September 23, 2024

BTE4.01 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Unchurched Students with Joel Firebaugh and Caleb DeRoin

1 hour 1 minute

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What does it take to spark a revival among junior high students? Join us as we kick off Season 4 of "Beyond the Event" and introduce our exciting new video format! We promise you'll laugh along with us as we share on-camera bloopers and reflect on an unforgettable summer filled with God's surprises. Our special guest, Joel Firebaugh, Next Gen Pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, shares his firsthand experiences of a low-key revival and the astounding number of baptisms from their CIY summer events. Caleb and Brad also discuss the thrill of registration for the upcoming 2025 events and the joy of witnessing so many transformations.

Curious about what makes a junior high small group successful? Chandler Key’s humorous question sets the stage as we tackle the concept of "wins" in youth ministry. Michael emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and simply being a presence in the lives of students. Joel adds his perspective from overseeing kids and student ministries, including a recent milestone of nearly 300 baptisms. Together, we highlight the creation of inclusive spaces for unchurched students at youth camps, sharing powerful stories of transformation and offering practical strategies to make church activities welcoming for all attendees.

Finally, we explore how to engage diverse groups within church settings and celebrate the success of camp events that welcomed unchurched participants without any issues. Caleb provides insights on fostering inclusive environments, and Joel talks about the collaborative efforts between Crossroads and CIY in creating impactful camp experiences. We delve into the significance of camps in the church’s ministry and share strategies to make these transformative experiences accessible to everyone. Wrapping up, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Joel for his invaluable contributions and Caleb for his co-hosting, reminding listeners to stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

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