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.

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.

The Great Opportunity study states it this way:

We are learning from the data that a youth-group model as the primary means of forming young people in a culture that is increasingly at odds with the Gospel is not enough. What does work is actively serving together on missions (domestic and foreign), active training in what following Jesus means, and serving alongside other adults in the church.
The real opportunity for youth formation is much greater than 16 million followers of Jesus in our churches. It is the impact that these young leaders can have on our society and the world…

At YouthWorks, we believe that mission trips can be a powerful tool to help pastors and spiritual leaders cultivate a lifestyle of service in the hearts of young people.

If youth pastors and spiritual leaders walk alongside students as they get out of their comfort zone and serve the practical needs of others, it can have a profound impact on how they experience and live out their faith. Mission trips have the power to form teenagers and young adults in a variety of ways.

Our team refers to these as the “4 P’s”:

Broaden Perspectives

In our hyper polarized, social media focused, cultural bubbles it’s difficult to really see people that look, think, and act differently, than us. And yet, Scripture is clear that each and every person is created in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and worthy of dignity and respect. In fact, Jesus defines “neighbor” as those who may be differen than you in several ways (Luke 10:25-27; Matt. 5:44-48). Mission trips provide young people with opportunities to listen, learn, and serve those who they may not typically encounter in their daily life, in their social feeds, or even in their church. Ultimately, we hope that these types of experiences help this generation of Christ-followers see people, not issues.

Ignite Passions

Christian kids, teenagers, and young adults don’t have a “JV” version of the Holy Spirit. They’ve been given gifts, skills, burdens, and opportunities in the Kingdom of God. But many times, we don’t give them enough opportunity to discover and practice the gifts they’ve been given. During mission trips, young people discover gifts that they didn’t know they had. They begin to feel compassion or burdens for people that they didn’t feel before. They come to love a type of community or a cause that they hadn’t experienced much of before. They also begin flexing leadership skills that can continue to be developed as future leaders of the Church.

Expose Possibilities

According to The Open Generation report from Barna, less than half Christian teenagers in the US are confident that they can make a positive impact in the lives of others. If we’ve been called by God to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31), if Jesus gave us a model for what it looks like to love and serve others (John 13:15), if every follower of Jesus has been given the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:10-11), 100% of Christian teenagers should know that it’s possible for them to make a diIerence! Mission trips are a way to begin showing young people that they can be an agent of change. It is absolutely possible for them to be part of the solution to the wrongs that they see in the world.

Inspire Pursuits

Barna also reported in the same study that less than half of Christian teenagers are committed to doing something about the injustices that they see. There is a gap in Gen Z between those who say that they believe it’s important to serve and protect the well-being of others and those that say that they will commit to do something about it. We’re not okay with that. This is one of the reasons why YouthWorks creates trips. Removing yourself from the rhythm and spaces of everyday life provides an opportunity to evaluate your life from a distance. The experience of returning home with new perspectives can create a new starting line. It forces questions like “What do I do now?” and “What’s next for me?”

After more than 30 years of facilitating mission trips for over 3/4 of a million young people, one of our greatest joys is hearing from former participants later in life. Many are now youth pastors, missionaries, teachers, social workers, and non-profit leaders who were deeply impacted by their mission trip experiences. Of course, a mission trip wasn’t the only thing that formed them. But it was a vital part of their journey that led them to orient their life around serving the needs of others in the name of Jesus.

Living on Mission

Teenagers and young adults are growing up in a culture that can be shallow and encourage them to live a life that’s focused on their own needs, wants, and desires. We know that this doesn’t lead them to the life God desires for them. In fact, it’s often leading them to staggering rates of depression and anxiety. The life and life to the full that Jesus promises is available to our students, but it requires a counter-cultural way of moving through the world. The Bible tells us it’s more blessed to give than to receive, that we should not only look to our own interests but to the interests of others, that we’re supposed to serve
wholeheartedly like we’re serving the Lord. That’s a very different message that the one young people are hearing from their friends or social media. A mission trip is an invitation for our students to experience the counter-cultural way of Jesus. To see that what the Bible says is really true. To experience the joy of serving others.

Have you ever considered that Jesus sent his disciples on a short-term mission trip (Luke 10)? He sent them to proclaim and demonstrate the good news of His Kingdom in a particular place for a short period of time. In the process, He was forming his disciples to be the people He called them to be and training them for their future jobs post His ascension.

It’s one thing to tell our students that they should live their lives on mission or that Jesus himself demonstrated a posture of serving that we’re meant to follow. It’s another thing entirely to give them practical, hands-on ways to put that into practice. When that practice happens alongside trusted pastors and spiritual leaders, that impact is even greater.

There is a type of learning that can be received from a pew or a classroom. There is another type of learning that can only be received through participation. Discipleship best happens in the context of a community that is on mission with Jesus. Mission trips are not only relevant, but we believe they’re one of the most powerful tools for discipleship that we have access to as leaders tasked with seeing the next generation live out a deep and authentic life of faith in Jesus.

Of course, there’s a way to do mission trips that’s most likely to lead to these outcomes
that we’re after. We believe that there are some “only if’s” that have to be acknowledged as
we plan what kind of missions we’ll be involved in. Join us again next month as we talk
about what respectful and intentional mission trips look like.

The post Are mission trips still relevant? appeared first on Think Orange.

Gen Z is made up of young people between 13–24 years old, and it’s clear that what’s most important to them—like relationships, work, and spiritual growth—is shaping the unique culture of their generation. 

A recent study by Barna paints a challenging picture for parents and church leaders. Regular church attendance among Gen Z has dropped from 22% in 2020 to just 16% in 2024. At the same time, the percentage not attending church at all has risen from 28% to 37%. 

It’s clear that the strategies we used to engage the youth of previous generations with the gospel isn’t working with Gen Z. 

Fortunately, Barna’s research gives us some good news and ideas on how we can reach, engage, and connect with this upcoming generation of young adults. Let’s take a look at five unique strategies parents and youth leaders can use to meet Gen Z where they are—both online and in person—and to help build a faith that’s real, relevant, and deeply relational.

5 Strategies to Unlock the Hearts of Gen Z

1. Understand Gen Z’s Need for Connection
   
   While Gen Z was born into a fully digital world, 54% of them say that face-to-face relationships are more meaningful to them than digital ones. For young people today, relationships are foundational to their sense of belonging and purpose. 
   
   Even though they’re comfortable online, they long for genuine, face-to-face connection. The Apostle Paul instructed us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess 5:11). This verse reflects the powerful impact of consistent and intentional connections. But how can we do this in our online-first world today? 
   
   By intentionally setting aside time for personal check-ins, whether in person, via texting, or over a call, we can create safe spaces for Gen Z to share and feel heard. Digital engagement—such as a simple text message or quick check-in—can keep connections alive between those face-to-face moments, gently reminding them that they’re supported by their faith community. This is all a part of encouraging Gen Z to build their faith within supportive relationships.
   
2. Create Safe Spaces for Honest Dialogue
   
   Like every generation before them, young people today value learning about what is good and true. Social media platforms bombard them with messages, videos, and influencers that try to convince them of what they should believe. As a result, Gen Zers crave environments where they can openly discuss faith, identity, and purpose without feeling judged. 
   
   This doesn’t mean that we have to go around walking on egg shells or avoid speaking the truth. Young people can spot artificial kindness from a mile away, and they’re not afraid of conversations about complex topics. 
   
   The key is to listen without immediately offering solutions or critiques. By being quick to listen and slow to speak, parents and leaders show Gen Z that their questions are welcome (this reminds me of the passage in James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”). 
   
   Sharing your own journey with transparency and authenticity can help them feel safe to open up about their struggles and victories alike. It’s in these moments of honest conversations that God’s love and guidance can reach their hearts in ways that no lecture or lesson ever could.
   
3. Use Digital Tools as a Bridge, Not a Destination
   
   Technology offers a powerful way to engage people in faith throughout the week, but it works best for Gen Z as a bridge to real-world relationships. We can do this by suggesting daily devotionals or prayer reminders through apps or social media, allowing these moments to naturally lead into deeper in-person discussions on weekends or in youth groups. 
   
   Digital tools offer consistency, while face-to-face connections reinforce that faith is a lived experience, not just an online one. This aligns with what scripture has been telling people for over 2,000 years, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). 
   
   Using digital as a bridge supports regular engagement with faith content and other people, keeping community at the heart of it all.
   
4. Empower Gen Z for Purpose-Driven Faith
   
   This generation wants to see their faith in action. In fact, 70% of Christian Gen Zers prioritize making a real difference in their own lives and their communities. 
   
   This means that we have to offer them practical ways to live out their beliefs—whether through community service, simple acts of kindness, or even setting personal faith goals. Sharing weekly challenges, like helping a neighbor or volunteering locally, gives Gen Z a way to put their faith into practice.
   
   When they witness the impact of their actions, their relationship with God and their community deepens. 
   
5. Build Deep, Lasting Roots
   
   Helping Gen Z develop faith that’s resilient to the winds and waves of the world means guiding them to find personal meaning in their beliefs. Rather than viewing faith as simply a Sunday activity, encourage them to see it as a central part to their identity and purpose. 
   
   Parents and leaders can model this by sharing stories of how faith has influenced their everyday decisions, and by creating opportunities for them to serve in both church and community settings. When they experience the real-life benefits of faith, they’re more likely to stay rooted in it for the long haul. 
   
   Developing strong faith roots will help Gen Z to weather life’s challenges, made strong by the steady presence of God in their lives.

Let’s Share the Good News to All Generations 

By meeting Gen Z where they are—balancing digital connection with real-world engagement, creating open spaces for questions, and encouraging purposeful faith—we can help this generation find their own path to a deep, lasting faith. 

The team I work with at Subsplash partners with over 20,000 ministries to reach billions of people worldwide—across all generations—with tools that help strengthen discipleship, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds to inspire real connection. 

Discover for yourself how Subsplash can support your ministry in connecting with Gen Z and nurturing a lifelong faith.

The post Reaching Gen Z’s Heart and Mind: A Guide for Parents and Youth Leaders appeared first on Think Orange.

If there’s anything I wish I’d known earlier, it’s how clear, organized, and timely communication is essential to creating a smooth and impactful holiday season.

Let me share with you some lessons I’ve learned—through trial and error—about how to communicate well during the busiest time of the year. Hopefully, you can skip some of the bumps I experienced along the way.

5 Dos and Don’ts for Church Communications During the Holidays

1.  Plan your church communications early (instead of scrambling at the last minute)

Early in my ministry, I’d often wait until the last minute to send out holiday event updates. The result? Chaos. Volunteers were confused about their roles, attendees didn’t know the details of services, and I found myself scrambling to catch up.

These situations quickly taught me the key to holiday success is early communication planning.

Start months ahead (like right now!). Create a communications calendar that outlines when key messages need to go out and through which channels. Map out the major announcements, service times, and special event details, ensuring everyone knows what’s happening well in advance.

Tools like Google Calendar can help you and your team stay on top of things. The Subsplash Platform allows you to draft and schedule bulk emails, push notifications, and text messages ahead of time. This way you never miss an important announcement!

Step-by-step approach:

• List all the holiday events, services, and activities.
• Identify who needs to know what (staff team, volunteers, families).
• Create a timeline for announcements, volunteer updates, and reminders.
• Use scheduling tools (email platforms, social media scheduling apps) to ensure messages go out automatically.

2.  Centralize your church communication channels (instead of spreading yourself too thin)

One mistake I often made was using too many platforms at once to communicate (ask any church communications manager, and they’ll confirm this is a major thorn in the flesh issue). A Facebook post here, a bulletin announcement there, an email somewhere in between—it felt like I was doing a lot, but it just led to fragmented messaging. People were missing important information because they didn’t know where to look.

The solution to this is centralizing church communication channels. It’s important to decide on two or three primary methods of communication and stick to them. For instance, your church’s mobile app can be a great hub for communication.

You can use push notifications or text messages for urgent updates (such as a service time change) and rely on the app for event registration, volunteer sign-ups, or reminders. Pair that with a consistent email newsletter and targeted social media updates, and you have a cohesive plan!

Steps to centralizing comms:

• Choose 2-3 main communication platforms: (e.g., church app, email, and social media).
• Use your app for push notifications and text alerts, ensuring people get urgent updates directly on their phones.
• Send consistent email newsletters with all relevant details.
• Share concise, visually engaging updates on social media, pointing people to the app for more information.

3.  Keep church communications short and sweet (instead of information overload)

Like many people starting out in ministry, I would send out long, detailed updates filled with everything I thought people needed to know (you know those long newsletters you never have time to read). What I didn’t realize was that too much information can be just as bad as too little—people get overwhelmed, or worse, stop paying attention altogether.

Effective leaders know that clear and concise messaging is key.

When communicating with your volunteers, attendees, or leaders, keep it short and sweet (KISS). Break it down into easily digestible pieces. Use bullet points, bold text, and visuals to

emphasize critical information. And don’t hesitate to repeat yourself in the weeks leading up to an event—repetition helps ensure that key messages aren’t missed.

Steps to KISS messaging:

• Keep each message focused on one or two key points.
• Use bullet points or numbered lists to break up information.
• Highlight essential details (time, location, sign-up deadlines).
• For longer updates, summarize the key points at the beginning of the message.

4.  Delegate communication responsibilities (instead of taking it all on yourself)

I used to think that, as the leader, I needed to oversee every single detail of holiday church communication. This led to burnout, missed details, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

What I learned (eventually!) was the importance of delegating communication tasks.

Start by identifying key people who can help manage specific aspects of communication. For example, you might assign one person to handle volunteer coordination and another to manage your ministry’s social media. By dividing the workload, you’ll reduce your stress and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. A good tool for this is Slack or a shared Trello board where each person can see their responsibilities and deadlines.

Steps to delegate better:

• Identify people on your team who can take on specific communication roles (social media manager, volunteer coordinator, etc.).
• Use project management tools like Trello or Slack to keep communication tasks organized.
• Hold short check-ins to make sure everyone is on track with their assignments.

5.  Tailor your message for each audience (instead of sending one generic update)

Another challenge I ran into was sending out the same email to everyone—staff, volunteers, attendees—and hoping it would stick. But it became quickly clear that each group has different needs.

Tailoring your message for each audience is crucial. Your student leaders probably don’t need the updated plan prep plan for the nursery (and vice-versa). Parents and older students might get the same updates, but the style in which you communicate should look totally different.

Volunteers need specific instructions on where to be and when, while families need details like event times and check-in processes. Leaders may need a high-level overview of what’s going on behind the scenes. Instead of one-size-fits-all messaging, consider crafting separate church communication updates for each group, ensuring the information is relevant and useful.

Steps to improve:

• Segment your audience into staff, volunteers, and attendees.
• Customize communications based on their needs. For example, volunteers need logistics, while attendees need event highlights.
• Use your church’s email tool to create segmented lists, sending targeted messages that address the specific concerns of each group.

Don’t let poor church communication ruin your Christmas celebrations

In my experience, the difference between a stressful holiday season and a successful one often comes down to communication. By planning early, centralizing your church communication channels, keeping your messages clear, delegating tasks, and customizing your communications for different audiences, you’ll find the holiday season runs much more smoothly.

I’m privileged to work at Subsplash, and we serve over 20,000 organizations with powerful communication tools, like push notifications, text (SMS) messaging, group chats, bulk emails, and more—all on one platform. This makes communication so much easier for my church and so many others.

My hope is that you won’t have to learn the hard way like I did. Using the steps above, your church will be able to focus on what really matters this Christmas: celebrating the gift of Jesus Christ and engaging with your community in a meaningful way!

P.S. Looking for more tips from Subsplash? Check out 7 Hacks to Upgrade Your Church Check-in Experience.

The post 5 Dos and Don’ts for Church Communications During the Holidays appeared first on Think Orange.

I had spent five years learning the basics as a public school teacher before transferring to a new school. And on my first day of training at this new school, the principal said 

“I know you’re all scientists because teaching is a science.” 

He was right. 

Over those years, I learned the science behind education—the proven strategies, child development, pedagogy, public speaking, and visual aids.

But then the principal added something I’ll never forget: 

“You’re all scientists. But you’re also artists. Make sure you practice both.“

I felt his words on a soul level. 

It wasn’t that science was bad. It just wasn’t enough. All of the evidence-based, scientifically tested, data-driven strategies were the STARTING LINE for leading real students. But it wasn’t the finish line. They set me up to win with teenagers in general. But my job wasn’t to teach teenagers in general. 

My job was to teach THOSE teenagers.

A unique group (every year) with specific interests and gifts and challenges and learning styles and family situations who had never been described in my textbooks. 

And teaching those individuals was just as much art as science. It was as much diving into the creative unknown as it was leaning on what was tried and true. It was dreaming, imagining, praying (a lot) and being willing to start over—even when a lesson worked last year. 

Pedagogy may be science, but there’s an art to teaching specific teenagers in a specific community at a specific point in time. And to be a good educator, you have to practice both. 

The same is true in ministry. 

There is a science to leading kids and teenagers—ideas that are proven and predictable. And. . . 

There’s an art to leading them in less predictable times. Especially when we enter new seasons, cultural shifts, or new developmental stages in a kid’s life, we may need to take the next step without having a clear, predictable, exact science way to handle it. The Gospel hasn’t changed, but the way we deliver the message has to change in every generation and at every new life stage. Because the Good News is too important to say it in a way that doesn’t sound like good news today.

And when it comes to 2025 in ministry, I think it is one for the artists.

Because culture has shifted. Generations have changed. Families look different and there’s a notable difference in the way kids and teenagers understand. . . well . . everything. 

We may need to move forward, take some steps, and act on behalf of a generation—even when we aren’t sure what’s going to happen next. 

See, that’s the thing about art . . .

You don’t always know what the painting will look like when you start.

You don’t always know what the sound of the music will be when you play the first note.

Sometimes you just need that first note, the first step in the dance. Sometimes you just need to know the first color in the palette before you can see the whole picture. 

And that’s why this year at The Orange Conference, we are beginning with one color. 

You know which one it is, right?

In our strategy, the color Orange has always represented the home and the family working together, cheering for each other, partnering with each other and showing up for the next generation in a way that will influence their future. Orange is made up of red (representing the heart of the home) and yellow (the light of the church), but the point isn’t what either can do individually.

The point is what happens when red and yellow come together to make something new, something orange. 

Something beautiful happens when people who care about the next generation start working together.

It makes our priorities clearer.
It makes our decisions bolder.
It makes our message louder. 

And, it makes our churches healthier. 

Intuitively, we know that we can do more together, but over and over the research confirms that a kid or a teenager’s life is radically impacted when adults from different areas of their life partner together to influence their faith and future. 

That’s why, this year we’re doubling down on a single idea: 

It’s the idea Jesus describes when He talks about the Church

The idea that science confirms makes the most impact

And the idea that has been at the core of Orange from the very beginning. 

The idea of WE. 

We the church and 

We the home and

We the volunteers and

We the staff and

We the community leaders and

We the faith leaders and

We the kids ministry and

We the youth ministry and

We the educators and

We the pastors and

We the family and

We the whole family of God 

with the Spirit of God 

doing the work of God. 

for the sake of the next generation. 

It won’t be easy or predictable.

It’s not an exact science, 

“We” can be messy. But also, “we” can be beautiful. 

That’s why we call it. . . 

The Art of We

We hope you’ll be there for it this April 2025. Learn more, and get your tickets at TheOrangeConference.com

The post The Art Of We: Introducing The Orange Conference 2025 appeared first on Think Orange.

to rest in your identity as a “child of God” before a “leader of people”.
to be reminded and reinspired by the work you get to do.
to reimagine your unique role in God’s story of restoration and redemption.

Orange Conference will always be a dynamic in-person and digital experience created for leaders in ministry all over the world—children’s ministry, preschool ministry, middle school ministry, high school ministry, and family or next-gen ministry. It’s like a family reunion for the leaders that care about the future of the next generation. 

That will never change. 

And while you can still expect the same high-energy event intentionally designed for all who care about the faith and future of the next generation, OC25 will also be marked by some reimagination we’re thrilled to share.

In 2025, we are reimagining what is possible when faith leaders around the globe are gathered in one place. We are considering the power of proximity, the importance of making time for intentional collaboration, and how to leverage time in a way that better centers YOU and your unique leadership development journey.

Six Ways We Are Reimagining Orange Conference 2025

1. A Fresh Theme

Something beautiful happens when people who care about the next generation start working together. It clarifies our priorities and boldens our decisions. It makes our message louder.  And, it makes our churches healthier.  Intuitively, we know that we can do more together, but over and over research confirms that a kid or a teenager’s life is radically impacted when adults from different areas of their life partner together to influence their faith and future. That’s why, this year we’re doubling down on a single idea: The idea of WE.

2. Together in One Newly Remodeled Location

For the first time in well over a decade, we are thrilled to announce that the entirety of the conference will take place under one roof — at the Gas South Convention Center. No more long walks between venues or juggling locations — everything you need is now in one convenient space. The newly remodeled, state-of-the-art Gas South Convention Center is now connected to the Westin, and just steps from Starbucks and other amenities, offering modern comfort and convenience. You’ll be able to seamlessly move from workshops, main sessions, the exhibit hall, and—perhaps most importantly— where you’re going to eat, without hassle.

3. An Intentionally Balanced Agenda

If you’ve been to Orange Conference before, you’re fully aware that those three days are so jam-packed with content that at times, you feel like you’re drinking from a fire hose. This year, we are shaking things up with a new conference schedule, providing main sessions, workshops, and meet ups on multiple days, creating an intentional balance between learning opportunities, team time, and “me” time.

4. A Supercharged PreConference Learning Experience

Land early in Atlanta, and join intentionally crafted Preconference Labs that will supercharge your learning at Orange Conference. These 4-hour deep dives will focus on topics like personal development, team building, Orange strategy essentials, and more. For an additional fee, you’ll maximize your event experience and leave not only certified but even more prepared to make a lasting impact on your ministry.

5. A Bigger World of Ministry Resources

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Orange Conference will feature something brand new—our first-ever Exhibit Hall! This exciting addition will serve as a central hub for networking, collaboration, and inspiration. For the first time, all of our incredible sponsors and exhibitors will be gathered in one space, creating an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to connect with organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the ministry world. Whether you’re looking to form partnerships or discover new tools to support your local church, the Exhibit Hall will be the place to be. 

NOTE: If you are part of a mission-centered organization interested in joining our team of exhibitors, submit your application here!

6. An Intentionally Aligned Experience for Senior Pastors

Grab your seat at the table with other senior leaders who “get it”—pastors and executive leaders who know what it means to lead in a polarized world, care for your family AND your flock, and balance a million priorities while always championing the next generation. 

We are thrilled to introduce the Senior Leader Experience at Orange Conference. 

Conference pros will know that this isn’t exactly brand new. We’ve always hosted something called “Rethink Leadership” — and loved it! So what’s changing? 

We’re bringing the Senior Leader Experience under the same roof as Orange Conference, so senior leaders get the best content just for them AND rare alignment with their family ministry team.

This isn’t the place to hear another sermon (you have plenty!) The Senior Leader Experience Onsite is designed to help senior and executive pastors connect with other leaders, share real-world best practices, and deepen their impact in your church and community. In addition to the full Orange Conference access, this experience offers exclusive, tailored opportunities, including specialized workshops, expert panels, roundtable discussions, and more. This premium experience is perfect for senior pastors who want to align their vision with their team while being part of a larger community of ministry leaders.

What You Can Always Expect from Orange Conference

If change scares you, you can breathe a sigh of relief. While we will be testing some new strategies this year, you can still expect:

• World-class content and training. Expect the same caliber of thought-provoking main sessions, dynamic worship, and 50+ workshops led by proven leaders who prioritize practicality.
• Seriously Night. An entire session dedicated to laughter and fun.
• OC Digital. We’ll continue to offer the highest-quality digital conference experience you can enjoy from anywhere—with choices to watch as an individual or to host a watch party with your team.

The Orange Conference has always been a place for ministry leaders to pause, refocus, and recharge. As we reimagine the future of ministry together, OC25 promises to be an even more powerful experience—designed to center you in your journey as a leader, while fostering connection and collaboration across age-grade ministries. Need some ideas on how to get leadership approval to attend? Check out this blog!

Whether it be in-person in Atlanta, or digitally, don’t miss this opportunity to gather with thousands of leaders who are just as passionate about the next generation as you are. Register today and be part of shaping the future of ministry at OC25! Your role in this movement is vital—and we can’t wait to see you there.

Visit theorangeconference.com today to secure your spot.

The post What’s New At Orange Conference 2025 appeared first on Think Orange.

Most of us are in the same boat. We love our volunteers and want to equip them and care for them. We just get caught up in all the other important things, and a whole month, semester, or ministry year goes by, and we realize we never had an in-depth conversation with over 50% of the people who served alongside us.

Here are a few tips to make sure that is not you at the end of this year.

Plan a Volunteer Day 

Plan a volunteer day at least twice a month, but preferably weekly.  Look at your schedule.  Most of us have one day that is overwhelmingly full of meetings–sometimes two.  We also have weekly tasks that we do on specific days.  If you haven’t taken time to lay out all of your tasks and what day you do them each week, start there.  When you create a word doc with bullet points under each day, you will start to see a pattern.

For example, it could look like this: Mondays are for follow-up from Sunday.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays are full of meetings with staff.  Thursdays are for writing your weekly email and curriculum prep for the coming Sunday.  Some days will look like they have less, but we know that one bullet point is equal to 5 on another day.  

Once you have laid out your schedule, see where you have blocks of time to meet with volunteers. You may not have the budget to take them out to lunch each week, so look for times to grab breakfast or coffee. Intentionally meet during times when your volunteer won’t expect a meal.  Maybe one week you block off Thursday mornings and the next it’s Thursday afternoon.

Start Small 

Plan to check in with just one volunteer each week.  Don’t start this month–plan ahead for next month before you schedule other things. I would even block off the time on my calendar so that when other staff try to schedule a meeting, they can see you are busy during that time.  

When deciding who to meet with, we often go to the people who have the most needs or are the loudest–the ones who always have a complaint or improvement they want to share. They may not be the ones you meet with first. I’m not saying to ignore them–you’ll have a whole other set of issues if you do that–but take time to look at your team.  Who do you not know well?  Who flies under the radar? These people will appreciate the offer to meet, but would never ask you for it because they know how busy you are. Meeting with these people will not only remind them how valuable they are, but they will also encourage you as well.

Invest Personally 

Don’t just meet with volunteers you want to challenge to the next level. Often, we schedule time with our few because we want to ask them to take on another role.  Don’t use this time consistently for that.  Like my kids, they will smell you coming, and if you only want to meet with them when you want something from them, they will start to avoid you and possibly the ministry you lead.  Meet with them just because.  

Just as Jesus had his 12 disciples and 3 disciples in His inner circle. You will have those people, too.  You will need to prioritize how to meet with them consistently.  If they are shepherding people, you want to make sure you are scheduling time with them to continue to pour into them.  

The way this looked for me was like this:

1st Thursday – Coaches/strategic leaders

2nd Thursday – A volunteer you see potential in

3rd Thursday – Coaches/strategic leaders

4th Thursday – A volunteer who you don’t know well or you don’t think will ever take on more than they currently are doing.

5th Thursday – Meet with a volunteer who encourages me

Schedule Ahead

I would schedule these out a month ahead of time. On Sunday mornings, I made it part of my morning to look for who I was going to connect with the following month.  One year, I kept a spreadsheet of all my volunteers and highlighted them when I met with them. Another year, I had their names on a magnetic board and put a star next to each as I met with them.  The point is that I wanted to be intentional.  If I saw that I was not going to be able to meet with everyone in my ministry that year, I would reach out to my strategic leaders to make sure they were connecting with the ones I was not.   

There will be leaders you don’t want to meet with. You know it will be a hard conversation.  My advice?  Sprinkle meetings with them in among the ones you are looking forward to. Don’t schedule them all together or you are going to want to quit your job. It’s a balance between investing in them, but also not burning out or only investing in the people who are the loudest. 

At the end of the year, you may not have checked in with everyone.  That’s okay–look at who you did meet with.  What did you learn–and not just to better your ministry, what did you learn that challenged or grew you personally? Even more importantly, how were you able to invest in them? Making time to meet with your teams as individuals is a big task, but it is important. Your volunteers aren’t just people helping you accomplish ministry to invest in the next generation, they are humans worth investing in. 

Need some help getting your conversations started?? Use these Volunteer Check-Ins to connect with those you lead and maximize your impact! 

The post The Ultimate Guide to Reconnecting with Your Volunteers appeared first on Think Orange.

Factors like . . . 

Budget 
Type of programming 
Assets needed 
And how your curriculum will support your larger ministry strategy. 

With all of that to consider, you may wonder, “Where do I even start?” 

While this blog won’t answer all of your questions, there are a few things you should know about Orange Curriculum that can help you decide if it’s right for you. 

Orange curriculum is built on core theological truths

Our starting point for what we teach kids and students is the Greatest Commandment. That’s because we want to focus on what Jesus said matters most–love. 

Love God (Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, your soul, and your mind.) 
Love Others (Love your neighbor)
Love Life (As you love yourself)

These three major ideas show up regularly throughout our entire teaching plan from birth through high school. They are broken down further into 9 specific theological concepts to ensure that as kids journey through their development, they can get a full understanding of what it means to trust God and follow Jesus with their whole life. 

The 9 Core Theological Insights Include:

God’s Son is Jesus (and Jesus came to solve the problems resulting from our sin)
God’s Image is reflected in every human
God’s Creation reminds us that we have worth
God’s Family is the church and it will still exist in every generation (Jesus promised that)
God’s Message is summarized in one commandment 
God’s Love is the key distinctive of Jesus’ followers
God’s Character can always be trusted
God’s Story is good news and offers hope for everyone
God’s Spirit will keep transforming us to become more like Jesus

Each series highlights and focuses on at least one of these core truths and shows kids and students how that truth about God connects to their everyday lives.

Throughout the curriculum creation process, we make sure that our scripts are edited for theological content by experts and academics in theology. We hope the content we create is both theologically accurate and open for the 80+ denominations who use Orange Curriculum to see a pathway to their own theological nuances. 

Every series is developed with kids and students in mind

This sounds obvious, but let me explain.

On top of being theologically accurate, we also aim to be developmentally appropriate. 

Several years ago we started The Phase Project, where we met with over 200 child and adolescent development specialists, teachers, psychologists, pastors, and parents to research and discover more about how kids grow and learn over the course of their lives. 

At first, this became a book: It’s Just a Phase, Don’t Miss it. . . but that book became a launch pad for further research and discovery for how best to help kids learn about God and understand how to follow Jesus in age-appropriate ways.

Our teaching scripts, small group activities, and supplemental media are all written and edited with these developmental characteristics in mind.

This would include how we craft core teaching ideas for each phase of a child’s life. We hope to create a pathway that builds from what a child foundationally learns in First Look curriculum, gets developed through 252 Kids and Preteen, and is further explored through XP3 middle school and high school. 

From the bottom lines and key questions we write to the memory verses, specific stories, and passages we choose to cover, we pray that each piece of Orange connects to how a child learns in their specific phase of life and gives them solid truth they can carry with them into adulthood.

Our Curriculum operates on a 2 or 3-year Scope and Cycle. You’ve probably heard the term Scope and Sequence, which lays out the linear direction for a class. However, we want to be as intentional about what concepts and stories we repeat throughout a kid or student’s experience with Orange Curriculum, so we’ve designed a Scope and Cycle that is intentional about what gets reviewed. 

Each year at Orange Conference, we release the latest version of our Scope and Cycle that highlights the focused stories for that upcoming school year. It’s also available on our website for download. Each annual scope is tied to an overall Annual Focus that provides direction for how we will connect the content from God’s Word to a family’s everyday world.   

Orange is designed with similar segments for ease of use

As the content is put together into a teaching plan and instructional design, we use a similar pathway built on seven segments that add together to create a cohesive experience for kids and students when they come to your church.

Prelude: Setting the tone for the experience.

This includes everything that happens before a kid or student enters the environment. Orange curriculum includes all sorts of planning materials to help you prepare for people to arrive and experience your next gen environments. This includes thinking through how you decorate the rooms and hallways, the music you play as people walk in, preparing supplies for small group leaders and large group communicators, loading media to presentation software, and sending emails to leaders to give them a heads up about what to expect that week.

Social: providing time for fun interaction

No one is ready to begin diving into learning when they first walk into the room. That’s why we create intentional time where kids and students can have fun and ease into the heart of the content. Social allows for small group leaders to welcome kids and students and ask them relational questions that catch each other up on the past week. For our First Look and 252 curriculum, we also include a fun activity that teases the big idea for the day and gets the brain ready to experience the story.

Transitions: moving smoothly from one thing to another

We make sure that transitions are mentioned and at times scripted all throughout Orange curriculum. They can make or break a person’s experience. Transitions are especially important for younger kids who need time to refocus from one activity to the next. These can also be done with lighting and music that cue everyone that it’s time to pay attention to something different.

Story: communicating God’s truth in engaging ways

We are very intentional about how we help kids and students experience learning about trusting God and following Jesus. We use what we’ve learned about child and adolescent development to inform how we craft large group teaching so kids can not only learn something true about God but also enjoy their time learning and have a simple way to put that truth into practice.

Each curriculum also offers optional media packages that include teaching videos that present the lesson in a fun, memorable way that keep kids and students interested. They present all the same information that would be covered in a live large group script to connect with what will happen later during Small Groups.

Worship: as inviting people to respond to God

We think it’s important for kids and students to experience worship on their terms. That’s why we script out suggested worship segments that allow kids and students to sing songs they would like to sing. For our First Look and 252 Kids Curriculum, we have Orange Kids Music which includes a monthly worship song written specifically for the big ideas covered in that lesson. For our XP3 curriculum, we have suggested worship set lists for youth leaders to use and implement as they are able. 

Groups: creating a safe place to connect.  

After Large Group, kids and students head to small groups. For First Look and 252 Kids, this means engaging with all sorts of fun activities that review the Bible story, highlight the memory verse, apply the Bible story to their lives, and pray together. They are all created with kids in mind and offer several learning pathways to connect with kids however they learn best: with play, discussion, arts and music, physical activity, and thoughtful introspection. 

In XP3, Small Group time is often about dialogue so we give you focused questions to help them talk through what stood out to them, processing what they’re thinking & how it applies to their circumstance.

In every age group, part of Small Group includes helping kids and students discover practical ways to live out their faith with faith skill or practices.

Orange Curriculum includes four major categories for these faith skills: 

• Hear – listening to God through the words of Scripture and the world around us
• Pray – talking to God in prayer
• Talk – talking to each other about what God is doing in our lives
• Live – living for God, not just in the songs we sing but in the choices we make 

We highlight these in phase-appropriate practices we think will help give kids and students a way to own their own faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Home: prompting action beyond the experience

While the first six take place in the context of the church environment, the segments aren’t finished. At Orange, we believe that what happens at HOME is more important than what happens at church. Orange Curriculum partners with Parent Cue to offer families all sorts of ways to continue at home the conversations started at church. These resources include devotionals, parent take-home resources with questions and activities, and for XP3 – Bible reading plans on YouVersion. These are included with your monthly curriculum downloads, but they are also available through the Parent Cue app. 

Nurturing a faith of their own

Okay, now that was A LOT of information, but what’s great is that on top of all the content that Orange Curriculum offers, your annual license also includes access to an Orange Specialist who can help you set everything up, choose what’s best for your church, and get you want you need to help train volunteers and cast vision to parents and leaders. They’re just an email or phone call away. 

At Orange, our mission is not just to raise kids and students, but actually to raise adults who have an everyday faith that transforms how they love God, themselves, and the rest of the world. We pray that through all they experience with Orange Curriculum in your church, they’d have a faith of their own that will last.

Learn more about Orange curriculum and try it free for 30 days! 

The post What Most People Don’t Know About Orange Curriculum appeared first on Think Orange.