Several gifts every ministry leader should have

With Christmas right around the corner, it is inevitable that you are thinking about gifts. Whether you are wishing and hoping for the gifts on your list, or out bracing the crowd and shopping for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, Christmas gifts are on the mind.

I was recently a part of a conversation about gifts—- not Christmas gifts, but rather gifts from Orange. Orange is a great source of learning, knowledge, and resources. When I think about gifts I have received from Orange, there are two that stand out— two resources I wish I had when I first started out in ministry. They are also two gifts that I think all those in ministry should have in their resource closet.

Think Orange

Years ago, before Facebook kids ministry groups were all the rage, before social media connected us in a way we have never been connected, before there were many many kids ministry conferences, there was me in a small church. Me not connected in the way I am now. Me in a kids ministry role trying to do kids ministry well, when I had an idea. I began down a path to trying to reach parents and help equip them to be spiritual leaders in their home.

That’s when I found a book online- Think Orange by Reggie Joiner. The book helped me (and continues to help) focus in on strategies that build relationships with parents and helps them take responsibility for the spiritual foundation of their kids. While it continues to be a great resource, it is one that I wish I had when I was just starting out.

Myth of Balance

The second gift was a book I received in the mail last year called The Myth of Balance by Frank. This is another book I wish I had when I first started out in ministry. Actually, this is a book that would benefit anyone with a job and a life.

Balance, like the Loch Ness Monster, is a myth. It just doesn’t exist. There is no way to balance your life. There is always give an take. Seasons of life when something takes more attention than another. This is normal. But there is a problem when we choose to put all our time and attention on things other than our family. It took me a long time to learn this lesson, and I learned the hard way. My family suffered because ministry was a priority over family.

Through the book Frank explores how to navigate the times when ministry, or work, takes extra time. There will be those times. The key is to be intentional with your time when these times come. Discuss these times with your family so everyone is aware it will be a busy season. When everyone is on the same page, your family will not suffer because of your work or ministry schedule.

See more info on Myth of Balance here.

A Gift from Orange to you

If those two gifts were not enough, Orange is offering another gift- a discounted rate to attend Orange Conference. Register now to save $70 off — registration costs will increase soon, so if you have plans to attend, you should consider registering soon to save some money. $70 will go a long way when buying resources (or Christmas gifts!)

Never been to an Orange Conference? Check out more info here or here.