Reggie Joiner's Blog, page 14

Playing with Purpose

What do you think of when you hear the word playtime?

 

As adults, we may think of playtime as an extracurricular activity – a break from real work or real learning. But for preschoolers, play is a significant part of their day, because it actually promotes learning and helps them develop necessary skills. Think about what happens when a child plays. They are beginning to imagine and explore. Problem solve and share. Organize and think. 

 

Through this play, they strengthen their fine and gross...

Cómo usar XP3 Español en Mi Iglesia

To read this blog in English, scroll down. 

 

Queremos que nuestros ministerios sean siempre un lugar donde los estudiantes de nuestra comunidad puedan sentirse seguros y comprometidos. Pero a veces, no sabemos qué podemos hacer para involucrarnos con nuestros estudiantes hispanos que pueden ser nuevos en nuestro ministerio o incluso en nuestra comunidad. Pero la realidad es que ya sea que hablemos español o no, podemos ser un puente para que ellos se conecten con Dios y otros estudiantes a su a...

Five Filters to Consider When Planning Youth Group Christmas Party

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We are less than 50 sleeps away from Christmas Day. And that means there’s only a 30-50 day window to throw your Youth Group Christmas Party. No matter where you are in the planning process, here are a few questions your team could consider that might just make this the best Christmas party in the history of your ministry! 

 

How can we make the party as inclusive as possible? 

 

As ministry leaders, I think we would always say that the party is meant fo...

Bridging the Gap from Elementary to Middle School Transition

“Are you going to be our group leader next year?” the fifth grader asked nervously.

 

It was the next-to-last week of the school year. Our church was prepping the fifth graders to move up to the student ministry over the summer. I was lucky enough to be able to answer “Yes!” as the relief spread over this kid’s face. “And what about the rest of the group?” 

 

That was a more complicated question, given that, at our large church, kids were grouped by the school they attended, and some of my girl...

Seven Game Ideas for Your Youth Group Christmas Party

The most wonderful time of the year is approaching faster than ever. Christmas music has already started to play in many stores. Decorations are out for purchase everywhere you look. And while it isn’t quite Thanksgiving, the holidays have been on our minds for more than a couple of weeks as ministry leaders! You might already have the decoration, theme, and party ideas for your youth group’s “Christmas At the Movies” party (And if you haven’t, grab this FREE party planning pack here!). But how ...

Why Change is Love

Before becoming a pastor, my educational journey began with a strong desire to go to law school. But as the time to make the final decision approached, I felt God leading me to go to seminary. I felt called to plant a church like the one that impacted me growing up – Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Kilmichael, Mississippi, where everybody knew everybody.

 

But after finishing seminary, I had an epiphany. 

 

If I wanted to give the people I was serving the same experience I had, I couldn...

Change is Love

Before becoming a pastor, my educational journey began with a strong desire to go to law school. But as the time to make the final decision approached, I felt God leading me to go to seminary. I felt called to plant a church like the one that impacted me growing up – Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Kilmichael, Mississippi, where everybody knew everybody.

 

But after finishing seminary, I had an epiphany. 

 

If I wanted to give the people I was serving the same experience I had, I couldn...

Three Budget-Friendly Christmas Party Ideas

It’s hard to believe that time of year is almost upon us. And for all of you ministry leaders, you’ve probably had Christmas on your mind for several weeks now! The holidays are the perfect time to wrap up the year with joy and get your students excited for the new year to come. And what better way to pump students up for your new ministry year than a party?!

This year, we’ve come up with a “Christmas at the Movies” Party Plan for you. A theme that incorporates all the best Christmas movies in t...

Why Innovation is Difficult & What to Do About It

There are days that hearing the word “innovate” makes me want to scream! We hear . . . 

 

“Let’s innovate!”

 

“We just need an innovative idea.”

 

“Innovation will bring breakthrough.”

 

Sounds good, except when innovating sounds impossible. Is there really another way? A new idea? Something that will break things open?

 

The answer is, yes. 

 

Yes, there really is another way, new ideas and ways to love people better. There’s a way to get past where you are and lead to a better, more impactful...

How to Train Volunteers or Staff with Orange Masterclass

Have you ever struggled to re-communicate something powerful you once heard? Maybe it was through an Instagram Reel that popped up on your screen or while on the front-row of a conference. You attempt to tell your friend about it over lunch and can’t quite state it as eloquently as the person you heard it from.

 

We’ve all been there. You’re planning your next season of staff or volunteer training content and suddenly feel ill-equipped to cast the kind of vision that will stir the hearts of men....