Looking back through the year, we are reminded of the things that God has done. Check out our most read blogs and top podcast listens! We are grateful to all who are shared these resources! Thank you for helping us encourage youth leaders in 2023.
#2 Remodeling Youth Ministry
Lately, I've come across an increasing number of articles about deconstructing faith. Some specifically call for an end to youth ministry. I don't believe we need to tear down the entire Church, or even Youth Ministry as a whole, to build something brand new. But I do believe our churches and youth ministries may need some remodeling if we're to engage new and younger believers. Read post Phil Ball
#2 Overcoming Disunity in Your Community
Unity is core to who we are as an organization. Our collaboration shares Jesus by the love that we show. And yet, we hear of the lack of unity in networks. So can we help overcome disunity within networking communities? Read post by Kevin Boer
#3 My 9.5 Thesis
I suppose that, like Martin Luther over five hundred years ago, most of us in ministry have strong feelings about what we'd like to change about the church. In honor of Reformation Day and in the spirit of Martin Luther, I offer my 9.5 theses. Read post by Travis Deans
#4 He Gets Us - Superbowl TV Ads
He Gets Us is seeking to engage people with conversations about the gospel. Here are free resources to help your community engage in conversations about Jesus. Read post
#5 Investing in the Spiritual Growth of America's Youth
Our youth are returning to school campuses for much of the next year and the opportunity to reach hearts for Jesus is now. Over 85% of people choose to follow Him before the age of 15, making the years spanning junior high through high school the most formative in their spiritual development. Read more from Mark Shaner
#6 Just Grab Sticky Notes
Have you wondered how to teach students to pray consistently and effectively? Our Free Refills team recently discussed how to revolutionize our student groups by launching "prayer triplets" as a strategic prayer practice. Join the Conversation
#7 Six Ways to Reach Your Local School Community
Two hundred years ago the local church was the center of community. However, community is now centered around something else: schools. Just go to a Friday night football game or the spring musical or a graduation ceremony. A significant portion of your community is connected to the local school district. It's a pipeline of people that we should not ignore! Read post by Travis Deans
#8 Pushing the Agenda
As leaders, we must consider what it means to advance wherever we are given responsibilities. Influential leaders will look for a way to keep advancing versus maintaining. If we work to maintain, to put it bluntly--ministries die. Read post by Randy Davis
#9 Asbury University National Collegiate Day of Prayer
200 years ago in 1823, nearly every major denomination and university across America united in prayer for our nation's college students. Campuses were being radically transformed by powerful seasons of spiritual awakening. Today, churches and campuses across America are once again uniting in prayer for the next generation on college campuses. View post
#10 Networking: Biblical Mandate, Spiritual Necessity, Practical Discipline
I love to see churches come together, youth pastors support one another, ministries helping other ministries, and people sharing common ground to serve a common purpose--reaching students with the fresh word of God's love. But, yt's not something you see all the time or in every community. From what I hear, it's actually quite rare. Read more by Wesley Ellis
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Top 5 most listened Free Refills Podcast episodes of 2023
#1 Ep 056 | The Encouragement You Need
The holidays can bring both adrenaline highs and anxiety lows. Shane Pruitt shares his lived experience and the wisdom gained to make the most of this time of this season.
#2 Ep 055 | Go & Tell Ministry Mindset
Corey Blockus shares insights on youth ministry shifts from a, "Come & See" model to a, "Go & Tell" mindset focused on equipping students.
#3 Ep 059 | Reaching Students in our Community
Morgan Marshall and Jason Lamb join us for a conversation on the creative ways they are mobilizing students!
#4 Ep 058 |Reaching the Every
Thomas Brackeen, named one of Fuller Youth Institute's, "Top 20 Black Leaders to Follow in 2023," drops some incredible truths in this episode.
#5 Ep 060 | Network Before Trauma
Networking creates relationships for the most difficult moments in ministry. Kristi Mayes shares examples of communities working together in the midst of tragedy.
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