Reggie Joiner's Blog, page 5

Creating A Sustainable System When You’re New To Kids Ministry

There is this moment I remember when I first started working in ministry. I had my 9-month-old son strapped in front of me, diaper bag on one shoulder, computer bag on the other, carrying a massively large storage container up a flight of stairs to the offices we were renting for the church. Before you ask–no. No one else was in the office, and no, we did not have an elevator. It was literally my breaking point. The point where I thought, “That’s it, I can’t do this anymore.” At least I can’t do...

Why Creating Engaging Experiences Matters in Kids Ministry

Creating experiences for kids
should involve leaders who love kids.

While there is no guaranteed formula for creating experiences that kids love, there are a few proven principles for leaders who love kids. If you are a kids ministry leader, we assume you care about kids and families in your church or community. Hopefully, you have discovered that something magical can happen when leaders who love kids create experiences. That’s why you do what you do. The primary motive for creating experiences...

3 Ideas for Prioritizing the Roster over the Roll Call

As ministry leaders, what we specifically do and how we lead people may vary, but one thing I’m confident we all have in common is why. How would you describe why you do what you do? 

We like to say it this way: 

We want a generation to grow up holding onto a faith that transforms how they love God, their neighbor, and life. We want kids and teenagers to develop an authentic, everyday faith in Jesus. That’s a big why, and we like to think the solution is actually small. Small doesn’t mean easy. ...

Introducing Kristen Ivy as CEO and President of Orange

We’re proud to announce Kristen Ivy as the new President and CEO of Orange.

This significant leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in Orange’s eighteen-year history, as Kristen Ivy assumes her role in leading the organization and supporting a brighter future for churches and families everywhere.

With this transition, Reggie Joiner will continue to champion Orange as Founder and Chief Creative Officer. For those following along, this new announcement marks the continuation of a multi-year ...

A Letter From Reggie Joiner – Announcing the New CEO of Orange

Dear Orange Partners and Friends,

 

I am thrilled to be able to announce that Kristen Ivy is the new CEO/President of Orange. For many of you who have partnered with us over the past several years, this probably comes as no surprise. Kristen has been a very significant executive voice and leader at Orange for almost two decades. In the fall of 2018, I began discussions with the Orange board and staff about a transition plan for the next CEO. Originally, I wanted to make the transition by the tim...

Three Things A Single Dad Wishes Your Church Knew

How we talk about parents matters.

Several years ago, when I was both a Kids Pastor and a husband with small kids, I thought I had many things figured out. . . including the most effective ways to partner with the parents in my ministry. As a proud parent, married for over a decade, and leading a large children’s ministry, who else would know better, right?

During those years, I attended every Orange event and had the best resources available to me to engage the parents in my ministry, providing...

The Leader’s Guide to Choosing Curriculum That Actually Engages Students

It’s no secret that middle school and high school students have a million different things vying for their attention–extra-curriculars, grades, friends, frenemies, and social media, to name a few. 

Not only does this affect how often students come to our programming, but it also means that they probably won’t keep coming back if our programming isn’t engaging. 

Now, this doesn’t mean that we are advocating for finding the next ‘flash in the pan’ trend to grab their attention, but it does mean th...

When Media is a Great Solution

I (Susan) don’t have it–the charisma, the right amount of humor to keep them intrigued, the voice that commands their attention. It’s just not in my skill set. I am not effectively able to stand in front of a group of kids and keep them captivated while I impart spiritual wisdom. I’m unsure which is more intimidating–the kids or the other volunteers listening in as I hem and haw my way through the lesson.

Maybe you can relate. Fortunately, Orange has an excellent quality media option that saves ...

The Ministry Leader’s Guide to Leadership Development

If you are reading this, we assume one thing is true: you want to experience momentum in your ministry. You want to see kids or teenagers grow in their everyday faith, and you want to see more families connected to your church. 

Especially after the last few years, many ministry leaders are asking the question: 

“How do we build momentum in our ministries?”

It can be tempting to try a bunch of new things, throw different events on the calendar, and make a ton of changes in order to build momentu...

Why Struggles With Mental Health Are Not a Lack of Faith

So, I want to challenge you. 

I want to put a different spin on a belief that has been floating around the Christian community regarding mental health.  And here, in a nutshell, is that spin:

Mental health struggles are NOT due to a lack of faith.

Many of you have heard a pastor, teacher, or theological scholar say something like:

 “If you struggle with ______, you just aren’t praying enough.”

“Your faith just isn’t big enough.”

…or even…

“[Insert mental health condition] is just a form of ...