We get the challenges ministries face every week: limited time with kids, volunteers stretched too thin, parents unsure how to lead faith at home, and the overwhelming weight of ministry responsibilities.

We asked ourselves: What if there was a way to bring it all together? What if churches could access everything they need—content, strategy, and technology—in one place?

That’s why we created Amazing+.

So Much More Than Curriculum

Amazing+ is our new signature subscription—your one-stop hub for equipping every age and stage of ministry, from babies to high school. It’s more than just content; it’s a strategy that empowers churches and families to work together to build a lasting faith.

With Amazing+, you get:

• A Birth-to-18 Curriculum Strategy: Unified, Gospel-centered discipleship across every phase of a kid’s life.
  
• World-Class Media: Bible-based lessons, worship, and teaching resources that engage every generation.
  
• Powerful Ministry Tools: Technology that helps you present, organize, and share media playlists, housed in one unified system called APlay, that makes leading, planning, and equipping families simpler than ever.
  
• Customizable Experiences: Volunteer resources, family engagement strategies, Spanish translation, and music designed to fit your ministry’s unique needs.
  
• An App just for Parents: Parents report feeling ill-equipped to lead their kids spiritually. That’s why we created the Parent+ App—a tool that equips parents with this Sunday’s lesson, conversation starters, memory verse, and so much more, right in their pocket.

Why Amazing+? Why Now?

In today’s world, ministry leaders don’t just need curriculum. They need a holistic strategy, grounded in theology and tailored by technology, that makes it possible to thrive in the complexity of modern ministry.

We believe the Church and the home were designed to partner together. A parent has 3,000+ hours each year with their kids, while most churches only get about 40. Amazing+ helps you bridge that gap with resources that equip parents to lead faith conversations all week long—while giving you the tools to maximize every moment at church.

The Future of Discipleship Starts Here

Amazing+ is more than a subscription. It’s the next chapter of how we equip the Church to redefine what’s possible for the next generation.

Together, we can:

• Help kids and students build authentic, lasting faith.
  
• Empower parents to lead with confidence at home.
  
• Equip volunteers with resources that make serving joyful.
  
• Multiply your impact with tools designed to simplify ministry.

This is the future we’ve been building toward for decades, and it starts now.

Are You Ready?

Amazing+ is here. It’s everything you love about Orange strategy, now in one place, built to serve your church today and shape generations to come.

Get the Whole Strategy Today.

The post Introducing Amazing+: A Complete Strategy for Next Gen Ministry appeared first on Think Orange.

Most parents want to disciple their kids but feel unsure where to start. What do I say? How do I bring up faith in everyday life? Without help, those 3,000 hours slip away.

A Bridge Between Sunday and Every Day

What if parents could open their phone and see exactly what their kids learned on Sunday, plus a simple way to carry it into mealtime, car rides, or bedtime? What if faith at home felt less like pressure and more like natural, repeatable moments?

That’s the vision behind our brand-new, for-your-church app: Parent+.

Introducing Parent+

Parent+ is a customizable, church-branded app that puts your discipleship strategy right into the hands of families. Powered by the technology of Amazing Life and the Orange strategy of biblically grounded, age-specific content, it brings Sunday’s lessons into the rhythms of everyday life with videos, conversation starters, devotionals, and activities.

And because it’s your church’s name, colors, and logo on the app—not a brand parents don’t recognize—every notification feels like a trusted nudge from their own pastor and leaders.

What’s Included

Inside Parent+, families find:

• Weekly video lessons that match what kids and students learned on Sunday.
  
• Quick conversation starters to spark meaningful talk in just a minute or two.
  
• Devotionals and reflection questions for older kids and students.
  
• Family activities that turn faith into shared experiences.
  

For Amazing+ churches, Parent+ is included at no additional cost. Parents download it for free on iOS or Android, and setup takes minutes.

Ready to Move from 40 Hours to 3,000?

Small, repeatable moments over time add up to powerful spiritual formation. And Parent+ helps you make them happen.

At breakfast, a 90-second question sparks family conversation.
In the car, a quick prompt connects faith to real life.
At bedtime, a short devotional closes the day with peace and purpose.

Parent+ helps you bridge the gap between Sunday and everyday, equipping parents to disciple their kids with confidence. It’s simple, practical, and included with an Amazing+ subscription.

Parent+: Your church’s discipleship, every day of the week.

The post Parent+: Put Your Ministry in Parents’ Hands Every Day of the Week appeared first on Think Orange.

Will my child be welcomed? 

Will anyone know how to connect with them? 

Will this be a place where they truly belong? 

Too often, the answer feels uncertain. Not because the church doesn’t care, but because volunteers don’t feel equipped. When that happens, families feel unseen, leaders feel discouraged, and kids miss out on moments to encounter God’s love. 

We believe that every child is made in God’s image, so missing even one is missing too much.

An Invitation to Belong

What if church felt like a place where every child and family truly belonged?

Accessibility is about widening the door. Different kids connect in different ways: through words, music, art, movement, or even stillness. When we make space for those differences, we don’t just accommodate, we invite.

Because the truth is: a church that reflects the full beauty of God’s family is a church where every child, with every ability, has a place.

Introducing EveryChild

That’s why we created EveryChild—a sensory-friendly version of our Kids curriculum, designed specifically for children with different and special needs.

EveryChild was built with accessibility and sensory awareness from the ground up. It gives leaders the tools to help every child engage with God’s Word in ways that feel safe, welcoming, and life-giving.

This isn’t a side program or an afterthought. It’s a discipleship pathway because every child deserves the chance to know Jesus.

What’s Included

• Care Plan + Allergy Alerts for safe, personalized care
• Visual Schedule + Feelings Chart to build comfort and confidence
• Playdough Mats + Celebration Stickers for sensory-friendly fun
• Bible Story Image Cards + Pip & Bob video stories to bring Scripture to life
• ASL Memory Verses to promote inclusion and deeper learning
• Rest + Reset Visuals to create calm, supportive spaces
• Leader Guides with quick-reference tips for building confidence when working with neurodivergent children.

EveryChild equips your ministry with simple, practical resources that make a big difference:

A Fuller Reflection of God’s Kingdom

When churches embrace the needs of every child, everything changes: 

Families feel seen, supported, and safe.
Volunteers lead with confidence instead of hesitation.
Kids of all abilities encounter Jesus in ways that resonate with their hearts.

Learn how to bring EveryChild to your church and ministry today.

The post EveryChild: A Sensory-Friendly Church Curriculum from Amazing+ appeared first on Think Orange.

We know you want your teams to walk into Sunday confident, equipped, and ready.

Prepared Teams, Powerful Moments

What if every leader could preview the service before the weekend? What if they could rehearse transitions, learn the memory verse, and get familiar with worship motions ahead of time—so Sunday wasn’t the first time they saw it all come together?

Prepared teams create smoother services. Smoother services create fewer distractions. And fewer distractions make space for kids and teens to focus on what really matters: hearing and responding to the message of Jesus.

Meet: APlay View

APlay View is a simple way to equip your leaders by giving them access to upcoming service playlists. Once your playlist is built and published inside APlay, you can instantly push it to APlay View—a secure website where your volunteers can log in and see exactly what’s planned.

Every video. Every graphic. Every worship song, slide, and memory verse in the exact order you’ve created.

Your team can review it days in advance (or, let’s be honest, while pulling into the parking lot on Sunday morning). Either way, they’re ready.

How APlay View Works:

1. Build your playlist inside APlay.
   
2. Publish and push your playlist to APlay View.
   
3. Share the link with your volunteers and leaders.
   
4. Teams log in and preview the entire service flow. Anytime, anywhere.
   

Who It’s For:

• Children’s ministry leaders who want confident small group leaders and smooth large group experiences.
  
• Youth pastors who want their band, tech, and teaching teams aligned before students arrive.
  
• Volunteers who want to feel equipped instead of scrambling.
  
• Churches of any size that believe preparation makes space for God to move.
• Parents who want to review this week’s lessons and keep the conversation going with their kids at home.
  

More Confidence, Less Chaos

When leaders know what’s coming, they lead with confidence. Kids feel the difference. Volunteers aren’t scrambling; they’re present. Transitions aren’t awkward; they’re seamless. And the message isn’t competing with distractions; it’s amplified through clarity and focus.

That’s the power of APlay View.

It’s not just about sharing media—it’s about preparing your teams to lead kids and teens into life-changing encounters with Jesus.

Ready to prepare your volunteers with APlay View? Sign up for APlay today.

The post APlay View: The Ministry Preview Tool to Review, Rehearse, and Get Ready 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.

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.