Leadership

Many churches and families have programmed a youth ministry finish line at twelfth grade. We walk our seniors out the door, breathe a sigh of relief, and let them disappear for a few years. We assume they'll return to church later, probably as adults with young families in tow.

The problem is, if we let them go, we may never see them again. Too old for youth group and uncomfortable with labels, college-aged and twentysomething Christians become disconnected from faith. Almost imperceptibly, they become less and less involved in church and faith, and eventually, absent altogether - in what we call the slow fade. Yet as these young people face critical decisions that affect the rest of their lives, they need their faith communities more than ever.

So what's the answer? You. Coauthors Reggie Joiner, Chuck Bomar, and Abbie Smith - a senior pastor, a college pastor, and a twentysomething - offer insight and suggestions and make a compelling case for personal, intergeneration relationships as the way to stop the slow fade. It's easier than you think!

Struggling with your "Quiet Time"?
Feeling spiritually empty?
Don't give up hope!

Red: The love of the family.
Yellow: The light of the church
Together they are colorful.
Combine them and they are VIBRANT.
They are ORANGE.

When two influences (church and family) work together, they are greater than the two influences working alone.

Many church leaders have already discovered that by strategically working together with the family, they can have a greater impact on the next generation.

Now, it's turn to jump-start the Orange Strategy in your church.

Seven timeless Principles for effective leaders.

"A must-read for leaders who care" Joel Kennedy, _{ceo & president, pandora radio}