Tag Archive for: #stress #leadership #thinkdifferent

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

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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

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Managing Big Event Mode (Without Losing Your Mind, Ministry, or Family)

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If you’ve been in ministry for more than five minutes, you know there’s a mode we all switch into before a big event. I call it “Big Event Mode.” It’s that magical time when your to-do list has babies, your phone battery can’t keep up, and your family starts calling you “stranger.”

Whether it’s VBS, a fall fest, camp, Christmas, Easter, or just Sunday, ministry has a way of cranking up the pressure before a big moment. But here’s the deal: stress and busyness don’t have to steal your joy—or your effectiveness.

So let me give you some wisdom (and maybe a laugh or two) on managing Big Event Mode like the seasoned pro you are—or hope to be.

1. Plan Like a Boss, Pivot Like a Ninja

The best way to reduce stress? Start early. Like before-you-need-to-start early. Big Event Mode is a lot less terrifying when you’ve mapped things out ahead of time. But even the best plans need wiggle room—because something will change. Supplies won’t come in. A key volunteer will get the flu. Someone will accidentally book the bounce house for the wrong weekend. (Ask me how I know.)

Stay flexible. Hold your plan in one hand and your peace in the other.

2. Don’t Try to Do it All—That’s What Volunteers Are For!

God didn’t call you to be a one-man (or one-woman) show. He called you to equip the saints—not replace them. Big Event Mode is a great time to let others rise to the occasion.

Learn the spiritual gift of delegation. It’s right there between hospitality and sarcasm… or it should be.

3. Say “No” So You Can Say “Yes” to What Matters

In busy seasons, you can’t say yes to everything. Protect your energy like it’s the last slice of pizza at a youth event. That means no extra side meetings, no new side projects, and no side-eye when people don’t understand you’re in full-on go mode.

Focus on what must get done, and don’t apologize for simplifying.

4. Celebrate Every Win (Even the Little Ones)

Did the supply order show up on time? Win. Did your intern finally learn to staple facing the right way? Win. Did nobody cry during volunteer training this week? Big win.

In stressful seasons, gratitude is your secret weapon. Pause and celebrate what God is doing—even when your to-do list says otherwise.

5. Laugh On Purpose

If you’re not laughing in Big Event Mode, you’re probably crying. And let’s be honest, tears ruin your walkie-talkie.

Schedule in some laughter. Make a playlist. Tell a dad joke. Find that one volunteer who always brings the weird snacks and hang out with them. Humor lightens the load—and your team needs to see you smile on purpose, not just when you finally find the lost receipt in your back pocket.

6. Remember Why You’re Doing This

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in checklists, decorations, and room layouts that you forget the “why.” You’re not planning an event—you’re building moments where people encounter Jesus.

So breathe. Pray. Worship while you work. And when the big day comes, don’t miss the ministry because you’re too busy managing the madness.

Big Event Mode doesn’t have to break you. It can build you. With the right prep, the right people, and the right perspective, you can lead through it with peace, purpose, and maybe even a little bit of fun.

Now go drink some water, hug your family, and check that date on the bounce house one more time—just to be safe.

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