The post Announced: July Edition appeared first on Think Orange.

The post How to Invite Guest Families Back After VBS appeared first on Think Orange.

The post A New Chapter: 5 Promises for the Future of Your Ministry appeared first on Think Orange.

Are you trying to get approval for the budget or time away to attend The Orange Conference?

Let’s be honest—attending a conference is a significant investment. Tickets, travel, and lodging can add up quickly. And with Sunday always around the corner, every day out of the office feels like a challenge.

So, why should you invest in a conference?

In one word: Momentum.

For kids’ ministry and youth ministry leaders, The Orange Conference is the annual spark that drives momentum. Yes, you’ll leave with practical strategies, fresh ideas, and new connections. But the true impact comes from the encouragement, inspiration, and renewed sense of purpose that propels attendees forward for the year ahead.

With so many great conferences to choose from, here’s what makes The Orange Conference truly unique:

Why Choose The Orange Conference?

👥 A Conference for Your Entire Team
Bring your whole team—kids’ ministry, youth ministry, next-generation staff, and even senior leadership. It’s a shared experience with specialized learning for each role. The conference offers the perfect balance of tailored training and big-picture ideas for ministry alignment.

⚓ Future-Focused, Grounded in Today’s Challenges
Orange is known for its innovative strategies to help leaders build resilient faith in the next generation. At The Orange Conference, you’ll discover new methods to tackle timeless challenges with relevance and creativity.

💡 Curated Workshops to Answer Your Questions
With over 50 workshops, you can build a personalized agenda that addresses the exact challenges your ministry faces. Leave equipped with answers to the questions that matter most.

🥳 Fun is Serious Business Here
From sessions designed just for fun to moments of joy woven throughout the programming, you’ll rediscover the excitement and community that make ministry so fulfilling.

⚡ It’s More Than Just Content—It’s an Experience
This isn’t your average conference. The Orange Conference blends talks, meetups, community, resources, and even free coffee into an electric environment that recharges your team and ministry.

Why We Do This

We create this conference because we see ministry leaders struggling—burned out, feeling isolated, and questioning what’s next. At The Orange Conference, we hope to remind you: you’re not alone in what you do.

We want every leader to leave energized, equipped with practical next steps, and confident in their mission to lead the next generation toward faith.

Need Help Getting Approval?

We’ve made it easy to explain the value of The Orange Conference to your leadership team. Below, you’ll find a template you can adapt to outline why this conference is worth the investment.

Additional Resources for Ministry Leaders

• The Orange Conference Website
• 10 Hacks for a Friendly Orange Conference
• What is the Orange Strategy?
• How My Kids’ Ministry Leader Convinced Me to Say “Yes” to a Conference

Letter Template for Leadership

Subject: Request to Attend The Orange Conference

Hi [Leader’s Name],

I’d love to discuss the opportunity to attend The Orange Conference this April—a highly practical and engaging event designed to support and grow our family ministry.

Here’s why I believe this conference is worth the investment:

• It’s built for entire teams, offering specialized tracks for kids’ ministry, youth ministry, and even senior leaders.
• It provides 50+ workshops tailored to real challenges, from recruiting volunteers to addressing mental health in kids and teens.
• It’s a source of encouragement and inspiration, ensuring we return with actionable solutions and a renewed sense of purpose.

If we register by [insert date], here’s a cost estimate for our team:

• Tickets: [Ticket Price] x [# of Attendees]
• Travel: [Estimate]
• Lodging: [Estimate]

Total: [Insert Total]

For groups of 8 or more, we’d qualify for special pricing—and it would be incredible if you joined us! The conference even offers a parallel Senior Leadership Experience to align vision across ministry roles.

When I return, I’ll be ready to share key takeaways and actionable insights we can implement immediately. I believe this experience will help us better serve families in our church and grow our ministry impact.

Could we set up a time to discuss this further?

Thank you,
[Your Name]

We hope to see you in April!

The post How To Get Leadership Approval To Attend Orange Conference appeared first on Think Orange.

Inspiration to Reignite Your Passion

Ministry can be demanding, often leaving leaders feeling drained or stuck in routines. The Orange Conference is designed to rejuvenate your spirit and reignite your passion for your work. Through dynamic main stage presentations and breakout sessions, you’ll hear from some of the most influential voices in ministry and culture. These thought leaders share stories, strategies, and insights that challenge you to think differently and dream bigger.

For many, ministry is more than a job; it’s a calling. Yet, even the most devoted leaders need moments of inspiration to reconnect with their purpose. The Orange Conference provides these moments in abundance, offering fresh perspectives that can breathe new life into your vision and mission.

Practical Tools for Real-World Impact

While inspiration is essential, practical application is equally important. The Orange Conference ensures that attendees leave with actionable strategies tailored to real-world challenges. This year, Orange Conference features over 50 sessions and workshops covering a wide array of topics, including:

• Team Building: Learn how to foster collaboration and unity within your ministry team.
• Orange Strategy Essentials: Dive into the core principles that connect church and home to influence the next generation.
• Leadership Development: Gain insights into cultivating leadership skills that empower your team and community.

A Community of Like-Minded Leaders

Ministry can often feel isolating, especially when navigating complex issues or attempting to innovate. The Orange Conference brings together thousands of leaders from around the globe, creating an environment ripe for connection and collaboration. Networking opportunities abound, from casual conversations in the hallways to structured meetups and workshops.

One of the standout aspects of this year’s conference is the Senior Leaders Experience, a dedicated track for senior pastors and church leaders. This unique gathering focuses on investing in the faith of the next generation while addressing the distinct challenges senior leaders face. By engaging with peers who share your role and responsibilities, you’ll gain valuable insights and form relationships that can provide long-term support and encouragement.

Discovering Joy in Ministry

Let’s face it: ministry is serious work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The Orange Conference recognizes the power of joy in creating impactful experiences, both for leaders and their communities. From moments of worship to comedy and entertainment, the event strikes a balance between profound inspiration and lighthearted enjoyment.

This intentional infusion of fun isn’t just about having a good time; it’s a reminder that laughter and connection are vital components of a healthy ministry. By embracing these moments, you’ll return to your team and congregation with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

Innovative Scheduling for Maximum Engagement

The 2025 Orange Conference introduces a remixed schedule designed to enhance the experience for attendees. By balancing main sessions, workshops, meetups, and team time, the event ensures that every moment is impactful. This structure allows leaders to dive deep into critical topics while still having the space to reflect, connect, and strategize.

The Exhibit Hall is another highlight of the conference’s innovative approach. This space showcases a variety of organizations and partners offering tools and resources to help you enhance your ministry. The Exhibit Hall serves as a one-stop shop for discovering new ways to elevate your impact.

Investing in the Next Generation

At its core, The Orange Conference is about changing the faith and futures of the next generation. By emphasizing the partnership between church and home, the conference equips leaders with the strategies needed to create a cohesive approach to spiritual development.

This year’s theme places a special focus on empowering families and communities to take active roles in shaping the faith journeys of kids and teenagers. Through innovative workshops and discussions, you’ll learn how to:

• Equip parents to be spiritual leaders in their homes.
• Foster meaningful relationships between kids, teenagers, and adult mentors.
• Develop programs that resonate with the unique needs of the next generation.

These insights are more than theoretical; they’re practical steps you can implement to create lasting change.

What’s New in 2025

The Orange Conference 2025 is packed with exciting additions that make this year’s event especially impactful:

• Remixed Schedule: A thoughtfully redesigned agenda ensures a seamless balance between learning, connecting, and strategizing.
• PreConference Intensives: Four-hour sessions offer deep dives into specific topics, providing an intensive learning experience.
• Senior Leaders Experience: A dedicated track tailored for senior pastors and church leaders.
• Exhibit Hall: A dynamic space featuring partners and organizations offering resources for effective ministry.
• A Timely Theme: We’ll explore one simple thing every church can do to change everything for the next generation. 

These enhancements are designed to meet the evolving needs of ministry leaders, ensuring that every attendee finds value in their experience.

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss It

The Orange Conference isn’t just another event; it’s a catalyst for transformation. By attending, you’ll gain:

1. Renewed Vision: Rediscover why you do what you do and how to do it more effectively.
2. Practical Strategies: Learn actionable steps to address challenges and seize opportunities in your ministry.
3. A Supportive Network: Connect with like-minded leaders who share your passion and challenges.
4. Spiritual Rejuvenation: Return to your community recharged and ready to lead with purpose and joy.

The demands of ministry are great, but so are the rewards. The Orange Conference 2025 offers the inspiration, tools, and connections needed to ensure that your efforts not only meet the moment but shape the future.

Register Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, your team, and your ministry. Registration for The Orange Conference 2025 is now open. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to ministry, this event promises to provide the insights and encouragement you need to make a lasting impact this year. Visit The Orange Conference website to learn more and secure your spot.

This year, let The Orange Conference be the catalyst that transforms your ministry. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.

The post How The Orange Conference Can Shape Your Ministry This Year appeared first on Think Orange.

4 Ways to Welcome New Families to Church on Easter

1. Create an Inviting Experience

The experience starts long before families step through your doors. Here’s how to set the stage:

• Update Your Online Presence: Spruce up your website and social media with a friendly “What to Expect” guide for first-time visitors. Clear, welcoming information helps families feel prepared.
• Clear Signage: Ensure directional signs are easy to read and welcoming—no one likes feeling lost on their first visit.
• Warm Greetings: Station volunteers in the parking lot to greet families and guide them to the right spot. First impressions matter, and a friendly face makes all the difference.
• Streamlined Check-In: Make check-in simple, secure, and efficient. A “New Family Check-In” station with smiling volunteers and fun “First Day” stickers adds a personal touch.
• Personal Engagement: Train your team to engage with families authentically. Get on kids’ level and let them know they’re truly welcome.

2. Make it Fun for the Kids

Easter should be exciting—especially for kids! Create an environment that feels special and welcoming:

• Easter-Themed Activities: Provide fun items like stickers, coloring sheets, or small giveaways to make kids feel at ease.
• Quick Family Tours: Offer short tours so parents can see where their kids will be during the service. Building confidence is key to making families comfortable.

3. Go Beyond “Hi, Nice to Meet You”

Walking into a new church can be intimidating. Help your team go the extra mile with these tips to welcome new families to church:

• Meaningful Conversations: Train volunteers to ask open-ended questions like, “What brings you to church this Easter?” or “How old are your kids?”
• Intentional Connections: Assign volunteers to introduce new families to others with similar-aged kids or ministry leaders who can follow up later. These personal touches foster belonging.

A great free resource for your volunteers is A Kids Ministry Volunteer’s Guide to Easter. This simple, two-sided conversation guide made for volunteers can be a great companion as they prepare for both the expected – and unexpected – conversations they’ll be facilitating at church this Easter. 

4. Follow Up Like a Pro

Don’t let Easter Sunday be the last time families hear from you! A thoughtful follow-up plan shows that you care:

• Timely Contact: Reach out within 48 hours. A simple, personalized postcard can leave a lasting impression. Bonus points if it’s handwritten by the Kids Pastor!

Bonus Idea: Host an Easter Jam

Looking for an extra way to create a welcoming space? Host an Easter Jam! This high-energy, interactive experience brings families together to celebrate Easter. Here’s what it includes:

• Engaging Storytelling: Share the message of Jesus’ resurrection in a fun, relatable way.
• Games, Music, and Laughter: Create shared memories that leave families excited to return.
• Family Connection: Partner with parents by creating an event that’s both entertaining and meaningful.

Easter Jam is a fantastic way to communicate the hope of Easter and show families that your church is a place to belong and grow in faith together. Did we mention this event kit is free? Download now to have an egg-cellent experience at your church for welcoming new families this Easter.

Here’s the Why

When you create a welcoming environment, fun experiences, and intentional connections, you’re helping families take their first step toward becoming part of your church community.

This Easter, let’s make it a day families will never forget—for all the right reasons. With a little intentionality and a lot of heart, you can help them see your church as a place where they belong. You’ve got this! Let’s roll out the red carpet and make Easter unforgettable.

The post 4 Ways to Welcome New Families to Church on Easter appeared first on Think Orange.

Ministry is one of the most rewarding and impactful callings, but it’s also one of the most demanding. Whether you’re a youth pastor, spiritual director, or volunteer leader, the pressure to perform and produce results can often overshadow the importance of caring for your own spiritual health and soul care. In a culture that values busyness and success, many ministry leaders struggle to balance the call to serve with the need to rest and recharge. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour into others when you’re running on empty.

In a recent episode of the Rethinking Youth Ministry Podcast, a panel of ministry leaders and spiritual directors shared their personal experiences, practical insights, and hard-learned lessons about the importance of leading from a place of spiritual wholeness. Let’s dive into the key takeaways and discover how you can thrive in ministry while nurturing your own soul.

The Pressure to Perform

One of the most significant challenges in ministry today is the expectation to perform constantly. Leaders often measure their success by attendance numbers, social media engagement, or the size of their events. While these metrics have their place, they don’t tell the whole story.

As one guest on the podcast shared, “I’ve experienced seasons where everything on the surface looked great—worship was thriving, retreats were full, and students were showing up—but internally, I was completely burned out. I felt like I was working for God, but I wasn’t with God.”

This performance-driven mindset can lead to dangerous cycles of overwork and emotional exhaustion. It reminds us that ministry success should never come at the cost of our spiritual health.

Does Your Spiritual Health Really Matter?

The short answer? Yes. Your spiritual health not only impacts you but also the people you lead. If you’re spiritually unhealthy, you’ll struggle to guide others to a place of depth and connection with God.

“You can’t lead others to a healthy place if you’re spiritually empty,” one panelist explained. “Eventually, your inner life will show outwardly, and the fruit you’re producing will reflect what’s happening in your soul.”

This truth challenges the notion that external success can compensate for internal struggles. Instead, it invites leaders to reimagine ministry success as more than just numbers and outcomes. True success is leading from a place of spiritual wholeness.

Practical Ways to Care for Your Soul

Caring for your spiritual health doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some practical steps shared during the podcast to help you nurture your soul while staying engaged in ministry:

1. Embrace Limits and Set Boundaries

One of the most profound realizations for ministry leaders is that they are not limitless. Recognizing your limitations is an act of humility and trust in God.

“As leaders, we often feel like we have to be everything to everyone,” a guest shared. “But acknowledging our limits reminds us that we’re not the Creator—we’re created beings with boundaries.”

Setting boundaries might look like:

• Saying no to overcommitting your schedule.
• Creating non-negotiable times for rest and family.
• Protecting your Sabbath as a sacred day for rejuvenation.

2. Simplify Your Calendar

Ministry leaders often feel compelled to plan events around every cultural holiday or trend. But this can lead to burnout and rob you of time for personal rest and relationships.

“Stop trying to create a youth group event for every holiday,” one panelist advised. “Let students spend time with their families and use those moments to rest and recharge.”

Focusing on fewer, more intentional events can create a healthier rhythm for both you and the students you serve.

3. Develop Daily Rhythms

Spiritual health isn’t just about big retreats or sabbaticals. It’s cultivated through consistent, small practices in your everyday life. Here are a few ideas:

• Prayer: Experiment with different prayer practices to find what resonates with you. Whether it’s silent meditation, guided prayers, or journaling, creating a daily rhythm of prayer can deepen your connection with God.
• Silence and Solitude: While it may feel uncomfortable initially, carving out moments of stillness allows you to hear God’s voice more clearly.
• Mindfulness: Pay attention to the simple, ordinary moments of life. Whether enjoying a cup of coffee, walking around your neighborhood, or watching the sunrise, these moments can become sacred when approached with intention.

4. Lean Into Community

Ministry can often feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Surround yourself with trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual directors who can support and hold you accountable.

“Invite people into your life who will ask the hard questions,” a panelist shared. “Like, ‘When was the last time you took a day off?’ or ‘How are you really doing?’”

Community provides perspective, encouragement, and the reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.

5. Redefine Ministry Success

One of the most challenging but liberating takeaways from the episode was the call to redefine what success looks like in ministry.

“If your perspective of ministry success doesn’t change as you prioritize your spiritual health, you’re going to struggle,” a panelist said. “True success is about longevity and leading from a place of wholeness, not just achieving short-term results.”

This shift requires courage, as it often goes against cultural expectations. But it’s essential for sustaining a healthy, impactful ministry.

Overcoming Resistance

As you begin implementing these practices, you may encounter resistance—both from others and within yourself. Perhaps you’ve internalized the idea that rest equals laziness or that slowing down will lead to failure. These beliefs can be hard to shake.

“Pay attention to your resistance,” one guest advised. “What’s behind it? What fears or assumptions are holding you back from creating space for your spiritual health?”

By leaning into these questions, you can uncover the deeper issues that keep you stuck and invite God’s healing into those areas.

An Invitation to Lean In

At its core, caring for your spiritual health is about leaning into God’s love. It’s about creating space to be with Him, not just work for Him. As one panelist beautifully summarized, “God is already present in your places of vulnerability and need. When you lean into those moments, you’ll discover that He’s been there all along.”

So, as you head into a new season of ministry, take time to pause, reflect, and make your own spiritual health a priority. Whether setting boundaries, simplifying your calendar, or practicing daily rhythms of prayer and rest, remember that leading from wholeness is the greatest gift you can offer to those you serve.

You are not what you produce. You are God’s beloved—and that is more than enough.Listen to the full episode of the Rethinking Youth Ministry podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify today.

The post 5 Practical Ways to Care for Your Soul in Ministry appeared first on Think Orange.

While we typically dislike when someone does that to us, this posture can easily sneak into our hearts when it comes to mission trips.

Mission trips have the potential to help young people cultivate a lifestyle of service but there are a couple “only if’s”.

Only if the mission trip utilizes a respectful service model.

Although mission trips have the potential for positive individual impact and long-term impact in a community, they also have potential to harm. 

When groups enter a community assuming they know what’s best for that community or when they view poverty solely through the lens of material possessions, the experience ceases to be edifying for both the participants and the community they’re seeking to serve.  

We become like the person telling us how to do our job when they really don’t know what our daily reality is like. 

At YouthWorks, we understand that we are not a community development organization. (A statement that is probably true of your ministry too!) We are a youth discipleship organization. We help connect groups of young people to those in local communities who are engaging in long-term efforts to meet the felt needs of people in that community. This means that neither YouthWorks nor churches who partner with us get to decide what projects we engage. We serve at the request of local leaders in the forms that they want us to serve in.  

In addition to selecting the right partnerships, the heart posture that you and your students take during a mission trip is vitally important.  

We’d encourage you to talk with and teach your students that mission trips are about: 

1. Seeing people not issues 

Our culture has taught us to size people up quickly. What they look like, who they voted for, whether they go to church, their socioeconomic status. We’ve all become experts at seeing issues instead of seeing human beings made in God’s image. 

When students go on a mission trip, it’s very likely that they will encounter people who look and think differently from them. They may see poverty in a way they haven’t witnessed before. They might see or hear about people struggling with addiction. They could see people who have different cultural backgrounds than what they’re used to.  

It’s easy for us to make snap judgements in these situations, but the goal is always to see and honor God’s image in every person we meet. This takes an intentional effort on our part to have the tough conversations with our students before, during, and after a mission trip. 

2. Their agenda not our agenda  

One aspect of serving respectfully is laying aside our agenda. It’s important to admit that we probably don’t know what’s best for the community we’re serving.  

To serve respectfully, we have to surrender our ideas and solutions for a community we want to reach out to and submit to local leadership who are the experts on the place they live and the people who live there. 

3. Presence not productivity 

While there will be plenty of things we’d like to accomplish during a mission trip, we must resist the temptation to turn it into a checklist of tasks to complete. We also need to make sure we don’t hurry our days and focus so much on the work that we miss the people around us. Author and Pastor John Mark Comer says it like this: Hurry and love are incompatible.  

Our presence with the people in the community we’re serving is what really matters. People know when you are truly present with them versus treating them like a project. Talk to your students and adult leaders about slowing down and prioritizing people over everything else during your trip. 

4. Seeing poverty as a wholistic issue not just a financial one. 

We usually think of poverty only as a lack of material possessions, but poverty can also be lack of relationships. A person could be poor when it comes to money, but rich in love.  

Poverty is ultimately about brokenness, and because of that, we can all relate. We are all broken by sin and in need of a savior.  

In the book When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett, he says, “Until we embrace our mutual brokenness, our work with low-income people is likely to do more harm than good. I sometimes unintentionally reduce poor people to objects that I use to fulfill my own need to accomplish something. I am not okay, and you are not okay. But Jesus can fix us both.” 

5. Joining Jesus in the community not bringing Jesus to the community. 

We truly believe that wherever we go, God is already there. He’s not only there, but he’s already at work! We aren’t bringing Jesus to a community, because he’s already present!  

We don’t have the power to change anyone or anything on our own. We should never enter a community like we’re there to save people. Jesus is the only one who can truly be a Savior. 

Wherever you take a mission trip, it’s likely that God has called people to put deep roots in that community. We want to join in on what God is doing through those leaders. We want to be part of the story that God has already begun. The beauty of that decision to be in partnership is that the work continues long after any one mission team leaves

Another “only if” is only if the mission trip is part of an intentional strategy for spiritual formation.

As much as we believe in the power of mission trips in the lives of young people, it would be a mistake to treat them like the silver bullet of next generation discipleship. A mission trip isn’t magical, nor is it the only discipleship experience students need throughout the year.  

Without intentionality, conversations, teaching, and continued experiences around service and missional-living, mission trips will merely create a “spiritual high” and leave students relatively unchanged.  

We’ve found that those who experienced the most fruit from their mission trips had intentional discipleship strategies before, during, and after their trips.  

Intentionality before a mission trip looks like spending extraordinary time in prayer, having conversations about what respectful service looks like, learning about the community you’re going to, and assuring your trip details are in order so that your head space can be with the students during the actual trip.  

Intentionality during a trip looks like creating daily feedback loops so young people are processing what they’re seeing, what they’re experiencing, and how they’re seeing God move. This is one reason why we start and end each day of a YouthWorks mission trip with intentionality. Every day begins with time for Bible reading, prayer, and journaling. We create trip journals that encourage students to connect their experiences on the trip to the bigger picture of their faith. 

We end each day with a time called The Gathering. There’s a focused time of prayer, worship, and reflection for individual groups where youth pastors and leaders can help students process all that they’ve seen. 

Intentionality after a trip looks like asking questions about what’s next, storytelling, continuing to fund your mission partners, finding local service opportunities, and continuing to teach and train on service and the mission of God.  

We believe that most of the (sometimes well earned) criticisms of mission trips can be remedied by engaging in respectful service and approaching a mission trip as just one part of an ongoing strategy to disciple students. 

Mission trips have the potential to impact our young people in profound ways while also bringing support and hope to communities of people that God loves. Our responsibility as leaders is to steward the opportunity and pray that God uses it to change lives and further his Kingdom. 

The post How to engage in respectful service on a mission trip  appeared first on Think Orange.

Get to know the 252 Sunday School Curriculum

A well-structured Sunday school curriculum is essential for teaching children about the Bible and Jesus Christ. It provides a systematic approach to learning, helping kids build a strong foundation in their faith.

An effective Sunday school curriculum should be engaging, interactive, and tailored to the specific age group it’s designed for. It should also align with Christian values and principles, offering opportunities for kids to ask questions and explore their faith in a safe environment.

If you’re shopping for a Sunday school curriculum, it’s crucial to consider the unique needs and goals of your children’s ministry. No two churches are the same!

Look for a curriculum that is specifically designed for your age group and aligns with your church’s values and mission. Additionally, a good curriculum should come with comprehensive teaching resources and support for Sunday school teachers, enabling them to effectively communicate the lessons to their students.

Why 252? A Curriculum for the Curious Kid

The 252 curriculum is designed to make Sunday school a time where kids not only learn Bible stories but also connect with God’s truth in a personal way through interactive lessons.

We understand that elementary-aged children need more than just teaching—they need interactive learning tools that help them understand and apply what they learn.

With 252, we focus on three key principles that guide children in their spiritual journey:

Wisdom:

Teaching kids to make wise choices based on God’s Word.

Faith:

Helping kids trust God no matter what.

Friendship:

Encouraging kids to treat others the way they want to be treated.

These principles are woven throughout every lesson, helping children understand not only what the Bible says but how it applies to their everyday lives.

252 Compared to Other Sunday School Curriculum

There are various types of Sunday school curriculums available, each with its own unique approach. Some, like 252, are written for specific age groups, while others are more flexible and can be adapted to different age groups.

• Bible-based curriculums: These focus on teaching kids about the Bible and its stories, helping them understand the core messages and lessons.
• Character-based curriculums: These emphasize important values and character traits, guiding kids to develop virtues like kindness, honesty, and respect.
• Activity-based curriculums: These engage kids through interactive activities and games, making learning fun and memorable.
• Story-based curriculums: These use storytelling and narrative to teach kids, making biblical lessons relatable and easy to understand.

The 252 curriculum pulls in the best of each of these approaches to help meet the specific needs and goals of your children’s ministry, as well as the preferences and values of your church.

Teaching Tools That Make a Difference

With 252, Sunday school teachers don’t just tell Bible stories—they bring them to life.

Our curriculum is packed with teaching resources, including videos, graphics, and interactive activities that help engage kids in learning.

Story Lab: Making the Bible Real

One of the signature features of 252 is Story Lab, an engaging video series that uses STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts to illustrate virtues and principles.

Story Lab is more than a typical Sunday school lesson—it connects real-world experiences to faith, showing kids how God is present in every aspect of their lives. This hands-on approach encourages curiosity and helps kids see that the Bible isn’t just an old book—it’s a guide for living life today.

Story Lab takes common concepts from school subjects like science and technology and uses them to explain biblical truths in a way that resonates with kids. For example, using the concept of gravity to illustrate how God’s love is a constant force in our lives.

Orange’s media package also includes the So&So Show, a dynamic series that engages pre-teens through humor, storytelling, and relatable content, making Bible lessons come alive in a way that is both meaningful and fun.

By connecting what children are already learning in school with what they are discovering in Sunday school, Story Lab and The So&So Show helps bridge the gap between faith and everyday life, making it especially impactful for both elementary-aged children and pre-teens.

This approach not only keeps kids engaged but also helps them retain what they learn, making their Sunday school experience more impactful.

Small Groups for Big Growth

252 encourages the use of small groups in children’s ministry.

Small group settings allow kids to ask questions, share their thoughts, and connect more deeply with the Bible lessons. It’s in these small groups where relationships are built—with peers, Sunday school teachers, and ultimately with Jesus.

Small groups help take the lesson beyond information and turn it into transformation.

Small groups are also a place where Sunday school teachers can provide individualized attention to each child. Whether it’s answering questions, providing encouragement, or praying with the kids, small groups create an environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued.

This personal connection is key to helping kids grow in their faith and feel a sense of belonging within the church community.

It’s often in these moments that the most significant spiritual growth happens, as kids feel safe to explore their faith and express their thoughts.

Music and Movement

—and that’s why our worship music is a core part of every lesson.

Each week, kids sing along to worship songs designed specifically for their age group, learning about God through movement and music. Our carefully curated playlists help reinforce the messages taught in each lesson, making it easier for children to remember and apply what they learn.

Music is a powerful tool for teaching kids about God. The songs in 252 are not only fun and energetic but also filled with meaningful lyrics that teach important biblical truths.

Whether it’s a high-energy song that gets kids jumping and dancing or a slower, reflective song that helps them think about God’s love, music is an essential part of helping kids connect emotionally and spiritually with the lesson.

And it’s not just about Sunday morning—kids often take these songs home, singing them throughout the week, which reinforces what they learned in Sunday school.

A Strategy That Connects Church and Home

One of the things that sets 252 apart from other children’s ministry curriculums is its strategic connection between church and home.

We know that children’s ministry leaders and Sunday school teachers get limited time with kids each week—but parents and guardians have countless opportunities to make an impact.

That’s why 252 includes tools like our Parent Cue app to help parents continue faith-based conversations at home:

Parent Cue: A Bridge Between Sunday and the Week Ahead

With the Parent Cue app, parents receive daily cues, conversation prompts, and activity suggestions that align with what their kids are learning in Sunday school.

This means that when kids go home, the lessons don’t stop. Parents can reinforce what their children learned at church, making the home a place where faith is nurtured and strengthened.

Parent Cue helps parents feel more confident in their role as spiritual leaders in their children’s lives. It provides them with simple, practical ways to incorporate faith into their daily routines—whether it’s during a car ride, at bedtime, or around the dinner table.

By equipping parents with these tools, 252 ensures that what happens on Sunday is carried into the rest of the week, creating a consistent and holistic approach to faith development.

Ready-to-Use Teaching Resources for Sunday School Teachers

We know that preparing Sunday school lessons can be time-consuming. That’s why 252 provides comprehensive children’s ministry resources that make planning easier for you and your team.

Each Sunday school lesson comes with full teaching scripts, videos, activity instructions, and printable resources—including activity pages and small group discussion guides.

Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned Sunday school teacher, 252 has everything you need to make your Sunday school curriculum engaging and impactful.

252 also includes training resources for Sunday school teachers. We want to empower you and your team to feel confident in your roles as leaders and educators.

From video tutorials on how to use the curriculum effectively to guides on managing small group dynamics, 252 is designed to support you every step of the way.

When your teachers feel prepared and equipped, they can focus more on building relationships and making a lasting impact on the kids in their care.

What Children’s Ministry Leaders Are Saying About 252

“I can’t imagine doing ministry without Orange as a partner! They allow us to minister to families and kids and take care of all the details and make us shine each week! I love the monthly themes and the flexibility you have with how you share the gospel any week!”
– Jody Shelton

“I am coming from a public school teacher turned kid ministry perspective and the Orange curriculum is engaging, current, and interactive! Our kids love it.”
– Susan Bishara

“I’ve consulted with churches across the country about how to improve the effectiveness of their children’s ministry. Let me tell you, the Orange strategy works.”
– Sue Miller

Engage Every Child in Your Children’s Ministry

Elementary-aged kids and pre-teens are ready to learn, grow, and explore—and 252 is designed to meet them where they are.

Our curriculum for elementary helps kids learn about God in a way that’s interactive, fun, and memorable. From large group worship and teaching to small group discussions and activities, 252 creates a Sunday school environment that is exciting, relational, and spiritually impactful.

With 252, you’re not just teaching Bible lessons—you’re helping kids develop a lasting relationship with God. The combination of engaging media, small group interaction, and strategic connection with parents makes 252 a curriculum that truly transforms lives.

It’s about more than just learning—it’s about living out faith every day.

Try 252 for Free

If you’re ready to see the difference that an engaging, strategy-driven curriculum can make, we invite you to try 252 for yourself.

Get a free one-month trial of 252 and discover how it can transform your Sunday school into a place where kids grow in faith, have fun, and learn how to live out what they believe.

This isn’t just a set of free Sunday school lessons; it’s a transformational strategy that helps you teach kids how to live out their faith.

Try 252 Curriculum For Free

The post 252: The Church Curriculum for Elementary to Elevate Your Sunday School appeared first on Think Orange.

Yet, with declining trust in institutions, changing attendance patterns, and shifting economic headwinds, it’s clear that church leaders must adapt to these challenges to meet the needs of today’s families. 

The goal? To make church the place parents and children want to be—a space where they’re ministered to, equipped with biblical principles, and rooted in a welcoming community.

Here are five challenging trends shaping church families in 2025 and how we, as leaders, can respond with strategies to strengthen their ministries.

1. Declining Trust in Churches

In a society where trust in institutions has hit historic lows, churches are not immune. Trust in churches fell from 37% in 2021 to just 32% in 2023. For parents, this increased skepticism can translate into concerns about safety, transparency, and authenticity within church communities. If these concerns are not addressed, they may be tempted to switch churches or stop attending church altogether. 

How Can We Respond?

To build trust, churches need to prioritize transparency and demonstrate genuine, consistent care for their families and communities. This starts with creating a welcoming environment where parents feel secure leaving their children. For example:

• Safety First: Implement policies for background checks, clear emergency protocols, and child protection training for volunteers.
• Financial Communication: Offer regular updates on church finances, ministry goals, and how their generous contributions make a real impact on the community.
• Authentic Connections: Host family-focused events where parents can meet church leaders and build relationships with other families.

Trust takes time, but by intentionally fostering a culture of integrity and care, churches can become special places of love and belonging.

2. Changing Attendance Habits

With their packed schedules, sports practices, and digital distractions, families are attending church less frequently. In fact, 43% of Christians report that they attend church less than once a month. This creates a big challenge for keeping people engaged, connected, and discipled.

How Can We Respond?

Rather than worrying about lower attendance numbers or pushing people to show up, churches can embrace hybrid ministry models that meet modern family needs while also encouraging them to attend more often in person. Here are some strategies you can use to get started:

• Midweek Engagement: Offer virtual Bible studies, family devotionals, or prayer requests to connect with parents and kids during the week. 
• Digital Resources: Create a church app with access to children’s lessons, family activities, and discipleship content.
• Flexible Programs: Host weekend services or small groups at varied times to give families options that fit their schedules.

By meeting families where they are—both in person and online—churches can deepen engagement and make faith a consistent part of their lives.

3. Declining Christian Self-Identity

The percentage of Americans who identify as Christians has dropped sharply over the decades—from 90% in the 1990s to just 63% in 2023. At the same time, more people (especially youth) consider themselves to be non-religious. This decline reflects a broader cultural shift away from traditional faith practices, and this trend clearly has an impact on how people interact with our churches.

How Can We Respond?

As leaders in the church, we must focus our efforts on reaching unchurched families and reinforcing biblical values within their communities. This challenge can feel intimidating, but fortunately there are many tried-and-true outreach strategies your church can use, such as: 

• Public Outreach Events: Host community gatherings that attract people from your neighborhood like block parties, family movie nights, or sports clinics. These are great ways to introduce families to the church in a less formal way.
• Parent Empowerment: All parents struggle with knowing how to effectively guide and deal with their children. Provide practical workshops and resources that help parents handle conflict, manage their time, and even teach faith at home. These not only help parents do better, they also build biblical principles into their children’s daily lives.
• Personalized Ministry: Through these outreach efforts, take time to get to know families personally. Ask insightful questions and listen to their stories. This will allow your team to offer tailored support that addresses their unique spiritual needs.

The Church’s mission to make disciples is more vital than ever. By being intentional with our outreach and discipleship efforts, we can reintroduce families to the life-transforming power of Christ.

4. Cultural Tensions Impacting Families

According to Pew Research, 80% of U.S. Adults feel that religion is losing its impact on society. On top of this, nearly half of Americans feel conflicts between their religious values and mainstream culture—a statistic that has risen in recent years. 

This tension leaves parents grappling with how to guide their children through complex issues, especially when the Bible teaches its values and society teaches the opposite. 

How Can We Respond?

It’s crucial that we equip parents with practical tools and insights to navigate cultural challenges through a biblical lens, empowering them to lead their families in faith.

• Faith-Based Discussions: Offer age-appropriate guides or sermon series on topics like social media use, peer pressure, or identity. Create spaces in your church and at home to have open and honest discussions, where questions can be freely raised and answered.
• Parent-Child Resources: Provide devotionals or conversation starters that help families discuss difficult topics at home. Fortunately there are an abundance of resources available for free online or for purchase. 
• Workshops and Seminars: Host parenting classes and invite guest speakers to address real-world issues from a faith perspective. 

By partnering with parents, churches can help families thrive spiritually in any cultural moment.

5. Shifts in Generational Attendance

Since COVID, adults over 55 years old are attending church less than ever before. Attendance among Millennials (people between 27 to 42 years old) has grown significantly—up from 21% in 2019 to 39% in 2022. This renewed interest in faith among Millennials has a ripple effect on their children’s spiritual development.

How Can We Respond?

As parents, Millennials are eager to find churches that align with their values and provide enriching experiences for their children. As church leaders, we can demonstrate this by showcasing:

• Eco-Friendly and Service-Focused Outreach: Host events that combine fun with purpose, such as park cleanups or offering “local missionary” outings that provide practical services to people in your community.
• Interactive Children’s Ministry: Use technology to create engaging Bible lessons that impact young lives.
• Mission-Focused Events: Like most generations, Millennials value events that are focused on a specific mission. From outreach projects that serve the local community to international family mission trips, offering purpose-driven events will attract Millennials and their families.
• Inclusive Leadership: Involve Millennial parents in conversations for planning and leading family ministries to make sure programs resonate with their very real needs.

By creating family-friendly experiences that reflect Millennial family priorities, churches can nurture faith that spans multiple generations.

Let’s Move Boldly in Shepherding Families Through 2025

The trends shaping family ministry present both challenges and opportunities for church leaders. By addressing trust issues, adapting to changing attendance habits, and equipping families to navigate cultural tensions, churches can continue to make eternal impacts in their communities.

As you prepare your church for the coming year, remember that parents and children are looking for a place to belong—a sanctuary where they’re not only welcomed but ministered to, equipped with godly principles, and rooted in a supportive faith community.

From the team at Subsplash, we hope you can make 2025 the year your church becomes the place where families flourish—where parents feel inspired, children grow in faith, and every single person feels at home.

The post 5 Trends Shaping Our Families in 2025 (and How We Can Respond) appeared first on Think Orange.