From the time we were kids—and were convinced that there was something under our bed when the lights were turned out—we’ve dealt with fear as a part of life. The older we get, the things that we fear simply change. In a sense, our fears seem to grow up just as we do. We find ourselves wondering: Will I find a job after I graduate college? Will I spend the rest of my life single? Does anyone really know who I am? As I have conversations with young adults, I continue to hear those questions of worry and fear. I’ve noticed that these … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Your Ministry Might Not Be Going Anywhere
I don't know about you, but I want to be part of leading a ministry that's on the move. I want to be part of leading a ministry that's being used by God to change the world around me. So, what do you do when it seems like your ministry isn't going anywhere? What do you do when your ministry hits a plateau? For many of us, we probably pull out our notes from the last conference we went to or maybe we pick up a book on church growth. Before you do that though, I want to suggest you first ask yourself 3 questions that might help you … [Read more...]
5 Things Your Church Can Do to Reach and Impact College Students
A church does not have to be a "super church” or have hundreds at a weekly student gathering to reach and impact college students for faith in Christ. Your church might just have 35 every week or that might be the core that will broaden your impact. But, each individual student has the possibility of being a world impact person. I've never forgotten the story about the church that had a two-week revival and only one little boy came to faith in Christ. Whatever happened to Billy Graham anyway? Regardless of the size of your … [Read more...]
Don’t Forget to Ask! 7 Ways to Pray for Young Adults
“Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.” I John 5:14-15 There is a key word in this scripture from I John that I simply can’t stop thinking about. That word “confidence” just keeps jumping out at me and stirring in my heart. As young adult ministry leaders, we should (and often do) find the latest and best resources available for small groups and Bible study. We strive … [Read more...]
The “To Do List” of a Young Adult Small Group Leader
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...]
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...]
4 Tips for Keeping Young Adults Engaged in Your Church
I consistently get asked by church leaders the question, “How do we keep young adults involved in our church?” It may seem like a small word change, but the better question is, “How do we keep young adults engaged in our church?” Churches in communities from small towns to large cities desire to see young adults and young families engaged in the overall mission of the church. The excitement and perspective that young adults bring to a church can breathe fresh life into a congregation that seeks to be both relevant and gospel … [Read more...]
