Growing Together at the Kansas-Nebraska Pastors’ Retreat

Kansas-Nebraska Conference [KS-NE] leaders invited Dr. A Allan Martin to share insights from Growing Together with their pastoral team during their Summer retreat at Broken Arrow Ranch in Olsburg, Kansas.

Hosted by the Broken Arrow Ranch Summer Camp Staff, the pastors and their families enjoyed great intergenerational fun. The retreat also provided learning and insights as to how to bring vitality to local church culture.

Amidst family devotionals, camp activities, and KS-NE business, Martin offered some select sessions giving an overview of the Growing Young Core Commitments, including a presentation on Keychain Leadership.

Young and old alike were engaged in the activities and insights offered suggesting the benefits of growing together instead of growing apart. As the retreat drew to a close, conversations about next steps were a focal point of attention as well as other related logistical questions. Following are some of the questions that were asked:

Elders In Training

Q: You talked about YG’s Elders In Training program. Is there a training manual or guide on how to implement it?

A: No there is not, but click the above icon to download the handout we share with our young people and the church elders who are asked to be mentors. Of course if you have questions, feel free to contact me.


Q: What are Growing Together next steps you would recommend?

Book & Baseline: I would recommend reading the book, “Growing Young,” and doing a baseline assessment using the “Growing Young Assessment.” Click the above icon to order the book from AdventSource.
Search Records & Season of Prayer: Do an audit of your church clerk records and identify children [currently ages 0-29] of members. Have a season of prayer over the names you discover. Click the above icon for a useful prayer guide your church might consider using.
Book Club then Sermon Series: With key people from your church, consider doing a book club, or read through Growing Young with your church board. Following this step, you may consider doing a sermon series based on “Growing Young.” Click the above icon for useful sermon series resources to consider.

More Info Please

Q: Where can I find out more about Growing Together?

A: Some great ways include:
Instagram@churchesgrowingtogether
Facebook@churchesgrowingtogether
Growing Together Blogwearegrowingtogether.com
Growing Together PodcastApple or Spotify


Younger Generation Church


A delight to spend time with you.

From Dr. Martin: Thank you for the opportunity to spend some time with your KS-NE pastoral team/family. On behalf of Dee and myself, it was such an honor to enjoy Broken Arrow Ranch with you. Should I be of any further support, click the above icon to get in touch.

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