Generation X. The MTV Generation. A generation of slackers and cynics. Stereotypes aside, there's one other name given to this generation, and it's the one that might be the most accurate. Generation X, "the forgotten generation."

Now sometimes, when I'm around a group of Gen Xers, we can joke a little bit about them being forgotten, but the reality is that most people in that demographic that I come across really do feel that way – and the question you have to ask is why?

In this Video Blog, you’ll see Mike’s conversation with Jaqueline Cleland. Mike hears all about how a simple desire to get teens in community using their favourite video game turns into one of the deepest dives into Biblical History a youth group has ever done. This conversation reminds us all that not only can God use anything to draw us closer to Him, but we need to make sure we don’t put ministry in a box or make assumptions about how effective something can be.

Through my time as a church helper, I've talked to churches who have told me, "we tried ___, but it didn't work." When I ask why, usually the answer is "we don't know. Often, these conversations end with people agreeing that they never knew what "working" looked like, so they honestly didn't know if they ever got there.

I want to give you four conversation starters you need to have with your team BEFORE you start implementing a growth plan. Don't skip this step, even if you think you've got it nailed down - let it act as a confidence booster. Every church should have these conversations if they're looking to reach more people with the message of Jesus

Every church wants to be relevant - there’s just one thing that usually stands in the way. Most churches don’t take the time to define what “relevant” means.

Here are 3 conversations you can start with your church or elders that can lead to making an impact in 2021.