Stephen Ingram Stephen is a 25+ year youth ministry veteran. His books include Hollow Faith: How Andy Griffith, Facebook, and the American Dream Neutered the Gospel, ExtraOrdinary Time: 365 Ordinary Moments with an Anything But Ordinary God; and Organic Student Ministry. Stephen serves as the Sr. Director of Resource Development for CYMT. In recent years […]
Here at the Innovation Lab, our Innovation Culture Index (ICI) assesses a faith community’s culture by revealing its strengths and areas that need to improve so innovation can take root effectively. The ICI measures what we call the Nine Indicators of Innovative Potential, which are essential cultural characteristics for enacting change and embracing creativity in […]
The Center for Youth Ministry Training has received a $1,249,965 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Benediction Project. The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer […]
As faith communities prepare for the Advent season, nostalgia for the past becomes commonplace. Many faith communities hang the greens, practice the traditional hymns, host traditional events, and read the season’s scripture stories. But the potentially negative impacts of nostalgia on ministry innovation are often overlooked. The late Dr. Svetlana Boym was a scholar of […]
At the Innovation Lab, we often say that listening is a powerful, sacred act of ministry in and of itself. But amidst a culture where “listening” has become trendy, the Lab means something different. We mean nothing less than to follow the example of Jesus when he encountered a man lying beside the pool at […]
When employees feel supported, valued, and connected, they are more likely to stay in their position. You have the power to create a culture that makes your team feel like home.
The Center for Youth Ministry Training has received a $4,903,808 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Young People’s Theological Service Initiative. The program is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s National Youth and Young Adult Initiative on Faith and Service (Faith and Service Initiative), which is designed to nurture and deepen the faith […]
In any ministry with young people, consistent communication with parents and caregivers is key to building strong relationships.
Although some leaders choose to focus on Bible study with their students, games have an important place in next gen ministry and the church.
As a ministry leader, you’re likely familiar with the holy habits of prayer, worship, reading the Bible, giving, and the sacraments.
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