Learning from an Event You Didn’t Attend

, , , , , , ,

I’ve been to more conferences and events in my lifetime than I can count—some life-changing, some nap-inducing. But over the years, I’ve discovered something powerful: you don’t have to attend an event to learn from it.

Now don’t get me wrong—there’s something special about being in the room. The energy, the hallway conversations, the worship, the people you meet over coffee… it all matters. But let’s face it—sometimes you just can’t be everywhere. Budgets, schedules, responsibilities, and life happen.

But here’s the thing: a hungry leader doesn’t stop learning just because they couldn’t make the trip.

1. Learn Through Relationships

One of my favorite parts of ministry events has never been the stage—it’s the people. If you know someone who went to a conference or training, call them up. Buy them a coffee. Ask,

“What was the biggest thing you took away from that event?”

You’ll be amazed how much you can glean from a 15-minute debrief with a friend who took notes and caught the vibe. Leaders share what they’re excited about. You just have to ask.
Remember: association is education.

2. Learn Through Resources

Nearly every event these days leaves a trail of gold behind—slides, recordings, podcasts, recaps, or even social posts. Follow the hashtags. Watch the highlight reels. Read the quotes and summaries.

If you missed a session, grab the speaker’s book or look up their podcast. What you missed in the room can still find its way into your heart and mind if you chase it down.

Hungry leaders don’t wait for someone to feed them—they find the food and fix their own plate.

3. Learn Through Reflection

When I miss an event, I don’t just think about what I missed—I think about why.
Was it an event I should have attended? Or was I supposed to be somewhere else doing what God called me to do right then?

Sometimes missing an event reminds me that God’s not measuring my ministry by how many conferences I attend but by how faithfully I apply what I’ve already learned.

Growth isn’t about collecting content—it’s about living it out.

4. Learn Through Application

Let’s be honest: most folks come home from conferences fired up but don’t actually change much. So if you take one or two solid nuggets from a friend’s notes and actually apply them—you’re already ahead of the game.

I’d rather have one truth in motion than a hundred in a notebook.

Missing an event doesn’t mean missing out.
Every moment is a classroom if you’ve got a learner’s heart.
Ask. Watch. Read. Reflect. Apply.

And remember—leaders who stay teachable keep growing… whether they were in the room or not.

Want more like this? Checkout NextGenLeaderLab.com.

/by

What I’ve Learned About People from Playing Pickleball

, , , , , ,

I’ve been around people a long time—church people, ministry people, family people—but lately, pickleball has given me a front row seat to a whole new classroom of human behavior. It’s like a crash course in people skills with a paddle in your hand!

Here are a few things I’ve learned about people while chasing a wiffle ball across the court:

1. People Show Their True Colors Under Pressure

You don’t really know someone until they’re down 9–10 game on the line and serving. Some folks get calm and focused, some get feisty, and some forget every rule they’ve ever learned. Life’s the same way—pressure reveals what’s really inside. Ministry or pickleball, you can’t fake it for long.

2. Everybody Wants a Coach

Even the most competitive players are looking for tips—whether they admit it or not. “Hey, what grip are you using?” or “How do you keep that dink so low?” People are wired to grow, but they need encouragement, not criticism. The same goes for teams and volunteers. Nobody wants a critic with a whistle—they want a coach with a smile.

3. Some Folks Don’t Call the Lines Straight

Let’s be honest, we’ve all played with somebody whose “in” and “out” is a little questionable. It’s amazing how the close calls always seem to go their way. In life and ministry, it’s the same—some people bend the truth for their own advantage. That’s why integrity matters more than winning points.

4. People Love to Belong

Whether it’s a pickleball meetup, a church small group, or just a couple buddies hitting balls, people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They’ll show up early, bring snacks, even buy the merch and rock the stickers if it means they’re included. Belonging is one of the greatest gifts we can offer in ministry—and pickleball reminded me of that.

5. People Care About Your Story

Some of the best conversations don’t happen on the court—they happen at the tables while folks are waiting their turn to play. That’s where you hear about someone’s family, celebrate their wins, find out about what they do for work and share a laugh or two. Pickleball is more than a game—it’s a front porch for friendships, a place to deepen relationships, and a reminder that people don’t just want to play… they want to connect. And they want to be seen.

6. Everyone Loves to Celebrate

Whether it’s a killer smash or just finally making contact with the ball, people light up when you celebrate them. High fives, paddle taps, “great shot!”—it doesn’t take much. In ministry, same rule applies: celebrate progress, not just perfection. At home, at church and on the court catching people doing thing right make a huge difference.

7. Encouragers Are Gold

There are always a few folks who go out of their way to point out the positive. They’ll tell you “Nice hustle!” even when you whiff the shot, or “You’re getting better every game!” Those encouragers make you feel like a million bucks. And here’s the truth—every church, every team, and every family needs more of them. The encouragers I play and do life with me make me want to be an encourager too. Thank you encouragers for this reminder.

Match Point

Pickleball has taught me something priceless: it’s the only sport where you can lose every game and still walk away with a smile. Why? Because the power of people is greater than the score when everything is said and done. People need encouragement, community, patience, and a whole lot of grace.

So whether you’re dinking, driving, or just waiting for your turn at the table—remember this: people matter more than points.

If you want more content like this checkout www.nextgenleaderlab.com
#LegacyLearning #nextgenleaderlab #jimwideman #crushlife #kidmin

/by

TRYING SOMETHING NEW (AND NOT BREAKING A HIP)

, , , , , , ,

I did something recently I’ve never done before.
No, I didn’t dye my hair, get a tattoo, or join a boy band (you’re welcome).
I attended an Advanced Beginner Pickleball Clinic.

Yep, this almost 70-year-old signed up to play with folks who had more spring in their step than I had in my knees. And you know what? I was the oldest one there… and I loved it.

Was I nervous? Absolutely. I didn’t want to be that guy—you know, the one holding up the line or mistaking the serve for a prayer request. But I showed up. I stretched (twice). And I listened to the coach. And guess what? I improved way more with a coach than I ever did just trying to figure it out on my own.

Here’s the deal:
Growth lives on the other side of your comfort zone.
And that’s not just true in pickleball—it’s true in ministry too.

There’s always a first time for everything:
• The first time you preach to adults after years with preschoolers.
• The first time you lead a staff meeting instead of just attending one.
• The first time you let someone else run the event
(and it didn’t fall apart!).

But you won’t get better by sitting on the sidelines hoping experience will magically appear.
You need coaching. Correction. Community. COURAGE.

Sometimes we plateau because we stop learning.
We stop asking questions.
We stop trying new things.
We start coasting on yesterday’s win and calling it “wisdom.”

But growth requires risk.
And sometimes the risk is simply saying: “I don’t know how to do this, but I’m willing to learn.”

I’m so glad I said yes to that clinic. I stretched myself—literally and figuratively—and I’m a better player for it.
More importantly, I’m reminded that leaders who never stop learning never stop leading.

So what’s your “clinic”?
What’s the new thing God’s nudging you to try?
Get out there. Sign up. Ask for help. Get a coach.
And don’t let your age, your fear, or your pride keep you from growing.

And hey—if you’re looking for a coach, a community, and a whole crew of NextGen leaders who are committed to growing together, check out the NextGen Leader Lab. It’s coaching, connection, and encouragement at a price any church can afford.

You don’t have to grow alone.
Let’s do this together—on and off the court.

/by

Want to Grow Your NextGen Ministry? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

, , , , , , , , , ,

Let’s be real—ministry isn’t getting any easier.

Between recruiting volunteers, leading teams, planning events, managing curriculum, and keeping your own family afloat, it’s no wonder so many NextGen and Family Ministry leaders feel stretched thin.

But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to lead alone.

👋 Welcome to NextGenLeaderLab.com
This isn’t just a resource site. It’s an online coaching community created by ministry leaders for ministry leaders—led by yours truly, Jim Wideman, a pastor and coach who’s been in your shoes for nearly five decades.

At NextGen Leader Lab, you’ll find:

✅ Weekly mentoring articles on real-life leadership issues
✅ Live Q&A sessions where you can ask anything
✅ Downloadable tools you can use today
✅ A private community of leaders who get it
✅ Real-time coaching from someone who’s done it (and is still doing it)

⸻

Why the Lab Works

I’ve spent almost 50 years leading in churches big and small, and coaching hundreds of NextGen leaders. What I’ve learned is this: leaders grow better in community.

The Lab is where:
• New leaders get equipped and encouraged
• Veteran leaders stay sharp and refreshed
• And everyone learns how to lead well and last long

This isn’t about theory—it’s about practical ministry help you can use every week.

Who It’s For:
• Children’s Pastors
• NextGen or Family Ministry Pastors
• Youth Pastors stepping into oversight roles
• New leaders who want to build right
• Veteran leaders who want to finish strong

Let’s Build Something That Lasts—Together

There’s no magic wand in ministry. But there is a better way to grow—and it starts with coaching, community, and a commitment to keep learning.

👉 Click here to join the Lab today »

You’ll get instant access to resources, replays, and a tribe of leaders who’ve got your back.

/by

The Job, The Call, and the Kids We’re Hiring (AKA Millennials & Gen Z)

, , , , , ,

Let me start by saying—I love working with younger generations. They keep me on my toes, teach me new words (like “rizz” and “delulu”), and make me Google acronyms just to stay in the conversation. But if you’ve ever led a team made up of Millennials and Gen Z, you’ve probably noticed something: they don’t think like we did when we were starting out in ministry. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it just means we’ve got to lead differently to get the values we want to instill in this new multigenerational workspace.

So let’s talk about three big ministry concepts: The Job, The Call, and The Crew You’re Doing It With.

1. The Job: What You’re Paid to Do

Back in the day, “the job” meant whatever needed to be done—no job descriptions, just expectations. You mowed the church lawn on Saturday and preached in Kidmin on Sunday. You got paid in pizza, donated expired food and “eternal rewards.”

But today’s young leaders? They’ve read the job description. They’ve highlighted it. They’ve probably sent you an email with a couple clarifying questions. If I can be honest I have a love/hate relationship with it, It shows they care about clarity and boundaries. Something my generation struggled with and have regrets over. Millennials and Gen Z aren’t lazy—they’re just not gonna say yes to “Empty Cup Syndrome” with a smile and a “bless your heart.” And honestly? Good for them.

How to lead them well:
Be clear. Be consistent. And make sure their job aligns with their strengths. Don’t hire a worship leader and ask them to design the graphics and social media just because they’re young unless you know they love Canva.

2. The Call: What You’re Born to Do

The call is bigger than the job. The call is why you cried at youth camp and surrendered your life to ministry—even though you didn’t fully understand what that meant. It’s that thing deep down in your soul that says, “I was made for this.”

Here’s the challenge: younger generations are passionate about purpose, but they don’t always see ministry as the only place to fulfill it. They might feel just as called to start a nonprofit, launch a podcast, or make Kingdom impact on TikTok. (Yes, even TikTok.)

How to lead them well:
Help them connect the dots between their calling and the local church. Show them how ministry isn’t just on the stage—it’s in the setup, the team huddle, the text you send on a Tuesday. And remind them that calling often looks like faithfulness over time, not viral moments.

3. The Crew: Working With Millennials & Gen Z

Here’s the thing—every generation is weird. (Even ours, Boomer. Especially ours.) We grew up on cassette tapes and Sunday night church. (Some of us on record players and tent crusades) They grew up on YouTube, Spotify, and asking why before they say yes. They’ve never lived without a Drive-Thru Window and a microwave. They are used to instant results. But instead of complaining about the “kids these days,” what if we started learning from them?

Millennials are loyal when they’re led well. Gen Z is creative, quick, and can build a sermon slide deck in less time than it takes us to find the remote. They want mentorship, feedback, and a voice at the table. They just don’t want to do it “because that’s how we’ve always done it.”

How to lead them well:
Be relational. Invest in their growth. Give them room to innovate—and yes, to fail. If you create a culture where questions are welcomed and growth is expected, you’ll build a team that’s more than staff—they’ll become your legacy.

The job may change as well as how it’s done. The generations will keep on coming. But the call to lead and disciple never goes out of style. So let’s keep showing up, keep learning, and keep making room at the table for the next wave of leaders—even if they show up with cold brew and a ring light. Leaders who stay teachable and adaptable don’t just make a difference—they leave a legacy that outlives them!

Because at the end of the day…
The job is what you do.
The call is why you do it.
And the team? They’re who you get to do it with.

Let’s lead them well—and maybe learn a few new dance moves while we’re at it.

If you’d like to learn more from someone old enough to remember flannel boards, yet young enough to send emojis 🎯🚀 join my NextGenLeaderLab.com

/by