Live Updates: Insights and notes from the D6 Family Ministry Conference Note: I’ll be updating this post over the next 3 days with all my breakout and session notes. Check back in for live updates and follow along on social media with #D62024 How to Use Parenting Small Groups Effectively  Dr. Scott Turansky from the National Center for Biblical Parenting  609-658-6518 Scott@biblicalparenting.org Create a Vision for Parent Discipleship Jesus’ Discipleship Mandate (Matthew 28:19-20) Start with the why. The reasons behind what we do found in Matthew 28:19-20. And specifically “…teachin ..read more

Hey fellow ministry friends, pastors, and all-around amazing advocates for the next generation! Buckle up because April 23 to 25, 2024, is going to be a game-changer at the Gas South Arena in Atlanta, GA – it’s Orange Conference 2024 time, and you won’t want to miss it! Energize Your Ministry with Unforgettable Moments Picture this: Over 70 sessions, 45 speakers bringing the heat, and a whopping 60+ workshops filled with practical wisdom. It’s not just a conference; it’s an experience tailored for those seeking a burst of fresh air and some seriously uncommon energy for their ministry journey ..read more

Explore the Solomon Foundation Conference’s powerful insights on living purposefully: from shaping a lasting spiritual legacy and fostering meaningful relationships to mastering effective listening and understanding financial stewardship. Discover practical wisdom from all the notes from this year’s conference! Ken Idleman – VP and Relationship Manager  No matter how old you are, it’s not time to let go.  Renew your commitment to live a legacy.  Live a spiritual legacy. Right now you are determining your legacy. It’s not the last 5th of our lives, it’s right now.  “Even in ..read more

Having had the privilege of an early screening of “Ordinary Angels,” I couldn’t help but reflect on how it resonates with our current culture and our longing for genuine connection and purpose. “Ordinary Angels” isn’t just a movie; it’s a transformative tool that beckons us to embrace our inner angels, reminding us of the profound impact we can make when we prioritize others over ourselves. At the heart of this film lies a compelling narrative centered around Sharon, portrayed brilliantly by Hilary Swank. Her journey from a struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky to an embodiment of sel ..read more

Craig Groeschel – The Future of Leadership Is Trust As a leader, do you trust me? If you do trust me, why? For those who don’t trust me? What have I ever done to you? Why not give the benefit of the doubt?  Why do you trust? Why do you not trust? If you met Craig 30 years ago, you’d be more likely to trust him now.  Watching the evening news and believing what you watched. 30 years ago assumed belief.  Years ago, you would assumed leadership had your best interest at heart. Today we are skeptical. This is a problem for all of us, because all of us are leaders.  #1 biggest c ..read more

Note: I’ll be updating this post over the next 3 days with all my breakout and session notes. Check back in for live updates and follow along on social media with #D62023 — All About Jesus: How to Keep the Gospel at the Center of Everything We Do – Matt Morgan “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Leave the room with a greater awe of Jesus.  W ..read more

Are you curious about what ChatGPT can do? ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that can provide answers to questions you ask it. It can provide you with a unique and personal conversation that can be both helpful and entertaining.  I started asking ChatGPT to analyze the current state of kids ministry and to share trends and challenges we are facing. So if you’re curious about what happens when AI analyzes the internet and spits out a super complex idea in seconds, read on to learn more! Current State of Kids Ministry  Kids ministry is an important part of church life and a growing are ..read more

Where does vision come from?  A good idea is more than something that makes people feel good. Vision motivates, inspires, and drives people to action.  Antoni Gaudi – Basilica de la Sagrada Familia – the longest building project. In 1926 when Antoni died the project was about a quarter finished.  Gaudi had complete faith that the church would be finished. “I will grow old, but others will come after me,” he said. “What must always be conserved is the spirit of the work, but its life has to depend on the generations it is handed down to and with whom it lives and is incarnated ..read more

How can I create an environment that is both worth attending and spiritually engaging?  Why should I get out of my pajamas today and physically show up? Our goal is to create a space that is inviting and safe, both physically and emotionally. Aim to create an atmosphere of openness and respect, where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate. Incorporate activities that are meaningful and spiritual, as well as encourage active listening and dialogue. Additionally, provide an opportunity for reflection, allowing individuals to process and reflect on wherever they find themselves ..read more

The Jesus Revolution movie is a must-watch for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding or appreciation for a movement of God in the 1970’s. Your heart will go out to Greg Laurie, a young boy in the 1970s who is looking for something important. He meets a friendly hippie named Lonnie Frisbee and Pastor Chuck Smith. Together, they help a church become a place of love, which starts a big movement called the Jesus Revolution. You will love exploring the impact of the Jesus movement in the United States during the 1960‘s and 1970’s, chronicling the spiritual awakening that swept across the n ..read more