ASCENT 2027 Theme: SHINE
Something is happening in this generation, and we believe it creates an incredible opportunity for the Church. For years, much of the conversation around teenagers and faith has focused on young people walking away from Christianity, declining church attendance, and growing mistrust of institutions. And while some of those challenges are very real, they don’t
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SAVE THE DATE: ASCENT 2027! 🚨
It’s official… ASCENT is coming back in 2027! Mark your calendars, tell your youth group, start the countdown, and maybe begin mentally preparing yourself for unlimited Pepsi. 📅 June 26–30, 2027 📍 The Crossing Retreat Center — Lexington, Nebraska After an incredible ASCENT 2026, we’re heading back to The Crossing for another week of worship,
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Looking Back at USMB’S The Gathering 2026
Another USMB Gathering is in the books, and once again I’m heading home encouraged and grateful. I’ve had the privilege of attending the national USMB convention since 2008, and every one has been meaningful in its own way. But this year’s Gathering in Salt Lake City felt especially significant. One of the first things I
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570 Chickens?! Our offering total was the highest ever!
What an incredible summer! As we look back on Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp, and ASCENT 2026, we have so much to celebrate—not only because of what God did in the lives of campers, but also because of the incredible generosity shown through our missions offering. Together, campers, counselors, adult leaders, churches, and staff gave
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ASCENT 2026 Recap (by the numbers)
ASCENT 2026 is officially in the books, and what an incredible week it was! This year marked a brand-new chapter as we gathered for the first time at The Crossing Retreat Center in Lexington, Nebraska. Moving to a new location always comes with a little uncertainty, but by the end of the week, there was
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Help Us Build the Leadership Pipeline Resource Library
There is no shortage of ministry content online today. Podcasts, YouTube videos, blogs, social media posts, PDFs, trainings, and there is information everywhere. But for many churches and interns, the real challenge is not finding information… it’s finding the right information with wisdom, discernment, and practical application. That’s why the Leadership Pipeline is excited to
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An Important ASCENT Worship Update
I wanted to personally share an important update regarding worship for ASCENT 2026. Unfortunately, Generation Worship will no longer be able to lead worship at ASCENT this summer. Due to personal matters that are not our story to tell, Generation Church made the difficult decision to cancel all summer tours for their traveling worship band.
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Why People Are Leaving the Church: What The Research Actually Says
I recently came across a Reel from @Bradyshearer sharing that two research groups independently reached similar conclusions about why people are leaving the church, and the readings have been fascinating. This is a summary of the Pew Research Center and PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute). And while many Christians assume the answer is simple, the
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A New Tool for Your Youth Ministry Toolbox: YouthGroupGame.com
We’re always looking for resources that are practical, affordable, and actually helpful for youth workers and this is one worth putting on your radar. YouthGroupGame.com is a simple, easy-to-use platform that gives you ready-to-go games you can use in your ministry immediately. No overthinking, no scrambling last minute, designed for those weeks when you just need
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Camp Isn’t an Event, It’s a Spiritual Marker
Every summer, youth pastors everywhere load up vans, triple-check permission slips, and hope the snack budget somehow stretches just a little further. We experience games, sessions, and late-night chaos, and if we’re honest, it can start to feel like camp is just another big event on the calendar. But it’s not. Camp is something far
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What Leaders Need to Know for ASCENT 2026
Getting ready for ASCENT? Here is everything you need to know to make sure your group is ready. THE PACKING LIST Here is everything you need to know about what to bring to ASCENT. Feel free to send this to your group. Please bring a pillow and bedding (the camp only provides a mattress). CLICK
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Youth Pastor Compensation: What You Need to Know (and What To Do About It)
If you’ve ever sat in your office, looked at your budget, your schedule, your late nights, your camps, your messages… and quietly wondered, “Am I being paid fairly for this?” you’re not alone. The latest 2026 Youth Pastor Compensation Report: CLICK HERE gives us one of the clearest pictures yet of what’s happening across the
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