There’s a lesson to be learned about ministry to children, youth and their families from pro golfer Arnold Palmer. Now what could a professional golfer possibly have to teach us about ministry? While I used to play golf quite a bit, I never enjoyed watching it. However, Arnold Palmer is known for more than just his golf game. I addition to a large children’s hospital in my area, he is also known for a beverage known to the youth and young adults at my church as simply “Arnold Palmer.”
As the story goes Mr. Palmer was a big fan of sweet tea and a big fan of lemonade. Somewhere along the line he began to combine the two. Thus the Arnold Palmer Half and Half was born. Made from equal parts sweet tea and lemonade the result was something much greater that either of its parts alone. You see, sweet tea is good, and lemonade is good. BUT, when you combine them they become something great. This is where the lesson comes for family ministry.
From his experiences in ministering to families Reggie Joiner wrote a great book called “Think Orange.” In this book the color yellow is used to represent the church – the light of the world, and red is used to represent the family – the center for love in the lives of children. When yellow and red are combined the result is ORANGE. Hence the title, “Think Orange.”
You see when Arnold Palmer mixed tea and lemonade he produced something greater that either of the original parts. The same is true with Orange. The church, yellow, is a great thing. The family, red, is a great thing. However, when yellow and red work together the result is far greater than either of the individual parts. In other words, when the church and the family work together to impact the lives of children and youth, the result is far greater than what either of these could do alone.
This week is Orange Blogger Week. Throughout the week I will look at all things Orange. This year’s Orange Conference is quickly approaching. In preparation for this I will be taking a look at some of the speakers and sessions that moved and inspired me last year. If I could say just one thing about the Orange Conference it would be this: If you have the chance to go, GO! You will not regret it.
Stay tuned this whole week for more posts about Orange. Also check back daily for your chance to when a free subscription to Orange’s leadership resource YouLead.
PS. Are you interested in winning a FREE subscription to Orange’s Leadership resource, YouLead? Leave a comment below and you will be entered. I will draw a name at random Saturday morning. Leave a comment in each of this week’s posts for up to 5 chances to win.
[...] Monday - Sweet Tea, Lemonade and Family Ministry [...]
I attended the Orange One-day Conference Last year in Detroit.
So much useful information.
Working on implementing some of it now.
I agree that mixing things together, like peanut butter and chocolate (Reese Cups) can be great and “Orange” has found a great way for the church to work alongside of parents.
A lot of Churches struggle with combining the 2 together(though most would never admit it). Reggie and the whole Orange concept brings the 2 together in such a great way.
Just started trying out this Orange concept.