There’s something powerful about pausing to reflect right after a big ministry moment. Whether it’s a special Sunday or a seasonal event, taking time within a day or so to debrief can lead to rich insights for the future. Think of it as a joyful experiment—an opportunity to learn from spaces, supplies, staging, and what God has already placed in our hands.

Here’s one simple tool I use: a Google Doc with three honest, hope-filled columns.

Hiccups | Wins | Discoveries

Here’s what each column means and why it matters:

Hiccups are those small snags or delays that don’t derail the event, but do interrupt the flow. 

• A misplaced TV remote
  
• Using insider language without clear signage
  
• A broken dress shoe while setting up a Storywalk with bubbles and eggs on brand-new mulch (thank you, backup flip-flops in the car!)

They’re not disasters. They’re just real-life reminders to tweak, prep, or bring extras next time.

Wins are those heart-lifting moments when things go better than you imagined:

• A youth boldly sharing the gospel with a preteen guest over Legos at lunch
  
• A dinner team noticing a need and stopping at the grocery store unprompted
  
• Spotting someone absolutely shine while leading a station—and inviting them on the spot to lead a ministry in the fall (and they say YES!)

These moments remind us that God is always doing more than we can see, and that teamwork is truly a beautiful thing.

Discoveries are the unexpected delights and insights you want to tuck away for future planning:

• Guests came because they noticed a roadside banner or a Facebook ad
  
• One building entrance worked best in daylight, another after sunset
  
• You might need to shift the date next year to get access to a better space; if the space is unavailable perhaps an alternative event is what’s called for

These are gold nuggets of information—little “a-ha” moments that shape wiser, more effective ministry down the road.

Celebrate the Good. Don’t Take the Rest Personally.

President Ronald Reagan and Coach John Wooden both famously said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

I’d like to add: “…and if I don’t take hiccups personally.”

Hiccups aren’t the place for finger-pointing—but wins and discoveries? Celebrate those loudly and often. Name names, thank people, and give the credit where it’s due. It builds joy, trust, and a culture of celebration.

This past Sunday was a big one. And the Lenten season? Full of moments worth remembering and learning from through discoveries.

So… what would make your list? What were the hiccups, wins, and discoveries?

Open a fresh Google Doc. Take ten minutes. Jot it all down. Then, revisit it during your next planning season. It’s one of the most effective, joy-filled ways to keep growing as the innovative discipler God has called you to be—hiccups and all.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

While listening to episode #63 of the FamTime Podcast I was introduced to the encouraging voice and wisdom of Beth Meverden. It was such a joy! In that episode, Beth shared four Biblical, simple, and deeply practical keys for helping kids stay engaged in church. Her 74-page book, Church(ing) Kids, published in 2024, is a treasure for families and church leaders alike. This little book packs a punch.

Beth has been loving families to Jesus for over 25 years, and she brings both wisdom and warmth from her home base in Colorado. Here are the four keys she outlines—each one packed with purpose and possibility:

Key #1 – Intentional Spiritual Training at Home

We get the parental responsibility as the primary spiritual trainers of their own children, but I really liked her emphasis on conversations. She says:

“It is giving the answers before they have to ask you the questions. Because sometimes when we do not talk about spiritual things with our children, they think we do not know the answers and will seek answers somewhere else. If we are not talking about our faith with them, they will assume it is not important to us since we talk to them about other things that we think are important for them to learn.”

So simple, yet so powerful. Talk to your kids about your faith like it matters—because it does.

Key #2 – Involvement in Big Church

We get the idea that kids should be involved with multiple generations of Christians, but I really like her emphasis on modeling today for the future:

“You are modeling what it looks like to be an engaged Christian adult so they know how to become Christian adults participating in church. God will seat us next to the people He wants us to serve.”

What a beautiful reminder that our kids are watching and learning what adult faith looks like in real time.

Key #3 – Developing a Church Skill Set

We get the idea that kids can serve, but I really like her emphasis on God’s people training God’s people for life skills inside the church house to also use outside the church house. She explains:

“A ‘church skill set’ is a set of skills and gifts a believer uses to serve God and His people at church. We do our children a disservice when we train them that going to church is all about them, thus laying a foundation for a lifetime of service.”

This is apprenticeship in action—raising up faithful disciples of Jesus through meaningful service.

“The best benefit of your children serving at church is this. Upon graduation, your children will look for a church family to serve instead of a church that will serve them.”

Beth offers pages of practical ideas for involving children and youth in service at church. If your kids are bored at church, get them serving! As she puts it, serving is the ultimate boredom killer.

Key #4 – Age/Stage Group Involvement

We get the idea that most families are looking for age/stage activities, but I really like her emphasis on belonging. She says:

“Youth group is an awesome place to remind your teens they are not alone in their faith.”

And there’s more. When children and teens are involved in age/stage ministries….

“We build a team of spiritual cheerleaders in our children’s lives. These servant leaders support you as you disciple your children toward being like Christ. When your children learn alongside other children, they have built-in spiritual conversation topics to discuss with them at school or as they play together. When children invite their friends to church, they’re also inviting their friends’ families.”

How encouraging is that? Belonging leads to conversations, friendships, and kingdom invitations that can ripple out to whole families.

While each of these keys can stand strong on its own, it’s when we use all four together that they create a wholistic path for our kids and teens to engage with the whole church—the whole Body of Christ. Beth Meverden offers us a hopeful, practical vision for raising up the next generation of faithful, joyful disciples.

Let’s take the keys—and unlock a faith-filled future for our children.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11

This Lenten season, our church journeyed through a rich and meaningful theme inspired by the 40-day devotional Soundtrack by John David Walt of Seedbed. It’s a beautifully curated playlist through the Psalms—the ancient sounds of God’s people offered in rhythm and rhyme, through voice and instrument, lifted up in worship to the One and Only: our Creator, our Rescuer, our Redeemer, and our King.

The Psalms are more than poetry; they’re a holy playlist stretching from the time of the pop-up tabernacle in the wilderness to the majestic temple of Solomon—songs for every season of the soul.

But what is it about music that makes it so powerful?

Music adds strength to a story.
Think about it—the #10 movie soundtrack of all time is Disney’s The Lion King. Can you even picture the story without humming Hakuna Matata or hearing Rafiki’s iconic shout as he presents baby Simba? And the #1 movie soundtrack? Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard. Unforgettable. Whose workout playlist doesn’t include Rocky’s Eye of the Tiger?

Music stirs our emotions.
Just a few notes of Garth Brooks’ Callin’ Baton Rouge and I’m transported back to LSU—friends, classes, football games on humid Saturday nights. Music has that power. Think of alma maters at national championships, songs played at memorials of loved ones, or the national anthem at the Olympics—each one stirs something deep in us.

Music helps us remember.
It shapes the soundtrack of our lives: the first dance at a wedding, a lullaby hummed by a tired mama in the middle of the night, or a family favorite like You Are My Sunshine. My high school years were set to Fleetwood Mac, Bread, and the movie soundtrack of Grease. My young mama days? Wayne Watson and Amy Grant. We even learned civics with Schoolhouse Rock (“I’m just a bill, yes I’m only a bill…”), and we remember the Fruit of the Spirit through a hand-jive rhythm.

In Scripture, as God’s people ascended to worship in Jerusalem, they sang the Songs of Ascent—15 psalms, psalm 120-135, preparing their hearts for communal worship through a shared ministry of presence, food, music, sacrifice, repentance, and their shared identity as God’s people. As one of our pastors shared last Sunday, “These are songs worth singing.” I have a Spotify Sunday Hype playlist I sing to at the top of my lungs on my drive into church every week which includes songs like Church Kids by Natalie Layne, Big God by Terrian, and That’s My King by CeCe Winans.

And now it’s baseball season.
Even little league batters have walk-on songs! So here’s a question for you: What would be your walk-on song? The one that gives you strength, stirs your soul, and tells the world something about who you are and what matters to you?

Music is sticky—it helps us hold onto truth. It brings hope. And it’s a good gift from the Lord to His people.

So go ahead—sing the song.

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” Psalm 126:2

Spring in Atlanta brings two things in abundance—Lenten celebrations and a whole lot of pollen. The pollen? I could do without. But intergenerational Lenten experiences? I wouldn’t miss them for anything.

The liturgical year draws us into the life of Jesus, reminding us of the moments that define our faith. But why do the Old Testament stories matter just as much?

Dr. Sandra Richter explains it beautifully: “The great narratives of the Old Testament have been preserved for us for a reason. Rehearsing these stories to each other reminds us of who we are. It reminds us of who our God is. ‘Stories that matter’ strengthen us… If the God I serve is the God of the exodus, the conquest, and the resurrection, then there is real hope, real strength, a real reason to get back in the game. But what if I don’t know the God of the exodus, the conquest, and the resurrection? What if the God I’ve come to know is the God of shallow pop songs and feel-good motivational speeches? … Then I’m in trouble. And so is the kingdom.” (The Epic of Eden: Deborah, p. 102)

Part of our family tradition during Lent is to watch The Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston: the OG when it comes on network television (4/12/25 on ABC). Part of my personal tradition is to watch The Passion of the Christ (Netflix). This year we have access to The Chosen’s presentation of The Last Supper, Part 1 (opened 3/29), Part 2 (opens 4/4), and Part 3 (opens 4/11). As a visual learner, I’m here for it all.

Another powerful way to experience the season is through discovering Jesus in the Passover, both in the classroom and at home. Faith formation that engages all five senses deepens our understanding, making these traditions come alive:

• Wonder Ink offers a series of five Easter-themed Sunday School lessons, culminating in an Around the Table Passover Event using candy to give the account of the plagues. Families and children journey through the Easter season while experiencing elements of a traditional Jewish Passover meal that point to Jesus. But why limit this to Lent? Imagine using these lessons for a VBS at a local nursing home, with kids and youth as teachers! We’ll be inviting our senior saints and women’s ministry team to join us to take this on the road.
• Chosen People Ministries recently led our entire church in a Passover Seder. For a little over two hours, we shared a meal, honored the roles of men, women, and children at the table, and explored how every part of the Seder points to Jesus. Children delighted in interactive elements—stickers representing the plagues, plastic locusts, flies, and frogs—while one thoughtful hostess even provided coloring books and a plush lamb for the little ones at her table. It was a night filled with laughter, learning, and deep connection as we discovered more about the Messiah of the Passover. Free children’s resources can be found here. One of our moms of three littles, two very littles, set her dinner and table that night in a way that worked for her family committed to starting this tradition.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is more than just sacred art—it’s storytelling through paint. Da Vinci, a scientist, artist, and master of detail, wove layers of meaning into his famous work. Last week, in our kids’ Sunday school, we explored this masterpiece alongside objects that tell Jesus’ story. We compared an original darkened print with a lighter version, discussing how artists of faith once shaped Biblical storytelling. My co-teacher, an incredible art educator, helps our students see the beauty of sacred art. Last year, we introduced them to the Mona Lisa, inviting them to “do the Mona” by sitting still with hands folded in their laps, ready to receive instructions. My unruly rosemary bush provided the stalks of rosemary for the lingering smell of the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume.

Each of these traditions—whether through art, food, film, or storytelling—points us to the God who still rescues, hears the cries of His people, gathers us in community, provides, restores, blesses, and calls us to a believer’s obedience through His Son, Jesus.

From our tables to our classrooms, from sacred art to sacred meals, we are invited to tell the story of our Savior—because it’s a story that matters.

“One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty – and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.” Psalm 145:4-5

Children’s ministry curriculum rarely explores the Judges of Israel deeply—the rescuers during the settlement years of God’s people in the Promised Land which made it the perfect choice of study this Lenten season. By this time, Joshua, Moses’ faithful wingman, had passed away, and the Israelites had yet to fully claim the land God had promised through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yet, they were called to live as a distinct people under the reign of the One True God, surrounded by tribes that worshiped many gods—El, Baal, Asherah, Anat, Mot, Dagon, Chemosh, and Molech—whose temples and festivals filled the high places and green groves of Canaan. As Dr. Sandra Richter puts it, “It’s hard to swim upstream against the cultural tide.”

I’m now in the third week of Dr. Richter’s study on Deborah, and I’m already in tears. Not just tearing up—but actually calling a colleague to ask, “Have you seen the Week 3 video? What in the world?! We’ve been living this!”

Deborah, along with many others, was called by God, led by the Holy Spirit, to judge and rescue His unruly children through wisdom and military might, during one of the most corrupt and chaotic times in Israel’s history. Time and again, the Israelites fell into a cycle: obedience to God, then disobedience and idol worship, followed by foreign oppression, repentance, a desperate cry for deliverance, and then a judge sent by God to rescue them. Victory would come, peace would last for a time, but then—just like clockwork—the people would forget. Judges 3:7, 12 sums it up: “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and…”

How could they forget so quickly? How can we forget so quickly? How can I forget so quickly?

Dr. Richter puts it plainly: “Mission drift is only a matter of time without ongoing effort and accountability.” By the time of the Judges, the third generation of Israelites—the grandchildren of those who had been delivered from slavery—had no personal memory of God’s mighty acts. They had no expectation of His good work in their lives. They drifted. They compromised. They blended in with their neighbors. They stopped taking risks, stopped standing out, and saw little difference between right and wrong. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” Judges 17:6; 21:25.

The kingdom of God was no longer their first allegiance. Their faith was no longer their own. By the end of the book of Judges, God’s people were more evil than the Canaanites. She calls this the phenomenon of the third generation.

But here’s the good news: Over the past sixteen months, the church I serve has moved from experiencing this third-generation drift back to the passion and contagious fire of the first generation, thanks to a team of brave, Holy Spirit led, integrity-solid disruptors. The first generation experiences God’s power firsthand as a community. They take risks. They show up. They dare stand up. They protect God’s mission for the church over their own comfort and self-interests.

Think of Martin Luther, who dared to challenge corruption in the Catholic Church over indulgences, or John Wesley, who shook up the Anglican Church by calling people to a personal, experiential faith forming classes, bands, and societies. We honor them as heroes now—but in their time, they were unlikely, scarred, yet faithful disruptors and revivalists; dare I say, rescuers.

Just as Israel needed leaders—even unlikely ones—today’s church needs them too. We need disruptors, visionaries, and heroes who are willing to put the kingdom of God first, stake their lives on the gospel, not get sucked into the drama of ‘us’, and unapologetically put the Great Commission back at the center of the table.

How will you set your table? Which seat will you take? What will be at the center of the table?

“Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.” Judges 5:7

We rented a bus from a family-owned business for our Ambassador Day Away. With the bus available until Monday, we saw an opportunity to surprise our youth (6th-12th graders) with a Mystery Bus Adventure after church! Their only clue? Jesus’ charge in Luke 12:35: “Be dressed and ready for service.”

Our journey began with bowling, arcade games, and a pizza lunch right after worship. Then, the real adventure kicked in—we traveled to two senior saints’ homes nearby. Despite the light rain, our students and chaperones joyfully got to work, refreshing flower beds, spreading pine straw, and delivering beautiful Kimberly ferns. Their hands were busy, but their hearts were even busier, serving with love.

Before heading back, our final senior saint graciously offered snacks, fueling us for one last stop at the church. There, we prepared sweet treats for an upcoming Walk to Emmaus event—because even when plans shift, there’s always a way to serve!

The evening wrapped up with an interactive How to Pray Lab, led by one of our pastors. Through scripture and hands-on practice, students prayed out loud with different partners, including their leaders and other adults. Even after a long day and soaked clothes, they stood confidently in prayer, encouraging one another and the children in the room. I even had the blessing of praying with a child about something happening the very next day—and later, I got to share with her and her mom how God answered that prayer!

What did we learn? Our students serve—rain or shine. They treasure time together and were blessed to meet some of the senior saints for the first time. Though we had one more stop planned, God had something even better in store. And in the end, there was no mystery about it—the Holy Spirit used an afternoon and a rental bus to pour out blessings on our church family, leaving wet clothes (and pine straw) scattered in His wake!

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5

When God called Abram to leave Ur, He was inviting him into a new adventure of faith. In a fun twist, we realized that “UR” could also stand for “Usual Routine”—and last Saturday, our 3rd-5th graders stepped out of their UR to grow closer to each other, serve others, and shine as ambassadors of Jesus in our community. After all, community is in our name!

Here’s a look at our incredible day:

9:30 AM – Arrival & Ambassador Training
We kicked off the day by preparing special gifts for the North Georgia Walk to Emmaus. Training included Bible study to complete an acrostic for the word AMBASSADOR.

11:00 AM – Prayer Labyrinth & Scripture Recitation
The kids first ran through the labyrinth for fun—then walked it again, slowing down each time, as they recited a memorized verse.

11:30 AM – Lunch & Life Skills
A brown-bag picnic near a work site where trustees were making repairs. Bonus lesson: greeting adults and engaging in conversation is an important life skill!

12:00-2:00 PM – Serving & Fishing at Senior Saints’ Property
After cleaning up pine cones and sticks from a long driveway, we had some hands-on fun—digging for worms and fishing! Each child baited their own hook and spent time casting, reeling, and reflecting on 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” This sparked great discussions on why Jesus called fishermen to follow Him.

2:00-4:00 PM – Sidewalk Messages of Faith
At the neighborhood of a beloved Bible teacher, we left mini “Jesus-es” and covered driveways with Christian symbols and words of encouragement in chalk. We also delivered a plant to a Senior Saint.

4:00-5:00 PM – Spreading Joy (and Racing Ducks!)
A special stop at the Church Council Chairperson’s home to deliver another plant, say thank you, and—of course—race rubber ducks down their koi pond waterfall! Swings and laughter made this visit extra sweet.

4:30 PM – Ice Cream Break at QuickTrip
A well-earned treat! Ice cream cones for everyone—except for one child who had given up sweets for Lent. No worries—a bag of beef jerky did the trick! The children could choose whatever flavor cone they wanted but it would look like a vanilla cone.

5:30 PM – Disciples Training
Back at church, our amazing wingwoman for the day led an engaging session. Training included Bible study to complete an acrostic for DISCIPLES and GOSPEL.

6:00 PM – The Great GOLDEN NUGGET Hunt!
A spray-painted golden rock, hidden by our senior pastor, sent the kids racing across campus. Since Jesus never sent out disciples alone, they searched in teams of two. The best part? The nugget wasn’t found on Saturday, so the kids eagerly came back early Sunday—and stayed late after church—determined to keep looking. They have until next year! I have no idea where it is and thoroughly enjoy watching the Ambassadors running up to the senior pastor for conversations and begging for hints.

6:30 PM – Dismissal & Pick-Up
Parents lingered and chatted while the kids, full of stories and smiles, wrapped up an unforgettable day.

Faith that sticks involves learning, practicing, serving, making friends, and having real conversations. Saturday was a huge win for our Ambassadors—and we can’t wait for the next adventure!

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Lent is a season of remembering—from wearing ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of me,” to the triumphant Easter morning declaration, “He is risen!” and the joyful response, “He is risen indeed!” But how else can we live out this season of remembrance with purpose?

Join a Small Group Study

Go beyond Sunday worship and commit to gathering in community in a small group. It won’t always be convenient—but we make time for what matters! Even if a study’s topic isn’t your first pick, if the schedule works, you’re more likely to stick with it. My church is launching a new adult Sunday school class (starting with a Meet & Greet this Sunday!) and a men’s small group on Wednesday nights after Ash Wednesday through April. Unable to take another night out during the week, I’m part of a zoom small group on Monday mornings with other family ministry leaders during Lent studying together Sandra Richter’s Deborah: Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges. We started yesterday.

Grow in Faith as a Family

If you have kids or youth at home, take on the practice of reading Scripture together differently. Read a chapter aloud, then talk about it! My church is providing a Family Faith Builder’s 40-Day Bible Reading Plan along with a mini Jesus for The Final Road Trip devotional to guide daily readings.

Sing Through the Psalms

This Lent, my church is journeying through Soundtrack: A 40-Day Playlist through the Psalms. Reading three Psalms a day—morning, midday, and evening—will take you through all 150! Plus, our fantastic Family Ministry Intern has curated a Spotify playlist featuring music inspired by several focused psalms.

Create a StoryWalk for Children

We’re setting up The Easter Fix as a StoryWalk on yard signs throughout our church campus, bringing the resurrection story to life for children and families. On Easter Sunday, every family will receive their own copy to take home! And on Palm Sunday, our youth will get Is Easter Unbelievable? Four Questions Everyone Should Ask About the Resurrection Story. Full images of many resources are free at TheGoodBook.com—check them out!

Watch and Reflect Together

Engage in meaningful conversations through film! The Chosen (Season 1, Episode 3 is my personal favorite) is now free on Prime Video. The Passion of the Christ is a powerful choice for high school students and adults. And in my family, it’s a tradition to watch The Ten Commandments—the classic with Charlton Heston—sometime in the last two weeks of Lent. That parting of the Red Sea scene never gets old!

Make a plan. Put it on the calendar. Guard that time fiercely. Let’s prepare for more than bunnies and candy and spring dresses – let’s make this season of deep faith and meaningful connection. My prayer is that this Lent will be filled with intentionality, renewal, and maybe even a new friend-in-the-Lord along the way.

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

Interns and seasonal staff are a wonderful gift to the local church! I am grateful for the opportunity to come alongside them, helping us all grow in both ministry skills and character so we can face challenges and celebrations together for God’s glory. As a new church that values strong relationships, I’m reminded that coaching for success beyond Sundays is the true goal.

I’ve had the privilege of supervising part-time staff who lead the nursery team of lay servants, a children’s ministry intern who directed day camps and special events, and a summer youth intern who designed our first fall confirmation cohort. Every six months, we step into team self-evaluations: late September due in early October & late March due in early April is my typical routine.

I ask each one to answer these questions:

What can I, or the church, do to help you grow in ministry skills and development? This tells me what support they need to take their skills and discipleship to the next level.

What contributions or achievements have you made during this time? This helps me celebrate their impact and successes, including things I may not have recognized.

Do you have skills that aren’t fully used in your role? The church is a perfect place to use both spiritual gifts and practical training for God’s glory.

How would you improve the department? This shows me what’s on their hearts and taking up space in their heads as a priority. My attention to these details tells our team, “I hear you!”

What 1-3 goals do you hope to achieve by the end of the summer/year? Whether church-related or not, this helps me see how I can pour into each one. During a follow-up face-to-face I can ask the hard questions of what they are learning, how are they practicing their holy habits, and how can I help?

Are there resources that could help you thrive in your ministry? I want to make sure they have what they need to serve well.

To invest further in the team, I invite each person to take the Working Genius assessment early on. This $25 investment in each team member further equips her/him to best serve the team and tells me how to best set her/him up for success. For example, a team member whose working genius is Galvanizing/Enablement thrives when given clear tasks and structure, while someone strong in Discernment/Invention may need more coaching for brainstorming sessions. By using tools like a shared Google Doc for tracking weekly and seasonal tasks, we create an environment where each team member can flourish.

Building an effective and joyful team requires care and attention. Self-evaluations help set the stage for success, encouraging us all to grow in God-fidence and faith in following the Holy Spirit in all we do on Sundays and beyond.

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.” Titus 2:15

The Oikos Principle is a simple yet effective way to be intentional about loving people to Jesus. By embracing holy habits like prayer, witnessing, and everyday interactions, disciples who make disciples can share the love of Christ in a natural and relational way with people we already have a relationship with.

Oikos is a Greek word meaning “household” or “inner circle of extended family.” But in our daily lives, our oikos will include more than just relatives—it’s the circle of people we regularly interact with, such as neighbors, coworkers, classmates, teammates, coaches, grandkids, and even service providers like hairdressers, doctors, nail tech, barista, and landscapers. These are the people God has supernaturally placed in our lives, not as ‘projects’, but as future brothers and sisters in Christ.

A practical way to start is by making a prayer list of 8-15 people by name in your oikos. If you have kids or a spouse, put them on the list! Other family members, friends, or acquaintances who are part of your everyday life belong there, too. Our prayers are the fuel, simple yet powerful:

• Lord, may [NAME] come to faith in Jesus.
• Lord, though [NAME] believes in You, I pray they grow in their faith and hunger for Your Word.
• Lord, may the decisions [NAME] makes honor and glorify You.
• Lord, let my interactions with [NAME] draw them closer to You.
• Lord, may [NAME] sense Your presence and encouragement.

When we pray consistently, God grows a boldness in us to talk about Jesus and reflect His love in our everyday lives. We become more caring, ask better questions, build trust, and make deeper connections. The Holy Spirit nudges us to reach out more often, to pray for and with our oikos, and to share helpful resources that speak to their challenges. Over time, we find ourselves being more generous, courageous, and attentive to the needs of those around us. We become more like the Jesus in the process.

Krista Bontrager, known as Theology Mom, explored the Oikos Principle in a 2024 series of podcasts on evangelism through relationships already in place. This principle was pioneered by Rev. Tom Mercer of High Desert Church in California, offering a practical way for everyday believers to share Jesus as Christ commanded in the Great Commission. You don’t have to be Billy Graham to make an impact—you just need to be intentional about loving those in your oikos to Jesus.

In 2018, I was challenged by Dave Ferguson’s Hero Maker to focus on reproducing leaders in the church. Then in 2021, Dave and Jon Ferguson introduced the B.L.E.S.S. model—Five Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World. Our pastors have taught this B.L.E.S.S. approach twice in the past year because having a plan, and modeling that plan, to reach neighbors and nations helps us live out our mission to make disciples of Jesus.

So, what’s your plan for sharing Jesus with your oikos? Whether it’s through B.L.E.S.S. or the Oikos Principle, I’d love to chat and encourage you on this journey!

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16