So for the last few months, I’ve been pushing a little harder to see our team put more energy into making sure that every student in our ministry knows that they are loved and cared for. One way we do this is by being very intentional and systematic about our retention strategies. One part of this system is to have each group make it a priority (as the first thing they do when the break down from large group into small groups) to take a group selfie and text anyone who is missing to send a “we miss you!” message. It works great and sends a great message to anyone who’s missing.

Well, I missed tonight because I’m out of town checking into solutions for my chronic neck pain and headaches. And…I got almost a hundred text messages, group selfies, and videos from the kids saying they missed me and were praying for me [teary smile, big knot in throat]. I tell you what, it really did feel good to know that I was missed and that they were thinking of me. So…thank you Dave, Sarah, & Chrissy for initiating the idea with the kids and thank you kids for caring enough about me to let me know you missed me. I will make sure I’m there next week and can’t wait to see you all!

My prayer is that no matter how large we get, no matter how hard it is, or how much work it takes, that we will never grow tired of doing whatever it takes to make sure that everyone of our student knows that they are loved and cared for and that they belong with us!