A recent study found that over a third of this generation said their faith became stronger during the pandemic, yet many do not participate in faith-based activities or attend weekly worship.

When asked about this dynamic, young people indicated they value those who "share care and concern for their well-being," and that trust-based relationships were key to engaging in ministry-related activities.

Being informed helps MLI adapt our instruction to meet the changing needs of young people and their communities.

Matt VaughanOctober 31, 2022Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

Invent, Experiment... Innovate! A New Opportunity –

Ministry Leadership Initiative is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Center for Youth Ministry Training to help churches invent, experiment, and innovate. The CYMT Innovation Lab is a phenomenal opportunity, available to your church! Our MLI Director, Matt Vaughan, has been trained in the process through CYMT and he’s impressed by the changes the project has helped facilitate. This is a Lilly-funded project, so the research is extraordinary.

The One Thing that Growing Churches Emphasize

Who is the most adaptable generation in our world today? It’s Gen/Z! These young people were born in 1997 or after, and embracing a sense of community is key for them. This generation is accustomed to rapid change. A recent study showed that churches with a youth emphasis tend to grow, which helps young people with real-life support that has long-lasting effects.

Matt VaughanDecember 10, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

First Fundraising Event Since 2019

Ministry Leadership Initiative recently held its first in-person fundraising event since 2019. Hosted by the Made in KC Marketplace on the Country Club Plaza, the evening included a Chiefs watch party as well as a private shopping event. MLI Executive Director Matt Vaughan kicked off the evening, welcoming a crowd of 50 people and providing an update on the organization’s mission and status.

Matt VaughanNovember 23, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

A Pandemic Field Guide for Ministry (Revised)

As you may know, our MLI team has been sharing resources in our daily blog. Some of the youth and children’s workers in our cohort are now calling this the “Pandemic Field Guide for Ministry.” We’ve pulled together the ten most-read posts to share with you as a field guide. What changes have you made in your ministry over the last 40 days? How can we help?

Matt VaughanNovember 22, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

Back At It!

School has been back in session for a couple of months now. So, if you’re asking, “Where are all our students?” You are not alone. Your students may even be asking the same thing: “Where is everyone?" Families and students have been doing church and faith differently the last 18+ months. Many disengaged completely for numerous possible reasons. It's no one person's fault. It's simple a reality yet creates an adaptive challenge for us.

Matt VaughanOctober 8, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

That's a Good Question...

That’s a good question! I took part in an executive coaching clinic led by the Kansas Leadership Center last week. It was a blast to connect with 40 other professionals, ranging from Silicon Valley specialists to small business owners. We learned and practiced vocational coaching techniques with one another. One of the facilitators reminded me that asking good questions is not a performance art.

Matt VaughanSeptember 27, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

Summer Mission Trips During Covid in 2021

How have you and your church handled summer youth mission trips through Covid?

Covid has cancelled and disrupted many things, including summer mission trips. These are pivotal and formative faith experiences built into many youth ministries. Many are even Rites of Passage into youth group. So, what do you do when the travel isn’t possible or feasible?

Our solution at Topeka First UMC was to stay local. Here’s why.

Matt VaughanJuly 22, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

Reflection Essay Looking Back at Ministry During the Pandemic

This has been a tough, character-building year for those who serve in ministry. Notably, the Barna Group conducted a study of pastors during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, confirming the difficulty of leading youth and children's ministry in the midst of the pandemic. The study found "half of pastors agree that ministry to kids and youth is the largest challenge they are facing right now." Members of the MLI cohort recognized this challenge.

Matt VaughanMay 26, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

Open UMC Jobs – March 2021

Job openings in youth and children's ministry tend to increase every year in the Spring. Pastors and churches want to find the "right person," and the pandemic has increased this urgency. Will families of young people return to your church after the pandemic? MLI offers networking assistance, search support, and search committee training. Consider the MLI cohort training program as a job benefit!

Matt VaughanMarch 11, 2021Ministry Leadership InitiativeComment

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