intentional about digging deep into it to discover all … [Read more...]
Don’t Put It Off
A few days ago, I made my yearly trek to my doctor's office to get my wellness checkup. A few days prior to that I took care of giving up a few vials of blood that would give my doctor some indication of how I’m doing with all of those factors that deal with exercise, eating well, and general health issues for a guy in his mid-40s. It’s a smart thing to go see my doctor on a yearly basis to make sure everything is working properly! In fact, I’ve already got my appointment made for next year. When it comes to health, most of us will … [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...]
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...]
It’s a Good Thing to Wait
I can’t say that I’ve ever run into anyone that has the hobby of waiting. Yet, there are so many parts of life that require us to take a deep breath and wait our turn. A trip to the DMV wouldn't be complete without a wait. Doctors seem to build a wait time in the waiting room as a part of our visit. Waiting is a part of life that most of us simply don’t enjoy. However, I’m convinced that waiting can make us better! As young adult ministry leaders, we have the opportunity to help those in our groups understand and embrace the … [Read more...]
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